Rosengarten A (ca. 1250)
|
|
Heroic Epic
Rosengarten A (ca. 1250)
Holz, G.(ed.): Die Gedichte des Rosengarten zu Worms. Halle/Saale 1893, Reprint Hildesheim 1982.
RosGA-1:
King Gibeche rules in Worms on Rhine. He and his wife have three sons and one daughter. Siegfried of the Netherlands woes their sister, the beautiful Kriemhild. He is so strong that he is able to catch lions and hang them with their tails over the wall.
Motif References:
T 69 Wooing – miscellaneous motifs
F 610 Remarkably strong man
RosGA-2:
Kriemhild hears about Dietrich and ponders to have Siegfried fight him in order to find out who is the champion. She plants a garden full of roses, one mile long and half a mile wide. The fence is a mere silk thread. Twelve men watch the rose-garden: Her father, her three brothers, Hagen, Volker, Pûsolt, Schrûtan, Ortwîn, Aspriân, Walther von dem Wasgenstein, Stûdenvuhs and Siegfried.
Motif References:
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
F 818 Extraordinary garden
F 818.2 Five demons [twelve knights] keepers of marvelous garden and palace
H 1561 Tests of valor
H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament
H 1562 Test of strength
RosGA-3:
Kriemhild rules that every man who enters the garden without permission has to be punished. Whoever violates this rule will suffer.
Motif References:
H 933 Princess sets hero tasks
RosGA-14:
The queen decides to send a messenger to Bern promising rich reward. The young prince of Brabant volunteers under the condition that a young duchess dwelling at Kriemhild’s court is given to him in marriage. The queen agrees and takes him to young Bersâbe’s chamber.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Q 20.1 Reward for service of god, hero or ascetic for a period
RosGA-15:
The prince tells the duchess that he asked for her as reward. The duchess rebukes him because she never was the queen’s property or subject and if he wants to have the heroes killed, he will do without making her responsible. She points out that she has not yet accepted him as knight fighting in her service. The prince however gives her a golden ring and re-emphasizes that if he dies, then because of her. She blesses him and bids farewell commending him to God’s mercy. The prince rides with 500 knights in his retinue. They depart for Worms. On their first night, they arrive in Heidelberg, then Halle, Nördlingen and Augsburg. Finally, they reach Garten and then Bern. The prince begins to fear that Kriemhild sent them to their doom.
Motif References:
T 68 Princess offered as prize
RosGA-22:
A brave knight rebukes the prince disapproving of his attitude by regarding it as cowardice. The prince contradicts him admitting that he rejects the very idea of fighting for the caprices of women. In Bern, Dietrich has a thousand knights in his service. The prince and his men arrive fully armed in Dietrich’s hall where just now a court feast takes place. The attending guests behold the approaching knights.
Motif References:
W 121 Cowardice
P 634 Feasts
RosGA-25:
As soon as Wolfhart becomes aware of the knights in armor, he threatens to challenge them to battle. A duchess, hostage in Lamparten, recognizes the Duke of Brabant and welcomes him. She hastens to tell him that if they have come as enemies, Dietrich will fight them with his thousand knights.
Motif References:
M 500 (Bm) Threats
RosGA-37:
The prince and his retinue ask her to introduce them. Although being a stranger herself, she promises her help. She leads the prince to Dietrich who greets him and is welcomed. Dietrich asks him why they have come in arms, whether he should take it as a challenge to battle. They answer politely that they only did not know where to disarm and come as messengers for Kriemhild.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 533.1 Hostages
RosGA-44:
The chaplain comes to read Kriemhild’s letter to them. Soon they all are informed that Kriemhild‘s rose-garden has twelve brave heroes as keepers. They challenge twelve heroes to battle. If the twelve knights will be victorious over the keepers of the rose-garden, a garland and the queen’s kiss will be the reward.
Motif References:
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 818 Extraordinary garden
F 818.2 Five demons [twelve knights] keepers of marvelous garden and palace
RosGA-54:
Dietrich ponders about the strange behavior of women: There is no one among the women who will marry unless their future husband has fought Dietrich. For risking his life, every hero earns a rose garland and a kiss. Hildebrand announces that he wants to fight, so Dietrich has to give in and follows suit. The letter reads that if they refuse to come, that will strongly challenge their warranty to call themselves kings.
Motif References:
H 331.2.1 Suitor contest: success in battle [single combat]
RosGA-61:
The duchess makes Wolfhart promise to help the guests and even pledges her virginity as reward. Wolfhart gladly agrees but rebukes Dietrich for having mistreated the guests. Hildebrand praises him and the guests are treated nicely. Dietrich asks Hildebrand for directions to travel to the Rhine. The guests are well treated with food, drink, and accommodated until the tenth day.
Motif References:
P 320 Hospitality
P 324.1 Host treats guest with food and everything possible
T 455 Woman sells favors for particular purpose
RosGA-69:
Dietrich spends a thousand gold marks on the guests. He gives them silk garments with gold embroidery. With 500 of his knights, the prince comes forward and bids farewell to Dietrich. Politely they accompany them until Garten. Dietrich sends a message to the queen stating that he has roses enough but he will send 60,000 knights to fight over rose garlands and twelve heroes for the keepers.
Motif References:
P 324 Host greets guest with gifts [Welcome and parting gifts]
RosGA-83:
Kriemhilt welcomes the homecoming prince and the young duchess. The prince tells her the news about Dietrich. She rewards him with the desired marriage and a dukedom. He thanks her but as he refuses to fight for the rose-garden he is allowed to depart with his young wife to depart for Brabant.
Motif References:
Q 111.8 Large quantity of land as reward
H 335 Tasks assigned suitors
RosGA-92:
Dietrich asks Hildebrand’s advice concerning the shortlist of heroes to fight the twelve keepers. Hildebrand produces a battle order: Wolfhart against Pûsolt, Sigestap fights against Orwîn and Heime against giant Schrûtan who is the giant’s overlord. Witege against Aspriân, young Ortwîn with Volker, Ekchart with Hagen, Helmschrot with Gêrnot, Amelolt with Gunther, Hildebrand with Gibecke and the monk Ilsân with Studenvuhs. Dietleib has to fight Walther of Wasgenstein.
Motif References:
P 677 Customs connected with dueling
RosGA-107:
Dietrich promises half a fortress and the surrounding land to the messenger and Sigestap gladly accepts. First, he rides to Dietleib and Biterolf who live in Styria. Biterolf welcomes him, but disapproves of the idea to fight because of rose-garlands and a kiss. Sigestap hurries to contradict him by regarding the challenge as a test of valor. When he learns that Dietleib is at Bechelaren, Sigestap rides over where Dietleib’s companions receive him. When he brings Kriemhild’s challenge, they regard it as a childish request. Dietrich rather had planted one in Bern.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
RosGA-108:
Sigestap replies that they all have agreed upon the matter, they only are eager to have Dietleib as their support at the competition. To his dismay, he learns that poor Dietleib received severe wounds in an encounter with a merwunder and is staying at Siebenbürgen. Sigestap soon departs for Siebenbürgen but eventually finds him in Vienna in front of a church. Eventually he succeeds to dispatch his message, naming him opponent for Walther of Wasgenstein. Dietleib approves and they travel together with Dietleib’s retinue of 500 men to Bern. Greeted by a warm welcome, they soon attend a court feast. Food and drink until the sixth day. Dietrich now has gathered 60,000 men.
Motif References:
P 324.1 Host treats guest with food and everything possible
P 551 Army
RosGA-131:
Although messages are soon delivered, the group of opponents to fight Kriemhild’s keepers is still incomplete. Now they try to enlist a brave warrior, the monk Ilsân. Together with his big army, Dietrich travels to Îsenbürge. They pitch their camp near the monastery. One morning Ilsân passes by, regarding them as enemies. His fellow monks dare not ask him what ailed him out of fear of his anger. Finally, he tells them that he has seen a camp on the heath. He wants to defend the monastery and therefore demands his armor. Taking his spear, he dismounts his horse and leaves the monastery. Hildebrand soon sees his anger. He knows that Ilsân would rush to combat never asking who they were and to avoid the battle, he binds his helmet mounts, his horse and rides out to meet his brother.
Motif References:
P 251 Brothers [Half-brothers]
RosGA-144:
Ilsân soon approaches Hildebrand with hostile intent. Hildebrand looses his helmet and Ilsân recognizes his brother. He trounces him though for having scared his fellow monks. Eventually Hildebrand takes the opportunity to tell him about Kriemhild’s rose-garden and that they are lacking the twelfth fighter to complete their group.
Motif References:
H 151.10.2 (Bm) Combat of unknown brothers brings about recognition
RosGA-153:
Ilsân has to ask his abbot for permission to join them, but he proudly admits that he is able to fight all twelve keepers by himself. Dietrich, Dietleib, Witege, Heime and Eckehart beg the abbot to let Ilsân leave. The abbot disapproves and refuses to give his consent. However, Ilsân never ceases to beg so eventually he gives in asking for a rose-garland, which Ilsân promises. All the monks gather and Ilsân tells them about the task begging them to pray for his return. Soon he has to promise fifty rose-garlands. All wish him well and they depart. As soon as Ilsân has left, the brothers curse him and pray that he will never return.
Motif References:
M 260 Other promises
RosGA-165:
60,000 men march to the Rhine and carry their own provisions with them On the eleventh morning they arrive. Kriemhild watches their arrival, informs her father and he welcomes Dietrich together with 500 silk clad knights. Dietrich asks Gibeche why he complies with his daughter’s caprices that jeopardize many a life. He soon will lose good men because of her vanity regarding combat as a child’s play. Gibeche objects that the heroes themselves are eager for combat. Dietrich and his men camp at Worms. The Nibelungs have to admit that they never saw tents that are more precious.
Motif References:
W 116 Vanity
W 212 Eagerness for combat
F 775 Extraordinary tent
RosGA-172:
Kriemhild and 300 ladies dress up to welcome Dietrich on the plane outside town. Wolfhart sees her in gold jewels and disapproves of her vanity. He threatens to slap her if she comes near him. Hildebrand calms him, telling him that to beat the queen would surely dishonor him. He proposes to take out his anger on his opponent. Surely, praise and fame will be his gain. Dietrich admonishes impeccable behavior in presence of the ladies. Kriemhild and her ladies receive them, praising Dietrich as the champion.
Motif References:
M 500 (Bm) Threats
RosGA-183:
Dietrich rebukes Kriemhild for this remark. He does not think of himself as the best or the worst, but her vanity will surely cost many knights’ lives. Kriemhild rules that the combats begin at the eighth day and meanwhile they have peace. The queen treats the guests with extraordinary care; she serves them personally. On the tenth morning, the truce is over. Kriemhild introduces her garden-keepers to Dietrich’s men. She explains that for her men there is nothing to fear about, but Hildebrand soon reproaches her, sending her away. Angrily she complains to her father who promises to take revenge. Wolfhart fights with Pûsolt, who at first beats him down. Hildebrand encourages him and he soon stands up, fights the giant ferociously and cuts off his head. Wolfhart is the first to earn a kiss and a rose-garland.
Motif References:
Q 10 Deeds rewarded
M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
P 320 Hospitality
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
RosGA-205:
King Gibeche calls Ortwîn forward to take revenge for his slain brother. Hildebrand names his uncle Sigestap for the fight against Ortwîn. They engage in a furious battle. Sigestap is shielding himself expertly and then eventually kills the giant. Kriemhild rewards him. Giant Schrûtan fights Heime, who first tarries fearing Schrûtan’s extraordinary strength. The giant sneers at him because of his small size, boasting that he has fought victoriously against 300 of his kind. Angrily Heime threatens to kill him. The giant knocks him down but then Heime turns the tide by battering him with his good sword Nagelring. Schrûtan loses after a long combat. Three giants are slain.
Motif References:
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
H 1561.6 Test of valor: fight with giant [warrior, dwarf-hero, dragon etc.]
RosGA-224:
Gibeche now curses the rose-garden, but appeals for giant Aspriân, who attempts to avenge his comrades bearing two swords. Hildebrand calls on Witege who refuses. Dietrich interferes trying to persuade him by promising to share everything with Witege, but in vain. Hildebrand suggests persuading him by the prospect of having Dietrich’s white horse falcon, but Dietrich rather would give him a piece of land. Hildebrand testifies on oath to grant him the dukedom of Österdingen, but Witege still can’t be persuaded.
Motif References:
M 260 Other promises
P 525 Contracts
RosGA-236:
Dietrich eventually offers his white horse to Witege, with success. Witege fights with Mining; soon his shield sails out of his hand and is cut to pieces. In dismay, he grabs his sword with both his hands and injures the giant lethally. Kriemhild rewards him but he is exceptionally pleased to receive the white horse.
Motif References:
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
RosGA-245:
Gibeche calls up Stûdenvuhs, Hildebrand Ilsân. The monk wears his cowl over his armor puts on his helmet and grabs his shield. Kriemhild taunts him, but Ilsân is convinced to win a garland. They soon engage in a furious combat and finally Ilsân defeats Stûdenvuhs. The meadow reddens with blood and the beautiful roses are trampled down. Kriemhild quickly crowns him with the garland and kisses him. Ilsân holds her back demanding kisses for his fifty-two brothers and 52 rose-garlands. Whenever Kriemhild provides more opponents, he surely will win garlands. Kriemhild promises him more garlands after the regular competition.
Motif References:
M 260 Other promises
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
RosGA-262:
King Gibeche calls on Walther of Wasgenstein. He promises to share his entire possessions and property with the victor. Dietleib quickly binds his helmet and takes his shield. Walther mockingly asks him whether he is old enough for combat and Dietlieb angrily replies he surely is strong enough. The combat starts and soon blood soaks their armor. Kriemhild is inclined to sneer at them. The batter each other so heavily that their shields soon are in smithereens and the helmets in pieces. Hildebrand interferes pointing out to Kriemhild that both combatants have lost their armor. Thus the combat is put to an end; both receive a garland and become friends, even sworn brethren.
Motif References:
P 311 Sworn brethren
P 311.1 Combatants become sworn brethren
RosGA-278:
Gibeche calls up Volker the minstrel, who carries a shield painted with a golden violin. Ortwîn fights against him sneering at him because of his violin. Ortwîn defeats him and gets his reward.
Motif References:
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield
RosGA-286:
Gibeche mourns the men killed in action and plots on revenge. Hagen promises to avenge the heroes. Eckehart has to fight him. They politely greet each other before they start. Eckehart hits hard blows, wounding Hagen severely. Hagen has to draw back. Kriemhild rushes in to separate them and rewards Eckehart with a garland. When she attempts to kiss him, he holds her back calling her unfaithful.
Motif References:
M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
L 225 Hero refuses reward
RosGA-295:
Gernot airs his grievances because of the troubles Kriemhild has caused them. He demands his golden shield and challenges Helmschrôt to battle. Soon Gernot has to run for his life and Kriemhild rewards Helmschrôt. Gunther comes forth and Hildebrand chooses Amelot, who wounds the king severely. Kriemhild rushes forward to save her brother’s life; she rewards Amelolt with her kiss and the garland.
Motif References:
Q 114 Gifts as reward
RosGA-310:
Gibeche now places himself at disposal and Hildebrand follows suit. The king proudly tells him that his wisdom is famed, but Hildebrand modestly suggests bewaring of self-praise. Gibeche challenges him and a furious battle begins. Sparks fly from their helmets, both beat heavy blows and soon Gibeche is knocked down. Kriemhild begs Hildebrand for mercy and he spares the king. He takes the garland but refuses the kiss out of faithfulness to his dear wife.
Motif References:
Q 114 Gifts as reward
L 225 Hero refuses reward
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
RosGA-322:
Siegfried calls out for his opponent, which according to Hildebrand’s battle-order has to be Dietrich. The vain hero is eager to fight although Dietrich never has done him any harm nor meant him ill. Dietrich has second thoughts demanding that Hildebrand advise against a fight. He reproaches him for having him fight any time regardless of jeopardizing Dietrich’s life. If Siegfried defeats him, Hildebrand surely will regret Dietrich’s death, because his brother never will grant him his legacy as Dietrich surely would. Hildebrand defends his point: he always had Dietrich’s honor in mind. Still Dietrich hesitates, fearing the mighty dragon-slayer and his sword Balmung that he pulled out of a rock. He owns a splendid breastplate made by master Eckerich, has grown up at a blacksmith’s shop, is covered with horn and invincible. Only a frivolous fool would fight him.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal
F 558 Man covered with horn
D 1381.10.3 Magic unpierceable helmet
D 1654.4.1 Sword can be moved only by right person: Sword in stone
RosGA-333:
Hildebrand disapproves of Dietrich’s attitude because he surely will lose face and honor, but Dietrich still objects. Under the pretension of seeing Kriemhild, he leads him away. On the way, Hildebrand demands to know why Dietrich had taken chances for his heroes but refuses to fight himself. Then he threatens that he will wound him if he still refuses to challenge Siegfried. Hildebrand slaps his face and knocks him down. Dietrich soon jumps up and grabs his sword thus attacking faithful Hildebrand.
Motif References:
J 1682 (Taunts of charioteer) to arouse anger in master who is losing battle so that he may fight more vigorously
RosGA-344:
Infuriated, Dietrich hits Hildebrand with the flat of his sword, almost killing him. Wolfhart boos and mocks Dietrich for fighting when none is watching and not his opponent Siegfried but his faithful master Hildebrand. Dietrich replies that he will challenge Siegfried if Wolfhart promises to give his white horse back. Wolfhart approves and Dietrich eventually challenges Siegfried to battle. A furious combat begins. Siegfried beats a hard blow at Dietrich’s helmet. Hildebrand, who is still on the ground, has Wolfhart report to him. When he learns that Dietrich is blinded by head injuries, he advises to feign death. When Wolfhart tells Dietrich Hildebrand’s humiliating advice, Dietrich becomes furious.
Motif References:
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
J 810 Policy in dealing with the great
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
K 2350 Military strategy
RosGA-364:
Now Dietrich is almost beside himself with anger and batters Siegfried who has to draw back. However, Dietrich rushes after him incessantly striking him. Siegfried falls into Kriemhild’s lap. She quickly throws a veil over him to save his life. Then she argues that a noble soul would surely have mercy. Dietrich refuses stubbornly until Hildebrand comes forward. Soon Dietrich calms down but demands of Kriemhild to abandon her competition. The queen angrily has to accept the inevitable and rewards Dietrich with garland and kiss.
Motif References:
Q 114 Gifts as reward
R 161.0.1 Hero rescued by his lady
RosGA-371:
Ilsân now is eager to win the promised fifty-two garlands. He intends to fight the fifty-two heroes all by himself. In the first opponent he sticks his spear, twelve die, the others beg for mercy. Therefore, Ilsân demands the garlands. Kriemhild rewards him. Nevertheless, when he demands fifty-two kisses, she is in dismay but has to give in. Uncouth Ilsân grates her face so badly with his long beard that she bleeds from many wounds. Then Dietrich demands Gibeche’s lands as his fief, furthermore the king has to swear an oath of fealty and Dietrich leaves. Proverb: the laugh is always on the loser. Kriemhild abandons the idea to plant a new garden.
Motif References:
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
Q 114 Gifts as reward
F 628.2.1 Strong man kills many men at once
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
RosGA-381:
Dietrich and his heroes ride home, the monk Ilsân returns to the monastery. When the monks behold him, they are horrified. He presents his garlands and puts them rudely on their heads, thus injuring many.
Motif References:
Q 114 Gifts as reward
|