Falls where Moriarty died (11) - Crossword Clue
Answer: REICHENBACH
Understanding the Legendary Sherlock Holmes Location: Reichenbach Falls
Reichenbach is the eleven-letter name of the dramatic Swiss waterfall where Professor Moriarty died in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic Sherlock Holmes story.
This crossword clue references one of the most famous moments in detective fiction, making REICHENBACH the definitive answer for any puzzle seeking the location where Holmes's arch-nemesis met his apparent demise in exactly eleven letters.
Why REICHENBACH is the Perfect Crossword Answer
The crossword clue "Falls where Moriarty died (11)" provides clear solving indicators:
- Falls: Indicates a waterfall location
- Where Moriarty died: References the famous literary death scene
- (11): Confirms the answer contains exactly eleven letters
R-E-I-C-H-E-N-B-A-C-H fits perfectly with eleven letters, representing one of the most iconic locations in detective fiction.
Related Crossword Tips for Literary Locations
When solving crossword clues about famous fictional settings:
- Geographic features help: Terms like "falls," "bridge," "manor," or "island" indicate place names
- Author references narrow options: Mentioning the writer significantly limits possible answers
- Character associations: When a character's death or major event is referenced, it points to specific locations
- Letter count eliminates options: Eleven-letter answers require specific, often compound words
- Literary knowledge pays off: Classic fiction locations appear frequently in puzzles
Famous literary locations in crosswords include REICHENBACH, MISSELTHWAITE (Secret Garden), THORNFIELD (Jane Eyre), and MANDERLEY (Rebecca).
Falls where Moriarty died (11) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Did Sherlock Holmes actually die at Reichenbach Falls?
In Conan Doyle's original story, Holmes was supposed to have died. However, after public outcry, Doyle brought Holmes back in "The Adventure of the Empty House," revealing that only Moriarty died in the falls while Holmes survived using martial arts techniques.
Q: Can you visit the actual Reichenbach Falls?
Yes, the Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen, Switzerland are a real location accessible via funicular railway. They've become a pilgrimage site for Sherlock Holmes fans, complete with memorial plaques and a nearby Sherlock Holmes museum.
Q: Why did Conan Doyle kill off Sherlock Holmes?
Doyle felt trapped by Holmes's popularity and wanted to focus on what he considered more serious historical fiction and other literary pursuits. He viewed Holmes as preventing him from achieving his true literary ambitions.
Q: What is baritsu, the martial art Holmes used to survive?
Baritsu (likely a misspelling of "bartitsu") was a real martial art combining jujitsu, boxing, cane fighting, and savate that existed in Victorian England. Holmes claimed to have used it to throw Moriarty over the edge while avoiding falling himself.
