About
Hartmann von Aue (c. 1160 – c. 1210) was a German poet of the classical period of Middle High German literature. A knight of the lower Swabian nobility, he was distinguished by his learned culture. He introduced the Arthurian romance to Germany with 'Erec', a free adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes, and composed 'Iwein', a masterpiece of courtly narrative. His religious legends 'Gregorius' and 'Poor Henry', along with his lyric poems, demonstrate his versatility. His clear and polished style, praised by Gottfried of Strasbourg, had a lasting influence on German courtly poetry.
* 1160-01-01 — † 1210-01-01
Major works
- Erec (c. 1180–1192)Arthurian romance
- Gregorius (c. 1190)religious legend
- Der arme Heinrich (c. 1195)religious legend
- Iwein (c. 1200)Arthurian romance
- Minneliederlyric poetry
Key milestones
- c. 1180–1192Composes 'Erec', the first Middle High German Arthurian romance.
- c. 1196–1197Probably participates in Emperor Henry VI's crusade.
- c. 1210Mentioned as alive in Gottfried of Strasbourg's 'Tristan'.
Themes
Chivalry and courtlinessSin and redemptionCourtly loveConflict between duty and desireFaith and crusade
Sources: britannica.com · digi.ub.uni-heidelberg.de · cambridge.org