12 Paces Without a Head () is a 2009 film set in the North Sea in 1401. The film centers on the German folk hero Klaus Störtebeker, who was a pirate at the time. The title comes from a legend which asserts that when he was captured by the Hanseatic League, he struck a deal with his captors that every one of his men whom he could walk past after being decapitated, would be let go. Störtebeker's body allegedly managed to make twelve paces before collapsing. Cast See also List of historical drama films External links 2009 films 2000s adventure comedy films 2000s buddy comedy films Comedy films based on actual events Films set in Germany Films set in the Holy Roman Empire Films set in the 1400s 2000s German-language films German adventure comedy films Pirate films German historical adventure films 2000s historical comedy films German historical comedy films 2000s German films