Hans von Bühel, Die Königstochter von Frankreich (1400)
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Miscellaneous Romances
Hans von Bühel, Die Königstochter von Frankreich (1400)
Merzdorf, J.F.L.Th. (ed.): Des Bühelers Königstochter von Frankreich mit Erzählungen ähnlichen Inhalts verglichen. Oldenburg 1867.
HvBKF-1:
The powerful king of France has a remarkably beautiful wife who is admired all over the country and a daughter who looks very similar to her mother. The king loves both very much. One day the queen is taken ill with a disease which leads to death. Before she dies, she asks forgiveness of her husband and recommends their daughter to his care. After that she dies. Her husband tears his hair and beats himself out of grief and the daughter almost dies because of pain. The king grieves over her death for two years.
Motif References:
P 29 Queens - miscellaneous
T 211.9 Excessive grief at husband’s or wife’s death
P 232 Mother and daughter
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief
HvBKF-65:
One day the king leaves Paris to spend some time in a port-town by the sea, wanting to forget his grief there. He takes his daughter and the servants with him. The country’s magnates assemble at his court and, as crown counselors, advise him to remarry because he has no heir to succeed to the throne. He should send messengers to several countries in search for the most beautiful maiden.
Motif References:
P 13.4 King must marry
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counselors of court [King’s council]
P 18 Marriage of kings
T 64 King seeks bride only because counselors insist
HvBKF-131:
The king answers that he would marry only a woman of same nobility and beauty as his late wife. Two or three messengers each should leave for different countries and bring portraits of suitable noblewomen. Messengers roam through several Christian realms and paint princesses. After about half a year, they return and bring the portraits which show beautiful wealthy women of noble birth who look partly similar to the king’s deceased wife.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
HvBKF-181:
The king says that the maiden who pleases him most is his own daughter. He intends to marry her because she resembles his late wife. His counselors try to dissuade the king from committing such a grievous sin, but are forced on pain of death to comply with his wish.
Motif References:
T 411.1 (Lecherous) [Unnatural] father [wants to marry his daughter]
M 500 (Bm) Threats
HvBKF-257:
As the princess hears about her father’s sinful wish, she falls on her knees and prays amid tears that Christ may prevent this marriage. Then she decides to save her honor by escaping in a little boat, preferring to drown in the sea rather than lose salvation and her honor. Secretly she carries food supplies for one year into the boat. One night she leaves with the vessel, taking with her a chest filled with materials for silk-embroidery.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
P 60 Noble (gentle) ladies
R 219.6 (Bm) Escape by sea
R 224 Girl flees to escape incestuous brother [father]
J 227.2 Death preferred to dishonor
T 311.1 Flight of maiden (bridegroom) to escape marriage
HvBKF-315:
The princess shoves the boat from the shore and the wind carries it away. She kneels down and begs God to protect her honor, praying also for her father. Storms toss the little boat. The princess sometimes faints but when she recovers consciousness she praises the Virgin Mary and Jesus and begs them to provide good wind for her and to protect her honor. After more than one year, the food is exhausted and she fears that she will starve.
Motif References:
W 45 Honor
V 50 Prayer
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
V 440 Other religious virtues
N 781 Hero [heroine] embarks in rudderless boat
HvBKF-351:
Finally God answers her prayers and sends a strong wind which drives the vessel to the English coast. Near the coast lies Lunden (London), the capital town of England. The princess binds her boat fast and hopes to find people nearby. To provide her living, she is willing to do menial work like hoeing weeds.
Motif References:
V 59 Prayers answered - miscellaneous
R 122 Miraculous rescue
V 201 God
N 817.0.1 God as helper
J 910 Humility of the great
HvBKF-373:
In the distance she notices a trail of smoke on a mountain. She ascends the mountain and finds a little house. She begs the peasant for some food and asks if she could stay there. She offers to make silk embroidery, tend the cattle and do everything she is ordered. She does not want any other wage than remaining with there in secrecy. The peasants accept her service but suspect that she is not used to hard life; the princess however pretends to be the daughter of a poor man.
Motif References:
H 41 Recognition of royalty [nobility] by personal characteristics or traits
P 411 Peasant
N 854 Peasant as helper
K 1812.8 Incognito queen (princess)
K 1816 Disguise as menial
HvBKF-475:
Meanwhile the king bewails the loss of his daughter and rues his sinful wish to marry her. He assumes that she has either drowned or hanged herself.
Motif References:
HvBKF-528:
The princess lives in England, herds the peasant’s cattle, works silk embroidery and little pouches made of silk, silver and gold. The peasant woman takes the pouches to the royal capital London and sells them in front of the Minster. Half of the profit she spends for the princess’s living, the other half for silk and other material.
Motif References:
L 113.2 Menial heroine
HvBKF-560:
One day a rich and noble lady attends the mass at the Minster. She is the wife of the king’s marshal, a powerful and virtuous knight. She catches sight of the delicately worked pouches and buys three of them.
Motif References:
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
HvBKF-594:
The marshal asks his wife where she has got the pouches from and begs her to buy all the peasant woman sells because he wants to give them as presents to some relatives. The following Sunday the marshal’s wife sends for the tradeswoman, who brings the princess’s handiworks with her.
Motif References:
F 829 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments - miscellaneous
HvBKF-629:
The marshal asks the peasant woman about the artisan who has made the products, guessing that she herself would not be capable of making such artifacts. After some hesitation, she tells the story of her servant: her extraordinary beauty, the arrival in a boat, her daily prayers before going to bed.
Motif References:
V 440 Other religious virtues
F 575.1 Remarkably beautiful woman
HvBKF-703:
The marshal secretly goes with the peasant woman. The princess wants to hide herself but the marshal reveals his good intentions. He considers her to be of noble descent because of her appearance but she pretends again to be the daughter of a poor man.
Motif References:
H 41 Recognition of royalty [nobility] by personal characteristics or traits
HvBKF-747:
The marshal offers the princess to become the maid of his wife who would treat her like her own child. The princess replies that she does not know how to serve noble ladies. Only when she realizes the marshal’s perseverance, she consents on the condition that he is to protect her honor. The marshal promises riches to the peasants and asks them to bring the maiden to his house. The lady of the house welcomes them, leads the princess to her room and affirms that she will treat her like a daughter.
Motif References:
N 835 Wealthy (powerful) man as helper
HvBKF-802:
The princess falls on her knees and implores the nobles to protect her from any disgrace. They assure her of their protection and the marshal allots the main duty to her: producing pouches. He gives riches to the peasants.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
HvBKF-836:
The king of England resides in London and the marshal is one of his closest confidants. Whenever the young king needs counsel, he comes to the marshal’s house to confer with him. One day, they hold council there and afterwards the king wishes to see the marshal’s wife.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
HvBKF-866:
He catches sight of her beautiful maid and she pleases him very much. He asks about her descent but the lady only knows that she claims to be of low birth though she is intelligent and virtuous. The king offers her to become his mistress but she falls on her knees and declines. The king takes his leave. Night and day he thinks about the girl.
Motif References:
P 14 Particular practices of kings
T 15 Love at first sight
T 91.6.2 King (prince) in love with a lowly girl
HvBKF-913:
The king often visits the marshal’s house to see the maid. He does not find rest during the night. The princess has already told the marshal and his wife about the king’s proposal and begged them to protect her honor if the king should ask them to intercede for him. The marshal and his wife try to dissuade the king from making the girl his mistress. The king goes to meet the girl who declines his renewed offer.
Motif References:
T 24 The symptoms of love
T 69 Wooing - miscellaneous motifs
HvBKF-1034:
The king now proposes marriage to the maid who falls on her knees, begging him to refrain from his wish. The king begs the marshal to help him and the marshal sends for the maid. She states again that the country would lose credit if the king married a lowly woman and that she would have to fear for her life since many people would oppose the marriage. The king insists though and promises to protect her. The maiden assigns the decision to the marshal and his wife. As the king threatens to kill them, she gives in.
Motif References:
T 121 Unequal marriage
L 162 Lowly heroine marries prince (king, [count])
M 500 (Bm) Threats
HvBKF-1183:
The king entrusts the marshal with the organization of the wedding feast which takes place six weeks later. Many wonder about the bride’s descent but are pleased with her beautiful appearance and courtly behavior. The maiden becomes the honored and beloved queen of England. After some time she conceives a child.
Motif References:
T 136.1 Wedding feast
HvBKF-1251:
One day, an envoy arrives and delivers letters from the kings of Ireland and Scotland, who challenge the king of England to battle. The king orders to treat the enemies’ messenger well. He summons his counselors and shows the letters to them. Another messenger appears and reports the enemy’s approach. The king hesitates to leave court because of his wife’s pregnancy but the counselors urge him to join the military expedition and leave a faithful minister behind to guard his wife.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 210 Husband and wife
P 550.1.3 (Tu) Declaration of war
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
HvBKF-1321:
The king entrusts his wife to the marshal and assembles his army. The king exhorts the marshal and his wife to serve the queen during his absence and demands from them to vow to send a messenger when the queen is delivered of the child. Painful parting of king and queen, who has a presentiment of coming evil and urges her husband to return soon. The king cries and once again entrusts his wife to the marshal.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 361 Faithful servant [vassal]
P 551 Army
D 1812.4 Future revealed by presentiment: “knowledge within”
HvBKF-1445:
The marshal and his wife endeavor to entertain the queen but she yearns for her husband. Messengers inform the king that the Scots have invaded, pillaged and scorched his country.
Motif References:
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
HvBKF-1506:
Scottish scouts warn their king of the approaching army and urge him to let the troops withdraw to the ships. The Scots flee but some of them are caught, taken prisoner or killed, others escape. The king of England takes ships and invades Ireland and Scotland, scorching enemy land and capturing castles. Afterwards he returns to England.
Motif References:
R 220 Flights
HvBKF-1557:
Meanwhile the queen has given birth to a boy and the marshal writes the king a letter with the tidings of his son’s birth, the health of his wife and the joy of his people. He also notes down the amount of obligatory reward for the messenger (botenbrot). The envoy is dispatched with the letter. On his way, he passes the castle where the king’s mother is living (she has received her marriage-portion, êstiure, and an allod near London from her son). She welcomes him and asks him about happenings in London. He tells her that her son’s wife has given birth to a boy.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
HvBKF-1627:
As she is apprised of the news, the old queen gets angry because she is opposed to her son’s seemingly dishonorable marriage. She curses her son, daughter-in-law and their child and wishes to see it hanging from the gallows. The messenger is startled at her behavior. The queen goes to her chamber and orders her steward to serve the messenger with good wine and everything he needs.
Motif References:
P 262.1 Bad relations between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law
M 411 Deliverer of curse
HvBKF-1681:
At night the steward leads the messenger, who is tired because of the wine, to his bedchamber. This has been the queen’s plan and she goes secretly to his chamber, takes the letter out of his pouch and exchanges it with a letter she has written herself. The counterfeited letter says that the king’s wife has given birth to a monstrous creature, half human, half beast, which brings shame upon England. The marshal would wait for the king’s order what to do with the woman and the beast.
Motif References:
K 332 Theft by making owner drunk
K 1851 Substituted letter
K 2115.4 (Bm) Woman falsely accused of giving birth to monster
K 2117 Calumniated wife: substituted letter (falsified message)
K 2218.1 Treacherous mother-in-law (accuses innocent wife)
K 2390 (Bm) Messenger made drunk that letter may be substituted
HvBKF-1735:
The following morning, the steward tells the messenger that the queen wishes to see him on his way back in order to hear news from her son. The messenger eats breakfast and leaves. Some days later, he delivers the letter to the king. After having read the letter supposedly written by his marshal, the king laments, beating himself and tearing his hair, and wishes to be dead.
Motif References:
HvBKF-1795:
He shows the letter to his steward who comforts his lord. The steward secretly asks the messenger about the condition of the queen and infant. He learns that she has given birth to a healthy son and tells this to the king who gives yet higher credit to his marshal.
Motif References:
P 50.2 Marshall [Court officials: marshall, steward, etc.]
HvBKF-1885:
The king writes a letter to the marshal, begging him to comfort his wife in her misfortune and to take care of the deformed child since it has been given to him by God. The envoy departs for London and is lodged on his way by the king’s mother. She asks about her son’s condition and the messenger reports the king’s hidden grief.
Motif References:
T 210.2 Faithful husband
HvBKF-1959:
The queen-mother reckons that she has to enforce her plan. The messenger is made drunk once more and the queen exchanges the letters. The forged letter says that the king orders his marshal on pain of death to execute the queen and her child, since he has learnt about his wife’s vulgar descent and that she had seduced him with witchcraft. The envoy returns to London and tells the marshal that king bears a hidden grief.
Motif References:
S 51.1 Cruel mother-in-law plans death of daughter-in-law
K 332 Theft by making owner drunk
M 500 (Bm) Threats
K 1851 Substituted letter
K 2117.1 Husband’s letter ordering the calumniated wife to be treated well is altered into an order of execution
K 2123 Innocent woman accused of using witchcraft
K 2390 (Bm) Messenger made drunk that letter may be substituted
HvBKF-2025:
Having read the letter, the marshal beats himself in great dismay and tears his hair, considering the murder of the innocent queen a grievous sin. He thinks about rather hanging himself than committing the murder. Seeing her husband’s grief, the marshal’s wife swoons and, after she has recovered consciousness, questions him about the reason for his pain. After reading the letter herself, she faints again. The marshal opens her mouth with a knife and gives her a refreshment. After one hour she recovers. Both wish to be dead.
Motif References:
W 34 Loyalty
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
HvBKF-2081:
The marshal decides to confer with the country’s lords. They assemble in the marshal’s house and are notified that all would be killed if they did not comply with the king’s order to execute the queen. The lords are dismayed at this absurd command. The marshal’s wife beseeches them to save the queen and her child. One counselor objects though that the king then would carry out his threat. The lords agree reluctantly that the queen and her child have to be killed. All shed tears.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
HvBKF-2148:
The queen comes to welcome the lords. She notices their sorrow and asks about the reason. The marshal’s wife wants to answer but swoons again from grief. The queen turns to the marshal with her question. The marshal and the lords agree to inform the queen so that she might be able to confess and receive the Holy Communion before the execution.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
HvBKF-2262:
A knight hands the letter over to the queen. Because of her terror she is not able to read and passes it to the marshal’s scribe. She swoons as she hears the letter’s content. After she has recovered she protests her innocence, being more concerned about her honor than her death. She pleads only for her child. A knight replies that the king’s order has to be executed this very day and advises the queen to confess and give alms. The lords would leave before the execution.
Motif References:
W 32 Bravery
HvBKF-2391:
The queen begs them to have masses said after her death. The marshal tells the lords that his wife is going to die out of grief if the queen and her son are executed.
Motif References:
F 1041.1.3 Death from sorrow or chagrin
HvBKF-2442:
God helps the queen by inspiring a plan in the marshal. Secretly he goes to meet the queen and reveals his intent: he wants to cremate the bodies of a big and a small calf at night. Everybody would regard the bones and ashes as the queen’s and her child’s. After midnight he would fetch queen, who is disguised as a servant, and take the child under his coat. He would lead them to the boat in which she once arrived in England and provide as much food supplies as possible. The queen should then leave England in secrecy; otherwise he and the lords would be killed.
Motif References:
R 117 Rescue from being burned
R 169.7 Royal minister rescues (abandoned) queen(s)
V 201 God
K 512 Compassionate executioner
K 521.4.1.1 Girl [woman] escapes in male disguise
K 521.4.3 Escape in humble disguise
N 817.0.1 God as helper
N 835 Wealthy (powerful) man as helper
K 1816 Disguise as menial
K 1837 Disguise of woman in man’s clothes
K 1840 Deception by substitution
HvBKF-2495:
The queen thanks the marshal and visits his wife who is about to die from grief. At night he takes the calves’ bodies, hides them under brushwood and pretends that the queen and her child were sitting beneath, their mouths bound. The marshal peals the bell and proclaims the king’s execution order. People start to weep. The marshal orders the executioner to ignite the pile. The bones would be buried the next day.
Motif References:
F 1041.1.3 Death from sorrow or chagrin
HvBKF-2558:
The marshal returns to the queen and his wife and exhorts the queen to hold herself ready for leaving one hour after midnight. The queen says farewell to the marshal’s wife. The marshal gives her a man’s clothes and a crossbow and hides the child under his coat.
Motif References:
R 215 Escape from execution
HvBKF-2645:
It does not take long till they reach the boat. The marshal asks the queen to wait in the forest while he is buying food for the journey. After this errand, he comes back and embraces the queen, entrusting her to God’s protection. She crosses herself and begs the marshal to arrange masses said for her. Finally, the wind carries the boat away. The queen kneels down in the boat and prays for God’s help.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
N 118.1 Ship’s course left to the winds that it might be carried where fate wills it
R 219.6 (Bm) Escape by sea
N 781 Hero [heroine] embarks in rudderless boat
HvBKF-2711:
His warfare done, the king of England returns home and sends a letter to announce his arrival to the marshal who assembles the country’s lords. Together they leave the castle to meet the king on his way. The king’s first question is about the queen. The marshal is in despair and tells him how he has obeyed the execution order. The king falls from his horse unconscious; later his hands have to be tied as he wants to commit suicide. His soldiers want to kill the marshal, but the king jumps on his horse, draws his sword and protects the marshal.
Motif References:
T 211.9.2 Man kills [attempts to kill] self in grief for wife
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
HvBKF-2826:
The king enters London. His people lament the queen’s death.
Motif References:
P 27 Grief at queen’s death
HvBKF-2859:
The marshal invites the king to his house. He summons the counselors in order to investigate the circumstances of the queen’s execution. The lords come to the marshal’s house. The marshal imparts the content of his own letter to them, mentioning that he has a transcript of it. The transcript and the king’s own letter are handed over to the king who in return shows the letter to them which he has believed to be sent by the marshal.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
K 2380 (Hi) Detection of treachery or deceit
HvBKF-2951:
The marshal reveals to the king that he has saved the queen from the execution. He tells him that the queen has never believed that her husband wants her death and that he has begged her to conceal her identity when she reaches land, since otherwise the lords could be killed.
Motif References:
R 169.7 Royal minister rescues (abandoned) queen(s)
K 1812.8 Incognito queen (princess)
HvBKF-3086:
A count advises the king to send for the messenger who has delivered the letters in order to find out where he has stayed overnight. The messenger comes and the count undertakes the investigation, finding out that the envoy has been at the castle of the king’s mother. The messenger gives an account of the happenings there.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
HvBKF-3177:
He recounts how the old queen has asked him about his errand and got angry as she heard about her daughter-in-law’s childbirth. She had cursed mother and child and accused the queen of being of low birth and using witchcraft to ensnare her husband. The queen had invited him to stay overnight and treated him with food (dishes filled with game and fish, afterwards sugar) and a large amount of strong wine. The messenger relates that she asked him to stop over on his return route. Then she had again served him with good wine and asked him about her son’s condition and his reaction to the letter. He informed her of the king’s grief, whom he had seen beating himself and tearing his hair.
Motif References:
P 262.1 Bad relations between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law
M 411 Deliverer of curse
HvBKF-3368:
After the marshal has dismissed the messenger, the counselors retire for deliberation into a separate chamber. One of them, an old knight, suspects the king’s mother of having committed the deceit but he proposes to wait for the king’s opinion and see first whether they agree or not. The counselors approve the old knight’s opinion unanimously. They tell the king that they want to wait for his decision. He also suspects his mother and decrees that his mother should be punished.
Motif References:
M 90 Judgments and decrees - miscellaneous motifs
J 829 Dealing with the great - miscellaneous
HvBKF-3510:
The king orders the marshal to write letters and send messengers to summon his vassals. They should bring big rifles (büxsen), mortars (böler) and catapults (blyden) with them. The marshal is supposed to besiege the old queen’s castle on Monday; the king would follow with his troops. The marshal suggests holding a free market to have enough food supplies for the army.
Motif References:
HvBKF-3554:
The king visits the ill marshal’s wife, who inquires after the queen. He is not able to give an answer because of his grief and the marshal leads him out of the chamber. The king now wants to kill his mother even if his wife and child are still alive.
Motif References:
Q 211.8 Punishment for desire to murder
Q 411.4 Death as punishment for treachery
F 1041.21.1 Illness from excessive grief
HvBKF-3584:
The king orders his marshal to send messengers who should exhort the people to search for his wife and son. He who finds them would be rewarded with the best county of England, servants and land. He orders a nunnery built in St. Elene’s honor (who found the Holy Cross) so that he might find his wife and son. If she has drowned, the nuns will pray for her soul. The marshal obeys the order and takes his leave.
Motif References:
Q 113.6 (Bm) Lands and duchy as reward
V 118 Monasteries [cloisters, abbeys, nunneries]
H 1385.3.1 Quest for vanished wife and son
HvBKF-3628:
The next Monday morning, he arrives at the old queen’s castle and sets up the king’s banner. Five days later, the king arrives with his army. The queen offers peace and wants to talk with her son. The king is advised to concede one hour of truce to her during which the rifles should be loaded. A herald proclaims peace with a loud voice.
Motif References:
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
P 558 (Bm) Truce
HvBKF-3661:
The king, standing at the castle-moat, parleys with his mother who looks down from a pinnacle. He accuses her of having put his wife and child to death and announces to kill her as soon as he enters the castle. The old queen is confident in the castle’s defenses. The truce is raised by sending a herald through the army.
Motif References:
P 231 Mother and son
HvBKF-3752:
None of her vassals is willing to support the old queen since they have been informed by the king about her treachery. The steward comforts her by telling that the castle holds enough food for three years. As the siege lasts two years and the people inside the castle suffer from hunger and some starve the queen is compelled to surrender and begs for an hour of truce. Advised by his counselors, the king consents. The old queen comes to a pinnacle, her son to the moat.
Motif References:
R 75 Surrendering
P 558 (Bm) Truce
HvBKF-3857:
The queen begs for mercy for herself and her subjects. Her son remains pitiless, telling her that he has taken a vow to put her to death. He would raise the siege and spare the inhabitants of the castle if she gave an account of the course of events leading to his wife’s death. He forces her to make a confession instantly, and the queen recounts all the happenings.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of p.
HvBKF-3946:
The king takes his mother prisoner and spares the castle’s inhabitants. They only have to follow him to London to watch the queen’s execution. As the king approaches the town people come out and insult the old queen. He orders the marshal to call the vassals to attend the execution which will take place in two weeks’ time.
Motif References:
Q 211.8 Punishment for desire to murder
Q 411.4 Death as punishment for treachery
Q 414 Punishment: burning alive
HvBKF-4015:
The marshal’s wife falls on her knees and begs for mercy for the old queen. To murder his own mother would be such a grievous sin that the king’s soul would have to suffer in hell. The king remains pitiless.
Motif References:
HvBKF-4064:
The queen is confined in a tower and put in chains. Many people come to London to attend the execution. The marshal is ordered to make a trumpeter call the people together at the place where the queen is going to be executed.
Motif References:
R 41.2 Captivity in tower
HvBKF-4096:
The queen is led to the place of execution. The king makes a speech before the people, proclaiming his mother’s crime. A scribe is ordered to read the letters aloud which prove her treachery. The queen admits her guilt and asks the people to have masses said for her soul. The executioner ties her to a column and lays wood around her. The queen begs her son’s forgiveness and prays to Virgin Mary as the executioner lights the fire. The king turns away as his mother dies.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
HvBKF-4166:
The king asks his marshal whether the messengers sent out to seek for the queen had any success and starts to lament as he is told about the futility of the search. The marshal advises him not to show feminine behavior with lamenting and weeping but have a knightly and brave attitude. He should trust in God’s guidance.
Motif References:
HvBKF-4224:
The king suffers secretly and falls seriously ill. He stays in bed for two years and has to be carried around. After all God helps him recover his health and the king strives to perform good deeds: building churches and giving alms.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings
V 201 God
N 817.0.1 God as helper
F 1041.21.1 Illness from excessive grief
HvBKF-4252:
In the meantime, the boat with the queen and her child is cast upon a deserted shore after having floated on the open sea for ten days. The wood near the shore is full of griffins and dragons, but they flee the queen and her child because God protects them.
Motif References:
B 11.3 Habitat of dragon
B 42 Griffin
V 201 God
N 399.1.1 (Bm) Wind carries ship to hostile [unknown] island [land]
F 812 Extraordinary forest
N 817.0.1 God as helper
HvBKF-4305:
The queen and her child live on roots, leaves and herbs. They stay there for six years, not daring to cross the sea again. Both get ill from the food’s insufficiency. The queen prays to God that he might lead them across the sea to a place inhabited by people. They collect as much food as possible and stow it in the boat. The queen has her son pray for God’s help.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
F 560 Unusual manner of life
HvBKF-4392:
A strong wind finally drives the boat from the coast. The vessel drifts on the ocean for almost half a year before God sends a wind which carries the boat to a country whose capital town is Rome. Mother and child kneel down in the boat and give thanks to God.
Motif References:
V 59 Prayers answered - miscellaneous
R 122 Miraculous rescue
V 201 God
N 817.0.1 God as helper
HvBKF-4415:
They leave the boat and, compelled by hunger, wander through villages and beg for alms. The queen strives to come to Rome in order to confess to a priest there and receive the Holy Communion. In Rome they enter the Minster and the queen finds an old chaplain who hears their confession.
Motif References:
V 29 Confession - miscellaneous motifs
L 113 Hero (heroine) of unpromising occupation
V 440 Other religious virtues
K 1812.8 Incognito queen (princess)
HvBKF-4472:
In the town, they meet a wealthy Roman citizen who is more than 80 years old. He addresses the two strangers and offers the woman to enter his service. She is supposed to herd his cattle, heat two chambers in the morning, wash dishes and obey the head-servant. She is willing to accept his offer, provided that her son is allowed to stay with her. The citizen suggests giving her less wage in return. He takes them to his home, gives old garments to woman and boy.
Motif References:
L 113.2 Menial heroine
N 825.2 Old man helper
N 835 Wealthy (powerful) man as helper
J 910 Humility of the great
K 1816 Disguise as menial
HvBKF-4542:
The queen tends swine, cattle, geese and sheep. Her master decides to treat the boy like his natural son since he has no children of his own. The queen and her son use to pray every night before going to bed. Once the boy inquires after his father but the queen refuses to tell him anything. She continues with her prayer till midnight. The citizen’s wife watches her and reports to her husband what she has seen.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
P 231 Mother and son
V 440 Other religious virtues
HvBKF-4614:
The young boy is very pretty and the master holds him like a son. One day the citizen goes to the Minster and has the youth carry his sword behind him. People admire the boy’s appearance. The Pope who is attending the mass takes notice of the boy and sends a messenger to the citizen to invite him to come together with the boy who has carried the sword. The Pope inquires after the boy’s descent.
Motif References:
V 294 The Pope
F 575.3 Remarkably beautiful child
N 846 Cleric as helper
HvBKF-4679:
The Pope persuades the citizen to let the boy serve at the papal court, promising to give his new servant land as property. The boy leaves his mother in the citizen’s care. As he returns home without the boy, his mother is first dismayed but then comforted as she hears that the Pope takes care of her son. The boy is supposed to serve meal and be the Pope’s attendant. He asks if other attendants could teach him the rules of court. Within one year, the Pope places servants and 50 horses at the youth’s disposal. Once every day, the boy goes to meet his mother.
Motif References:
HvBKF-4804:
The queen advises her son in all courtly matters. One day, the Pope asks the youth to welcome a foreign prince by leaving the palace with an escort and riding towards the guest. The boy asks his mother how he should behave and is taught the rules of conduct.
Motif References:
P 231 Mother and son
HvBKF-4843:
Meanwhile, the king of France laments the loss of his daughter and is taken with great remorse. He wants to confess to the Pope in Rome. Also the king of England longs to find forgiveness for his sin (causing his mother’s death) and intends to go to Rome. He takes the marshal with him and learns during the journey that the king of France travels to Rome as well.
Motif References:
P 15 Adventures of kings
V 29 Confession - miscellaneous motifs
HvBKF-4924:
The Pope asks the boy to receive the king of France by riding towards him with an escort and inviting him in the Pope’s name to a meal on the next day. His mother teaches the boy to dismount from the horse as soon as he meets the king and to kneel down on one knee. He should not mount the horse until the king tells him to. The boy sets out accompanied by 2000 riders; flutes and trumpets are played. He behaves towards the king as his mother has told him. Finally the king allows him to mount again and ride by his side. He has already been informed about the arrival of the king of England.
Motif References:
HvBKF-5011:
The king asks some people whether the boy is the son of a powerful prince but nobody knows about his descent. The boy returns to the Pope and tells him t the king of England’s arrival in Rome. The Pope falls on his knees, giving thanks to God for being honored with the visit of such noble guests. The boy tells his mother that the king of England is arriving soon and asks for her advice.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
N 730 Accidental reunion of families
HvBKF-5069:
The mother advises her son to kneel down before the king on both knees, fold his hands like for prayer and not to get up until the king has told him three times to raise and mount horse.
Motif References:
HvBKF-5112:
The queen secretly prays to God, thanking him for the expected reunion with her husband and her father. She decides to keep silent and trust in God’s guidance.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
HvBKF-5141:
The Pope orders the boy to welcome and invite the king of England for a meal. With a big escort he leaves town and approaches the king. Flutes and trumpets are played. The boy acts as his mother has told him. The king gives him his hand and asks him to ride by his side. Many people and the king himself wonder about the boy’s identity but nobody is able to give an answer except for his mother who does not reveal anything. The king accepts the Pope’s invitation.
Motif References:
N 731 Unexpected meeting of father and son
HvBKF-5273:
The Pope asks the boy to take care of the meal, together with steward and marshal, and afterwards welcome the kings. The two kings meet each other and are welcomed by the Pope, who then prays, giving thanks to God for the honor to be visited by such noble guests.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
HvBKF-5335:
As the kings enter the hall, water is tendered to them. The Pope has them seated next to him. The boy serves at table. During the meal the king of France tells the Pope that he wants to confess to him in public. Thereupon, the people are ordered to keep silent and listen. The king sheds tears out of grief and confesses that he wanted to marry his own daughter. He blames himself for being responsible for her death. The Pope gives absolution to him, making the sign of the cross above his head.
Motif References:
V 29 Confession - miscellaneous motifs
T 411.1 (Lecherous) [Unnatural] father [wants to marry his daughter]
HvBKF-5478:
Also the king of England confesses in public and gives an account of the happenings concerning his wife and mother: how his mother exchanged the letters between him and the marshal and that the first forged letter slandered the queen of having given birth to half-human beast, the second instructed the marshal to execute the queen and her son. The marshal had saved them from execution, the queen had fled in a boat, and he himself had his mother burnt alive. The Pope gives him absolution.
Motif References:
R 169.7 Royal minister rescues (abandoned) queen(s)
R 219.6 (Bm) Escape by sea
P 231 Mother and son
Q 414 Punishment: burning alive
K 1851 Substituted letter
K 2115.4 (Bm) Woman falsely accused of giving birth to monster
K 2117 Calumniated wife: substituted letter (falsified message)
K 2117.1 Husband’s letter ordering the calumniated wife to be treated well is altered into an order of execution
HvBKF-5645:
The Pope arranges for courtly entertainment: string-music, trumpets and flutes. The kings and others admire the noble behavior and beauty of the Pope’s servant-boy, presuming that he must be of high birth. The Pope tells the kings that a rich citizen received mother and child in his house as they were begging for alms; the mother was a beautiful woman and took care of the burgher’s animals. She prayed very often.
Motif References:
H 41 Recognition of royalty [nobility] by personal characteristics or traits
N 835 Wealthy (powerful) man as helper
HvBKF-5779:
Not even the boy has been told by his mother who his father is. After the tables have been removed, the marshal advises the king to beg the Pope to call for the boy’s mother. Both kings kneel down before the Pope who bids them to rise to their feet. At the kings’ request, the Pope orders the boy to bring his mother. She is ashamed of her appearance and refuses to leave the house without the master’s approval.
Motif References:
P 231 Mother and son
HvBKF-5883:
The boy returns to the Pope who orders him to fetch both the citizen and his mother. If he did not bring the woman with him, both would be excommunicated. The boy reports this to his mother and her master who follow him back to the Pope’s palace. The queen rejoices at the prospect of seeing her husband and her father again.
Motif References:
M 500 (Bm) Threats
HvBKF-5997:
The marshal hurries to meet the woman before the others and recognizes the queen. He weeps out of joy and falls down at her feet. She draws him up and inquires after his wife’s health.
Motif References:
HvBKF-6041:
When the king of France recognizes his daughter he also falls down at her feet, weeping and seeking her pardon. The king of England runs towards his wife and both kneel down. The Pope asks them to rise to their feet again, and husband and wife embrace each other. The queen declares that she wants to confess to the Pope in public. The people in the hall are ordered to take seat and keep silent.
Motif References:
P 234 Father and daughter
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
N 732 Accidental meeting of father and daughter
N 741.3.1 Calumniated wife is forced to flee
HvBKF-6119:
The queen gives an account of what has happened since the time she fled from her father’s court. Out of pity, both kings and all other listeners cry during her confession. The Pope grants her absolution.
Motif References:
HvBKF-6225:
The Pope prays to God, giving thanks for the reunion of the family. He retires to take a rest. The queen sends for the marshal, her son and the citizen.
Motif References:
V 50 Prayer
HvBKF-6284:
The queen presents her son to his father. The boy falls on his knees and tells how his mother has milked cows and sheep, fed swine and chickens, heated the chamber and cleaned dishes. The burgher confirms the boy’s account and repents having had a queen in his service. The queen draws him up, thanking him for his help. Both kings reward him with 2000 shields each. Reluctantly the citizen accepts the gifts.
Motif References:
Q 114 Gifts as reward
J 910 Humility of the great
HvBKF-6397:
The king of France asks the marshal how his daughter came to marry the king of England and why she was to be executed. The marshal relates to him what has happened. All listeners weep out of pity. The Pope returns into the hall and also cries as he hears the queen’s story. The boy wishes to go to England with his father but the king of France invites his relatives to come with him for a visit at his court. They consent. Land and people which Pope has bestowed upon the boy will remain his property till the day of his death.
Motif References:
HvBKF-6555:
The king of France takes his leave from the Pope and promises to support him always with military aid. During the night clothes are sewn for the queen. The next morning guests start off for Paris. Having arrived there, the king of France invites many nobles to his court. The marshal has already sent a letter to his wife and informed her about the happenings.
Motif References:
M 166 Other vows about fighting
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
HvBKF-6657:
Tournament and feast take place in Paris. The king’s son excels over all others in beauty, courage and virtue. In the evening many guests from England, Denmark and Norway join the feast and dances. Before the dance, the queen gives a wreath to her son and admonishes him always to pray and trust in God. Finally, the feast comes to an end and the guests leave.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
HvBKF-6745:
The king and queen of England decide to return home and ask their host for his consent who only reluctantly agrees with their departure.
Motif References:
HvBKF-6828:
The guests depart the following morning. The king of France accompanies them up to Kalis (Calais) which is situated at the sea-shore and belonged to France in those days, whereas in the author’s time it is part of England. There the king has arranged court feast with a dance in honor of his daughter. Further he has procured ships. At night, the pleased nobles are entertained with dancing, the next morning the ship is equipped with food supplies for the journey. After the mass the queen says farewell to her father.
Motif References:
HvBKF-6886:
The king of England gives his and his attendants’ horses to the French companions and invites them to take part in the tournament at London in eight weeks’ time. The French nobles and the king give thanks to him, accepting his invitation. As the ships sail off, flutes and trumpets are played.
Motif References:
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
HvBKF-6967:
The royal couple is joyfully received in England. Being informed that the marshal’s wife is confined to bed because of her grief; the queen, her husband and son visit the sick woman who revives at the sight of her beloved queen.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.1 Illness from excessive grief
HvBKF-7037:
On the marshal’s advice the queen and her son show themselves to their subjects. Many people gather to see them. They kneel down and assure the king’s son of their loyalty. The king announces a tournament. Together they organize everything for this event. The marshal sends messengers with the invitation for the feast to all countries. Among the guests are the king of France, the king of Denmark, the Scots, and nobles from Sweden and Norway.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 634 Feasts
HvBKF-7140:
The queen, the king and their son ride out to welcome the king of France. The tournament is held. The king’s son fights so fiercely against the Scots that his mother has to admonish him to spare the guests. Knights from France and from Denmark fight against each other, the Irish and the English form two parties and those from Sweden and from Norway as well. As the combat gets disarrayed, the king of France advises his host to have the trumpeters give the signal to stop the fighting. The king gladly heeds this advice. An after-tournament takes place.
Motif References:
P 561 Tournaments
HvBKF-7203:
In the evening, a dance is arranged. The queen gives presents to the noble ladies, the king to knights and servants. The chancellor and his scribes go to the guests’ lodgings and pay their expenses. Finally, the guests take their leave.
Motif References:
HvBKF-7236:
The king of England accompanies the king of Denmark on his way home till he reaches his ships. The king of France stays another eight days in London since he does not want to part from his daughter. As he takes his leave he asks her to send her son from time to time to bring word from the court of London. He assures them of his military aid whenever they are in need of it.
Motif References:
M 166 Other vows about fighting
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
HvBKF-7311:
The king of France leaves and his hosts accompany him to the sea-shore where his ships ride at anchor. He exhorts his grandson’s knights to remain always loyal to their lord and distributes his horses among them. He takes his daughter by her chin and gives her a parting kiss. The king of England assures him of his military aid in case of need. Parting of father and daughter.
Motif References:
W 11.2 Munificent monarch
HvBKF-7392:
The king of France reaches Calais where he stays for some time. As horse-dealers (rosztüscher) hear that the king and his escort have no horses, they come with many animals. The king leaves Calais and, approaching Paris, he is welcomed by the inhabitants and priests who leave the town to meet him. The French princes welcome the king in his palace.
Motif References:
HvBKF-7426:
The king is very old and has only one daughter, who is the only heiress to the throne, though many of the king’s relatives bear the fleur-de-lis. As the king becomes fatally ill, he sends a message to his daughter and begs her to come. The queen, her husband and her son and many other people in England grieve for the French king. The king of England offers to accompany his wife to Paris.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
HvBKF-7505:
As the king of England reaches Calais, the citizens and knights wear black clothes. The town’s aldermen, clad in black garments as well, welcome the king. One knight informs the guests that the king of France has died and begs the queen to help the country and succeed her father. The king of England comforts the mourners, promising his and his wife’s help. The knights assure him of their loyalty. He declares that he and his wife will go to Paris where the French magnates should pay homage to the queen.
Motif References:
P 16 End of king’s reign
P 17 Succession to the throne
Z 143.1 Black as symbol of grief
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 681 Mourning customs
HvBKF-7581:
The queen laments her father’s death, beating herself and tearing her hair. The king comforts his wife and urges their departure. The inhabitants of Paris who welcome the royal couple outside of town all wear black clothes as sign of their grief.
Motif References:
HvBKF-7661:
As the queen notices the people’s grief, she weakens and is not able to speak. The king brings her to their lodging. For 14 days she is confined to bed. Meanwhile, the country’s magnates have gathered together in Paris and are called upon as soon as the queen regains strength.
Motif References:
F 1041.21.1 Illness from excessive grief
HvBKF-7700:
The crown counselors are received by the queen and fall on their knees before her. She asks them to rise and inquires after the circumstances of her father’s death. One of the lords tells her that the king has received the sacraments, was conscious all time and named his daughter as future queen. He declares that the princes are willing to do homage and to give people and land into the queen’s hand. As the queen faints again, the king leads her back to her bed and adjourns the conference with the lords.
Motif References:
HvBKF-7762:
After an hour, the queen has regained strength and the king leads her and counselors of England to meet the French counselors who advise the queen how to proceed: she should call for the guilds and receive members of each guild who are supposed to do homage and swear an oath of allegiance. The counselors would do the same. The queen should also visit the provincial castles, accompanied by the counselors, and afterwards take residence in Paris. Heeding their advice, the queen and her husband travel through the realm, taking possession of the castles.
Motif References:
P 29 Queens - miscellaneous
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 190 Other social orders - miscellaneous
HvBKF-7824:
In Paris, the queen enfeoffs her vassals. Soon afterwards, a messenger from England arrives in Paris. In his hurry he has ridden several horses to death. He reports that the king of Scotland and the king of Ireland have invaded England, pillaging and scorching the country. He hands a letter to the king. His marshal advises him to summon his French vassals and unite them with the English army. The king assembles his army.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 551 Army
HvBKF-7873:
As the king takes his leave from his wife she has a presentiment of not seeing her husband again. In case she will have died before his return, he should pray for her and her father’s salvation. Their son who joins his father also takes leave from the queen. She is sure that she will die from grief.
Motif References:
D 1812.4 Future revealed by presentiment;: “knowledge within”
D 1812.0.1 Foreknowledge of hour of death
HvBKF-7953:
In the meantime, the army has assembled. The king sends for wine (Sant Johans minne) to drink it for the love of St John. The queen herself tenders the wine to her husband and son. She prays that God, Christ and St John may protect them. The army moves to the harbor of Calais. In the course of the journey, the king takes possession of Kalisus and other castles.
Motif References:
HvBKF-7986:
Scouts report to the king of Scotland that a big army is approaching and urge flight. Trumpeters are ordered to give the signal for retreat and the invaders flee precipitately. The king of England takes up the pursuit but the enemies reach shore and escape with their ships. The English king chases them, scorches enemy land and assaults castles. His warfare done, he returns with his army to London. The French knights return to Paris.
Motif References:
R 220 Flights
R 260 Pursuits
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
HvBKF-8050:
Because of her grief, the queen is taken sick to death and calls for the princes. She begs them to be loyal to her son after her death. Before she dies, she sends a messenger to her husband to urge his coming.
Motif References:
P 17 Succession to the throne
P 29 Queens - miscellaneous
Z 292 Death of hero [heroine]
F 1041.1.3 Death from sorrow or chagrin
HvBKF-8089:
As the English king and his son reach the sea-shore, they are informed about the queen’s death and warned by a friend against the French princes who have become disloyal and chosen another king of French origin. The king of England laments his wife’s death.
Motif References:
P 50.0.2 (Bm) Knight who acknowledges no overlord [Allegiance: loyalty and disloyalty of vassals]
HvBKF-8142:
The king advises his son to vindicate his lawful claim of the French crown in the way of sending letters to the princes. In case they declined his claim, he should enforce his demand by war. The king orders the marshal to prepare a banner which displays the symbols both of France and England. Messengers report that the princes have decided to remain with the king of their choice. The king of England summons an army and moves to France.
Motif References:
P 550.1.2 (Li) Defense of legitimate rights by war
HvBKF-8143:
The army takes Calais and two other castles, scorches the land up to
Motif References:
Paris and then returns to England. These castles are used as starting points for raids in France. The conflict between England and France continues up to these days. After the king of England’s death, his son marries and has two sons who carry the conflict on. Epilogue: The author mentions a terrible battle between England and France in his own time (1400). The author’s prayer to Virgin Mary. Reference to printer and date of edition (Grüninger, 1500).
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