Knights of Minnesang: Famous and Not So Famous
This is how it was: you ride on a horse and sing, and a servant walks behind you and drags a lute and other belongings. And in the castle everyone is happy to see you: news, a new man and songs... Still from the film "Beautiful Times in Spessart" (1967)
"You who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on carpets and you who walk on the road, sing a song!"
Book of Judges of Israel, 5:10
Book of Judges of Israel, 5:10
History and culture. Today we continue the story about the minnesinger knights. They swung their swords quite successfully, but could also compose poetry and sing songs. Most of them came from poor families, although there were exceptions, and they lived by traveling from one castle to another and entertaining their inhabitants. In addition, patrons of the arts, and there were such at that time, organized demonstration tournaments of masters of the art of song, where minnesingers from all the neighboring lands came and competed for prizes, for example, a chased golden rose or a diadem, which the winner usually gave to the mistress of the castle where this poetic competition was held. It was also not uncommon for a knightly tournament to be held first, and then a poetry tournament, in order to amuse both body and soul. The popularity of such competitions is illustrated by this example: in 1184, Frederick Barbarossa invited 70 thousand guests to a tournament of courtly singers and poets in Mainz.
We will again see illustrations from the "Manesian Codex" and knight figurines made on its basis. They are produced by two Russian companies: EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio, with the former casting and the latter painting, although you can also buy unpainted figurines and do it yourself.
The first in our gallery is Duke Heinrich von Breslau, that is, the ruler of the city of Breslau. Very little is known about him, there were too many dukes and kings with that name, so it was easy to get lost among them, but he ended up on the pages of the "Manesian Codex" and thus immortalized not only himself, but also his attire.
Heinrich von Breslau. "The Manesian Code". In the illustration, he, being the winner of a knight's tournament, receives a wreath on his head from a lady. He also has a red ribbon attached to the corner of his shield. It is assumed that this is another sign of love received from someone
Heinrich von Breslau. The surcoat is embroidered with the letters that form the word AMOR. Figurine by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
Yes, but after receiving a wreath on his head from a lady, could a knight give the lady something in return? It turns out he could, and he had quite a few gifts at his disposal that were appropriate to his and her rank. For example, in the treatise of Andrew the Chaplain from around 1184-1186, "On Love in Three Books," there is a clear list of gifts that a noble lady could accept from her lover. It was not forbidden to receive scarves, hairbands, breast pins, mirrors, belts, purses, tassels, sleeves for a dress (after all, they were sewn on, so one dress could have up to ten sleeves or more!). And also gloves, rings, small dishes, and, of course, flags from spears. Or, in principle, any small gift that was useful for personal hygiene or simply beautiful.
Accordingly, ladies could give knights their shirts (!), which they either put on themselves or nailed to shields, wreaths, rings, bracelets, necklaces and, of course, sleeves from dresses. The knight used such a sleeve as a pennant on his spear, and the lady would walk around in a dress with a torn-off sleeve, telling everyone that it was now nailed to the shield of the knight... so-and-so!
Knight-Minnesinger Heinrich von Toettingen. "Manes Codex"
Minnesinger knight Heinrich von Tettingen. It is interesting that he is armed with a falchion (felsen), and the sword hangs on his belt. His helmet decorations are also very original - two sickles and one sickle, that is, a heraldic image of a sickle on a shield. All this once again suggests that the symbols of agricultural labor did not go anywhere from knightly life, and the work of a farmer itself was sufficiently respected. Incidentally, in Rus', the epic about Volga and Mikula Selyaninovich testifies to this. Only here it was spoken out loud, and in the West it was demonstrated at the level of symbols. Figurine by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
Knight-minnesinger Hartmann von Aue, 12th-13th centuries. "Manesian Codex"
Hartmann von Aue is another completely "passport knight". Figure by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
We know about him that he was born around 1160-1170 and died around 1210-1220. But it is known that he was a crusader and a participant in the crusade of 1197, which was organized by Emperor Henry VI and reached Jerusalem. 18 songs have survived from him, and all of them are about love. There are poems on a religious theme. He also wrote four poems that have survived to this day.
One of them is called "Poor Henry," and we will examine its contents in some detail, as it is quite revealing.
Knight Henry fell ill with leprosy. But he learned that he could be cured by the blood of a young and innocent maiden who would voluntarily give it up. And such a one was found – the daughter of the owner of his home, a young maiden in love with him. But a lot of blood is needed, so his savior will have to die. And Henry… takes her to the doctor. Well, if she wants to save him, then let her save him.
...She was going to go to the grave
And she went to her death as if to a holiday.
Like a May day, fresh and cheerful,
She was ready to joke and sing,
To ease the suffering of the patient...
And she went to her death as if to a holiday.
Like a May day, fresh and cheerful,
She was ready to joke and sing,
To ease the suffering of the patient...
The maiden tells the doctor that she is ready to die for her beloved and asks him to kill her quickly, since the knight has already suffered beyond measure and wants to recover. The doctor, however, does not like this approach to the matter. He begins to explain to her that her death will be painful, and that if she is forced to do this, then she should tell him about it.
But the maiden is adamant - I want to save the knight!
Then the doctor took on the knight, but he did not react to his words. And only when they had already actually started cutting the girl, he broke into the doctor's room and took the girl right from under the knife. Apparently, his conscience woke up.
They went back, and the girl was grieving that they did not let her sacrifice herself. And then the Lord God himself intervened in their affairs and healed the knight, and Henry himself was renewed in both body and soul! And in the end, although the girl was of humble birth, Henry led her down the aisle, his vassals approved of his action, and they lived happily ever after!
And then, to the temple without delay
The happy couple set off,
Where at the foot of God's cross
Their union received a blessing.
And then their days flowed quietly -
And they lived to old age
Deep, not knowing heavy grief,
And they went down to the grave, blessing the Creator.
Oh, merciful God, do not leave
And us, like them!
So that we too may descend into the grave
Peacefully and protected from earthly troubles.
God's will be done! Amen!
The happy couple set off,
Where at the foot of God's cross
Their union received a blessing.
And then their days flowed quietly -
And they lived to old age
Deep, not knowing heavy grief,
And they went down to the grave, blessing the Creator.
Oh, merciful God, do not leave
And us, like them!
So that we too may descend into the grave
Peacefully and protected from earthly troubles.
God's will be done! Amen!
Poems like these were in high esteem back then, and people listened to them, and tears of emotion flowed down their cheeks...
Knight-minnesinger Dir von Kürenberg, 12th century. "Manesian Codex"
Minnesinger Knight Dir von Kürenberg. Figure by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
He was one of the first minnesingers. He lived on the Danube between Bavaria and Lower Austria. He composed sometime around 1150-1160. As many as fifteen stanzas of his songs have been preserved. His most famous poetic work is "The Song of the Falcon".
I raised a falcon for over a year.
When I had tamed him as I wanted,
And when I decorated his feathers with gold,
He rose high and flew to another country.
Since then I have seen a falcon in flight:
He had silk jerseys on his feet,
And all his feathers were red and gold.
God, bring together those who want to love each other!
When I had tamed him as I wanted,
And when I decorated his feathers with gold,
He rose high and flew to another country.
Since then I have seen a falcon in flight:
He had silk jerseys on his feet,
And all his feathers were red and gold.
God, bring together those who want to love each other!
Heinrich von Frauenberg. "The Manesian Code"
Heinrich von Frauenberg. Figure by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
Heinrich von Frauenberg (c. 1257–1314) was one of the barons of Gutenberg Castle. He lived the life of a warrior. But he was also a minstrel and was immortalized in the Codex Manesque with five songs. His coat of arms depicts a golden griffin on a blue field with red claws. That is why he has such a strange crest on his helmet.
Knight-Minnesinger Count Otto von Botenlauben, XIII century. "Manes Code
Minnesinger Knight Count Otto von Bothenlauben, 13th century. Figurine by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
Count Otto von Botenlauben (1177–1245 or later) was a man of very difficult but prosperous fate. He belonged to the German poets of the late Minnesang period. As a knight, he participated in the Crusades and founded several monasteries. He made a career at the court of the King of Jerusalem, winning his favor, succeeded financially, and even married the daughter of the royal seneschal, Beatrice de Courtenay, in 1205.
In 1220, he sold his lands in Palestine to the Teutonic Order and returned to Germany, where he became part of the court nobility. His sons, Otto and Heinrich, as well as his grandson Albert, became clergy, so his line of descent died out.
Dietmar der Setzer, 13th century. The illustration shows him as a participant in a knightly duel on foot, using sharp swords. And, apparently, the sharpness and strength of the latter were such that he cut his opponent's helmet together with his head. The coat of arms is a green wolf's head. Therefore, the same figure adorns his knight's helmet. "Manesian Codex"
Minnesinger Knight Dietmar der Setzer, 13th century. Figurine by EK Castings and Silver Dream Studio
What do we know about him? Nothing! He doesn't appear in any other documents. Yes, that happens. Too much water has flowed under the bridge since then. Only his name and a "picture" in the book remain. But what a "picture"! Not everyone could boast of such a powerful blow even at that time!!!
To be continued ...
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