I lived in the Hunsrueck for 3 years, that is the rural area just south of the Mosel and west of the Rhein. I was under the impression that Schinderhannes was from that area. He was described to me as similar to Robin Hood, but I was lead to think that he was a bit more ruthless than the Robin Hood of legend. Sorry I don't know more. I'll check to see if I have any sources on the bookshelves. Brenda