Charlemagne in Medieval German and Dutch Literature
Adam Oberlin
Commemorative dates related to Charlemagne's reign—for example, his elevation emperor in 800 and death 814—have come gone the early twenty-first century. This recent era generated untold numbers of popular academic reflections studies on most famous ruler Carolingian dynasty, part because position enduring myths Europe, its pasts, potential futures. Albrecht Classen's 2021 contribution ongoing scholarship Charlemagne is less a study than it survey an important topic literary cultural history. Chronologically from twelfth-century vernacular history Kaiserchronik through fifteenth-century hagiographic text Zürcher Buch vom Heiligen Karl geographically southernmost German-speaking lands Middle Dutch Low German areas, book also covers wide variety texts genres. Such extensive coverage one linguistic area (or two, or three, depending one's perspective) testifies magnitude significance European literary, narrative, even religious While perhaps not indicative widespread quality control issues, present reviewer found that spine separated pages nearly immediately upon reading, which was all more disappointing given overall excellent formatting printing quality.In introduction, Classen manages mere eighteen provide sufficient overview origins legend, resources for further investigation, development Latin tradition adoption adaptation several examples genres makes appearance serves as central figure. More once reader steered toward interpretations legendary rulers rather seeking biographical detail, reception medieval perspective here centered entirely comparisons between French models adaptations, often case, but lens translation High dialect areas.The eight body chapters address Kaiserchronik, Pfaffe Konrad's Rolandslied, der Stricker's Große, fourteenth-century Meinet compilation, Elisabeth von Nassau-Saarbrücken's Königin Sibille, Malagis, Karl, various other, lesser-known German. Each chapter averages around twenty seeks both either single context constellation texts. In addition overviews editorial explanations genre-specific characteristics, explanation narrative content with citations some relevant completes each chapter. Medieval Literature does identify itself handbook, handbook is, useful one. surfaces stylistic decisions, e.g., defining what synoptic edition (p. 20) relatively brief, descriptively dense chapters, well aforementioned features.The first concentrates extant version twelfth century positions inspiration subsequent accounts Frankish king perspectives chronicling real imagined exploits commenting aspects idealized kingship (with later adaptations contend if inversion critique). Another influential adaption subject traced source Chanson de Roland other earlier chronicles dated quarter so after Kaiserchronik. Rolandslied provides spiritual mirror generally specifically secular heroic administrative thrust forming “crusade-like epic” structure 45) basis successive explorations holy figure.The third moves into thirteenth framed by composer didactic poem concerned contemporary ideas about virtuous living personal characteristics embody it. project then employs exemplary figure senses, flawed complex man, reflecting increasing interests portrayal great figures recognizably human form. Less hagiographical psychologizing, Stricker expands material presents saintly who overcomes inner outer failings, expresses emotion, administers realm embodiment good muot.In fourth chapter, half fourteenth possibilities legends offer changing landscape. The Ripuarian Compilation Karlmeinet Kompilation dat boich van eme), possibly compiled clergyman serving Aachen, encompasses five sections varying length sources, including now-lost Rolandslied. location dating are significant, notes Charles IV's interest renewing cult postdates compilation slightly dearth influence suggests otherwise 76). becomes locus interwoven approaches historical fictional biography: courtly romance, epic, older forms influenced chronicle merge setting court Muslim Spain.Chapter five, enters fifteenth discussion Elisabeth's chansons geste, emphasizing particularly popularity these narratives their referentiality. Sibille read alongside three author composed, plays Hans Sachs Schondoch's version, Frankreich, revealing emergent novelistic demythologizing Charlemagne, cuts closer earth laudatory portrayals previous centuries allow, strand contemplative treatment failure success maintained extent.From century, little-known versions epic whose chanson geste includes fragmentary verse, complete verse Early New translated Dutch, prose sixteenth translations, cast base king, prone poor behavior lack desirable traits, opponent sorcerer, magical necromantic activities cunning portrayed positive vis-à-vis oppressive ruler, severing literature original purpose proper kingship.Chapter seven remains returns mode representation, namely hagiographical, contrasts works two preceding chapters. work produced city since reports Stricker, historians, volume Florus Pantschiflur (according orthography compilation). Combining late elements (e.g., burlesque) hagiography, chronicle, romance), praising saintly, genuine miracle story order prove bona fide saint.The final takes diachronic view literature, surveying manuscript traditions printed editions Modern period focusing primarily Karel ende Elegast/Karl und Ellegast, Ogier Denemarken/Ogier Dänemark, Die Haymonskinder (related Malagis narrative). Because number brevity covered somewhat superficial fashion they nevertheless collectively additional bear witness necessity scholars readers investigate only versions, translations many transmitted.An afterword encapsulates core readings, neither wholly nor political one, both, worthy investigation diachronically among lesser-studied traditions. As survey, would serve undergraduate course allowing students succinctly major strands afterlives identity formation; usual caveats pricing apply.
Journal of English and Germanic Philology