Eppelein von Gailingen

Born in Middle Franconia (sources give varying birth dates; Wikipedia cites circa 1315), Eppelein became a medieval robber baron who led bands attacking merchant wagons to and from Nuremberg in the 1360s. Declared under the imperial ban by the Court of Nuremberg in 1369, his castle was destroyed in 1372 and he was betrayed and captured at Forchheim. Over subsequent centuries his historical career was reshaped into popular song and legend, most notably the tale of a last‑minute mounted escape from a scheduled hanging at Nuremberg Castle; he was ultimately captured at a drinking feast in Postbauer-Heng and executed in 1381.

Sources do not record a detailed physical description. Contemporary and later accounts identify him socially as a baron and leader of a band of robbers; descriptions focus on his status and actions rather than corporeal features.

As presented in historical and folkloric sources, Eppelein's 'abilities' are secular: leadership of an armed band conducting raids on merchant traffic around Nuremberg in the 1360s, eluding authorities for a time, and a reputation for daring and wit preserved in ballads and anecdote. The famous horse-and-wall escape is treated in sources as a legendary/tall‑tale episode rather than verified supernatural ability. He was ultimately captured (betrayed/caught at Forchheim; later at a drinking feast in Postbauer-Heng) and executed by breaking wheel on 15 May 1381 according to multiple accounts.