Mauritius von Craûn and Otto von Freising's The Two Cities: 12th- and 13th-Century Scepticism about Historical Progress and the Metaphor of the Ship1
Albrecht Classen
One of the most enigmatic verse narratives entire Middle Ages, High German novella Mauritius von Craun, continues to challenge and intrigue modern scholarship.2 Although composed either around 1180 or as late 1220/1230, text was copied apparently only once by Tyrolese toll official Hans Ried in famous Ambraser Heldenbuch between 1504 1515 on behalf Emperor Maximilian (1486-1519) (Wierschin; Janota). There are no indications that any other author familiar with this since there references contemporary late-medieval literature.3 However, anonymous seems have been deeply influenced Andreas Capellanus's Latin treatise love, De amore (ca. 1190), which would make early date Craun impossible (Thomas 1984; id. 1987). We also know he based his account some extent short Old French fable Du chevalier qui recovra l'amor de sa dame (The Knight Who Regained Lady's Love, 254 verses). This almost satirical narrative turn obviously drew its material from a historically more less verifiable an adulterous love affair Maurice II Craon Isabelle, wife neighbor, Count Richard Beaumont. ruled over Maine Anjou-east Bretagne-during latter half 12th century.4 As historical documents confirm, highly acclaimed knight composer courtly poetry who had close contacts troubadour Bertran Born (Kokott 370). The adopted basic illicit affair, but vastly expanded philosophical and-if we may use anachronistic term context-psychological content, offering multiplicity contradictory perspectives regarding course human history (Harvey 50-52). research has often focused fascinating narrative,5 number critical questions concerning significance literary-historical, ethical, philosophical, aesthetic terms remained unresolved.6 In introductory section, for instance, reflects upon development knighthood argues it experienced dramatic ups downs Greece, Rome, finally world Carolingians where new, probably unsteady flowering under rule Charlemagne Paladins Oliver Roland (231-46). purpose paper is discuss perspective light 12th-century historiography, especially Otto Freising's Chronicle Two Cities, profound messages about consequences past events chivalry, hence postulate new possible source Craun. prologue, narrator specifically refers Nero evil deeds became symptomatic moral decline affecting Roman society. I will argue discussion characterization Nero, Otto's account, provide crucial backdrop proper interpretation behavior affair. Moreover, unusual motif ship allows innovative take into peculiar shape construction be viewed reflection protagonist's shallow character.7 Once actual story begun, protagonist initially gains promise beloved, Countess Beamunt,8 she soon await him night love. But precondition asks organize tournament her sake because never witnessed one like observe lover perform knightly skills jousts knights (598-603). part preparations tournament, creates objects literature intends impress countess. …
The German Quarterly