Berthold von Holle, Crane (<1275)
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Miscellaneous Romances
Berthold von Holle, Crane (<1275)
Bartsch, K. (ed.): Berthold von Holle, Werke. 1875. Reprint Osnabrück 1967.
BvHCra-1:
Prologue: laudatio temporis acti: Only few people are virtuous these days. Duke Johân of Brûnswîch (Brunswick) as the author’s source: told him about a prince of Unger lant (Hungary) who ruled in an exemplary way. [lacuna]
Motif References:
BvHCra-47:
[lacuna] [Council]: Gayol gives Godefrit, an old wise counselor, rich reward: jewels, precious rings. The following day, after mass (the best time to meet the emperor, as he is alone then), Godefrit introduces the pages who have come from far to enter the emperor’s service as chamberlains to the emperor. They are received well.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council] Q 111 Riches as reward
BvHCra-113:
Gayol, Agorlîn and Agorlôt enter the emperor’s service as chamberlains. They spend the goods they have brought with them generously at court.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three P 310 Friendship
BvHCra-133:
The emperor has a daughter, Acheloyde. [lacuna] Her intimate Achûte recommends [Gayol] to her.
Motif References:
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
BvHCra-148:
Gayol, Agorlîn and Agorlôt live under the birds’ names Crane, Valke and Stare at court. Their original names [Gayol of Hungary, Agorlîn of Austria, Agorlôt of Bavaria] are forgotten.
Motif References:
K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name
BvHCra-151:
Acheloyde gets love-sick for Crane: she believes that she will die in case she can not speak to him. She asks Achûte for advice. That one says that her mother told her never to be alone with a man, so not to take any damage. [Lacuna]
Motif References:
T 24.1 Love-sickness
BvHCra-184:
Test: In order to find out which one of the three chamberlains his daughter loves most, the emperor, who has left with his warriors on warfare to prove their valor, sends an old man as messenger to her with the tidings of Stare’s death. She is sad, but does not grieve excessively. The man returns to the emperor. A week later, he brings the news of Valke’s death. The same happens as before: Acheloyde is sad, but not in an exceeding manner. He returns again to the emperor. The third time, the old man tells her that Crane has died in fight (idea: warfare and tournaments in the service of the ladies).
Motif References:
H 1556.1.2 (Bm) Heroine’ sincerity [love] tested by false report of lover’s death K 1860 Deception by feigned death (sleep)
BvHCra-299:
Acheloyde laments loudly and grieves excessively. In her pain, she happens to squeeze her pet ermine to death. The old man regrets this, but tells her that his daughter has the most beautiful ermine in the world. Acheloyde will get her ermine back. [Old man: Gayol’s father, the ermine is his symbol]
Motif References:
T 85 Woman mourns [supposedly] dead lover F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
BvHCra-330:
Acheloyde tells Achûte about her sorrow. She wants to die. She swoons from grief; Achûte brings her back by pouring water into her mouth. The empress, Acheloyde’s mother, sends a messenger to the emperor.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
BvHCra-376:
The emperor regrets his wrong. He sends for Crane and asks him for forgiveness for treating him badly and unjustly. He promises riches and goods to him and his followers. The emperor returns to court to see after his sick daughter.
Motif References:
P 19 Other motifs connected with kings
BvHCra-430:
The doctor knows about a healing potion for Acheloyde’s love-sickness from a book he has read and a glass he has looked into. He prepares the potion, and as Valke is at hand, he brings it to her. So, she realizes the old man’s deceit, as the knight is still alive. This makes her feel much better, and she swallows the potion, telling her father that it healed her. The same happens the next day: Stare waits till the doctor has prepared the liquid, and again, she feels better (praises the doctor). The third day, it is Crane, who offers to act as messenger. Love cures her completely. She advises her father to reward him, as she has never felt so good before. She also informs Achûte about the turn of events.
Motif References:
P 424 Physician F 950.8 Princess cured Princess cured by seeing her lost lover dance [by realizing that assertedly dead lover is still alive] D 1821.3.7.3 Crystal-gazing. Clairvoyance by looking into crystal. K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit
BvHCra-583:
The emperor summons his counselors. He does not know how to find an equal match for Acheloyde, as she is very rich and beautiful. Godefrit of Swâven (Swabia) advises to arrange a tournament, and Acheloyde shall be married to the winner. In case he is not her equal in birth, she shall be free to choose. The tournament (proclaimed in the German and Walen countries) is to take place in a year and six weeks’ time.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council] T 50.2.1 King unwilling to marry his daughter to a man not her equal T 68.7 (Bm) Princess [maiden] as prize in tournament [single combat] T 131.0.1.1 Father promises that girl may wed only man of her choice H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
BvHCra-631:
Crane has fallen lovesick. Although Acheloyde is guarded well, he manages to lie with her. When he takes leave from her, she asks him to return in one year’s time for the tournament.
Motif References:
T 24.1 Love-sickness T 35 Lovers’ rendezvous
BvHCra-649:
The three friends Crane, Stare and Valke officially take leave from the emperor’s court. They refuse the emperor’s offer to knight them and generously pass his gifts on to the court entourage. [Lacuna]
Motif References:
BvHCra-667:
[Lacuna] Gayol wants to meet the king [of Hungary]. He asks his host about him and learns that the [former] king lost his only heir, [Gayol himself] who escaped from home at the age of 12 only in a page’s company and has not been seen ever since. The host tells Crane that the king is now on a hunt. Crane spends the whole night wrestling with himself if or if not to lift his incognito.
Motif References:
R 213 Escape from home
BvHCra-703:
Gayol enters the service of the king, Assundîn, as a page, but does not dare to reveal his identity to him, as he fears that this could be his death.
Motif References:
N 760 Other accidental encounters K 1812 King in disguise K 1815 Humble disguise K 1831.0.1 Disguise by changing name
BvHCra-736:
One day, Assundîn and his six knights get lost on a hunt. They have to spend the night in the woods. The make fire and construct a seat for their king. When they are just about to serve him a modest meal of wine and bread, a page that has been following them for the whole day arrives. He has brought food supplies with him.
Motif References:
BvHCra-839:
When Crane asks Assundîn for the reasons for his heavy sigh, the king tells him how he got to the reign: He used to be the faithful marshal of the munificent and virtuous king of Hungary. Strangers never left his court without rich gifts. The king had a son, Gayol, who was lost. He has been searching for him all the time and would make him rich. At Crane’s remark that it would be foolish to give up his reign, the king retorts that he would be glad to do this if only Gayol was back.
Motif References:
P 17 Succession to the throne P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.] P 361 Faithful servant [vassal] J 580 Wisdom of caution H 1556 Tests of fidelity [loyalty]
BvHCra-900:
So, Crane reveals his identity: He is Gayol, son of Dassir; he refuses to take over the reign, only asks to be knighted in order to be enabled to participate at the emperor’s tournament. The victor may marry the king’s daughter, but in case he is not of equal rank, she may choose whomever she pleases. Gayol again asks Assundîn only for his moveable possessions, not for kingship. He promises never to come back again if Assundîn fulfils his request.
Motif References:
P 30 Princes T 68.7 (Bm) Princess [maiden] as prize in tournament [single combat] T 131.0.1.1 Father promises that girl may wed only man of her choice H 194 (Bm) Recognition only through direct revelation of identity H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
BvHCra-937:
Assundîn recognizes Gayol by a scar covered by the plait of hair he wears. He, Assundîn himself, once caused the wound: During a tournament, a splinter of his lance cut the child’s face, who watched the tournament sitting on a knight’s lap. His father took this as a good sign (Gayol will become a knight who knows how to fight in the service of ladies).
Motif References:
H 51 Recognition by scar
BvHCra-974:
At Assundîn’s enquiries about what happened to him and why he arrives in such a poor condition – a prince would certainly not let him leave his court in poverty –, Gayol explains that he has given all the riches he had got from the emperor to the retinue at court. He now has come for the tournament. He, Gayol, has killed three of the aggressors and had his companion buried in a monastery. He has come on foot, as his page had been slain during an attack. For the favor of the burial, he had to leave his horse and goods to the monks. Assundîn promises to equip him properly for the tournament, Gayol again affirms his desire that Assundîn stays king – he wants to be his marshal.
Motif References:
L 325.1 (Bm) Victory over superior force: one against many
BvHCra-1028:
Assundîn leads Gayol to the queen and presents her assumedly dead godchild to her. She puts the crown on his head and welcomes him as king of the country. He tells them that he wants to get married and to test the faithfulness of a lady. Assundîn sends messengers with the tidings of Gayol’s return to the princes; he tells them to keep this as a secret.
Motif References:
P 296.2 Godmother H 1556.4 Fidelity in love tested
BvHCra-1092:
Assundîn provides 500 comrades-in-arms for Gayol and gives him precious garments and saddlery decorated with jewels and little bejeweled bells. He and his comrades-in-arms get also sword and weapons, are knighted.
Motif References:
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
BvHCra-1124:
Assundîn appoints Gayol as marshal. His garments are embroidered with a crane as coat-of-arms, as this used to be his name.
Motif References:
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.] P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
BvHCra-1130:
Gayol, Assundîn and the 500 knights leave for the tournament. They pay regularly for their food-supplies, do not take anything by force.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1149:
On the field of Arrigân, the tournament is meant to take place. A grandstand is erected for Acheloyde and her ladies. Tents are pitched for the participants. Among them: the dukes of Bavaria, (Beiern), Stare, and of Austria (Osterrîche), Valke, with their retinue. They are received by the emperor.
Motif References:
P 561 Tournaments
BvHCra-1193:
Finally, the arrival of Gayol and Assundîn is announced. The emperor and his retinue come to meet the guests. Pages blow heathen horns and trombones, play string instruments and tambourines. Pack-horses transport precious garments. There are many horses and shields. The nobles are followed by nobles riding two by two. They are dressed in garments made of English scarlet.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1239:
King Assundîn is preciously dressed as well. His garments are trimmed with jewels and embroidered with eagles made of red gold.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
BvHCra-1265:
Assundîn has his camp erected. The tents are made of precious fabrics (the author gives only a short description, as the auditory would not believe him anyway) and trimmed with jewels. A golden ball is fixed to the top of the tent.
Motif References:
F 775 Extraordinary tent
BvHCra-1280:
Acheloyde’s arrival. Crane acts as marshal (staff as sign), though people believe him to be of higher birth, remembering his generosity at the emperor’s court. Some people say he should not have come there, others object: He had to come with the king in order to fulfill his duty as a marshal. The emperor refuses to greet him. Agorlôt and Agorlîn welcome their friend and are glad that they are together again.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1319:
Acheloyde’s entry: 100 ladies, accompanied by many knights and nobles, ride in advance (they are all dressed in brown scarlet), then she arrives, dressed in green samît. On her head, she wears a precious headdress (zippeil) made of gold and jewels. She and her ladies receive the guests. When she perceives Crane acting as marshal, she is a bit worried.
Motif References:
F 829 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments - miscellaneous
BvHCra-1350:
Acheloyde and her ladies take their seats at the grandstand. Many pages are knighted. Mounted games.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1365:
In the evening, Acheloyde tells Achûte that she is worried about Crane, who disregards his high rank and acts as a marshal. She could not possibly choose him for her husband, as he is not her equal. (She could only elope with him.) Achûte advises her to trust in the power of love.
Motif References:
T 131 Marriage restrictions
BvHCra-1401:
The following morning, the beginning of the tournament is announced (tambourines, trombones); the French and the English king, the kings of Lamparten (Lombardy), Spain, the emperor himself, the dukes of Brabant, Austria, Bavaria (Beierlant) get prepared.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1455:
Assundîn and Crane change identities: Assundîn puts on the gown with the crane. He gives Crane a horse that once belonged to the heathen king Pandachîn whom he killed in fight.
Motif References:
K 1839.17 (Bm) Disguise by changing armor
BvHCra-1475:
Tournament (idea: fighting in the service of ladies): Crane mounts the horse, puts on his helmet. He (not wearing his coat-of-arms) gives such a noble impression that people believe him to be Assundîn and encourage him with the cry “Assundîn!”. He opens the fight: unhorses the king of England. Furious combat: lance-splinters darken the sun, swords emanate sparks. Knights fall from their horses, many horses die. Gayol defeats many of the knights. Valke and Stare fight ferociously, as well as Assundîn in disguise as Crane. Their opponents finally take to flight.
Motif References:
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.1 Tests of valor: tournament
BvHCra-1632:
Crane secretly puts on his gown with the cranes again. The king of Hungary, Assundîn, is announced as victor of the tournament. The emperor and Acheloyde go to see him; Acheloyde fixes a banner to his tent and says that her father sends him the prize for his victory. At that moment, she perceives Crane with his staff and regrets again that he is only a marshal.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1669:
The participants of the tournament count their gains and losses; Acheloyde regrets that she will soon have to choose a husband. She fears that the nobles will be annoyed with her, as she loves Crane. She wants to talk to him and give him rich presents. Achûte accuses her of changeableness: if she, Achûte, had a beloved one, she would always stay faithful. Acheloyde is convinced of her point-of-view.
Motif References:
BvHCra-1717:
The following day, council takes place on a plain; nobles stand in a circle. The emperor says that he would give his daughter to the king of Hungary if he were not married. As it is, he asks Assundîn if he recommends anyone as a husband for Acheloyde. Assundîn advises to let her have her free choice. Acheloyde takes Crane by the hand and utters her wish to have him as her husband. The nobles and her father are annoyed. The emperor says that such decisions should not be left to women, as they always follow their hearts. She acts like a child that prefers a gleaming egg to a thousand pounds of gold. He threatens to disinherit her. She says that she is not able to change her mind and asks him to let her leave in poverty. He is furious at her foolishness, curses and repudiates her. He would also like to mutilate her. Assundîn objects, argues that she had free choice; He says that whoever wants to do her any harm will regret this.
Motif References:
W 34 Loyalty T 55.1 Princess declares her love for lowly hero T 91.6.4.1.1 Princess falls in love with knight [Knight falls in love with princess] T 97 Father opposed to daughter’s marriage [sweetheart] T 131.0.1 Princess has unrestricted choice of husband
BvHCra-1845:
Assundîn can not keep his secret anymore – Acheloyde has indeed made a good choice; he takes the crown off his head and puts it on Crane’s. He says that he now returns the lands and people of his, Gayol’s father, to Gayol. He received Ungerlant (Hungary) from Dassir and defended it against the heathens who assaulted the country under king Pandochîn whom Assundîn himself killed in a joust; this caused his army to flee. Then the country was assaulted by a Bohemian king. Assundîn also succeeded in driving him back (idea: warfare in the honor of ladies). He finally crowns also Acheloyde with the Hungarian crown. The emperor is satisfied. Assundîn also reveals the real circumstances of the tournament: He and Gayol changed their garments (and coat-of-arms), it was indeed the younger man who was victorious and won Acheloyde’s hand.
Motif References:
P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings P 16 End of king’s reign P 29 Queens - miscellaneous W 34 Loyalty H 194 (Bm) Recognition only through direct revelation of identity P 361 Faithful servant [vassal] P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit
BvHCra-1967:
The emperor announces wedding and feast to take place instantly. Maidens start dancing, Assundîn brings together Gayol and remarkably beautiful Acheloyde (1990). The emperor asks Assundîn for advice about the seating plan for the evening meal: Assundîn tells him to place each noble together with his lady (2003).
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast P 634 Feasts
BvHCra-2033:
The emperor joins Gayol’s and Acheloyde’s hands in marriage; they seal their marriage with a kiss.
Motif References:
T 135 Wedding ceremony
BvHCra-2042:
The guests take their seats: Each prince eats with his princess, each nobleman with his noble lady, each knight with his maid. Assundîn also named the cupbearers and stewards to serve the guests.
Motif References:
BvHCra-2067:
The feast is interrupted by a 12-year-old page and his sister [Sêkurîe], who need the emperor’s help: They ask for a knight who could fight in judicial combat for them against their brother-in-law (the husband of their sister Plansofeide), Acurteis. As their father once split the inheritance for his children, Acurteis now wants to lay his hands on their country [Steier]. The emperor grants help after the feast has ended.
Motif References:
P 527 (Li) Problems of inheritance (legacy) N 770.0.1 Feast as occasion for the beginning of adventures or the arrival of questers H 1381.8 (Bm) Quest for champion [helper] K 2211.1 Treacherous brother-in-law
BvHCra-2119:
Assundîn helps the maid dismount from her horse; she is so beautiful that everyone believes her to be of great virtue as well.
Motif References:
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
BvHCra-2134:
Bertolt von Holle names himself and attacks those who criticized his “Dêmantîn”.
Motif References:
BvHCra-2160:
Acheloyde and Gayol are conducted to their bridal bed by her ladies. The following morning, mounted games take place (2188).
Motif References:
T 137.2 Bride and bridegroom conducted to bridal bed
BvHCra-2199:
Acheloyde and her ladies enter. She is dressed in precious garments embroidered with lions by young ladies; her headdress depicts the Hungarian crown.
Motif References:
F 820 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments
BvHCra-2227:
Gayol is dressed in a garment trimmed with ermine, decorated with a precious clasp. On his head, he wears his crown. He is remarkably handsome. Assundîn proudly announces that he is his marshal; the emperor presents him as his son-in-law and says that Gayol is meant to reign together with him in equal parts. The nobles sit down for the meal. Achûte is praised. Nobles generously give presents, especially Agorlôt and Agorlîn.
Motif References:
P 17 Succession to the throne F 575.2 Handsome man F 820 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments
BvHCra-2300:
The young lady [Sêkurîe] comes again to court. This time she asks Gayol for help. He promises support despite the emperor’s objections. He entrusts Acheloyde and his lands to Assundîn during his absence. In case he dies, Assundîn shall be in Acheloyde’s service. Also Acheloyde asks him to stay, then, as she sees that he is adamant, she dresses and arms him. He takes leave from Agorlôt and Agorlîn.
Motif References:
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent] N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
BvHCra-2404:
Gayol mounts his horse without using the stirrups and takes leave from his wife. She imposes a term for his return on him: if he does not come back within half a year, she will consider him as dead. He departs, only accompanied by the page and the girl.
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery Z 72.0.1 (Bm) Year time limit on quest
BvHCra-2431:
The guests take leave. Assundîn wishes to return to Hungary with Acheloyde. The emperor wants her to be equipped properly to give a good impression. He intends to give her many pack-horses and little camels (to transport the goods) and 100,000 marks. Assundîn objects – she would not stay for the wealth he offers. Assundîn affirms again that he has to stay with Acheloyde, as he has to reign during Gayol’s absence. The emperor provides a suite of 50 ladies for his daughter. They travel to Hungary. Agorlîn and Agorlôt accompany them.
Motif References:
BvHCra-2505:
Assundîn informs the Hungarian nobles that Gayol is now their king and introduces Acheloyde as their queen. She is accepted and welcomed. They pitch their tents and are treated with food and drink.
Motif References:
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
BvHCra-2577:
In the evening, a knight arrives. He has been overcome by a very young (beardless) knight called Crane in a joust (first unhorsed, then defeated when fighting with the sword), who sent him as captive to the Hungarian queen Acheloyde. Assundîn releases him.
Motif References:
R 9.10 (Bm) Release from captivity P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
BvHCra-2622:
Valke/Agorlîn takes leave in order to find Crane. He vows to return in case his help is needed. Stare/Agorlôt decides to go back to his homeland, Bavaria, and grants support to Valke. Assundîn swears to defend Agorlîn and Agorlôt in Gayol’s name. Assundîn and Acheloyde proceed to Hungary, where the old queen, Assundîn’s wife, has prepared a festive welcome for them.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
BvHCra-2692:
In the meantime, Crane jousts with a heathen (dressed in precious garments and fighting in the service of his lady, a queen). He has a golden arm as coat-of-arms. Their combat is very furious: lances splinter, Crane’s horse dies. He continues fighting ferociously with Pandachîn’s sword that he once got from Assundîn. His opponent exclaims the name of his lady, Bônafeide. When Crane’s shield is destroyed, he exclaims Acheloyde’s name and thus gains strength. The heathen knight surrenders and gives himself captive. Crane is the first one to defeat him. He is Harturam, Pandachîn’s brother.
Motif References:
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady R 75 Surrendering P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms P 550.2 (Li) Single combat P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat] F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
BvHCra-2811:
Crane releases him, takes only his horse and shield, as he needs those to proceed on his quest (help the two children against their brother-in-law). Harturam wants to keep his horse, as he has to return to his homeland. Crane refuses; he offers instead to give a horse he wins in single combat to Harturam and tells him to take the page’s horse in the meantime, who now has to share a horse with his sister. Soon, Crane wins a horse from a marsen man and passes it on to Harturam, who then travels to his country.
Motif References:
W 11.5 Generosity toward enemy P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
BvHCra-2880:
The two children tell Crane about their descent and the location of their lands. The father was a margrave, a courageous fighter, and bequeathed them a heritage.
Motif References:
BvHCra-2920:
They take lodgings for the night in a cabin in the woods.
Motif References:
BvHCra-2927:
They come across the splinters of a lance and a dead horse, then a wounded knight. Crane learns from him that his opponent has been very strong and rather young bearing a shield the upper half white (ermine) and the lower half red (fur from throat, kele).
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
BvHCra-3002:
Crane is eager to fight with this knight and pursues him despite the warnings. The children follow in a distance. By the evening, Crane meets the strange knight. They engage in furious combat: lances and swords splinter. When Crane is in distress, he thinks of Acheloyde and brings his opponent down. That one refuses to surrender, as he wants to fight on under equal conditions (both only with their swords). When Crane exclaims the name of his lady, Acheloyde, his opponent reveals to be Valke from Osterland and tells him that he has left in search for him after the knight defeated by Crane had arrived at court. He says that he did not recognize Crane, as he has changed shields. Crane explains that he has won the shield from a heathen he defeated in single combat. When he came across the wounded knight, he sought for his adversary and thus met Valke.
Motif References:
H 19 Recognition through common knowledge - miscellaneous H 151.10 Combat of unknown brothers [relatives, unrecognized friends] brings about recognition W 212 Eagerness for combat P 314 Combat of disguised [unrecognized] friends. [Unwitting attack on friend] P 550.2 (Li) Single combat N 767.1 (Bm) Unwitting combat between friends. [Unwitting attack on friend] F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
BvHCra-3145:
By then, the children have caught up with the two knights. Valke promises to support them. On their way, they meet a page who carries so many lances that he can hardly hold them. They inquire if there is a tournament going to take place, and the page affirms this, but tries to dissuade them from participating, as they seem too young and would certainly be defeated (they better carry the sparrow-hawk together with the ladies).
Motif References:
N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper
BvHCra-3209:
At their investigations, the page informs them that Carifegîs (who has three champions [lacuna]), the lord of the country, has had the custom of arranging an adventure by the end of summer over the past 20 years: A pillar containing three precious birdcages (made of gold and jewels) with parakeets has been erected. Whoever touches one of the birds has to fight with its owner. The one who is defeated becomes Carifegîs’ captive. In case the stranger is victorious, he may demand of Carifegîs’ lady to bring the parakeet and the cage to his own lady. The captive knights may be freed by their ladies (have to kiss the host).
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three R 74 Defeated warriors [adversaries] go into [are forced to join] the conqueror’s service R 99 (Bm) Ransom P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory) P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud] C 650.1 Customs connected with unique compulsion [”costume”] F 774 Extraordinary pillars F 899 Other extraordinary objects
BvHCra-3280:
Valke praises their luck: In case Crane is defeated, Acheloyde will certainly redeem him, in case he is victorious, he will send one of the birds to her. In case he, Valke himself, is vanquished, he will have to stay as a captive. The girl [Sêkurîe] promises to kiss the lord to redeem Valke. So, Valke enters her service.
Motif References:
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
BvHCra-3333:
Agorlîn/Valke is the first to touch one of the birdcages. He is victorious in furious single combat (lances splinter, helmets emit sparks) with one of Carifegîs’s knights: his opponent surrenders. Valke decides that Carifegîs’s lady shall give the bird to the girl [Sêkurîe]. The lady tearfully regrets her knight’s defeat. Crane is the second to touch one of the parakeets. He wounds the knight who surrenders. Carifegîs mourns for the knight who will probably die; his lady is now without a protector. Crane again touches the pillar, challenging Carifegîs himself to combat. (He also gets a lance from his host.) Furious fight: lances break, Carifegîs’s horse dies. Carifegîs exclaims the name of his lady, “Dôdermunt”, Crane shouts “Acheloyde”. Finally, Carifegîs surrenders (holds out his hand and grants surety) (3561).
Motif References:
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens P 550.2 (Li) Single combat P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat] F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
BvHCra-3574:
Acheloyde is meant to be the receiver of the parakeet. Carifegîs tells Crane that he and Valke were the first to overcome his knights and win a parakeet in 20 years.
Motif References:
F 639 Extraordinary powers - miscellaneous
BvHCra-3599:
The guests are treated with great hospitality. The following day, Crane, Valke and the two children take up their journey again. Carifegîs’s lady travels to Hungary (only a three-day’ journey from there). She is accompanied only by a maid. They meet Acheloyde and Assundîn on a meadow at a fountain (being on a hunt). The lady dismounts from her horse and hands the parakeet, won by Crane in combat, over to Acheloyde, lamenting her knight’s defeat. She praises Crane’s and Valke’s courage (they can make the ladies sad) and announces Crane’s imminent arrival. Acheloyde and Assundîn are very glad about these good tidings.
Motif References:
T 59 (Bm) Love tokens P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
BvHCra-3738:
Meanwhile, Crane and Valke are eager to fight the Schoufer, Acurteis. Valke asks Crane for the favor to fight the aggressor, but Crane refuses. They finally arrive in Stîre. At a brook, they come across a knight whom Valke instantly overcomes. He is one of the Schoufer’s knights and warns them against fighting with his very strong lord. He wants to lay his hands on the two children’s heritage on his wife’s request. Crane asks the knight to escort them to his lord.
Motif References:
P 527 (Li) Problems of inheritance (legacy) K 2211.1 Treacherous brother-in-law
BvHCra-3842:
Meanwhile, rumors of the approach of the two courageous knights have reached Acurteis. He summons his nobles and their ladies. Sêkurîe is greeted by the ladies. Acurteis comes to meet the strangers. As his opponents are so young, he wants to fight them both at once, but Valke and Crane refuse. Acurteis gets dressed (precious garment embroidered by his wife Plansofeide) and armed by the ladies.
Motif References:
BvHCra-3909:
Single combat between Acurteis and Crane. Crane cuts through his armor and instantly kills him. Plansofeide blames her sister for her husband’s death, Sêkurîe defends herself: if Plansofeide had not been so keen on her heritage, Acurteis would still be alive. Acurteis is buried in Schoufe.
Motif References:
H 218 Trial by combat
BvHCra-3949:
Valke announces to the nobles that he wants to woo Sêkurîe. She accepts him and asks him on her counselors’ advice to be her guardian in Stîre (half of it belongs to her, the other half to her brother), but he takes her with him to Austria and gives Stîre to her brother. The nobles swear loyalty to him.
Motif References:
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
BvHCra-3999:
Valke, Crane and Sêkurîe depart for Austria. There, they meet a nobleman on hunt (carries his hawk on his arm) who greets Agorlîn by his name. He turns out to belong to the entourage of Agorlîn’s father and escorts them to his camp (music (harps), singing, tales of hunt and love (4062)). They are received joyfully, get dressed in new garments. Agorlîn presents Sêkurîe as his future wife to his parents.
Motif References:
BvHCra-4144:
Crane departs. He refuses any escort, as he is eager for adventure. On his way, he jousts with a knight and unhorses him. The knight informs him that he has already reached Hungary and offers to accompany him, as he has been expected eagerly since the lady with the parakeet announced his arrival. He is met by Assundîn, then by Acheloyde and the old queen and the ladies. Gayol is disarmed and dressed in precious garments. Feast takes place. Knights act as cupbearers and stewards.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
BvHCra-4282:
Knight Satrî of Angorant asks Gayol for a fief: not a country, but a lady. He desires to fight with a knight of his choice. In case he is victorious, he wants to marry the most beautiful lady at court (family tradition: this is how his father wooed his mother).
Motif References:
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals] T 68.7 (Bm) Princess [maiden] as prize in tournament [single combat] T 69 Wooing - miscellaneous motifs
BvHCra-4328:
Furious single combat between the burgrave of Angersper and Satrî of Angorant: lances splinter, the horse of the burgrave is killed. As they would now fight under unequal conditions, Satrî offers to fight on foot as well. Swords and helmets emit fire sparks, their shields are destroyed. When Satrî loses his shield, he takes his sword with both hands and overcomes his opponent who surrenders (grants surety).
Motif References:
R 75 Surrendering P 550.2 (Li) Single combat F 1084 Furious battle [fight] H 1561.2 Single combat to prove valor
BvHCra-4413:
Satrî chooses Achûte. Assundîn entrusts her to him (without asking her for consent): Achûte disarms him; a chamberlain brings him a garment.
Motif References:
BvHCra-4446:
Satrî and Achûte are joined in marriage. The ladies conduct the bride to her bed.
Motif References:
T 137.2 Bride and bridegroom conducted to bridal bed T 160 Consummation of marriage
BvHCra-4480:
The morning after the wedding night, the knights have mounted games, and the queen and her ladies visit Achûte, whom they adorn with a head-dress (gebende) and a zippeil. She gets precious garments as well. Achûte is very beautiful (but not as beautiful as Acheloyde herself). Courtly entertainments: music, singing, jumps.
Motif References:
BvHCra-4546:
In an official ceremony, Satrî announces that Achûte is to be mistress over half of his kingdom. Assundîn promises 100,000 marks to him. Oaths of loyalty are sworn to the king, Gayol, and to Satrî.
Motif References:
BvHCra-4584:
When a maid brings Acheloyde’s parakeet, the queen takes the occasion to praise Gayol, who served her so well, but states that it is unseemly for a knight to serve only one lady. He has to pay his honor to all ladies.
Motif References:
BvHCra-4642:
The feast takes its end: Remarkable generosity of Crane and Assundîn towards the poor, the guests, and the retainers.
Motif References:
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
BvHCra-4675:
On Assundîn’s command, the Hungarian nobles swear oaths of allegiance to their legal king and are enfeoffed with castles and land. They take leave except for those who belong to the king’s council.
Motif References:
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals] M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
BvHCra-4718:
Also Satrî and Achûte depart. Acheloyde mourns the loss of her friend. Achûte is richly equipped (pack-horses and little camels transport the gifts; Assundîn gives her also 100,000 marks).
Motif References:
BvHCra-4786:
Assundîn delivers to Gayol a town where he has gathered a secret treasury (tower full of gold) for times of need. The town swears loyalty to Gayol. Crane rules further on as a good and just king.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
BvHCra-4869:
Epilogue: Bertold von Holle names himself and praises faithfulness (Assundîn as shining example).
Motif References:
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