Rudolf von Ems, Der Guote Gerhart (1210/20)
|
|
Maere and Novellas
Rudolf von Ems, Der Guote Gerhart (1210/20)
Asher, J.(ed.): Rudolf von Ems, Der guote Gerhart (=ATB 56). 3rd Ed., Tübingen 1986.
RvEGG-1:
Prologue: the value of good deeds is diminished by vainglory and boasting.
Motif References:
U 230 The nature of sin
RvEGG-80:
The life of the emperor Otte (called the Red Emperor) as exemplum: he is a virtuous and pious king, praised by his people, and judges according to the law which has been recorded by Karl. His wife Ottegebe is later canonized.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings
RvEGG-147:
Following his wife’s suggestion, the emperor resolves to seek indulgence for his sins by donating an archbishopric on the site of his allodial property in honor of our blessed Lady. He gives towns, castles, land and ministeriales to the archbishopric which is named Megdeburc and situated in Saxony. Only the sons of magnates are appointed canons there and only a noble of high birth installed both as archbishop and electoral prince.
Motif References:
V 110 Religious buildings [and institutions]
V 380 Religious beliefs – miscellaneous
RvEGG-235:
After some time, the emperor starts to consider his worldly reputation and the reward he deserves from God for his generosity.
Motif References:
RvEGG-292:
One day, he goes to the minster to pray there on his own: after a long doxology he begs God to reveal the reward which is prepared for him.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
RvEGG-494:
God hears his prayer and sends an angel, whom the emperor perceives as a clear voice. He is rebuked for having his reputation and praise in mind and told that he has forfeited the heavenly seat close to God which has been intended for him. His reward now consists in his high worldly reputation.
Motif References:
V 59 Prayers answered – miscellaneous
A 165.2.3 Angels as God’s messengers
V 235 Mortal visited by angel
V 243 Angel answers mortal’s prayer
Q 330 Overweening punished
L 419 Proud ruler (deity) humbled – miscellaneous
V 550 (Bm) Voice from heaven
Q 553 Divine favor withdrawn as punishment
RvEGG-549:
The angel compares the emperor’s with a merchant’s deeds who has served God in a better way by giving alms with a pure heart. The emperor objects that he has many worthier vassals than this merchant.
Motif References:
L 113 Hero (heroine) of unpromising occupation
L 143 Poor man surpasses rich
RvEGG-597:
The merchant’s name is Gêrhart, amplified by the epithet “the good” because of his good and generous character. The angel advises the emperor to meet with the merchant in Köln in order to ascertain how he has attained to God’s grace.
Motif References:
H 927.2 Task assigned by angel on God’s order
H 1199 Other tasks
RvEGG-635:
The emperor sets out secretly the following morning, sending messengers to the bishop of Köln to announce his arrival. In the capital town he is welcomed by the bishop, noble knights and a delegation of burghers.
Motif References:
RvEGG-682:
After the early mass, the emperor convenes the burghers, both poor and rich. The church bells are pealed to indicate the time of the assembly.
Motif References:
RvEGG-736:
The burghers appear dressed in knightly fashion, among them Gêrhart, who stands out by his noble and beautiful appearance, his virtue and courtly behavior. The emperor declares that he requires counsel from the burghers and begs the astonished Gêrhart to follow him into a separate chamber.
Motif References:
H 32 Recognition by extraordinary prowess [virtue]
P 431 Merchant
RvEGG-877:
Gêrhart is urged to take a seat next to the emperor and asked about the origin of the epithet “good”. He rejects the legitimacy of such an honorable name, emphasizing his unworthiness.
Motif References:
W 47 (Hi) Humility and modesty
W 48 (Ha) Piety
RvEGG-965:
Pressed by the emperor’s demand for an answer, Gêrhart prays to God for forgiveness for boasting of his good deeds and kneels down, pleading with the emperor to spare him from an answer. God hears his prayer and frees him from any guilt.
Motif References:
V 59 Prayers answered – miscellaneous
RvEGG-1081:
The emperor realizes that the merchant is meant to be an example to him and that he has committed a sin by boasting of his good deeds. He begs God for forgiveness.
Motif References:
RvEGG-1130:
The merchant’s story: his father has bequeathed great riches to him which he has even increased since. Once he made a very successful commercial journey to Riuzen, Liflant, Priuzen, Sarant, Damascô and Ninivê.
Motif References:
RvEGG-1222:
On his way home, the ship was caught by a storm and driven to an unknown, but beautiful country. There, they found a well-fortified trading city whose inhabitants, though heathens, behaved friendly towards the merchant and his men.
Motif References:
N 399.1.1 (Bm) Wind carries ship to hostile [unknown] island [land]
RvEGG-1328:
Gêrhart asked a noble man for help, telling him that he had come to participate in the annual market. The noble assured him of his protection and released him from any duty, since he had come from so far to honor the country’s lord (the king of Marroch) by attending the market.
Motif References:
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
RvEGG-1438:
The noble’s pages led Gêrhart to his lodging and imparted their lord’s identity to him: his name is Stranmûr and he is both land- and burgrave.
Motif References:
RvEGG-1470:
Gêrhart made friends with the grave and one day showed him his merchandise. The grave offered to buy his wares and led him to his castle.
Motif References:
RvEGG-1532:
Inside the castle, the lord led Gêrhart into three different chambers: in the first twelve beautiful and young fettered knights are confined, in the next twelve old knights and in the last 15 beautiful maidens.
Motif References:
R 41.1 Captivity in castle
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
RvEGG-1664:
Description of the most beautiful of the maidens.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
RvEGG-1703:
Stranmûr proposed a bargain: Gêrhart should take the hostages with him in return for his merchandise. For the hostages he could demand a ransom of about 100.000 marks.
Motif References:
M 220 Other bargains
P 533.1 Hostages
RvEGG-1731:
The captives’ story: Willehalm, king of Engellant, had married the daughter of the Norwegian king Reinmunt. On their way back to Engellant, they had suffered shipwreck; the queen and her knights had been driven to Stranmûr’s country. Stranmûr told Gêrhart that his country was too far away to collect the ransom.
Motif References:
N 318 Accidental separation of lovers
N 399.1.1 (Bm) Wind carries ship to hostile [unknown] island [land]
N 741.2 Husband and wife become separated in shipwreck
RvEGG-1793:
The merchant postponed his answer until the next day and deliberated on whether he should spend so much money to release the captives. Finally he prayed for advice.
Motif References:
RvEGG-1821:
His prayer was answered and an angel appeared in his dream, admonishing him to give his wealth to the poor and thus obey God’s commandment.
Motif References:
V 59 Prayers answered – miscellaneous
A 165.2.3 Angels as God’s messengers
V 235 Mortal visited by angel
V 243 Angel answers mortal’s prayer
D 1814.2 Advice from dream
RvEGG-1881:
On the next morning, the merchant met the burgrave, who asked him whether he had made up his mind. Gêrhart stipulated that he first had to obtain the captives’ consent before making a decision.
Motif References:
RvEGG-1948:
Gêrhart was allowed to see the captives whose fetters had already been removed. They rejoiced in hearing that the merchant was a Christian and familiar with the English language. He gave an account of the happenings which led him to Stranmûr’s town.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2050:
Moreover, he related the burgrave’s proposal to put the captives in Gêrhart’s custody in exchange for his merchandise. Gêrhart was willing to assent on the condition that the captives pledged recompense for his financial loss and promised not to flee.
Motif References:
W 215 Extreme prudence [Providentness in financial matters]
RvEGG-2079:
The nobles dropped to their knees, pleading with the merchant to rescue them and assuring him that he would receive twice as much than he had lost. He should also take into account the ransom he would obtain from the ladies’ fathers and her husbands.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2131:
Gêrhart related the burgrave’s proposal also to the princess and offered his help which was highly welcomed. The merchant had compassion with the beautiful maiden.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2381:
The burgrave and Gêrhart concluded their settlement: the hostages recovered their property and the grave vouchsafed provisions for the journey to Gêrhart.
Motif References:
R 111.1 Princess (maiden) rescued from captor
R 111.3 Means of rescuing princess
R 169.10 Unpromising hero as rescuer
RvEGG-2497:
At the castle, the princess and the other nobles took a bath and received new apparel. On the next morning, after early mass, Stranmûr approached Gêrhart and the nobles while they were having breakfast to make his farewells. He honored the hostages by proffering his cup and greeting them and committed the merchant to his gods.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2598:
The ship cast off. After twelve days they reached known land and Gêrhart had the ship berthed at a place where one way led to Ûztrieht, the other to Engellant. He allowed the hostages from Engellant to return home, relying on their promise to send compensations for his financial loss, and took the princess and two of her ladies-in-waiting with him to Köln.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2804:
After Gêrhart’s arrival had been announced in his home town, many burghers rode out to welcome him. All were astonished that he had not attained any pecuniary profit but brings a princess with him.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2880:
Having arrived in his house, he provided the princess with everything suitable for her high rank: good accommodation, precious array and playmates. The princess worked braids from gold, silk, pearls and jewels.
Motif References:
RvEGG-2965:
After one year, Gêrhart wondered why neither her father nor the king of Engellant had sent messengers and concluded that both have died.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3002:
The young lady still longed for her husband though the marriage never had been consummated. Gêrhart pondered on her future, fearing that she might become impoverished as he is not able to marry her to a man of equal rank.
Motif References:
P 43 (Bm) Impecunious princess
T 165.9 (Li) Widow and maid
RvEGG-3067:
He queried her opinion about a marriage to a rich merchant and suggested his own son. The princess consented, relying upon the merchant’s counsel, but stipulated to wait another year for her husband’s return.
Motif References:
Z 72.0.1 (Bm) Year time limit on quest
T 121.3.1 Princess marries lowly man
T 151 Year’s respite from unwelcome marriage
T 210.1 Faithful wife
RvEGG-3212:
Since neither the princess’s father nor her husband had sent any messenger throughout the year, Gêrhart reminded the princess of their agreement.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3266:
Gêrhart asked his lord for advice and related the story how he had welcomed the princess in his house and arranged a marriage with his son. The lord congratulated the merchant on his luck and pledged to knight the merchant’s son that includes the admission to the rank of a ministerialis by receiving sword and coat of arms.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3397:
His lord, many other provincial nobles and the burghers promised their attendance at the wedding, which was to be be celebrated at Whitsun.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3435:
Preparations for the wedding feast. Gêrhart’s son and his squires rode out of the town to welcome the guests, among them Gêrhart’s lord, the archbishop. Guests were entertained by music and have meal.
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast
RvEGG-3473:
After the meal, the lord convened his vassals (graves, free nobles and ministeriales, canons and burghers) and elevated Gêrhart’s son to the peerage. Afterwards, the princess was married to the merchant’s son. Mounted games (bûhurt) were held.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3545:
The marriage was not consummated since the young man had not yet been dubbed knight. The next morning, he and twelve companions were girded with their swords during the mass. Afterwards, mounted games took place.
Motif References:
P 53.1 (Bm) Knighthood as prerequisite to marriage
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
P 561 Tournaments
RvEGG-3665:
At the ladies’ arrival, the knights ended the mounted games. The seating was arranged according to the guests’ rank: knights were seated separated from the noble women, the free nobles and graves held the seats of honor (gegengestüele). Squires, stewards and butlers served at the table.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3704:
As Gêrhart tendered the cup to the bride, he took notice of a young man, clad in ragged clothes and with white hair, but of beautiful build. He looked at the lady with an expression of deep grief.
Motif References:
P 33 (Bm) Impecunious prince [king]
T 96 Lovers reunited after many adventures
T 150 Happenings at weddings
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
N 681 Husband (lover) arrives home just as wife (mistress) is to marry another
N 741.4 Husband and wife reunited after long separation and tedious quest
RvEGG-3786:
Gêrhart addressed him as pilgrim and inquired about his grief, but without receiving any answer. The merchant led him to a chamber, urging him to disclose his identity. Eventually, the man revealed to be king Willehalm of Engellant.
Motif References:
RvEGG-3872:
Willehalm’s story: after his father’s death, his counselors advised him to marry the daughter of king Reinmunt of Norwæge. He sent wooing messengers, who returned with a positive answer. Willehalm set out together with twelve old, twelve young nobles and twelve maidens.
Motif References:
Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
RvEGG-3918:
After his marriage to queen Êrene, her father begged Willehalm to abstain from the consummation of the marriage as long as he had not been knighted. Willehalm vowed to do so and he and his bride traveled back to Engellant in two different ships. Before the departure they exchanged rings.
Motif References:
P 53.1 (Bm) Knighthood as prerequisite to marriage
T 59.1 (Bm) Rings as love tokens
M 131 Vow of chastity [fidelity]
RvEGG-3994:
Willehalm’s ship was caught in a storm and dashed to pieces on a rock. He was the only one of the crew who escaped the shipwreck. Having returned home, he gave up the reign to go in search of his bride, for whom he quested in several countries for more than three and a half years. He has now found her, but is in despair because she is going to be married to another man.
Motif References:
P 16.1.5 (Bm) King gives up reign to search for lost wife
T 210.2 Faithful husband
Z 356 Unique survivor
H 1385.3 Quest for vanished wife (mistress)
RvEGG-4134:
The miraculous appearance of Willehalm at Êrene’s wedding prompted Gêrhart to obey God’s providence: he provided suitable clothes for the king and informed his lord of his presence, expressing his wish that his son renounced the marriage in favor of the king.
Motif References:
V 201 God
RvEGG-4233:
Gêrhart told his son about the reappearance of the lady’s husband and, supported by his lord, convinced his son to relinquish the marriage to the English king.
Motif References:
RvEGG-4466:
Description of the king’s beauty and virtue.
Motif References:
F 575.2 Handsome man
RvEGG-4564:
Finally the rightful husband was reunited with his wife: she did not recognize him first, but was then informed about his identity and shown the ring she had once bestowed upon him.
Motif References:
H 94 Identification by ring
H 195 (Bm) Failure to recognize
RvEGG-4624:
The young lady swooned from joy.
Motif References:
F 1041.25.1 (Bm) Swoon from joy
RvEGG-4813:
The nobles standing round the couple were moved by this example of true love.
Motif References:
RvEGG-4880:
Entertainments commenced: mounted games (bûhurt), dance and other amusements. Gêrhart begged the king to reside in his house until he is dubbed knight.
Motif References:
RvEGG-4932:
The king obtained knighthood the next morning. After the mass, mounted games (bûhurt) were held.
Motif References:
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
RvEGG-4950:
On Gêrhart’s request, the archbishop’s vassals were invited to participate at the king’s wedding feast. After the wedding night, the couple attended the mass. The jugglers were generously rewarded at the end of the feast.
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast
RvEGG-5115:
One day the king sought the merchant’s advice, since he had learnt that several of his country’s magnates have conspired against him, each of them endeavoring to usurp the royal title, and had seized royal castles and territories. Gêrhart offered to join the king on his way home and assist him in the conflicts.
Motif References:
P 17 Succession to the throne
RvEGG-5191:
Gêrhart had a ship equipped for their journey. The queen bade her former hostess and playmates farewell and the merchant’s friends accompanied the travelers down to the river.
Motif References:
RvEGG-5255:
The ship cast off and reached Lunders after a short time. Gêrhart volunteered to make inquires in the town while the king remained on board. The city’s surroundings were covered with tents and the town itself was crowded with people.
Motif References:
RvEGG-5299:
An innkeeper informed Gêrhart of the council held by the country’s magnates for the purpose of electing a king. As they had not found anyone wise enough, 24 lords had been entrusted with the task. In case they were not able to reach an agreement, three archbishops would be put in charge of the election.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Z 71.8.6 Formulistic number: twenty-four
RvEGG-5336:
Gêrhart entered court and found that the 24 lords were the knights he had ransomed from captivity. Without being recognized, he offered his help and was told about Willehalm’s death, the lords’ imprisonment and rescue and their failure to find an appropriate king.
Motif References:
H 195 (Bm) Failure to recognize
N 760 Other accidental encounters
RvEGG-5499:
As Gêrhart revealed his identity, the lords rejoiced and designated him as new king. The merchant had no opportunity to protest: he was carried to the throne and crowned. Not until the nobles were about to do homage, he was able to declare that he would renounce his royal title in favor of king Willehalm.
Motif References:
P 17 Succession to the throne
L 165 Lowly boy [man] becomes king
RvEGG-5621:
The nobles were glad about the tidings that Willehalm and Êrene are alive. Dressed in beautiful clothes, they met with the royal couple, who were also welcomed by the city burghers and the clergy.
Motif References:
RvEGG-5715:
After Willehalm’s and Êrene’s crowning, the vassals pledged fealty.
Motif References:
RvEGG-5771:
The next morning, the king summoned the magnates, who were invested with their fiefs and vowed to keep peace in their countries. The king set the date for a law-court and ordained a feast.
Motif References:
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
P 634 Feasts
RvEGG-5840:
The guests were welcomed at Lunders. The royal couple rode out to receive king Reinmunt of Norwæge, Êrêne’s father.
Motif References:
RvEGG-5942:
Amusements of the feasts: music, dance, mounted games (bûhurt), songs of love, stories about knightly adventures.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6051:
The lords who had seized the royal property did everything they could to recover the king’s grace: they fell down to his feet and demonstrated their repentance with lamenting and weeping. The king was nevertheless determined to force them into exile.
Motif References:
P 510 Law courts
RvEGG-6081:
Together with his counselors the king deliberated on a proper compensation for Gêrhart and resolved to enfeoff him with the duchy of Kant and refund his expenses with 50.000 marks.
Motif References:
Q 113.6 (Bm) Lands and duchy as reward
RvEGG-6171:
Regarding himself as of too low rank as to be entitled to the office of an noble, Gêrhart refused the duchy and other fiefs, but requested from the king his reconciliation with the defiant lords and accepted only gold and silver as reward.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6304:
The lords for whom Gêrhart had pleaded fell down on their knees, wept and kissed his hands and feet as sign of their thankfulness and joy.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6389:
The feast drew to an end: the jugglers received reward, knights were enfeoffed and all nobles were bestowed with precious gifts.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6430:
Gêrhart took his leave from the other guests. Though the king and the
Motif References:
queen offered a big amount of gold, silver and jewels to him, he accepted only a clasp and a ring as presents for his wife. The royal couple accompanied him to his ship.
RvEGG-6601:
Back in his home country, Gêrhart was cordially welcomed and given the appellative “good” in response to his good deeds.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6631:
While the merchant concludes his story, the emperor starts to weep, moved by the example of such a noble character and the realization of his own sinful behavior.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6737:
After their conversation, the emperor addresses the burghers who have been waiting outside the chamber, admonishing them to remain faithful and loyal.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6785:
The emperor rides to Megdeburc, where he does penance for his sins. Additionally, he has the merchant’s story written down and the text placed in the clergy’s custody.
Motif References:
RvEGG-6815:
The author tells the story how he has been entrusted with the text’s translation and versification
Motif References:
|