Vorauer Alexander des Pfaffen Lambreht (1150/1160)
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Romances of Antiquity
Vorauer Alexander des Pfaffen Lambreht (1150/1160)
Kinzel, K. (ed.): Pfaffe Lamprecht, Alexander. Halle/Saale 1884.
PLVAlx-1:
Pfaffe Lambreht is the author of this poem about Alexander, son of Philippus, as it is known from the book “Maccabeans”. Alberîch’s of Bisinzo French poem is the source of Lambreht’s translation. When writing his book, Alberich thought of Salomon musing about the world’s transitoriness (vanitatum vanitas). Idleness does not suit man well.
Motif References:
PLVAlx-35:
There has never been a king who conquered so many countries, defeated so many other kings and was as rich as Alexander. Only Salomon was as outstanding. The regina austri visited him at his court and praised his highness. But Alexander was a heathen.
Motif References:
P 12.10 King is superior to all in strength, beauty, largeness etc
PLVAlx-71:
Some liars say that Alexander is the son of a magician. Lambreht refutes this allegation: Alexander is the son of the king Philippus of Chrîchen and Macedonenlant (Greece and Macedonia), whose ancestor fought and defeated king Xerse. Olimpias is Alexander’s mother. Her brother was the Persian king who was also called Alexander.
Motif References:
Z 202 (Bm) Fanciful ancestry of hero
PLVAlx-103:
At Alexander’s birth: earthquake, thunder, heavy rain, the sun darkens.
Motif References:
Z 292 Death of hero [heroine]
F 960.1.1 Extraordinary nature phenomena at birth of royalty
F 960.1.1.1 Thunder report at birth of king
F 960.1.2.1 Extraordinary precipitation at birth of hero
F 961.1.9 Eclipse of sun at important historical events
F 968 Extraordinary thunder and lightning
F 969.4 Extraordinary earthquake
PLVAlx-118:
In three days Alexander grows as fast as other children in three months.
Motif References:
T 585 Precocious infant
T 615 Supernatural growth
PLVAlx-126:
Alexander’s hair is red and ruffled like that of a fish in the ocean. It is very thick and frizzy like the curls of a lion.
Motif References:
F 555.4 Very thick hair
PLVAlx-131:
One of Alexander’s eyes is blue like a dragon’s eye: this is caused by the bad visions his mother had during pregnancy. His other eye is black like a griffin’s.
Motif References:
F 512 Person unusual as to his eyes
F 541.6 Eyes remarkable as to colour
T 576 Prenatal influences
PLVAlx-141:
Alexander is well-proportioned and very handsome. During his first year, his strength and ability grow as much as other children’s in three years.
Motif References:
F 575.3 Remarkably beautiful child
T 585 Precocious infant
PLVAlx-155:
Alexander has knightly manners (generosity towards guests). He is educated by very wise men in wisdom and warfare: The first educator teaches him Latin and Greek, reading and writing (at this time Alexander was still a little child); the second teaches him music (playing the harp and lyre). The third educator teaches him all about the distances between sun, moon and earth (geometry). Aristotiles (Aristotle), the fourth educator, teaches him astronomy (as the mariners know it to find their way), and the fifth all about fighting (the use of weapons, defense). The sixth teaches him the law. By then, he is 12 years of age. He never lies nor betrays anyone.
Motif References:
P 12 Character of kings
W 24 Man speaks no evil [lie]
J 141 Youth educated by seven [six] sages
J 152 Wisdom (knowledge) from sage (teacher)
T 585 Precocious infant
T 615.3 Precocious wisdom [virtue]
PLVAlx-229:
Alexander threw one of his teachers into an abyss because of a lie. Many liars say that this man was his father.
Motif References:
Q 263 Lying (perjury) punished
P 340 Teacher and pupil
PLVAlx-237:
King Philippus’ mare [Buzival] is an impetuous, aggressive, quick horse. Her snout is like the snout of an ass with wide nostrils. Her ears are long and her head is narrow and thin. Her eyes are the color of those of a flying eagle. The fur on her neck is curled like a lion’s mane; her thighs are covered with hair of cattle. Her flanks show patches of a leopard. She is the best horse that has ever existed.
Motif References:
B 15.7.10 Animal unusual as to skin
B 15.1 Animal unusual as to his head
B 15.5 Animal unusual as to his nose (snout)
B 15.4 Animals with unusual eyes
B 731.2.1 Horse with crimson mane and green legs [Polychromatic horse]
PLVAlx-255:
The horse, named Buzival, is so aggressive, that it has to be chained and is kept in a stable. Nobody dares to come near it. Only criminals whose lives are forfeit are given to it.
Motif References:
B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
Q 416.1 Punishment: trampling (kicking) to death by horses
PLVAlx-267:
A messenger tells Philippus that the one who is able to ride the horse will be his, Philippus’, successor to the throne. One day, when Alexander passes by the stable, he hears the horse neigh and rave and enquires about it. Btholomeus tells him that this is the wild mare Buzival, who bites everybody who comes near her. Alexander breaks open the door of the stable and enters. When Buzival feels him come near, she kneels down. Alexander caresses her, then mounts her and rides out of the stable.
Motif References:
P 11.1 Choice of kings by divine will
B 16.1.3 Devastating horse
H 41.7 Task: to ride horse whereby one becomes king
H 71.10 Marvel as sign of royalty
H 171.3 Horse indicates election of emperor
H 172.1 Horse will permit only certain man to ride him
Z 201.1 (Bm) Hero’s famous horse
B 771.6 (Bm) Only hero able to tame wild horse
PLVAlx-323:
When king Philippus learns about his son’s exploit, he is very proud. They take each other by the hands, and Philippus tells him that he will be king. Alexander, now fifteen years old, demands to be knighted. Philippus gives him precious weapons.
Motif References:
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
P 53 (Bm) Obtaining knighthood
PLVAlx-369:
Alexander refuses to be called king before he has won himself a kingdom and another king’s crown. So he assaults king Nycolaus of Cesarea and defeats him. He takes his crown and returns home.
Motif References:
P 19 Other motifs connected with kings
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
PLVAlx-387:
At his return, Alexander crowns his father with king Nycolaus’ crown. Alexander also reproaches his father’s behavior: Philippus has fallen in love and committed adultery with Cleopatra and repudiated his wife, Alexander’s mother, Olimpias. Alexander says that the person who gave this advice has done badly.
Motif References:
T 232 Woman deserts husband for unworthy lover [Husband repudiates wife for another woman]
P 233.9 Son chastizes father for scorning mother
PLVAlx-411:
The knight Lisias mocks Alexander, who hews out his teeth with a goblet.
Motif References:
S 164 Mutilation: knocking out teeth
Q 288 Punishment for mockery
PLVAlx-423:
Philippus, leaping up from the table in rage, falls over and breaks his leg. Alexander gets infuriated as well and hews about with his sword. Then he heals his father’s leg and reunites him with his mother.
Motif References:
P 12.13 King quick to anger
P 14 Particular practices of kings
T 298 Reconciliation [reunion] of (separated) couple
N 397 Accidental self-injury
D 2161.3.3 Magic cure of broken limbs
PLVAlx-441:
The inhabitants of Antonia are disloyal to King Philippus. Alexander conquers the castle together with 500 men.
Motif References:
P 550.1.2 (Li) Defense of legitimate rights by war
K 2299 Other villains and traitors – miscellaneous
PLVAlx-467:
At his return, Alexander meets the messengers of king Darios, who have come to collect tribute from Philippus. Darios is mentioned in the book of Daniel: Daniel dreamed of a he-goat fighting against a ram, this signified the fight of Darios and the Greek king. Alexander disapproves of his father paying tribute. He sends back the messengers and has them tell their king that he will lose his head if he insists on the tribute.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Z 100 Symbolism
M 301.7 Biblical worthy as prophet
M 302.7 Prophecy through dreams
V 515.2 Allegorical visions – political
P 532 Payment of tax (tribute) [toll]
H 617 Symbolic interpretations of dreams
D 1812.3.3.5 Prophetic dream allegorical
PLVAlx-507:
King Philippus’ men in Thelemôn are disloyal towards him. Alexander conquers the castle, kills the men and enfeoffs his own warriors with all he conquered.
Motif References:
Q 72 Loyalty rewarded
Q 411 Death as punishment
P 550.1.2 (Li) Defense of legitimate rights by war
K 2299 Other villains and traitors – miscellaneous
PLVAlx-527:
On his return, Alexander fights with the margrave (count) Pausonias, who has abducted his mother, Olimpias, and mortally wounded Philippus. He takes Pausonias captive, fetters him and brings him before Philippus in order to take revenge. The king gives orders to kill Pausonias, and then he dies.
Motif References:
R 10.5 (Bm) Queen abducted
P 16 End of king’s reign
S 110 Murders
Q 211 Murder punished
Q 213 Abduction punished
P 233.6 Son avenges father
Q 411.6 Death as punishment for murder
PLVAlx-559:
Alexander becomes king after Philippus’ death. He is now 20 years old. He assembles his counselors and discusses a military expedition against those countries to which Greece has been tributary over the past 100 years. They assure him of their loyalty.
Motif References:
P 17.0.2 Son succeeds father as king
W 34 Loyalty
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
PLVAlx-593:
Alexander summons his army (sends messengers with letters to Greece, Macedonia and Kalabre). The town of Nicomedias (where St Pantaleon had to endure his martyrdom) sends 1000 warriors. Alexander promises reward and threatens those who refuse military aid with beheading. Alexander’s army of 70,000 warriors crosses the sea and collects tribute, then they conquer Sicily.
Motif References:
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
P 551 Army
PLVAlx-625:
In Rome, Alexander is welcomed in a friendly way. He is given 100,000 pounds of silver, a precious cloak and a golden crown.
Motif References:
P 13 Customs connected with kings
PLVAlx-637:
1000 Roman warriors join Alexander’s army. He goes to Africa, which is subject to Darios, and conquers Carthage. The inhabitants grant surety, but only a few men join his army, as they are at bad terms with the Romans. Alexander sends messengers to Meridienlant, Bethania and Galatia. He threatens the inhabitants of Carthage with death by crucifixion if they do not submit to him completely. They follow his request and bring silver and gold.
Motif References:
R 75 Surrendering
M 500 (Bm) Threats
PLVAlx-661:
Alexander is generous and refuses the gold, but he takes 1000 Carthagians into his army. He proceeds to Egypt, where he founds a town that is bigger and stronger than Babylon, Troy, Gapadotia, Pede and Carthage, richer than Rome and Antiochia. The town is called Alexandria.
Motif References:
Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding
PLVAlx-683:
Alexander continues his military expedition and destroys many lands. He destroys Galilea, the land of Neptalim, then Zabulon, Naason, Samaria, Syria (the homeland of Naaman, who recovered from leprosy). Alexander ravages Bethulia, where Judith took Holofernes’ head, destroys the land of the Jews, burns Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Nobody resists him until he comes to Tyre.
Motif References:
PLVAlx-703:
Tyre is a big city, surrounded by the sea. The town has strong walls made of square stones held together by iron clasps, mortar and lead. Three walls surround the town. The towers are painted with gold; connected by arches also covered with gold. The courtyard is very large. The town’s width is about one mile. It is subject to the Persian king, Darios.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
F 761 City of precious metals and stones
PLVAlx-729:
Alexander sends messengers to ask the inhabitants to submit to him. They refuse to be anyone’s subject, but offer to give everything to him of their own will.
Motif References:
P 550 Military affairs
PLVAlx-741:
Alexander gets infuriated; he sits down and again sends three of his nobles as messengers. They are hanged by the leaders of the town.
Motif References:
S 113.1.2 Prisoners taken in war (enemy’s messengers) hanged
PLVAlx-759:
Alexander assaults Tyre with ships from the sea. 20,000 warriors defend the town. The blood of the men in Alexander’s army reddens the sea. 100 ships founder because of the wind and the men drown. Alexander stops the assault.
Motif References:
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle
PLVAlx-777:
Alexander chooses another strategy: He gives his carpenters orders to build catapults and wooden towers from which log bridges are meant to lead to the castle’s pinnacles. He sends 11,000 men to the mountain of Libanus to fell cedars for the making of fortifications. Libanus is a mountain in Arabia, where the Jordan originates. This is the same forest that king Salomon bought from king Hiram for the price of half Galilee, because he preferred the trees for the building of houses and ships. The wood of these trees never rots, neither in rain nor in snow.
Motif References:
P 552.4 War-machines
F 812.7 Boards of wood from certain forest endure forever
PLVAlx-805:
1000 of Alexander’s men are killed by Arabians in the Libanus region. Alexander instantly comes to help them and leaves his army near Tyre in the hands of the dukes Gracto and Perdix.
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
PLVAlx-823:
During Alexander’s absence, the inhabitants of Tyre start an assault against Alexander’s army and burn down one of the siege towers, kill and capture many men. Many stay under the sea for a whole day and return safely. Alexander’s dukes assault the town, 200 warriors die.
Motif References:
F 691 Man can breathe nine days under water [People survive under water for one day]
PLVAlx-851:
Siege and battle of Tyre: Alexander returns to Tyre: He has the ships bound together in fours and has them covered with skins to prevent water from entering. These ships transport the combat towers made of the longest trees. They attack the walls of Tyre with steel implements. Both sides use missiles, the sea turns red from blood. Since the towers of the Greeks are higher than the town’s, the Greeks manage to topple them, thereby breaking the walls. Then Alexander gives order to assault Tyre. They destroy the other walls with hammers. (851-992)
Motif References:
P 552.4 War-machines
P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege
F 1084.1 Deep streams of blood flow during battle
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
PLVAlx-893:
Alexander’s shield is made of ivory, his helmet is unpierceable, and his spear is made of gold. He kills the duke of Tyre, then jumps on the pinnacles together with 4000 warriors. Many warriors are killed or wounded.
Motif References:
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
F 834 Extraordinary spear
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield
PLVAlx-931:
Alexander kills many men. His breast-plate is horny and hard from dragon-blood.
Motif References:
B 11.2.13 Blood of dragon
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
PLVAlx-939:
The earth is covered with thousands of corpses. The Tyrians fight ferociously, break through the Greek lines outside the castle and return, killing many of Alexander’s men. Since the Greeks are still under heavy bombardment from the three towers situated on the town gates, Alexander has 72 catapults erected on his counselor’s advice. With the use of “Greek fire” (only Alexander knows how to make it), which continues burning also in water; they succeed in overcoming the enemy. The Greeks break open the doors of the city.
Motif References:
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 882 Extraordinary fire
F 964.4 Blazing stick continues to burn even in water
D 1271 Magic fire
D 1672 Unquenchable fire
PLVAlx-993:
Alexander orders the razing of the three towers that stayed intact. He has 3000 of the richest citizens captured, blinded and hanged to avenge the hanging of his three messengers. In this battle, Alexander lost more warriors than Tyre had inhabitants.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Q 413.4 Hanging as punishment for murder
Q 451.7.4 Blinding as punishment for murder
PLVAlx-1009:
Tyre is now destroyed. The town was once founded by the king Apollonius, who was chased away by king Antioch for solving his, Antioch’s, riddle in a letter: Antioch has intercourse with his own daughter. Tyre is also the town where the heathen woman asked God to free her daughter from an evil spirit.
Motif References:
T 411 Father-daughter-incest
H 540.3 King propounds riddles
Z 703 (Bm) Eponymous account of city’s founding
D 2176.3 Evil spirit exorcised
PLVAlx-1019:
Darios learns from a man who has been able to flee from Tyre, that Alexander blinded and hanged many Tyrians and then had the town burned down. He urges the king to support Tyre, as it would be a great shame if he did not.
Motif References:
PLVAlx-1031:
Correspondence between Darios and Alexander: Darios, who underestimates Alexander, sends him three gifts to show him his disdain: a child’s ball, a shoe-lace and a little piece of gold in a box. In a letter he explains the gifts: The ball means that Alexander had better play with children than burn and hang Darios’ men. The shoe-lace is to remind him of the daily service he owes Darios (like his ancestors), as a shoe-lace is something used every day. The gold signifies the tribute that Philippus paid to Darios every year. Alexander should live on this gold until he returns home, so that he need not plunder. Darios threatens to have Alexander flogged with a rod if he does not obey.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Z 174 Message or orders given symbolic action
M 500 (Bm) Threats
H 607 Discussion by symbols
PLVAlx-1071:
Alexander is infuriated when he reads the letter and gives orders to hang the messengers. One of them cleverly argues him out of doing so: Alexander himself would not accept it if his messengers were killed. He asserts that there is no king who could be compared to Alexander – he had better be moderate!
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
J 1675 Clever arguing with a king
PLVAlx-1091:
Alexander pardons the messengers. He returns them the gold with these words: Darios acts like a dog that flees barking loudly when he hears a sound in the night. Alexander interprets Darios’ presents in another way: The ball means that Alexander should rule over the whole disc-shaped (scîbligen) world. The shoe-lace was to signify that Darios would subject himself to Alexander. The gold symbolized that only Alexander is entitled to collect tribute from Darios and his subject countries. Alexander writes this answer in a letter. He tells Darios also that he will give him a three-month respite, then he will cross the Euphrates with 100,000 men to Babylon. If Darios refuses to pay his tribute to him, he must pay with his head.
Motif References:
Z 71.1 Formulistic number: three
Z 174 Message or orders given symbolic action
M 500 (Bm) Threats
H 607 Discussion by symbols
J 1600 Practical retorts – miscellaneous
PLVAlx-1148:
Darios is very angry when he gets Alexander’s letter. He sends a letter to Marios and Typotes, two of his dukes, telling them to block Alexander’s way and bring him bound, but alive before him. If Alexander wants to be the highest being on earth, he should be so, but on the gallows.
Motif References:
PLVAlx-1175:
The two dukes object: Darios acts unreasonably when he wants them to capture a man who has already conquered Jerusalem, Tyre, Rome, Egypt and Carthage and many other castles that once belonged to Darios. Darios should act with foresight.
Motif References:
P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]
J 651 Inattention to danger
PLVAlx-1195:
When Darios receives Marios’ and Typotes’ message, he is infuriated and sends duke Mennes with 10,000 men against Alexander. He lets the two dukes know that he will punish them if they let Alexander cross the river. So the two dukes call up 40,000 warriors.
Motif References:
P 551 Army
PLVAlx-1216:
Alexander and his army cross the river. Furious battle starts when they reach the opposite bank. 1000 Greek warriors die before Alexander joins the fight: Riding on Buzival, he is very quick and strong and kills many men. (1216-1384)
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
PLVAlx-1239:
Duke Mennes collects hundred warriors around him for protection. Alexander breaks through them. Single combat between Alexander and Mennes (first on horseback, then on foot with swords; swords emit fire-sparks). Their strikes are compared to the heavy blows of Samson, who slew one thousand men with the thigh of a donkey.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
P 552.1 Battle-pen. Warriors fight in circle around leader
F 839 Other extraordinary weapons
PLVAlx-1265:
When Mennes knocks down Alexander, the Greek loses his helmet. As Jubal, one of Mennes’ warriors, perceives Alexander’s unprotected neck, he lifts his sword to slay him. At that moment, Daclym, one of Alexander’s warriors, cleaves him in two with his sword, thus saving Alexander’s life. He then puts Alexander’s lost helmet on his king’s head and encourages Alexander, who is very dizzy from the blow to his head, to return to battle.
Motif References:
F 628.2.10 Strong man cleaves horse and rider in two [kills horse and rider at one pole-blow]
N 852 Soldier [warrior] as helper
PLVAlx-1303:
Alexander returns to battle. The expression in his eyes frightens his enemies. Regaining consciousness, he thanks Daclym. Alexander fights ferociously, mowing down the enemy like grass. He kills an immense number of men.
Motif References:
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
PLVAlx-1321:
The battle is compared to two famous battles: First, to the battle of Wolfenwerde, where Hagen and Wate fought each other and where Hilde’s father died. But neither Herewîch nor Wolfwîn fought as ferociously as Alexander. Second, to the Trojan war as known from the songs: Even the brave warriors Achilles, Hector, Paris and Nestor, who killed thousands, cannot be compared to Alexander.
Motif References:
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
PLVAlx-1339:
During the short period of Alexander’s unconsciousness from Mennes’ blow, the Persian duke Pincun took Alexander’s banner. Alexander demands it back; Pincun threatens him with death and wounds the Greek king above the eyebrow. Alexander returns the blow, cutting off Pincun’s head.
Motif References:
P 550 Military affairs
PLVAlx-1371:
When Mennes approaches, Alexander gives him a blow on the arm, which is so hard that it also damages the lung. Mennes dies, the Persians flee from battlefield.
Motif References:
R 220 Flights
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
PLVAlx-1385:
When Alexander’s wounds have healed, he continues his war against Darios. Alexander burns down and plunders the castle of Sardix.
Motif References:
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
PLVAlx-1395:
This castle is one of the seven castles mentioned in the book Apocalypse, where St John was sent by God. When Darios hears about the fall of the castle Sardix, he reacts like a vain man. He short-sightedly does not see that his insolence will be brought low. He swears to have Alexander hanged on a tree and eaten by the birds within 14 days.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
W 187 Insolence [Self-conceit]
J 651 Inattention to danger
PLVAlx-1415:
Darios sends his messengers over land and sea to his kings and princes, dukes and earls. He asks them for military aid and tells them to come to the field of Mesopotamia. There, the army-review is going to take place: He has to check how many troops have arrived: One troop consists of 6660 men. Darios’ enormous army: 32 kings, 270 dukes, 803 knights. 70,000 warriors from Persia, 50,000 warriors are sent by the Zinnonenses, just as many by the Panfilien. Another large army comes from Medinrîch (the land where the angel was sent with Tobias), 80,000 warriors come from Cilicien, 21,000 from Ninive, 8000 from Armenia, where Noah’s ark ran aground. 1000 strong giants come from Gaza in the Land of the Philisters. 20,000 warriors are from Frigia, 12,000 on horseback from India and a small troop of 1000 heroes from the Red Sea. The army consists of 630,000 warriors all together.
Motif References:
F 531.6.9 Giants as warriors (in army)
P 551 Army
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
F 873 Extraordinary army
F 873.2 Enormous army (camp)
PLVAlx-1497:
When Alexander hears about Darios’ enormous army, he also summons his warriors and goes to Mesopotamia. In a furious and bloody battle (battlefield covered with warriors), Alexander is victorious. He slays Darios with the sword, saying: “I bring you the tribute you asked for.”
Motif References:
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]
PLVAlx-1528:
This is the tale as told by Master Albrich and the Pfaffe Lamprecht. The story is true and right.
Motif References:
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