Individual combat in medieval German courtly epic

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the portrayal of individual combat in three medieval German Courtly Epics: Hartmann von Aue's Erec, Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan and Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival. Discussion of critical interpretations of the role of combat and of the historical reality reflected in these poems aims to place them in their literary and historical context. The study looks particularly at reasons for combat and reasons given for combat success, and attempts to discern the authors' attitudes their heroes and to society in general. It is suggested that conclusions can be drawn as to the overall interpretation of the poems from the treatment of individual combat within them. Each poem is discussed with consideration of existing scholarly approaches and detailed examination of the individual combat scenes. In Erec, this examination reveals that combat is based on a clear perception of courtly society, which defends itself against outside challenges and seeks to ensure its members obey its social and moral code. The knight is seen as the champion of this society, and Erec as an idealised knight. In Tristan we see that Gottfried's priority is to tell a tragic love story rather than a tale of knightly adventure. Individual combat is accorded little importance, and the combats which are included, along with many of their characteristics, are dictated by the existing narrative. We also see the world as dominated by political forces. In Parzival, the hero's combats mirror Parzival's progression from a youth ignorant of chivalry to his self-confident assumption of the role of Grail king. Initially he succeeds by virtue of the strength which shows his inherent ability as a knight, and is inherited from Gahmuret. After the Blutstropfenszene shows the potential for inspiration through minne, he finally comes to actively call on such inspiration in his final fight against Feirefiz. He thereby shows the awareness of his heritage and relationship to others which proves him worthy of election to the position of Grail king to which he was born.