Graf Rudolf (ca. 1185)
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Oriental Romances
Graf Rudolf (ca. 1185)
Ganz, P.F. (ed.): Graf Rudolf. Berlin 1964.
GrRud-1:
A young man, a count’s son (Rudolf), has sent a messenger to Syria, to learn about the Christians who fight the heathens. A messenger informs him that many Christians have been killed or taken prisoner.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
V 350 Conflicts between religions
GrRud-2:
Count Rudolf welcomes the returning messenger and offers precious gifts to him. The messenger presents the Pope’s letter. Count Rudolf departs and soon arrives in Syria. The Christian king in Syria is embarrassed by the royal court’s arrogance. The queen advises Rudolph to arrange a feast for the king. The latter grows fond of Count Rudolph and commands that Rudolf is taught customs and martial arts of his country. His cousin Bonifait has to teach him.
Motif References:
Q 114 Gifts as reward
V 294 The Pope
F 787 Extraordinary bed
GrRud-5:
The count has a marvelous feast arranged for the king. The king and all the nobles are treated according their rank. Heathen nobles are also invited. One noble heathen who comes to court to find his missing son is scornfully addressed by Bonifait, who demands that he hold Count Rudolf’s horse. The heathen returns with his precious horse to prove his rank.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
GrRud-8:
The guards catch the presumed thief who turns out to be a noble heathen. After three days they travel to Jerusalem where they are highly welcomed. After the fifth day a messenger arrives informing them that the heathen king is in Scalun. Count Rudolf advises to support the Christians with an army and with God’s help they will gain victory.
Motif References:
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
GrRud-9:
The army with Count Rudolf as leader camp in a forest outside town. The king takes revenge on the heathens, plunders and kills children and women. When the heathen king learns of the devastation he calls for Girabobe his counselor, who advises to send messengers to summon allies. Meanwhile the big army under Rudolf’s command gathers near the town gates. Heathens and Christians engage in a furious battle. Three hundred counts are killed; the town is under siege for one and a half year but not conquered. One night the heathens break though and kill many Christians. Count Rudolf kills Girabobe’s friend, the other heathens are taken prisoner and sentenced to death by hanging. The heathens plead to give their weight in gold as ransom. Rudolph agrees under the condition that they surrender, but Girabobe refuses.
Motif References:
P 14.15.1 (Old, wise) Counsellors of court [King’s council]
R 75 Surrendering
V 350 Conflicts between religions
Q 413 Punishment: hanging
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
GrRud-10:
Meanwhile in Scalun all male heathens have been killed. Only the women survive, cut their hair and disguise as men in armor. On the battlement Girabobe boasts how well they have defended their castle. Count Rudolf decides to retreat but Girabobe persuades him to negotiate. The king eventually yields because his advisers plead for peace. He returns to Jerusalem and the patriarch of Bethlehem, the cardinals and all the townsfolk receive him well. Count Rudolf comes to court. The king boasts being the emperors equal and has to persuade Rudolf to teach them the customs of royalty.
Motif References:
P 559 (Li) Peace: making and conditions of peace (ransom, reparations, submission)
F 565.1 Amazons. Women warriors
K 1837 Disguise of woman in man’s clothes
GrRud-16:
Rudolf meets the heathen princess, King Halap’s daughter and falls in love with her. They declare their mutual love. The princess’s maid Beatrise watches over them. The lovers change rings. A messenger arrives sent by the King of Jerusalem. The king demands to bring Rudolf confined in chains to his court. He is accused of unfaithfulness, because he allegedly has abducted the duke and his son. But Halap refuses to do the king’s bidding. He only agrees to a single combat.
Motif References:
T 10 Falling in love
T 57 Declaration of love
H 82.3.1 (Bm) Ring as parting token
GrRud-17:
Rudolf departs from the king’s court and asks Halap to watch over his cousin Bonifait who is the princess’s chamberlain. Rudolf tries to conquer a heathen town with the remaining army. He camouflages with two trees and thus is able to reach the sea. The townsfolk meet him at sea with boats to receive the king’s message. Meanwhile Halap has summoned an army to recapture the town. The battle takes place on a green meadow. Rudolf fights with Gilot the Christian king and defeats him.
Motif References:
H 217.1 Decision of victory by single combat between army leaders
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
K 2369 Military strategy - miscellaneous
GrRud-19:
Rudolph’s beloved the heathen princess asks the Christian king who visits her in Constantinople to help her to have her baptism arranged. At the celebration they feed the poor and give alms. The ceremony takes place in the holy temple. Her godfathers are two kings, three dukes, bishops and counts. She assumes the Christian name Irmengard to be united with her beloved count. Her piety becomes so extraordinary that she is even worshipped as a saint.
Motif References:
W 48 (Ha) Piety
P 296.1 Godfather
V 332 Baptism of heathen
GrRud-20:
Rudolf escapes with a rope made from the two coats of his servants, and then climbs over the roof. He repents his sins and swears to do penance. He awaits the night hiding in a bush. By dusk an abbot on a horse passes by, throwing away old bread. Rudolf eats it. In the night he drinks the dew from the grass. Rudolf is still severely injured by the heavy beating he had received at the king of Jerusalem’s court, who had him treated like a criminal. In the night he crawls on all fours exhausted he faints by dawn. A pilgrim finds him and reanimates him with wine.
Motif References:
R 51 Mistreatment of prisoners
R 219 Escapes - miscellaneous
N 846.1 Palmer as helper.
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