Maere and Novellas
Konrad von Würzburg, Der Schwanritter (1257/58)
Gernentz, H.J.: Der Schwanritter. 2nd ed., Berlin 1979.
KvWSR-1:
The duke of Saxony, a brother of the deceased duke Gotfrid of Brabant, claims his heritage and goes to Brabant to take it by force.
Motif References:
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
KvWSR-145:
The duke states that women have no right to succeed to the throne. As his late brother had no son he the duke will be his successor.
Motif References:
P 17 Succession to the throne
P 510 Law courts
KvWSR-149:
The countess has a decree stating her right.
Motif References:
M 50 Other judgments and decrees
KvWSR-180:
Karl the Great has a court at Nimwegen. The countess of Brabant and the duke of Saxony come to his court.
Motif References:
P 19.4 Kingly powers (rights) [obligations]
KvWSR-204:
The countess of Brabant seeks justice at Karl’s court. She complains about the duke’s persecutions.
Motif References:
P 60 Noble (gentle) ladies
P 523 Bringing suit in law courts
KvWSR-247:
A boat drawn by a swan on a silver chain appears with a sleeping knight inside. Above the sleeping knight is a silk canopy.
Motif References:
B 558.1 Boat drawn by swans (geese)
KvWSR-256:
In the boat an unknown knight lies asleep.
Motif References:
R 222 Unknown knight (Three days’ tournament)
KvWSR-380:
The knight is welcomed by Karl and the court. He sends the swan away telling him he would call it when in need.
Motif References:
B 570 Animals serve man
KvWSR-629:
Karl wants to settle the matter for the countess and her daughter.
Motif References:
P 95 Impossible to refuse the request of a troubled nobleman [lady]
KvWSR-680:
The duke of Saxony claims the country by waging war.
Motif References:
H 218 Trial by combat
KvWSR-696:
The duke of Saxony wants to fight in person for his claim
Motif References:
H 218.0.1 Vindication by champion. Usually noble lady or king accused
KvWSR-730:
The Duke of Saxony wants to fight for his claim in person. He is a remarkably strong man and almost like a giant.
Motif References:
F 610 Remarkably strong man
KvWSR-819:
The countess’s daughter prays for help. The swan knight offers his help as their champion.
Motif References:
V 59 Prayers answered – miscellaneous
KvWSR-944:
The duke of Saxony slanders the swan knight as performing sorcery.
Motif References:
K 2129 Slanders – miscellaneous
KvWSR-964:
The duke of Saxony challenges the swan knight to battle.
Motif References:
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
KvWSR-1012:
Swan knight wears a swan as symbol on his garments.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
KvWSR-1032:
Swan on helmet.
Motif References:
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
KvWSR-1058:
Duke’s shield with an eagle
Motif References:
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield
KvWSR-1095:
Single combat: The duke and the swan knight engage in single combat.
Motif References:
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
KvWSR-1228:
The swan knight defeats the duke of Saxony and cuts of his head.
Motif References:
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
KvWSR-1260:
Both ladies offer her hand as reward. The swan knight has the choice.
Motif References:
Q 53.3 Maiden queen offers her hand as reward for rescuing her town
KvWSR-1299:
The swan knight marries the countess but forbids her to ask his name.
Motif References:
C 32.2.1 Tabu: asking name of supernatural husband
C 32.2.2 Tabu: asking where supernatural husband comes from
C 410 Tabu: asking questions
KvWSR-1336:
The countess and the swan knight marry. A grand wedding feast with music takes place
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast
T 136.3 Amusements at wedding
KvWSR-1425:
The countess and the swan knight marry and have children. After a while she complains that their children will grow up without knowing their father’s name.
Motif References:
M 205 Breaking of bargains and promises
KvWSR-1461:
The swan knight has to leave because of her breaking the question tabu.
Motif References:
C 900 Punishment for breaking tabu
C 932 Loss of wife (husband) for breaking tabu.
KvWSR-1564:
The swan knight leaves his wife and children
Motif References:
C 952 Immediate return to otherworld because of broken tabu
KvWSR-1570:
The swan knight calls his swan. It appears with the boat and the knight leaves.
Motif References:
B 558.1 Boat drawn by swans (geese)
KvWSR-1604:
The noble families of Geldern and Cleve are descendants of the swan knight.
Motif References:
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