Alpharts Tod (>1275)
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Heroic Epic
Alpharts Tod (>1275)
Alpharts Tod. Ed. by E. Martin, in: Deutsches Heldenbuch II. Reprint Zürich/Dublin 1967.
AT-1:
Emperor Ermenrîch forces Heime to convey his declaration of war to Dietrich. Dietrich reminds Heime of the oath of allegiance he has sworn to him after being defeated in single combat. Dietrich has also received Heime’s homage and has made him his comrade-in-arms. Both Witege and Heime betray their former lord by siding with Ermenrîch.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
M 108 Violators of oaths
P 550.1.3 (Tu) Declaration of war
K 2217 Treacherous uncle [stepfather]
K 2247 Treacherous lord [vassal]
AT-26:
As Heime is about to take his leave, Dietrich asks whether he will fight on Ermenrîch’s side in the battle. Heime replies that he has already taken gold for military service. Dietrich vows to fight with Heime the next time he meets him.
Motif References:
M 161.1 Vow to attack (kill) the enemy or die
AT-35:
Heime begs for safe conduct on his return and falsely assures Dietrich that he will not attack him during battle.
Motif References:
P 570 (Bm) Safe conduct
K 2010 Hypocrite pretends friendship but attacks
AT-44:
Amelolt and Nêre guide Heime on his way back. Heime informs Ermenrîch about Dietrich’s reaction and praises his bravery.
Motif References:
AT-52:
At Ermenrîch’s request, Wülfinc volunteers for reconnoitering to explore Dietrich’s plans.
Motif References:
P 557.0.2 (Li) Spy. Messenger
AT-57:
Heime tries to dissuade Ermenrîch from waging war against his nephew, expressing his respect for Dietrich and emphasizing the unlawfulness of an attack on his own relative. Nevertheless, Ermenrîch persists in his plan to expel Dietrich from his country.
Motif References:
AT-70:
Dietrich informs his men about the declaration of war. Many famous knights are assembled at Dietrich’s court, among them Nuodunc without companions. He has his sword laid across his knees. Dietrich reminds his knights of the oath of allegiance sworn to his father Dietmâr and asks for their advice.
Motif References:
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
K 2298 Treacherous counselor
AT-87:
Alphart volunteers to spy on the enemy. His brother Wolfhart tries to hold him back, but the young knight Alphart strives to prove his bravery.
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery
H 945 Tasks voluntarily undertaken
H 1561 Tests of valor
AT-94:
Before he leaves, Dietrich’s coat of arms (lion and eagle) on Alphart’s shield is covered so that nobody may recognize him. In addition, Dietrich and Hildebrand warn him of this task, pointing out that he is not experienced enough.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
K 1835 Disguise for spying
K 2357.0.1 Disguise to spy on enemy
AT-103:
Alphart takes his leave of Ute, who arms the young knight and gives him a horse. In addition, Amelgart, Alphart’s spouse, unsuccessfully tries to dissuade him from riding out alone.
Motif References:
AT-118:
Having left town, Alphart tests his new horse: it jumps a distance of eight fathoms. Hildebrand arms himself with the armor of some other knight and follows Alphart with the intention of fighting with him and then bringing him back to Bern. Alphart mistakes Hildebrand for one of Ermenrîch’s knights.
Motif References:
F 989.1.1 Horse’s tremendous leap
K 1839.17 (Bm) Disguise by changing armor
AT-127:
In the ensuing single combat, the combatants first fight on horses with lances, then on foot with swords. As Alphart is about to kill his uncle, Hildebrand discloses his identity.
Motif References:
L 311 Weak (small) [young] hero overcomes large fighter
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
N 738.1 Uncle and nephew unwittingly about to kill one another
H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
AT-137:
Hildebrand returns to Bern and tells Dietrich about Alphart’s victory and his valor.
Motif References:
F 611.3.2 Hero’s precocious strength
AT-143:
Alphart continues his journey and, after a while, meets Duke Wülfinc, who is accompanied by 80 of Ermenrîch’s knights. Alphart kills Wülfinc in single combat.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
AT-153:
Alphart is attacked by Sigewîn, Gêrbart and others. An old knight admonishes Ermenrîch’s men to fight with Alphart one after another, according to the knightly code of honor. Alphart kills all opponents (Wülfinc and 72 of his men), only eight escape.
Motif References:
L 325.1 (Bm) Victory over superior force: one against many
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
AT-177:
Alpharts takes a rest in the shadow of a lime tree and sees Ermenrîch’s army camp in the distance. The eight knights report to Ermenrîch what has happened. Ermenrîch’s men are afraid as they hear about the strength of the unknown knight (Alphart).
Motif References:
W 121 Cowardice
AT-192:
Ermenrîch asks about the unknown knight’s coat of arms and is told that it is a golden lion bearing golden crown. Alphart is considered a foreign knight who supports Dietrich. Ermenrîch does not dare to attack Dietrich as long as this knight lives.
Motif References:
AT-199:
Not even Ermenrîch’s most famous knights dare to fight against the valiant scout. Alphart waits underneath the tree, since, following military custom, he is scout until the end of the day.
Motif References:
P 557 Military customs
AT-206:
At Ermenrîch’s request, Witege arms himself to fight with the foreign knight. On his way, Witege hesitates and is about to return to the army camp but thinks about his honor and continues riding toward Alphart.
Motif References:
W 121 Cowardice
AT-212:
Heime follows Witege secretly. Alphart reminds Witege of his oath of allegiance sworn to Dietrich and chides him for perjury and faithlessness.
Motif References:
AT-222:
Witege asks the unknown knight for his name, but Alphart refuses to disclose his identity.
Motif References:
K 1831.0.2 (Bm) Disguise by refusal to reveal name
AT-230:
In the following single combat, Alphart unhorses Witege with his lance and dismounts to continue fighting with sword. Witege’s horse Schemminc is mentioned.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
AT-244:
With a mighty sword blow, Alphart knocks Witege unconscious, but considers it dishonorable to kill the defenseless man. (lacuna in manuscript)
Motif References:
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
F 628.4 Strong man’s mighty spear-cast (sword blow) [pole-blow]
AT-249:
Witege exhorts Alphart to take off his helmet, but Alphart refuses because he thinks that Heime and Witege would flee when they recognize him. Heime proposes to return with Witege to Ermenrîch, Alphart to Dietrich, but Alphart demands Witege as hostage. Witege reminds Heime of his oath to help him in battle.
Motif References:
M 166 Other vows about fighting
M 237 Bargain to save face
AT-255:
Heime fears to be regarded as a villain if he and Witege attack one single man. He exhorts Alphart to surrender himself. Alphart rejects so boldly that Heime gets scared.
Motif References:
W 121 Cowardice
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat
AT-266:
Since Alphart does not reveal his identity, both Heime and Witege attack. Alphart asks them to grant him the promise not to attack from behind. Heime gives his promise. After a while, Alphart grows tired. Heime fights with his sword Nagelrinc.
Motif References:
Z 201.2 (Bm) Hero’s famous sword
M 260 Other promises
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
AT-275:
Alphart reminds his opponents that they would be regarded as dishonorable knights when attacking a single man. Witege holds Heime back from fighting alone with Alphart: twelve knights could not overcome him.
Motif References:
AT-285:
Finally Witege grants Alphart not to be attacked by more than one opponent. When Alphart is about to kill Heime, Witege breaks his promise and attacks Alphart from behind. Witege and Heime want to flee, but wounded Alphart attacks Heime. He fights bravely against the two knights.
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery
W 33.1 Badly wounded warrior continues fighting
M 205 Breaking of bargains and promises
M 260 Other promises
K 959.4 Murder from behind
AT-301:
The nails of Alphart’s helmet loosen and Heime is able to wound his head. Alphart tumbles and Witege kills him with a sword blow. (lacuna in manuscript)
Motif References:
Z 292 Death of hero [heroine]
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
AT-307:
Hildebrand and Nîtgêr are welcomed at Eckehart’s court in Brîsach. Bath, new clothes, meal offered. After the meal, Hildebrand reveals the purpose of his visit: Dietrich, attacked by Ermenrîch, needs Eckehart’s military aid. Eckehart, Walthêr of Kerlingen, monk Ilsam, who leads 1100 monks wearing armor underneath the cowl, and Hûc of Tenemarc promise support.
Motif References:
P 320 Hospitality
P 426.3 Monks
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
AT-323:
They assemble their armies around Brîsach (6000 men altogether). Sumpter-horses and wagons prepared for the journey. Hildebrand bears the green banner and leads the army toward Bern. In the evening, the army pitches a camp. Nearby dwells Stûdenfuhs with his men. Hildebrand stands sentry.
Motif References:
P 550 Military affairs
P 551 Army
AT-331:
Hildebrand advises the knights to keep on armor and weapons, because the enemy may attack during the night. Nîtgêr, Walthêr of Kerlingen, Ilsam, Eckehart and Hûc of Tenemarc volunteer to stand sentry together with Hildebrand, who takes a horn with him. When he blows it, the army shall come for help.
Motif References:
R 187 Horn of Roncevalles. Hero calls aid of waiting soldiers on horn
P 550 Military affairs
J 670 Forethought in defences against others
AT-337:
Not long before midnight, two unknown knights approach the army-camp. Hildebrand rides toward them and finds out that they are Ermenrîch’s men. Hildebrand pretends to be one of Ermenrîch’s scouts but is identified.
Motif References:
K 1839 Other deceptions by disguise
AT-350:
Hildebrand is attacked. Stûdenfuhs hears the sword-blows and comes to help with 6000 soldiers. Hildebrand fights against the whole army. After a while, Hûc, Walthêr, Ilsam and Eckehart come to his aid.
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery
F 614.10 Strong hero fights whole army alone
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
AT-358:
Hildebrand and his four companions defeat Stûdenfuhs’ army, but Stûdenfuhs blows his horn and his brother Gêre comes with 6000 soldiers for help. Hildebrand fights his way out of the battlefield and calls the army by blowing his horn. The army is lead by Nîtgêr.
Motif References:
L 325 (Bm) Victory over superior force
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
AT-369:
Battle between the two armies. Eckehart beheads Gêre, fights with his sword Gleste.
Motif References:
Z 201.2 (Bm) Hero’s famous sword
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
AT-383:
Stûdenfuhs and twelve other knights take flight. Hildebrand takes all of Stûdenfuhs’ belongings with him to Bern. After seven days, the army reaches Bern and pitches camp outside of the town, since the town gates are closed. Hildebrand advises the knights to turn shields to the ground so that nobody might recognize them. Hildebrand stands sentry.
Motif References:
R 220 Flights
H 1561 Tests of valor
K 1839 Other deceptions by disguise
AT-393:
Dietrich sees the army before Bern the next morning. Wolfhart undertakes to find out who they are, arms himself and leaves Bern. Hildebrand rides to meet him. As Wolfhart attacks, he recognizes his uncle’s coat of arms pictured on the shield (golden dragon).
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
H 126 Identification by coat of arms
N 738.1 Uncle and nephew unwittingly about to kill one another
AT-401:
Dietrich welcomes Hildebrand and his men. Ilsam, who once sided with Ermenrîch and killed one of Dietrich’s relatives, recovers Dietrich’s grace since he has fought for him against Stûdenfuhs. Eckehart suggests resting until the sixth morning and then attack Ermenrîch.
Motif References:
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
Q 80 Rewards for other causes
Q 190 Rewards – miscellaneous
AT-414:
Stûdenfuhs tells Ermenrîch about the defeat in battle and Sibeche advises to prevent Hildebrand and his men from moving into town. Ermenrîch’s army pitches camp before Bern. Dietrich’s banner is stuck into ground to indicate the challenge to battle. Ermenrîch prepares for war.
Motif References:
P 550 Military affairs
P 556 Challenge to battle
AT-428:
In the ensuing battle, Dietrich searches for Heime and Witege to avenge Alphart’s death. Both knights take off the crest from their helmets and put the shield on their back in order not to be recognized.
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
K 1839 Other deceptions by disguise
AT-440:
Wolfhart and Hildebrand fight against Berhtram von dem Berge and Sêwart and kill them. Eckehart slays 1000 enemies, his horse Röschlîn chases 300. Eckehart seeks Sibeche, who takes off the crest from his helmet and puts shield on the back to keep undetected.
Motif References:
W 121 Cowardice
Z 201.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous horse
F 628 Strong man as mighty slayer
K 1839 Other deceptions by disguise
AT-449:
Although Witege and Heime are attacked by many knights, they escape together with Sibeche and Ermenrîch and take refuge in Raben. Rienolt follows them with the rest of the army: only 30,000 men are alive, 50,000 have perished.
Motif References:
R 219 Escapes – miscellaneous
R 220 Flights
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
AT-458:
Dietrich bemoans his warriors who died in battle (only 2000). Ilsam gathers his monks by blowing his horn. Dietrich divides Ermenrîch’s gold among his knights. The dead are buried and the knights move into the town to recover from exhaustion. After some time, Eckehart and others take their leave.
Motif References:
W 11 Generosity
V 69.1 All dead are buried after battle
AT-570:
Ten years later, Heinrich has to join the army, on the demand of his lord, the abbot of Kempten. During the campaign, he hides, because he fears the emperor’s revenge. While sitting in the bathtub, he witnesses a dangerous ambush on the emperor. Without thought, he fetches his arms and scares the enemies away naked. The emperor learns the name of his rescuer and orders him to appear. At first, the emperor reproaches him with pretended anger, but then forgives him his earlier mistake and rewards him with riches. Epimythion: Bravery and knightly principles produce a man’s fame and reputation.
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery
N 656 Scorning stops when it turns out that the scorned has saved the king by fighting alone against four
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