ReivB-1: Duke Reinfried of Braunschweig is a man full of virtues, piety and generosity. The hero is twenty-four years of age but still unmarried. The fame of his bravery and virtuous life spreads over all countries. One day a messenger arrives while the court has dinner. The messenger praises the duke and tells him the story of the round table that the beautiful princess of Denmark has established.

Motif References:

T 11.1.1 Beauty of woman reported to king causes quest for her as his bride
P 14.15.2 Court messenger

ReivB-244: Soon court celebrations with king and queen are settled, a tournament announced. The prize for the champion is supposed to be the beautiful princess Yrkâne’s kiss, embrace and ring. Reinfried of Braunschweig asks the messenger about the round table, who answers that King Fontânâgrîs and his companions the King of Scotland, Lerân of Berbesien, the Duke of Winchester named Parlus are sworn in. They are supposed to gather in Denmark’s capital.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
P 561 Tournaments

ReivB-324: Reinfried of Braunschweig rewards the messenger with precious clothes. He falls in love with Yrkâne by merely hearing of her and hardly awaits his departure to Denmark. Soon he summons his knights and companions for the journey, departing with his retinue of eighty faithful men.

Motif References:

T 11.1 Love from mere mention or description

ReivB-410: During the journey Reinfried grows love sick. He has seven mules loaded with gold and silver, many wagons with fine mail and costly garments. He cares well for provisions and takes three times more than sufficient. The illustrious party leaves for the tournament. Musicians escort them playing: rotte, harp, tambourine, pombares, and oboes.

Motif References:

T 24.1 Love-sickness
P 428 Musician

ReivB-494: Debate: how can somebody fall in love without having ever seen the object of love? (553 minne didactic.) They arrive in Denmark and ride towards Liniôn where the tournament is set up. King Fontânâgrîs of Denmark learns that the young king of Norway named Palavei has arrived.

Motif References:

T 0 Love

ReivB-570: Reinfried of Braunschweig and his eighty knights arrive at the same time. They need accommodation because Laris the Scot, Jôvân Duke of Bebester and Joran of Winchester, occupy the hostels. So they beseech the king who promises them tents and sends thirty wagons and seven mules across the town. The citizens follow in awe. The first troop of hundred are the shield men marching in pairs. Every squire carries a sparrow-hawk. The next troop of hundred are costly clad knights marching in pairs. Finally Reinfried of Braunschweig follows earning standing ovations.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

ReivB-685: Reinfried arrives at the plain, where the tents are pitched and pavilions raised. The camp is so large that he even is able to give accommodation to other knights. All get prepared for the tournament. King Flôris’s army arrives at the plain, King of England Flôris, King of Scots: Laris, Jôvân of Bebester and the Duke of Winchester with 400 knights. All wear green velvet. His shield is emblazoned with a dove, he carries banner with rose garlands. Yrkâne carries a turtle-dove. The author refers to the dove as a symbol connected with the grail.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

ReivB-792: The queen together with five hundred ladies dressed alike walks under a purple dais on four shafts carried by four counts. Reinfried of Braunschweig and his hundred knights carry a shield made of two separate parts: One half is inlaid with pearls, the other part shows an eagle in rubies. Fontânâgrîs challenges Reinfried, who wears a helmet plumed with peacock feathers. Their spears and shields break because of the impact and they lose their helmets. Flôris, king of England, carries a golden shield decorated with three leopards made of rubies. A hundred knights fight under one banner, among them the king of Norway. He carries a shield with a vessel painted on it. Reinfried wastes twenty spears in the joust. The young knight of Parma in lazur blue garments fights against him.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
H 331.2 Suitor contest: tournament
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

ReivB-1042: A fog arises from the heavy battle. The Duke of Parma falls from his horse defeated. Parlus, King of Scots, challenges Reinfried. (Author’s didactic remark: Reinfried fell in love with Yrkâne although he has never seen her.) The King of England challenges him, the King of Norway who carries a ruby shield, follows suit. They battle until evening. Reinfried wins the championship. Yrkâne rides with the dove on her hand and unties his helmet. Reinfried glances at her and immediately loses color. He thanks her but feels that he doesn’t deserve the prize. Yrkâne confirms him as champion promising the prize (gold) and her kiss if he wins in sword combat the next day. While offering him her dove, she falls in love.

Motif References:

T 11 Falling in love with person never seen
T 15 Love at first sight
T 34 Lovers meet at social gathering
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

ReivB-1447: After mass the next round of tournament begins. Laris, King of Scots, wears a costly covertiure. On his shield and garment a lion is emblazoned, climbing a mountain. On the shield’s edge sapphires are inlaid shaped as lilies. He wears a crown on his helmet. Parlus of Winchester’s garment is inlaid with rubies. His shield has gold stripes inlaid with roses made of sable, his helmet is plumed with peacock feathers and two horns decorated with sable. Turnis of Bebester and his horse wear red garment.

Motif References:

P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms

ReivB-1580: The Kings of England and Norway appoint Reinfried as their captain. (Love monologue: love compared to poison and described as siren.) The queen arrives with five hundred ladies in her retinue. She had spent the night sleepless because she fell in love. Near dawn she dreams of Reinfried. (1655 love monologue).

Motif References:

T 0 Love
T 24 The symptoms of love

ReivB-1704: The combatants gather, two thousand knights fight in the tournament. Reinfried fights with the King of Scots; right and left of them knights are defeated. Fontânâgrîs and the King of England are spared by Reinfried after their defeat. The King of Norway, Polarei, fights bravely. Reinfried fights like a whole army. He throws fifteen knights off their horses. Yrkâne doubts that Reinfried loves her. (1964 Minne didactic)

Motif References:

P 52 Knight jousts with all comers
P 555.4 (Bm) Defeated knights [giant, rescued persons etc.] sent under oath to king [lady, queen] (as proof of victory)
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 610 Remarkably strong man

ReivB-2000: The lovers exchange glances. All fight bravely – at the end of the day’s tournament all knights are summoned for the kiss. Reinfried, the acclaimed champion, grows jealous because he wants her love and kiss only for himself. Yrkâne joyfully kisses him, esteeming Reinfried as a grail bearer. Yrkâne wears her blond hair in long braids decorated with jewels. Jeschute is not as beautiful. Fontânâgrîs advises his daughter to give Reinfried the prize. The latter rejects the kiss, because he believes that he does not deserve the honor.

Motif References:

L 225 Hero refuses reward

ReivB-2330: Because of Reinfried rejecting her kiss Yrkâne suspects that he is in love with someone else. Fontânâgrîs demands that she kiss him. (2380 Minne didactic) The innocent kiss of the lovers causes extraordinary bodily reactions. They ride to his tent. The princess wants to meet him before he leaves. Reinfrît resolves not to wash his lips, and he never wants to kiss another woman. They mutually declare their love. Yrkâne says farewell for the night and has him promise to meet her again before his departure.

Motif References:

T 57 Declaration of love

ReivB-2715: Reinfried approaches the court and is granted to stay for another day. The next morning after mass he invites the nobles to a rich meal worthy of King Artus. While the court is feasting, Yrkâne glances at him. Dancing, gambling with dice, chess, bow shooting, wrestling, jumping, bowling and many other entertainments take place. Reinfried is eager to come closer to Yrkâne. She pretends a sudden seizure of feebleness and is resting in a small hut. Reinfried meets her there. (2959 minne didactic.) Lover’s clandestine rendezvous.(3010–3025 didactic). Reinfried is unable to speak, although he has many things to say. (3036–3107 didactic). A long time they sit without a word. Then Yrkâne asks him about his thoughts. Reinfrît is beside himself, expresses his love madness and his bond to her. Yrkâne first answers that she never has bound him or taken him into service, but then she accepts him as her knight servant. Reinfried swears to love her alone.

Motif References:

T 35.2 Pavilion as lover’s rendezvous
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady

ReivB-3396: Reinfried explains how he fell in love with her by mere mention of her name. He is love-sick and restless, but praises the power of love. (3613–3718 monologue illustrating power of love). Reinfried swears to love her eternally and treat her like a goddess. Yrkâne accepts him as her knight in service. Then they kiss and embrace each other. When they have to part she watches if they are unobserved advising that he leave after her.

Motif References:

T 0 Love

ReivB-3936: A knight observes her leaving the hut and notices that her face wears traces of the kisses and her hair is disheveled. After a while he watches Reinfried leaving the same hut and jumps to the conclusion that they are lovers. (4031–4084 minne didactic.) The young knight falls in love with Yrkâne. In order to gain her love he resolves to blackmail her. Yrkâne and Reinfried mingle with the court people thinking that their meeting was not observed. Reinfried declares his love and promises his service to Yrkâne fighting only for her honor as her knight thus becoming an even more honorable, remarkably brave knight. During one year he strives for adventure and honorable fights and gives alms. He is praised everywhere even in Denmark. Yrkâne longs to see him again.

Motif References:

W 11 Generosity
T 99 Love - additional motifs

ReivB-4460: The treacherous knight who is in love with Yrkâne grows love sick. In a dramatic monologue he claims to be dying if he doesn’t win her love. She watches him sitting alone with an unhappy bearing. Compassionate Yrkâne has pity on him inquiring about his sorrows. Reluctantly he declares his love. Yrkâne rather wants to die then accept him as suitor being faithful to Reinfried. She is furious about the indecent proposal. She would rather die than lose her honor and rejects him with angry words. The knight is most unhappy. (4826 minne didactic.) Yrkâne sends him away. The miserable knight takes every opportunity to meet her and accuses her to have caused him pain. But the more he complains, the more she rejects him. Then he starts to blackmail her. He will reveal her secret that he has observed, the rendezvous in the hut. She denies having made love to Reinfried. But she admits that he is her knight; she feels engaged to Reinfried.

Motif References:

T 10 Falling in love
T 24.1 Love-sickness
T 57 Declaration of love
K 1271.1 Threat to tell of amorous intrigue used as blackmail

ReivB-5267: Yrkane bans her unwanted suitor for his insult. The enamored knight has to leave the country. He hires out at the French court, serves the French king and becomes his counselor. Meanwhile the Danish king is looking for him and sends a messenger to order him to return to the Danish court. He refuses because of the queen’s hate. The messenger inquires about the reason for her hate. But he remains silent. The messenger reports to the king of Denmark, who is so curious that he wants to visit the knight in France, but the messenger advises him to ask the young queen first. He sends for the queen (5535–5583 minne didactic). Author’s comment.

Motif References:

Q 431 Punishment: banishment (exile)

ReivB-5583: When Yrkâne arrives the king asks her why she has punished the knight. He promises to avenge her if the knight has insulted her. Yrkâne answers that the king should allow his return if he promises to leave her alone. King sends messenger, the unhappy knight is found in Paris. The messenger brings a sealed letter of the king. The knight is allowed to return, there will be no punishment for the insult of which she never has given any detail to the king, but a renewed insult would ban him forever. The knight returns and gains the king’s benevolence again. After a while he is not able to hide his love and again declares it. The queen is very angry and wants to ban him. Now the king asks him why he has insulted his daughter. The knight promises not to bother her again. But he fails again and is rejected and banned. He leaves for England and lives in London. The king wonders why and decides that he must have the answer. He threatens that if she doesn’t tell he will never have a friendly eye on her.

Motif References:

T 57 Declaration of love
P 234 Father and daughter
Q 431 Punishment: banishment (exile)

ReivB-6095: Yrkâne reports that the knight wooed her and she rejected him as an unwelcome suitor. The King, keen though have the knight back in his service, promises that he never will marry her to him. Yrkâne emphasizes that the knight when she rejected him had lied about her, he slandered her having been Reinfried’s concubine. Then the king decides to impose a ban for all countries. He has a messenger sent to announce ban and punishment in letters sent to London. Letter: Punishment if Yrkâne’s words are true, otherwise he has to prove his innocence. (6310 minne monologue)

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Q 297 Slander punished
Q 431 Punishment: banishment (exile)
K 2110 Slanders

ReivB-6367: The treacherous knight is aware that he never will be able to prove his innocence. Therefore he contradicts Yrkâne’s story. He always loved her and then he saw her in Reinfried’s embrace which he considered as improper. He can prove by ordeal whatever the king demands. But if she wants to let sleeping dogs lie he approves. Otherwise he will contradict her story. If the king grants him a certain time he will appear and prove his story by ordeal. The knight sends a letter to Denmark. Yrkâne fears the ordeal although she is innocent.

Motif References:

K 2112 Woman slandered as adulteress (prostitute) [concubine]
K 2247.3 (Bm) Treacherous knight

ReivB-6576: The king asks her whether she decides for the ordeal. People are summoned for the day. All gather in Liniôn at the day of the ordeal. The jury inquires about the matter: The knight alleges having witnessed that Yrkâne and Reinfrît had been together in a hut. He even claims that she lost her virginity. With the ordeal he wants to prove that he never wanted something improper, he loved her innocently. He is the bravest knight present, no one dares to challenge him. When the king wants to reconcile them, she refuses. So the ordeal is set in six weeks and three days time. As long as Yrkâne doesn’t find a fighter she will be found guilty.

Motif References:

H 218 Trial by combat
H 218.0.1 Vindication by champion. Usually noble lady or king accused
H 412 Chastity tested by ordeal

ReivB-6820: Yrkâne sends out for brave knights to volunteer, but all refuse when learning the story. Reinfried of Braunschweig had been on a quest for one year in service of Yrkâne. A messenger arrives at Liniôn in Denmark and the king informs him that Reinfried has been accused of having tarnished Yrkâne’s honor. Yrkâne had not found a defender yet therefore she finally sends a messenger with a letter to summon Reinfried.

Motif References:

H 218.0.1 Vindication by champion. Usually noble lady or king accused

ReivB-7307: A tournament is settled. Knights of Brandenburg, Meissen, Presselar, Hessia, Brabant, Thüringen, Westphalia, Saxony gather to compete. The Count of Meissen wins the prize: a hawk and hounds. When the count challenges Reinfried of Braunschweig the messenger arrives handing him Yrkâne’s letter. The messenger emphasizes the urgency and Reinfried decides to depart immediately to help his beloved.

Motif References:

P 14.15 King has champion to enforce respect
P 561 Tournaments

ReivB-7618: Reinfried prepares for departure to appear at the ordeal held in seven days time. The messenger advises to inform four other knights of his involvement which forces him to leave the tournament. Reinfried informs the Count of Meissen of Yrkâne’s distress and the ordeal. The count suggests he ride with a retinue. The Count of Brandenburg promises his knights and persuades the Count of Meissen to send his too. The Duke of Brabant promises his help and sixty knights. The Count of Presselar sends fifty, the Count of Meissen eighty, the Count of Brandenburg has obligations to fulfill but sends eighty knights, the nobles of Thüringen and Hesse a hundred, as do the nobles of Saxony and Westphalia. Finally eight hundred knights ride to Denmark. Messengers are sent to the country to provide food supply.

Motif References:

M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance

ReivB-7980: Reinfried and his companions precautiously put on their armor, although the quest’s goal and cause is not yet known to the court people. When they travel to Denmark, they exercise caution and soon arrive secretly in Liniôn. They find the plain where the ordeal is settled. They camp near the forest opposite to the combat plain. Reinfried writes a letter to Yrkâne. Yrkâne is desperate, fearing that people will judge against her. Her rejected suitor is so strong that he remains unchallenged. Yrkâne frantically waits for Reinfried. She promises to marry only him. The day of the ordeal comes near and Yrkâne has not yet seen Reinfried. Therefore Yrkâne, her people and the king are distraught, because the treacherous knight insists on the ordeal. Yrkâne tries to negotiate for one week’s postponement, but the knight is adamant. The jury rules that she is allowed to wait until the end of the day. Yrkâne nearly commits suicide.

Motif References:

K 2247.3 (Bm) Treacherous knight

ReivB-8890: Yrkâne prays to holy Mary, Jesus and the trinity. Suddenly Reinfried appears with a spear and a white banner and challenges the traitor. (8685–8718 Minne reflection) Yrkâne doesn’t recognize Reinfried because of his white mail and armor. But a feeling tells her that the stranger is Reinfried. (Dialogue Minne – Aventiure). A furious battle begins. Sparks from the heavy blows on the helmets light the darkness. The battle is as furious as the fights the famous heroes Parzival and Feirefiz, Wigalois, Iwein, Gawein Lancelot have fought. Some courtiers muse if the white knight is a ghost or a spirit. Overwhelmed with emotion Yrkâne faints while watching the fight. The white knight dismounts from his horse, the combatants continue with swords. The black knight knocks Reinfried down but he soon stands up again. Reinfried batters his opponent’s helmet splitting it in two pieces. The black knight is deeply wounded but he still denies having mistreated Yrkâne.

Motif References:

T 24.2.1 Fainting away for love (or sexual desire)
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]

ReivB-9147: Reinfried defeats the knight; thus Yrkâne’s innocence is proved, the treacherous knight banned and forced to leave the country. Reinfried takes Yrkâne on his horse, people misjudge his conduct and pursue them. Yrkâne asks Reinfried for his name and when he reveals it she is overjoyed. The lovers forget their surroundings, they have only eyes for each other. All of a sudden a knight passes by, rushing after a runaway mule. Reinfried misinterprets the situation, blows his horn and the army rides to his rescue capturing knights and king.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle
R 187 Horn of Roncevalles. Hero calls aid of waiting soldiers on horn
Q 431 Punishment: banishment (exile)

ReivB-9538: Reinfried relates the story of their falling in love to his companions. The impressed nobles advise Reinfried to inform the King of Denmark. If the king doesn’t consent to a marriage the army will take Yrkâne with them. Reinfried humbly approaches the king, kneels before him but the king soon props him up and inquires after his wishes. Reinfried explains that he has risked his goods, life and people for Yrkâne. As reward he demands her for a wife. The king answers that he has to ask the counselors. Reinfried replies that come what may no one can separate him and Yrkâne but death. The king debates with his counselors who have divided opinions but finally the king promises Reinfried his daughter. The lovers are overjoyed.

Motif References:

T 68 Princess offered as prize
T 131.1.2 Father’s consent to son’s (daughter’s) marriage necessary
H 335 Tasks assigned suitors

ReivB-10271: The townspeople fear that the king has been taken prisoner and is probably dead. Therefore they prepare for defense. A messenger informs them of the happy ending. All knights, dukes and kings are invited to the court. Fish and meat are served, food for rich and poor. The king curiously inquires about the noble companions of Reinfried. The Duke of Brabant speaks up revealing that they all were ignorant of the reason for their journey. Out of companionship they followed Reinfried, whom they met at the tournament in Saxony. The Duke of Meissen had been the best in spear combat, had won a hawk and two greyhounds. A golden crown had been the prize for the best sword fighter. Two parties have fought against each other, the members were chosen by lots.

Motif References:

P 319 Deeds of friendship - miscellaneous
P 561 Tournaments

ReivB-10520: All of a sudden a messenger had approached Reinfried of Braunschweig and immediately the tournament was canceled. When Reinfried asked their help they joyfully followed him. The King summons all dukes and they pray. Afterwards the king asks a boon from the dukes: the arrangement of a tournament at Yrkâne’s and Reinfried’s wedding feast. They gladly agree. Yrkâne goes to bed. (10870–10900 Minne concept) The marriage is consummated. (10912–10979 Homage to women.)

Motif References:

T 132 Preparation for wedding
T 135 Wedding ceremony
T 136.1 Wedding feast
T 137.2 Bride and bridegroom conducted to bridal bed
T 160 Consummation of marriage

ReivB-11199: After the mass the tournament begins with wrestling and fighting. The Duke of Brabant fights the Count of Bestelar, Reinfried is appointed referee. The Count of Thüringen fights against the Count of Brandenburg. During the furious battle sparks fly from helmets. The audience incites the fighters by shouting their names. The Duke of Brabant wins ten horses by unhorsing the riders. The nobles of Brandenburg, Hesse, Thüringen and Braunschweig fight bravely. The first prize goes to Reinfried of Braunschweig, the second to the Duke of Brabant. After the acclamation of champions they are eager to celebrate. They dress in festival garments and joyfully dance to the music. For three days they feast. When they want to leave, the king persuades them to stay for another ten days.

Motif References:

P 561 Tournaments
P 634.1 Feast (hospitality) endures for three days and three nights

ReivB-11260: The king gives his parting daughter advice about appropriate conduct in marriage. She is to be obedient to her husband, has to serve him at all times. If he takes a concubine, she’d rather tolerate it. She is to be humble and mild with the servants, generous to all people, has to avoid vanity and insult, watch over rich and poor. She has to beware of disgrace, and never dares to use magic on her husband.

Motif References:

T 137.1 Advice to a parting bride

ReivB-11772: The princess promises to bear his advice in mind. The King is miserable about his daughters departure. She leaves with twelve maidens in her retinue. The king gives her many fine jewels and garments as dowry. Twenty mules carry the silver loads. They bid a tearful farewell. Reinfried and his men thank the king and ask to be allowed to leave. King promises loyalty to all present. Reinfrît promises faithfulness.

Motif References:

T 52.4 Dowry given at marriage of daughter
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance

ReivB-12058: Meanwhile in Braunschweig: Because of their ignorance of the true cause of the broken-up tournament people are confused and miserable. Rumors spread. Reinfried sends messengers to Saxony and Braunschweig. They relate his adventures in Denmark So they prepare to welcome the returning knights in precious garments and jewels. Messengers announce the arrival. They are received well. Knights ride regally in pairs. A tournament, court feast, dances are held to entertain the guests who take a seven days rest. Afterwards they bid farewell and are rewarded with gift by Yrkâne. They return to their home countries. Reinfried and Yrkâne lead a life of virtue. Reinfried is widely considered as shining example for knighthood and knightly virtue.

Motif References:

P 561 Tournaments
P 634 Feasts

ReivB-12521: Critical discourse of the decline of knights’ virtue: The married knights lose their strength, avoid tournaments, and stay at home in their married bliss instead. Inferior men assume knighthood. The poet demands that every class has to remain on their predetermined standard. Reinfried’s virtues are confronted with the vices of other knights. Yrkâne and Reinfried lead an ideal life. The author fears the hate which fills the whole world that is full of vice but virtuous persons still exist.

Motif References:

T 70 Scorned lover [suitors]

ReivB-12878: The author draws a comparison: an ant carries many times its own weight and more than an elephant. A king has to work harder for his bliss than a poor man because they both have different prospects and obligations. It is the good intention that counts. The author’s own good intentions concerning poetry should be taken into account. Reinfried is the most virtuous man on earth, Yrkâne and Reinfried lead a good life. But ill-fated as they are they remain childless. Ten years they pray for a child but in vain. Yrkâne prays to Maria, Joachim and Anna to whom the angel of God was sent. Elizabeth bore a child in old age. Anna prayed to Elias (Helios, Heli) in Sylo.

Motif References:

V 290 Other sacred persons [saints]
T 589 Childbirth - miscellaneous motifs

ReivB-13106: In the temple of Sylo, Moses’ wishing wand and Aaron’s staff which blossomed although dry and dead are kept. Anna stayed in the temple and prayed. Elias comforted her and she gave birth to Samuel. Yrkâne prays day and night and Reinfried joins in promising a golden statue. One night Reinfried cannot sleep and is granted a vision. A white lady appears with a child in her arms. He is puzzled not knowing whether the apparition is a ghost. The lady wearing a golden crown speaks to him: She has heard the couple’s prayer for a child and promises to grant their wish but Reinfried has to fight the heathens. The lady prophesies danger and sorrow but he will not die there. He’ll find marvelous adventures but not his death.

Motif References:

V 52 Miraculous power of prayer
V 59 Prayers answered - miscellaneous
M 358 Prophecies connected with journeys
M 369.7 Prophecy of birth of children
V 510 Religious visions

ReivB-13315: Reinfried prays to Mary having second thoughts about the nature of the dream or vision. He falls asleep but another vision makes him wake up. Holy Mary appears prophesying adventures but fulfillment of his wishes. He is frightened to death. He falls asleep for a third time: another vision reveals the same prophecy. Reinfried finally believes in the vision because the eyes of the body sleep but not the eyes of the heart. Ezechiel saw marvels, Johannes the apocalypse, Paulus saw in his ecstasy, and Samuel the prophet also. Reinfried commits himself to travel to the holy grave. Yrkâne dreams of a hawk she had trained which she loves dearly. Once she takes the hawk to hunt while the bird flies for his prey suddenly two eagles appear and the hawk has to fly away. Whilst escaping, it loses feathers which fall on Yrkâne who is convinced that the eagles have killed the hawk. She rages in her dream and wakes Reinfried who observes her state thus waking her in dismay. Comforting her he asks her about her dream. She wants him to interpret it, comparing this request to Josef and Salomon, Daniel to Nebukadnezar.

Motif References:

F 11.1 Journey to heaven [or hell] in trance
V 250 The Virgin Mary
D 1812.3.3 Future revealed in dream
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical

ReivB-13700: Reinfried interprets the hawk in Yrkâne’s dream as himself, reveals his visions and Yrkâne grows miserable and starts to cry. Reinfried comforts her assuring her that he will return. But Yrkâne continues to fall into a painful fit, thereupon Reinfrît begins to doubt the pilgrimage. But finally he decides to travel to the holy grave. He sends for the nobles of Saxony Westphalia and other nobles of his companionship. Awaiting his report they stand in a circle. Reinfried reveals his oath to Holy Mary to fight heathendom and to journey to the holy grave. He installs Yrkâne as queen of rights and powers and if it is mandatory she should remarry to have a husband who protects her, the people and the country.

Motif References:

M 150 Other vows and oaths

ReivB-14164: The bishop of Magdeburg, an old wise court counselor, advises to grant the duke’s travel and fulfill all his requests. All the nobles wish him well and Reinfried thanks them. They swear an oath to Yrkâne, who appoints governors. Reinfried gives advice how to rule the country: give to the poor, listen to your counselors, be virtuous, avoid hate and vanity. Count Arnold is appointed her protector. The count swears an oath of faithfulness, as paladin of the queen. Count Arnold faithfully fulfills all his promises until the duke’s return.

Motif References:

P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]

ReivB-14472: Bad counselors are compared to wine: bad barrels never contain good wine. Yrkâne is miserable about Reinfried’s journey, only his return can restore her happiness, but she wishes him well. Then they say farewell. The duke comforts her. All the nobles swear an oath of faithfulness. Messengers are sent to all countries to report the duke’s pilgrimage to the holy grave. Many heroes join him swearing service. Reinfried gives them horses and garments. 800 knights join him out of various reasons: bravery, chivalry, curiosity, service of a lady, to serve god, penance, fortune hunters, for amusement.

Motif References:

V 531 Pilgrimage to Holy Land

ReivB-14660: Reinfried gives alms. Messengers travel to the shore, to require provisions for one year. Yrkâne spends the last night before Reinfried’s departure in prayer to Holy Mary for her husband’s return. Reinfried’s wakes up and gives her the half of the ring she gave him in Linion. She will only have to mourn his death if the other part of the ring is sent to her. Whatever messages arrive, without the ring she should ignore them. Reinfried comforts her, they make love and she conceives a child. (14878–14881 minne didactic.)

Motif References:

H 94 Identification by ring
H 94.5 Identification through broken [half of] ring
T 500 Conception and birth.

ReivB-14883: The next morning the duke breaks the ring in two. Yrkâne wonders if she is with child because of a very disturbing dream: an old lion left her and she kept the young lion for comfort. Yrkâne tells Reinfrît the dream and asks for his interpretation. Reinfrît interprets the old lion as himself and the young as his son. Yrkâne demands that day and date are written down so that no doubt shall fall on the child’s legitimacy. While leaving, Reinfried repeats his counsels.

Motif References:

D 1812.3.3 Future revealed in dream

ReivB-15050: Yrkâne relates the story of the ring, which came all the way from India as present to her Irish great grandmother. The stone gives the bearer joy and protects against poison, provides warmth to those who feel cold. She hands him the ring with her blessings bidding farewell. Yrkâne is so miserable about Reinfried’s departure that she feels like dying from grief.

Motif References:

D 1076 Magic ring
D 1381.7 Magic ring protects from attack
D 1383.3 Magic ring protects against poison
D 1384.1 Magic ring prevents discomfiture [discomfort]

ReivB-15157: Comparison to Alexander who sinks himself into the sea. Yrkâne does not treat her husband like Dalida did to Samson, who cut his hair. She is unlike Athanata in Rome who took revenge on Virgilius, unlike Silar who rode Aristotle, unlike Helena. (15222 Jacob Appet mentioned). Sigune died of grief after her beloved Schionatulander’s death. Yrkâne prays for Reinfried’s return. Her being with child comforts her unlike Dido who committed suicide after Eneas’ departure. Yrkâne is faithful like Tysabe; she mourns like Secundill who loved Feirefiz, like Ysôt who loved Tristan, like Amelie of England, like Giburg, Kondwiramurs, who loved Parzival. Yrkâne grieves night and day.

Motif References:

F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief
F 1041.21 Reactions to excessive grief

ReivB-15358: Meanwhile all ships are prepared for departure. The voyage begins; musicians entertain the travelers. But Reinfried is in a sad mood because of the separation. They sail in a short time many thousand miles. In the Palestine countries Christians are hard pressed by the heathens. When Reinfried and his knights arrive, the Christians regain hope to defeat the heathens. Reinfried and his retinue come in arms unlike the pilgrims nowadays, remarks the author.

Motif References:

ReivB-15514: The Christian settlers had been granted land which they gladly took over, heathens and Christians even help each other. They don’t lock their doors anymore and neglect their security but are surprised by the duke and his army who devastate the plains. The sultan learns the news and swears revenge. But the Christians continue to devastate the country. Many a man makes a fortune. The sultan of Babylon sends a big army to fight the Christians. The ratio is 20:1 for the heathens. Furious battles between heathens and the Christian attackers take place. Reinfried fights so bravely that both heathens and Christians praise him.

Motif References:

P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

ReivB-15730: Yet the heathen army remains still strong. Reinfried addresses the troops: the heathens outnumber them and they are left without assets. But all hope lies in God and His help, like Mathias and his five sons have built the temple and city. God’s kingdom is near like Mauritius and his 666 martyrs. 10,000 died and gained god’s kingdom. If they die they surely will see the eternal kingdom.

Motif References:

V 52.3 Prayer before battle brings victory
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege

ReivB-15967: The troops reply that they gladly accept God’s will as His faithful servants. They all pray addressing God and Holy Mary to have mercy on them and help them in their distress. May he forgive them their sins, he who has died for Christianity. They are eager to follow his example. Reinfried advises to strike and attack the heathens during the night. He splits the army and intends to approach the heathen army from four directions. One troop fights, then has to draw back to let the fresh party take over.

Motif References:

K 2369 Military strategy - miscellaneous

ReivB-16100: They split the army in four parts, cut furiously into the heathen army and attack. The surprised heathens are unarmed, therefore many are slain because of the confusion, but the Christians are able to recognize each other by their passwords. But soon the heathens learn the Christian signs (Braunschweig, Saxony), recover and put on their arms. Meanwhile the fresh Christian troops join the battle.

Motif References:

K 2369.2.1 Largest part of fleet does not emerge until late in battle

ReivB-16233: The plan works out: the heathens, convinced that the Christians outnumber them, turn to flight. This example demonstrates the advantage of team strategy: a single person has no strength but a team has force. The exhausted knights thank God and rest a fortnight. They roam the land, plunder and pillage without any resistance. The Christians lay waste to the land for half a year without losses. Heathens complain to the barûc (caliph). The caliph prays to Terriant, Jovis, Apollo, Mars, Jupiter, Pallas, Venus, Thetis, Achilles, Neptune, Ceres, Proserpina, Pluto duke of hell, Mahmet.

Motif References:

V 215 (Hi) Heathen gods

ReivB-16469: The caliph bemoans the defeat and losses suspecting that the gods have forsaken him. He promises enforced service to the gods if they aid him in his revenge on the Christians. The caliph summons allies for vengeance by writing letters. The Duke of Babylon summons his fighters, who are bound to him and must not refuse their draft.

Motif References:

P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)

ReivB-16555: Meanwhile the Christians have returned to their fortress loaded with treasures and armor. The sultan summons his allies, heathen armies gather, the different warriors speak different languages. They build a tent city more than one day’s travel in width.

Motif References:

P 555.8 (Bm) Avenging defeat in battle
P 555.0.1 (Si) Booty. The spoils of war.
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)

ReivB-16659: The author remarks on the queen who bound herself to Amfortas. Soon he was poisoned by a spear to satisfy his enemy’s desire for revenge. Amfortas’s wound couldn’t heal until Parzival helped him and thus was rewarded with a beautiful pavilion of heathen origin since then. This pavilion is pitched on the battlefield displaying its beauty: ornate with jewels (rubies, topaz, crisolith, emerald, diamonds, carbuncles which bring light to the darkness). During one a year the heathens gather and form a big army.

Motif References:

F 775 Extraordinary tent

ReivB-16756: Among the army leaders is the young King of Persia, whose ancestor was slain in the battle of Alischanz. He rules over gold mountains. (author’s didactic remarks on generosity and miserliness, rich and poor, a camel goes through the eye of a needle more easily than a rich man to heaven – Biblical proverb) The generous young king is praised by the people. Many a lady glances at him, who serves the ladies. (16860–16923 history of love’s conception, apology of love, but decline of love generates a concept of love without honor) Nowadays the knights neither fight for honor nor love but for treasure.

Motif References:

T 0 Love
P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
Z 64 Proverbs

ReivB-16938: The King of Persia sends a messenger to the fortress challenging every knight who fights for women and honor. He promises the victor safe conduct even if he himself gets killed. Reinfried volunteers. Messengers announce that the competitions are dedicated to love and women: kings, dukes, nobles shall volunteer for the tournament. The sultan is displeased that his daughter’s son is fighting against Reinfried. The Persian wears extraordinary armor, love is emblazoned on his mail. His covertiure is adorned with jewels, his shield has a golden center surrounded by rubies. In this center sits a statue of the goddess Venus carrying a torch which announces that the bearer of the shield is her servant. Reinfried’s helmet is plumed with jewels sapphires, emeralds, rubies, carbuncle, jaspis, jachant.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 556.0.1 (Bm) Challenge to single combat [feud]
P 561 Tournaments
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor

ReivB-17106: Araffel’s shield displays a golden crown, in the center with letters engraved spelling “amor vincit omnia”, later translated in “minne twinget alle”. Araffel’s intention was to let the world know that he is a servant of love. The Duke of Saxony’s battle dress shows that he serves Holy Mary, God and Christendom. On his extraordinary ruby red shield a lion is emblazoned who looks like a living animal, a terrible sight. Since that time the nobles of Braunschweig carry two lions as their sign.

Motif References:

P 52.2 (Li) Knight in service of a lady
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols - coat-of-arms
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield

ReivB-17300: The combatants joust in a half circle. They lower their spears and their banner and charge each other. When Reinfried’s spear breaks, they engage in sword combat. Because of the heavy fighting their helmets steam with a dense fog, the heavy blows let the helmets spark with flames. During the furious battle the precious stones on the shields drop off. The Persian’s shield is wasted by the blows, grass and flowers redden with their blood. Reinfried hits the Persian’s helmet, although the crown protects his head he injures him so badly that he bleeds severely. Then Reinfried beats the shield out of his adversary’s hands.

Motif References:

F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

ReivB-17522: Reinfried knocks the Persian down, who pleads for mercy. First Reinfried doesn’t accept yet the nobles plead and offer gold. Reinfried regards it as a disgrace to take money. Even the sultan of Babylon offers whatever Reinfried desires. The hero still refuses but demands to baptize the Persian, then he’ll spare his life. He further claims if the heathens restore the holy grave to the Christians he warrants peace and safe conduct. The heathens have to agree to an oath.

Motif References:

V 331.2 Conversion to Christianity on pain of death [by force]
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 557.2 Pledge with enemy to be kept
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
P 570 (Bm) Safe conduct

ReivB-17658: The author bemoans the corruption of the church: pope, cardinals and Christianity in general. (17706–17714 clergy, layman, knights, wealth deteriorates nobility. 17730–17755 wealth corrupts the mind: rich are poor in mind.) 17773 Lamentation over disloyalty and breaking of oaths. Many Christians are even more vicious than those who have never heard of the gospel.

Motif References:

W 150 Unfavorable traits of character – social

ReivB-17804: Eventually they make peace. The Persian invites Reinfried to visit his home country. He pleads to exempt him from being christened because according to the law he would otherwise lose his entitlement to the throne. But he promises to serve the Christians. Forced conversion does not appeal to Reinfried, the person’s free will has to be considered and respected. Therefore he assures him not to use force.

Motif References:

V 301.1 (Li) The high-minded, noble heathen
P 310.5 Defeated enemy turns true friend
V 335 (BM) Refusal to change religion
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

ReivB-17934: Jerusalem is restored to the Christians, who perform ground offerings. Jerusalem is renovated, temples reconstructed; the heathens help them. But soon Jerusalem is reconquered by heathens but emperor Friedrich reconquers it. Later the heathens are victorious and defeat the Christians at Akkon. Reinfried and his companions travel to Nazareth and Bethlehem, then to the temple where Christ was presented to Simeion. Subsequently they adjourn to Egypt, eventually arrive in Nazareth, visiting the place where Jesus was christened by St. John in the Jordan. The journey proceeds to Canaan, where God did his first miracle in the valley of Josaphat where the feeding of the five thousand happened.

Motif References:

V 380 Religious beliefs - miscellaneous
V 531 Pilgrimage to Holy Land
V 535 Pilgrimage to Jerusalem

ReivB-18075: Afterwards they travel to Bethaniens where Lazarus came to life again after four days in the grave, visit Mary Magdalene’s house, and all the sites of Christ’s martyrdom, the crown of thorns, the place where he was brought to Herodes, carried the cross to Calvarian and was crucified. Josef of Arimathie dug his grave which was at a different place at that time as it is now. When Titus and Jesposion took revenge and destroyed Jerusalem, the grave was rebuilt at the time of Helena, emperor Konstantin’s mother. The grave is now in the church. They visit the place where God ascended to heaven and his footprints are yet to be seen together with the place where the apostles trembled in fear until the holy spirit comforted them.

Motif References:

E 121.2 Resuscitation by Christ [God]
V 290 Other sacred persons [saints]
F 900.1 Miracles (at certain times)

ReivB-18198: Reinfried and twenty knights travel to Persia. They are received well, heathen ladies entertain them. Reinfried is intrigued about gold mining in the Caucasian mountains. They reach extraordinarily high mountains with extreme cold and heat; griffins nest here, they breed their young in (spun?) gold. For the mining they slaughter many oxen, put sharp and pointed stones into the hide and offer them to griffins. Griffins, assuming it is food, carry the hide to the mountains to the nestlings. When the griffins realize the deceit they throw the hides down the mountain. Together with the falling stones the gold topples down. The people collect it during the night. Daytime is too dangerous because of the griffins.

Motif References:

B 42.0.1 (Hi) Griffin’s gold
F 55 Mountain reaches to sky [moon]

ReivB-18308: Moreover lapis is found with gold in the mines. Mountains and the surrounding islands are in the heathen’s demesne. Reinfried grows curious about the other side of the mountains. When he learns that the mountains are adjacent to the sea he yearns to travel there. The overjoyed duke gladly promises to show Reinfried the marvels beyond the mountains: the sea and the magnetic mountain. They travel through deserts, climb mountains and ride through valleys. They follow the path through the wilderness until nightfall. While they settle down for the night they meet a dwarf destitute to find the entrance to the mountain. Reinfried catches him inquiring about the country’s ruler.

Motif References:

F 451.4.1.11 Dwarfs live in hills and mountains
F 754 Magnetic mountain

ReivB-18387: The dwarf replies that he is a wild dwarf, whose kind dwell in the high mountains. The landowner is a Persian, who unfortunately has been killed recently. He bemoans him, praising his virtues. Both dukes smile and ask him what he would give them if he were alive and they could prove it. The dwarf promises all his belongings and the duke reveals his identity. The dwarf blows his horn and summons people from everywhere. They are preciously dressed and wear costly crowns with jewels.

Motif References:

F 451.5.8 Dwarfs associate with mortals

ReivB-18540: The summoned dwarf folk are overjoyed hear that the duke is alive. They show their respect by kneeling before the Persian. The much valued guests are led to a nearby castle. The castle has a golden roof, jewels illuminate it. The servants welcome them and lead them into the magnificent castle, which is extraordinarily adorned for the joyful occasion. They are served a rich imperial meal. The Dwarf Queen appears and welcomes them. They are served a night cap in golden cups.

Motif References:

F 451.4.3.6 Dwarfs’ castle of gold [marble]
F 451.5 Dwarfs and human beings

ReivB-18689: While they are led to their beds, all of sudden a terrible monster appears demanding entry and threatening to kill them. Its ugly voice frightens wild and tame animals. The frightened dwarves relate its story: Giants from Canaan destroyed the country, plundered and enslaved the dwarves making them tributary. They have surrendered animals and treasures: camels loaded with gold and silver. If the ogre comes into the castle he might kill them. Reinfried promises to fight the ogre the next morning. After a night’s rest the giant arrives bawling in a devilish voice. Reinfried challenges the giant to battle. Soon the giant approaches the fortress insulting his opponent by asking, if he was drunk when challenging him.

Motif References:

F 451.4.4 Home of dwarfs endangered or destroyed
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
F 531.6.16 Attendants of the giants
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]

ReivB-18892: The angry giant throws a camel over the wall killing all bystanders in the perimeter. Soon the duke is prepared. The giant carries an extraordinarily big shield, large as a door. He has the likes of St. Christophorus and Goliath. His kind came from Canââ into the land of Pygmies. The giant carries a club of extraordinary weight enforced with iron so heavy that only forty men are able to lift it, but the giant carries it with one hand. When the duke rides out of the gate, the giant sneers at his small body height but the duke however insists on fighting. Reinfried tells him that often pride is brought low and the humble are helped by God.

Motif References:

F 123 Journey to land of little men (pygmies)
F 531.4.5.1 Giant with iron club [pole] as weapon
F 531.4.5 Giant’s enormous weapons
F 531.4.1 Giant with millwheel as shield [enormous shield]
F 535 Remarkably small man (Pygmie)

ReivB-18978: Reinfried rushes forward piercing the giant’s left eye with his spear. The furious giant batters Reinfried with his club and cuts his horse in two pieces. Now Reinfried has to jump to avoid the giant’s heavy blows, eventually he is able to cut the club in two. Thus the giant is convinced that his opponent is a devil because he has never seen such a fast fighter. He draws an extraordinarily broad sword (2 feet) which cuts on both ends. The injured giant starts to bleed while growing even more furious. When Reinfried tries to hide in the forest, the giant fells the trees to catch him, but the hero defends himself.

Motif References:

F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

ReivB-19084: Shortly after the giant’s sword breaks when he uproots trees to strike Reinfried. The brave hero takes his sword in both hands and cuts the giant from the navel to the ground. The fatally wounded giant cries out in his pains, falls down. Reinfried’s attempts to cut off his head prove futile, because of the giant’s horny skin. Finally he succeeds when cutting him below the belt where he has normal skin. Finally Reinfried kills him. (Didactic discourse about vindication of violence.19192–19216)

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.6.17.8 (Bm) Giant almost invulnerable above navel
F 558 Man covered with horn
F 621.2 Trees pulled up by giant
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant

ReivB-19258: Reinfried and the Persian enjoy the dwarves’ hospitality for another two weeks then say farewell and proceed. They reach a forest and a heath, where the king of Aschalon is in conflict with Syria. With him a black king with an extraordinary army from a very remote country, rules the islands. This king and the Amazons oppose Reinfried and the King of Persia. The inhabitants of his lands run faster than animals, stand and walk on one leg and have one eye on the forehead. From the depth of the sea the king brought headless people who had their eyes under their armpits and their mouth at their breast.

Motif References:

F 510.1 Monstrous races
F 511.0.1.1 Headless person with eyes (eye) and mouth on breast
F 511.0.1 Headless person
F 512.1 Person with one eye
F 512.1.1 Person with one eye in center of forehead
F 513 Person unusual as to his mouth
F 517.1.1.1 Person with one foot

ReivB-19338: The King of Persia had sent an army whose warriors have two horns on their heads. They are very strong and fight with clubs and shields. A king from a very far away country arrives with his army of dog-heads. Many armies camp in the tent city. One of the peoples has extremely broad feet like tubs; they don’t appreciate to live in tents or huts. During rain they cover their heads with their broad feet. From Agrippe a devilish army arrives: Instead of mouths they have red beaks. The bow shooters from Tabumit have broad ears.

Motif References:

F 511.0.9 Person with animal’s head
F 511.3 Person with horns
F 513 Person unusual as to his mouth
F 517.1 Person unusual as to his feet
F 526.8 (Bm) Dog-like people
F 542.2 Big ears
F 545.2.2 Horns on forehead
F 551 Remarkable feet
F 551.5 Single [Broad] footed people lie on their backs and shade themselves from sun with their soles

ReivB-19414: The queen of Amazons arrives from the word’s end with two thousand women armed with helmets, swords and shields. They fight faster than men. Amazonia is a country seven times as wide as a regular kingdom. Many years past a king had ruled the country. He was married to an extraordinarily beautiful wife, full of virtues and faithful. But every good she did the king rewarded with evil.

Motif References:

F 112 Journey to land of women
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
F 565 Women warriors or hunters
F 707 Extraordinary kingdom

ReivB-19492: The king’s vicious conduct became well known throughout his country, and all men treated their wives the same. After a while the women began to hate the king and all men, and the king had to leave the country. Women and the queen agreed to kill all men in all those countries where women were treated badly. The queen killed the king and all women their husbands. After the massacre, they took to wearing armor, learned to ride and fight with shield and sword becoming extraordinary sword and spear fighters. Since that time they have conquered many a country. They have the custom to cut off their left breast to cover themselves with their shield. The queen rules over Gog and Magog, where the red Jews live. Alexander had enclosed them with mountains and walls and a sea of stone. It is prophesied that the queen of Amazons will bring the antichrist before God.

Motif References:

S 62 Cruel husband
F 565.1.1 Amazons cut off left breast of daughters so that they can handle bow [Amazons have only one breast]
A 1610 Origin of various tribes

ReivB-19566: Once a year in May the warrior women meet with men. They travel through the country where the men live, chose one and when they conceive a daughter she is fed with the right breast. If an Amazon bears a boy he is sent to his father and is denied seeing his mother but is given wealth. Amazons are extraordinarily brave knights. The Amazons are one of the extraordinary armies which gathered there. They rule an island which inhabitants have a horny skin, are invincible and fight with clubs.

Motif References:

F 565.1.2.1 (Bm) Amazons go to men’s island three months a year to procreate
F 566.2 Land where women live separate from men

ReivB-19657: The author remarks that many doubt their existence because it is well known that Adam and Eve didn’t have horny skin. Incredulous people doubt the existence of dog-heads, beak-mouthed, headless, one eyed, one legged people or people with two horns on their head. The author confirms the existence of these marvels and there are even more like the Satiri, who walk on all fours, have goat’s feet but human heads. Adam knew the names of all creatures, all roots, animals, birds.

Motif References:

B 24 Satyr, Combination of man and goat
F 517.1.6 Person with horse’s hoofs
A 2571.0.1 Adam gives name to all animals

ReivB-19722: Once women gave birth from eating a certain root, had abortions with the help of another, others gave birth to an animal. When these omens appeared, the world grew evil and was punished by the flood. Only Noah with eight people and the animals in the ark survived. Adam had prophesied the flood. Adam’s children made two pillars believing the world’s end was near. One they made of marble which cannot be destroyed by water, the other of bricks which fire can’t burn. In these pillars they hid all the things they found on earth for the future generation to show the level of knowledge of the ancients. Even now a father hides his art before his children. Inscriptions on the pillar list the contemporary arts and all historical events of the time.

Motif References:

M 340.6 Prophecy of great misfortune
Z 356 Unique survivor
T 511.2.0.1 Conception from eating root
T 554 Woman gives birth to animal
T 572.2.2 Abortion by eating
F 774 Extraordinary pillars
A 1018 Flood as punishment
A 1021 Deluge: escape in boat (ark)
D 1812.5.1 Bad omens

ReivB-19830: Curious women tried out the marvelous roots listed on the pillars and gave birth to animals (monsters). The author confirms that human life is bound to the courses of the planets. The planets determine human life: if somebody becomes a thief, rich, poor, brave, a coward, lovely, black, white, red, tall, small, etc. If a woman thinks of a curious form while pregnant the child is formed after her imagination. Thus the world’s marvels are explained.

Motif References:

M 302.4 Horoscope taken by means of stars

ReivB-19943: All the historical armies have been smaller than the ones described. Reinfried has second thoughts about the battle, but the Persian persuades him. A furious battle begins. Together with Aschalôn, the king of Totten, the one-eyed, one-legged and headless armies and Reinfried fight against the Amazons. The Amazons fight extraordinarily bravely Aschalôn’s army weakens. Reinfried of Braunschweig fights so bravely that he surely would deserve a seat at the round table. When he fights the Amazon queen she hits him so hard that he falls from his horse. He stands up and fights again wounding the Amazon severely. She is defeated and pleads for mercy.

Motif References:

P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

ReivB-20228: The horn-people soon rush to the Amazon’s help. Reinfried in vain attempts to wound them. When they are ready to kill him, the queen stops them, because he had given her mercy and safety. The King of Agrippe appears, he is not of Adam’s kin, the beak-people fight furiously with their clubs against the Assyrians. But the King of Persia and Reinfried aid them. On the heath the black king’s army fights against the army of Tahmît. The furious battle lasts until nightfall. Since Adam’s time no battle has been so awesome. A great number of Assyrians is slain. In the morning the king of Assyria and the remaining warriors flee pursued by their enemies. Many are killed. Winners and losers mourn their dead.

Motif References:

Q 42 Generosity rewarded

ReivB-20611: The exhausted fighters rest for ten days. They bid farewell to the king who asks them to stay but they politely take their leave. The Duke of Aschalôn approaches them with gifts (treasures). The grateful king offers jewels, gold, silver, his property as reward and his country as fief to Reinfried. Reinfried answers that he wants only one gift: The queen of Amazons has saved his life and she shall be set free. The king grants it, the Amazon queen and all Amazons thank Reinfried. Then they proceed to the magnetic mountain.

Motif References:

Q 72 Loyalty rewarded
Q 121 Freedom as reward
Q 121.1 Slaves [captives] freed as reward

ReivB-20749: They learn about the lodestone: if stones are saturated with iron, they cling to the magnet. The queen of Amazons, when learning of Reinfried’s departure, gives them a magic root: Everything touched by it falls in two pieces, wood, ironstones, all creatures. Without the root they are doomed; the root will save their lives. According to her advice they have a wooden ship built without iron fittings. As provisions they load only bread and wine. All their armory is left behind. They have made clothes according to her advice cut it with the root and sew it with bast. Thereupon they are able to avoid the stone’s power.

Motif References:

F 820 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments
F 841 Extraordinary boat (ship)
D 967 Magic roots

ReivB-20850: The author confirms his remarks by relating that King Salomon cut the stones for the temple with the root. God demands that the temple had to be built by pious and celibate people only. Thereupon Salomon traveled through the countries and collected extraordinary and precious materials for the temple. On the glass windows he emblazoned young ostriches in the nest. The picture was so lifelike that an old ostrich desperately tried to feed them. Confused the animal began to wail. He came back with a root in his beak, touched the glass and it broke. Salomon took the root and built the temple with it.

Motif References:

F 782 Extraordinary doors and windows

ReivB-20989: When the wooden ship is finished they embark and proceed to the magnetic mountain. Many a ship and its cargo was shipwrecked there. No human being came away from there alive besides Vergilius and his followers. They took three necromantic books by Savilon and with the grimoire’s help conjured the devil and put him into a small bottle, which they had found there. Virgilius set the devil free and bound him again. Savilon’s letter in the bottle told the opener that the devil inside had been enclosed for many a 1000 years. Salomon had power over all devils dwelling in the air imprisoning them in a bottle. The bottle he had high up in the highest point in the temple.

Motif References:

R 18 Abduction by rejected suitor
K 717 Deception into bottle (vessel)
F 754 Magnetic mountain
D 1421.1.3 Magic book summons genie
D 1711.1.1 Salomon as master of magicians
D 1711.2 Virgil as magician
D 1721.1 Magic power from devil
D 2177.1 Demon enclosed in bottle

ReivB-21128: During the war of Jews and Babylonians the bottle was stolen by the latter, who hoped to find gold inside. Duke Ernst and count Wetzel had been there, carried by griffins in horse skin. They saw many marvels there, ships had ran aground here for 2000 years. All had been killed on this shore except Ernst and Vergilius. They search all ships and they behold a very recently grounded ship with treasures on board. The crew had died and they find tremendous treasures.

Motif References:

N 500 Treasure trove
N 529 Where treasure is found - miscellaneous

ReivB-21150: The duke and his people step on the shore and reach a small path which leads to the peak of the mountain. They behold an iron door which is ajar so they step in. Inside they notice an iron statue of a man bigger and taller than a giant. Without their swords they don’t dare approach the man, because they don’t realize that it is a statue. The image carries an enormous shield and an extraordinarily long club.

Motif References:

D 1620.1 Automatic statue of man

ReivB-21227: The sight of the iron man in the hollow mountain confuses and scares them, then Reinfried braces himself deciding to have a closer look on the statue. When he comes near he soon realizes that is an image. They look around in awe and find many treasures. The iron mountains are surrounded by a wall of twenty four statues with clubs. Four doors are cut into the wall and every door is guarded by a statue appearing like a living creature with club and shield in front. At last they reach a cave, see light in it and step in. They find an iron imperial grave with golden letters on it. On the epitaph the story of Savilon is engraved and on the coffin they find a book fettered with an iron chain.

Motif References:

F 721.2.3 Sorcerer and books in mountain
D 1639.1 Automata as door-keepers

ReivB-21302: They sit down and read the book which is legible in all languages. The book says: A rich duke with the name Savilon was born in Athens. He was the first to study astronomy and he founded necromancy. Savilon prophesied Christ’s birth after 1200 years and the destruction of the Jewish nation. In dismay he informs his Jewish mother, who had married a heathen. His mother hoped that this fate could be avoided and advised him to study the planets. Savilon watched Saturn which after thirty years has finished his course. He learned that a magic letter could avert the Jew’s tragic fate, which has to be carefully hidden. Thus, after fulfillment of a certain ritual, Jesus’s birth can be avoided.

Motif References:

M 359 Unfavorable prophecies - miscellaneous
M 363.1 Coming of Christ (Christianity) prophesied
M 370 Vain attempts to escape fulfillment of prophecy
P 481 Astrologer
F 883 Extraordinary writings (book, letter)

ReivB-21436: Savilon traveled to the magnetic mountain to hide the letter there. By magic he built the statues, the walls and the mountain. Demons helped him; he had power over them. By magic four big statues were built. When he felt that his death was near he took the four necromantic books through which he had had the power to conjure the demons and hid three of them in a wall. The fourth bound the demon to his body. He rested his feet on the book and dwelt there not living and not yet dead. Over him he hung an iron image with a hammer. If someone tried to steal the book the image would kill Savilon because then his demon would be set free.

Motif References:

D 801.1 Magic objects possessed by witch, sorcerer or evil dwarf
D 1266.1 Magic writings (gramerye, runes)
D 1266 Magic book
D 1810.0.2 Magic knowledge of magician

ReivB-21500: Night and day a fire burns before Savilon’s tomb. As soon as the bottle is stolen the light will extinguish. Savilon closed the books then discarded them to the sea. He had a demon enclosed in glass and hid it under the path, where it waits for 1200 years. He never doubted that one day someone will take the glass and the magic book and no one would know that he, Savilon, ever existed.

Motif References:

D 1271 Magic fire

ReivB-21548: A brave hero lived in Lamparten. Unmatched at his time, he ruled over Mantau. His name was Virgil. Being overly generous he lost his goods. Virgil came to know of Savilon’s art and that he vanished. When the master’s dwellings were reported to be at the magnetic mountain, Virgil decided to travel together with eleven men who swore loyalty. They were eager to discover the magic books. They embarked on a ship and traveled a long time until they came upon the mountain and found the glass with the demon. When Savilon beheld the brave men he admitted that he knew their intentions which could only be fulfilled by felling him. But if they promised to set the demon free he’d help them to win the book’s keys and subsequently the books where all the devil’s curses are written. They agreed, but he betrayed them.

Motif References:

D 1711.2 Virgil as magician
D 1721.1.2 Magic power from demon
D 2177.1 Demon enclosed in bottle

ReivB-21644: The demon promised to fulfill their wishes first. The spirit showed them to the door and eventually they found Savilon, carrying the spirit in the glass with them. A letter jutted out of Savilon’s ear which they took. Immediately it lost its power as amulet. The prophecy on it read that under the reign of Octavian, the Virgin Mary will bear god’s son. Virgil took the book from under Savilon’s feet. The automata beat the hammer and Savilon died, the light went out. The plenums built a grave for Savilon. Virgil attained the key. The demon betrayed them and nearly drowned them, but Virgil forced him back into the glass and they returned to their home country.

Motif References:

M 302.8 Prophecy from a book
M 363.1 Coming of Christ (Christianity) prophesied
D 1720.1 Man given power of wishing

ReivB-21715: The nobles have read the story in the book and realize the power of the magnetic stone. Soon they observe a ship approaching the island in full speed. They panic and cry out in fear and beg the seamen on the ship to help them. The captain of the ship tells his story: He was born in the country of Egneât where the rivers of paradise arise carrying stones like bidellîum onyx. He has been to the wall at the world’s end. The legendary Alexander made the people tributary and a wise old man appeared and gave him a stone as symbol of life. Heavy as all the world’s mountains but light as a feather in the scale like the king himself.

Motif References:

F 800 Extraordinary rocks and stones
D 931 Magic rock (stone)

ReivB-21882: The king (captain) has seen an ocean so enormous that there had been neither sky nor land. Black mist arose at the horizon. It was neither day nor night. The ancients marked it as the world’s end. King Hercules wanted to reach the world’s end. When he came upon this point he had pillars made announcing the world’s end. The captain claims having been beyond the pillars and suffered perils. He had traveled through all the countries of the world and even to the rivers of paradise. He visited presbyter Johannes and his country. He is acquainted with 72 kingdoms and the peoples’ customs for example cannibalism. Near paradise he has seen a country without food. The inhabitants live without sadness until they die without pain.

Motif References:

F 162.2.1 The four rivers of paradise
F 704 Land of cold and mist
F 708 Countries with one conspicuous lack
H 1371.1 Quest for world’s end

ReivB-21970: While relating his adventures the captain bursts into tears because of his misery. They ask him and he admits that he had to suffer a great loss. Three days previously he had lost two ships and 200 knights on board. A siren had deluded him. Her voice is so sweet and irresistible like a hunter’s voice alluring birds. Whoever hears her voice is doomed. He alone survived because he had been too far away to hear her voice.

Motif References:

B 53 Siren
D 1275 Magic song

ReivB-22050: Subsequently the companions relate their adventures. Reinfried grows curious and trusting his luck he decides to find the siren, who is very near. Albeit the captain warns him of her deadly voice, Reinfried insists, stating that he doesn’t fear death. Promising safe return to his companions they try to dissuade him by promising all their possessions to him, even the magic root, but to no avail. Reinfried even makes them board another ship. He asks for three servants whom he promises to bring back unharmed. Reinfried keeps the magic root thus persuading them, because without they can’t escape the magnetic mountain. Then he demands a tree mast sixty feet long and has himself fastened to the mast. Then the servants have to stop up their ears. Shortly after, they reach the siren who, when noticing the ship drawing near, begins to sing. Reinfried listens in awe. Her voice is so beautiful that it rivals all the music he ever heard together with all the music written and composed. Her voice can enchant tame and wild.

Motif References:

B 53 Siren
B 53.4.1 (Bm) Sirens’ irresistible [beautiful] song
J 670 Forethought in defences against others
D 1275 Magic song

ReivB-22414: Reinfried is bothered by his bonds. He cries out but his servants don’t hear him. He demands that they should stop the boat to listen to the siren’s voice. But the servants return unaffected by his screams and the siren’s singing. His hair turns half gray after half an hour. If Orpheus had lived he would have stayed there. When the siren notices that the boat is withdrawing thus escaping her power she rises to the air and they see her. She has the head of a beautiful woman her lovely blond hair is like spun gold.

Motif References:

J 672.1 Ears stopped with wax to avoid enchanting song. Odysseus and the sirens.

ReivB-22515: Alexander for sure has never seen such a marvel albeit two griffins carried him to the sky where he had seen how Gamalêon the bird bears its children and how it breeds them on its back. This bird can only survive in air, it dies on the ground. All these marvels are nothing compared to the siren. Above the belt she has the body of a beautiful woman. Like Yrkâne she has high and small breasts. Below the belt she is covered with scales like a fish. She leaps out of the water never ceasing her song attempting to make them sink. Increasing its speed the ship soon is out of her reach.

Motif References:

B 53.0.1 Siren in mermaid form

ReivB-22576: Reinfried returns to the mountain. The siren follows the ship but when she sees it vanishing she dies having not caught its prey. Back on the island he relates his story and regrets that he did not die listening to her voice. The noble of Persia comforts him, but admonishes to think of his beloved and not of a siren. Reinfried ruefully remembers Yrkâne and loves her more than ever. He demands that they prepare to leave the island. They find the dead siren near the boat and all men gather to see her body. Then they leave the island without clothes and goods. On the next shore they receive the needed garments, horses, gold and silver.

Motif References:

D 1374.1 Magic music causes longing

ReivB-22835: On the way to their home-country Reinfried and his companions meet king Ascolôn’s messenger. He praises the king who is unmatched in his time. All his hope derives from two heroes who fought for him but they surely died at the magnetic mountain. The Persian comforts him by admitting that the praised heroes are still alive. The messenger informs them that the king is involved in a war with his enemies. He has been sent to summon allies to aid the king. The Persian reveals his identity and the messenger is overjoyed.

Motif References:

H 11.1 Recognition by telling life history

ReivB-23047: Soon they meet King Ascolôn who welcomes them, in his joy offering them his country. Music so beautiful it can wake the dead is played and the queen appears with 400 women and the young bride, who is compared to Isolde. The companions relate their adventures at the magnetic mountain. Messengers travel to call on the Duke of Babylon. They pass the time relating their adventures, then are eager to hear what happened to Yrkâne. Overjoyed Reinfried learns that she is busy with needlework, reads books of adventure, plays chess, she sings with an angel’s voice. She recently gave birth to a boy child called Reinfried.

Motif References:

D 1275.1 Magic music

ReivB-23445: Meanwhile Yrkane’s messenger is delayed at the sea having to wait for a passage for half a year. The messenger travels to the holy grave, where he learns the news of the duke who has reconciled the holy land. All praise him even the sultan has to obey his rules. The messenger asks where he can find him because he has to deliver four letters. The captain tells him to hurry taking him on board. Favorable winds make the voyage short. The messenger is eager to reach Reinfried. To his despair he learns that the duke has traveled to Persia, therefore he asks for directions to follow him. In Persia he meets Reinfried’s retinue, who cheer when learning the good news of Reinfried’s heir. The messenger proceeds because he soon finds out that Reinfried and the Persian have widely traveled even to the gold mountains and the country of the pygmies.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger

ReivB-23631: Yrkane watches over her child with better care than Terramer over Rennewart who had been abducted and brought to Count Losse, who because of the beautiful Alyson fought with Wilhelm and the heathens. The victorious marquis had married Alyse. Alyse died at his birth, their child Malfer was brought over the sea. His father Rennewart became a monk. The marquis found Rennewart and brought him to Terramer to battle. Father and son did not know each other; when Malfer learned of his father’s identity he interrupted the fight. That would never have happened if they had taken better care of the child. When Yrkâne’s son is born they decide to send messengers to Saxony to persuade Reinfried to abandon his journey, the letters state day hour of the child’s birth. The messenger travels to the holy land. It has been a year since he left to deliver his four letters. (Saxony, Westphalia, Braunschweig, one from Yrkâne).

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
T 211.5 Man becomes a hermit after his wife’s death [Becoming hermit after partner’s death]
N 731.2 Father-son combat

ReivB-23988: Reinfried’s fame spreads and his adventure’s stories circulate. The messenger hears the adventure of the giant he had killed and how he defeated and caught the Amazon queen. Together with his companions he aided the king of Aschalôn in his battle against Assyrians. They traveled to the magnetic mountain, but then they are reported lost and some believe they have died there. The miserable messenger faints, but meanwhile another messenger catches up and tells him that they are alive. Eventually Yrkane’s messenger finds them, handing Reinfried the letters, who reads them joyfully rewarding the messenger.

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 628.2.3 Strong man kills giant
F 1041.21.7 Swooning from grief

ReivB-24160: Reinfried asks the messenger about Yrkane and the child and is overjoyed when he learns that they are well. The letter says that the war is to end. The wedding shall take place when he comes back. Gladly he receives the news. He rewards the messenger and promises to travel to the wedding. The page announces that the Persian sultan will attend as well. When the messenger arrives they prepare for the journey.

Motif References:

T 132 Preparation for wedding
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

ReivB-24218: The sultan awaits the knights to travel together. They arrive in Babylon eager to attend the wedding. All listen to the awesome story of the magnetic mountain, how the Duke of Saxony demanded he be bound on the mast because of the siren, and how her poor heart broke because she fell in love with him. Then they listen to the awesome story how the ship from Ejulat shipwrecked at the mountain. Terrified they hear of the frightful iron statues, the precious gates, how the companions stood there in dismay.

Motif References:

B 53 Siren
F 754 Magnetic mountain

ReivB-24251: The listeners learn how Reinfried and his companions visited Savilon’s grave and read what was written in Savilon’s book at his tombstone. Moreover how Virgil had won the book of nigromancy, found the devils in the bottle and sealed it with a letter thus forcing the devil back to the bottle.

Motif References:

D 1266 Magic book

ReivB-24270: The sultan welcomes his daughter’s son and is pleased to see the Persian alive. He receives Reinfried well, all proceed to the king’s palace. The court approves that the young king of Assyria marry the princess of Aschalôn. They beg Reinfried to relate his adventures, and they praise him. Suddenly a messenger approaches him and tells him that he had been searching for him in many countries. Yrkâne demands his return. She has born a son with the name of Reinfried. She has written the message with her own hand.

Motif References:

T 61 Betrothal

ReivB-24441: The duke is so delighted that in his excitement blood wells from his nose and mouth. He falls ill and is near death out of joy. After a while he recovers praising God. Eventually he breaks the letter’s golden seal and reads the letter (24523–24684)

Motif References:

F 1041 Extraordinary physical reactions of persons

ReivB-24523: The queen puts herself on par with Penelope (Benelopê) in her persistence, who had sent messengers to Troy to admonish Ulixes to return to her, like Dido who wrote to Enêas and then she burned herself. Brîsêida sent a message to Achilles. Pillis wrote Demesticos. Helena wrote Parîs, Medêâ for Jasôn. She writes of her love to Reinfried. She begs him to return if not for her sake but for his son. God has granted them their wish for a child whom she compares to a young lion.

Motif References:

ReivB-24610: Both prophetic dreams have come true. (falcon and lion dream). She reminds him that she abandoned the crown of Denmark for him. She will die if he doesn’t return soon. She gives her life to the threefold god and Reinfried to St. Mary and god. All praise the letter, never have they heard such sweet words. Those who don’t know the queen learn the story of their love. The messenger gives him the letter of the noble of Westphalia begging him to return. The third letter of Saxony also reminds him to come back to his people. A letter of Braunschweig begs him to return after his long absence, the queen nearly dies of grief. (24745–24811)

Motif References:

M 302.7 Prophecy through dreams
D 1812.3.3 Future revealed in dream

ReivB-24812: All letters are sealed with the imperial seal in silver. Reinfried seeks the counsel of his knights who unanimously advise to travel home. Some of his knights have been away from home for three and a half years. He gladly agrees to travel soon, though the nobles beg him to stay for the wedding. So all prepare for the wedding feast. A big crowd gathers, many thousand people attend. The bridal garment is embroidered with silver and gold. Royal cupbearers and stewards arrive in the town Sûse. The country of king Aswêrus reaches from India to Ethiopia. Over 123 kings come though a feast in biblical times has been even more glorious. 100,000 guests arrive as onlookers and to give wedding presents.

Motif References:

T 132 Preparation for wedding
T 133 Travel to wedding

ReivB-25015: The story of Reinfried and the Persian attracts many listeners who learn in awe how the two who once were opponents then endured so many adventures together. Traveling from the Caucasus they met the dwarves now subjects of the Persian crown, and defeated the Kanaêân giant. The giant’s people still mourn him and buried him in their country, even erected a beautiful tombstone. Meanwhile at this grave all the nobles swear an oath of revenge and 3000 giants set off. All wear armor and carry a club. They reach the fortress of the dwarves, conquer it and take dwarf king and queen and all the nobles as hostage. The frightful giants travel to Aschalôn, where the nobles celebrate the wedding.

Motif References:

M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
F 531.4.5.1 Giant with iron club [pole] as weapon
F 531.6.9 Giants as warriors (in army)
P 533.1 Hostages

ReivB-25145: The guests learn in dismay that the giants’ army is approaching. When they come to the castle they demand Reinfried’s punishment to avenge their giant king. They swear revenge or die. The dwarves are sentenced to death by hanging.

Motif References:

Q 413.0.1 Threat of hanging as punishment

ReivB-25260: The guests grow desperate. They want to avoid fighting the giants but do not want to turn over Reinfried either. The giants in front of the castle are put on par with all the famous giants but are found to be the most terrible ever. The dead giant’s wife, the queen, is there and a seven years old boy, their son, is already extremely tall. Son and mother swear revenge. The queen kicks a big hole in the town wall and tries to get in.

Motif References:

F 531.6.8.6 Giants have children
F 531.6.8.5.1 Giants have king, queen
F 531.3.16 (Bm) Giant [giantess] demolished castle wall (turret)

ReivB-25340: Meanwhile the duke and all his knights are prepared. All the other knights swear an oath of allegiance to Reinfried. A messenger sent to the giants pleads for peace. The giants refuse. The noble Persian takes the blame because the giant was killed because of his country. He demands evacuation of the women and peace for those who had no part in the conflict. The remaining brave knights volunteer for battle.

Motif References:

M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
P 558 (Bm) Truce
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

ReivB-25494: All stones are used as missiles and guns are set. Three moats surround the town, the gates are closed and the keepers watch it prepared for the giants’ siege. The queen of the giants wears a harness ready to fight. The attack lasts from morning until evening and many giants are killed by the stones. The first gate draws the bridge down, the giants push in. The knights let down a safety door which soon buries ten giants under it. The portcullis is so heavy that it crushes the bridge and many giants are slain. The surviving giants are trapped between the walls neither able to move forward or draw back. Furiously they break down the gate but the defenders throw stones at them and the portcullis is set down breaking the bridge. Many of them drown.

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.10 (Bm) Giant slain by falling portcullis
P 552.4 War-machines

ReivB-25715: The bridge at the third gate is removed and they are trapped. So the giants are killed because they are without protection. Only the son of the dead giant king is alive. The dwarf hostages lie there in chains. He unties them and they take to flight. All the survivors are taken prisoner. The dwarves reach the country of the king of Aschalôn. They are asked about the siege but know nothing about dead or survivors. When they learn that the giant prince untied the dwarves they set off to the battlefield.

Motif References:

P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]

ReivB-25814: Arriving at the besieged town, the army of Aschalon finds the giant prince. They take him prisoner although no horse can carry him, so they put him on a wagon (coach) and carry him to the fortress. When the queen finds out she falls down in her grief. The defenders hurl stones at her until she dies. After her death the remaining army loses heart and pleads for mercy after five days of siege.

Motif References:

R 75.2 Warriors surrender after chief’s [queen’s] death

ReivB-25870: The survivors implore to be kept as prisoners together with their new king, the boy giant, although they don’t know if he is alive or slain. The defenders retreat to a council. Reinfried advises to set two days for truce and demand four of the giants as hostage. Messengers announce peace. The young giant king returns from the country of Ascalôn and receives crown and scepter from Reinfried. Thus he loses the country his father conquered unlawfully. Reinfried tells the giant prince and the other hostages that they will become subjects to the Duke of Persia, who bestows them with fief. The giants bury their dead at the battlefield, but bring the dead queen back to their country.

Motif References:

R 74.2 Defeated enemy’s son turns conqueror’s man
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)

ReivB-26090: Shortly after the interruption, the wedding celebration continues. After two weeks Reinfried longs for Braunschweig and Yrkâne. When they all say farewell a messenger sent by the king of India arrives. The heathen sports a beard down to his knees. He implores the king to delay the guest’s departure for one hour. As a gift he offers the king two elephants and a costly garment.

Motif References:

T 131 Marriage restrictions
T 136.4 Gifts at wedding
T 136.3 Amusements at wedding

ReivB-26235: The guests watch the elephants in awe. The messenger tells them how to keep the animals and what and how to feed them. Furthermore he informs them how they give birth to their young when in water. When the animal is tired it retreats between two trees and sleeps. Thus an elephant can be caught: When it leans on it, the tree breaks the elephant falls down unable to stand up. It screams and the other elephants try to help it. When it still can’t stand up they let him lie. Then the hunting master comes, feeds it and thus tames it.

Motif References:

J 1810 Physical phenomena misunderstood

ReivB-26335: After a while the hunter familiarizes the animal with human beings, has it stand up and work thus exploiting its enormous strength. It is able to carry enormous loads of wood on is back. Together with elephants a treasure and three multicolored garments are sent to the king of Ascalôn. The fabric has been spun by the wild Salamander in the fire of Ethenâ.

Motif References:

B 99.1 Mythical salamander
B 768.2 Salamander subsists on fire

ReivB-26391: The author confirms the truth of these marvels of nature. There are four elements which serve different creatures. A herring lives in the sea, but will not survive on earth. A mule lives on the ground: air water and fire kill it. The salamander lives in fire. The chameleon only dwells in air. The salamander weaves the fabric like a spider’s web. In order to catch the creature it is necessary to build a big heap of dry wood, four or five heaps nearby, and set them on fire. When the salamander sees the first heap burning it jumps in and hurries from one heap to the other. When it doesn’t find any fire to leap in it futilely hurries to return to the mountain but is thus hunted down. In the ashes of the heap spun yarn is left behind.

Motif References:

F 989.15 Hunt for extraordinary (magic) animal
D 1566.2.6 Salamander’s blood quenches fire

ReivB-26565: The king of Ascalôn gives the precious garment to Reinfried together with an elephant and other gifts as reward. The second elephant he presents to the Duke of Persia. The King of Ascalôn generously gives presents. Then Christian and heathen nobles say farewell.

Motif References:

F 829 Extraordinary clothing and ornaments - miscellaneous

ReivB-26697: The Sultan of Babylon invites Reinfried to his country. He receives and accommodates ten kings and 9000 knights every day at his court. The magnanimous king is put on par with King Aswêrus, Arfaxât, Nabuchodonosar. Judith cut off Holofernes' head. Nabuchodonosar was doomed because he was eager to destroy David. Darius of Persia killed Daniel. After him ruled Alexander the Great, Philip’s son, as the first king of Greece and the whole world but he was killed by deception.

Motif References:

P 12 Character of kings

ReivB-26790: Alexander died without heir but had twelve young men installed who divided his kingdom which thus fell apart. The moral applied to German countries: the worst wants to be the best, citizens strive for knighthood, poor lords wear royal garments, people are dissatisfied – the grass is always greener yonder.

Motif References:

P 17 Succession to the throne

ReivB-26930: Reinfried stays for two weeks at the sultan’s court and is treated with everything possible. Then his desire to travel home to Yrkâne has him bid farewell. He receives two dromedaries who can ride 100 miles per day. Together with the Persian they arrive at Sinai and travel to Ôreb and to the Red Sea where the Pharaoh was drowned. They ride into the desert and visit St. Catherine’s grave, where the healing oil flows from her body.

Motif References:

V 144.3 (Bm) (Sweet odor of) relics cure(s) sick
P 320 Hospitality

ReivB-27010: Twelve monks live in the monastery who have twelve lights burning. If one of them dies the light fades, but another monk takes over and their number is always maintained. They visit the site where the tower of Babylon stood: The tower of Babel was built on 72 long stakes and is 72 feet high. Subsequently they travel to the dead sea: whatever is thrown in floats on the surface.

Motif References:

Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
Z 71.14 Formulistic number: seventy-two
E 742 Soul as light
E 761.7.4 Life token- light goes out
F 772.1 Tower of Babel. Remarkably tall tower designed to reach sky.
D 1162 Magic light

ReivB-27072: The author reminds us of Lot, who survived together with his two daughters. In awe they saw he pillar of salt that once was Lot’s wife. They visit the site where once the doomed cities Sodom and Gomorra, stood where now the sea waves break. They travel to Persia where Reinfried is shown the Persians power and is treated extremely kindly with entertainment which lasts twenty days. The pygmies arrive and bring treasures with eight camels. Reinfried departs for his home country. Dromedaries, camels, the elephant and the rich garments are loaded on two ships. In passing Reinfried reminds the Persian sultan of their oath to aid Christianity.

Motif References:

Q 595 Loss or destruction of property as punishment
F 940 Extraordinary underground (underwater) disappearance
C 961.1 Transformation to pillar of salt for breaking tabu

ReivB-27235: Reinfried and his companions travel a long time undisturbed until one day they encounter a pirate ship. Hurriedly all prepare for battle. They defend their ship bravely and soon the pirates are defeated. Relieved they rest but their peace does not last long. A great storm arises and the miserable folks lose all their bearings. After a long time of meandering the storm ceases and to their joy they see an island with a big mountain. They disembark and find themselves in the middle of a lovely landscape. Reinfried enjoys hunting. Tiring after a while he reclines on a beautiful meadow and falls asleep. His companions set off to look for him but count him for lost. Thereupon they embark in their ship and sail on.

Motif References:

P 475 Robber [thief, outlaw, pirate]
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

Miscellaneous Romances

Reinfried von Braunschweig (>1291) Bartsch, K.(ed.): Reinfrid von Braunschweig. (=StLV 109) Tübingen 1871.

Reinfried von Braunschweig (>1291)
Bartsch, K.(ed.): Reinfrid von Braunschweig. (=StLV 109) Tübingen 1871.