About the book
Wolfram von Eschenbach (fl. c. 1195-1225), best known as the author of Parzival, based Willehalm, his epic poem of military prowess and courtly love, on the style and subject matter of an Old French chanson de geste.
In it he tells of the love of Willehalm for Giburc, a Saracen woman converted to Christianity, and its consequences. Seeking revenge for the insult to their faith, her relatives initiate a religious war but are finally routed. Wolfram's description of the two battles of Alischanz, with their massive slaughter and loss of heroes, and of the exploits of Willehalm and the quasicomic Rennewart, well displays the violence and courtliness of the medieval knightly ideal. Wolfram flavors his brutal account, however, with tender scenes between the lovers, asides to his audience, sympathetic cameos of his charactersespecially the womenand, most unusually for his time, a surprising tolerance for 'pagans'.
Editions of Willehalm
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140443998
Read an Excerpt
Wolfram von Eschenbach (fl. c. 1195-1225), best known as the author of Parzival, based Willehalm, his epic poem of military prowess and courtly love, on the style and subject matter of an Old French chanson de geste.
In it he tells of the love of Willehalm for Giburc, a Saracen woman converted to Christianity, and its consequences. Seeking revenge for the insult to their faith, her relatives initiate a religious war but are finally routed. Wolfram's description of the two battles of Alischanz, with their massive slaughter and loss of heroes, and of the exploits of Willehalm and the quasicomic Rennewart, well displays the violence and courtliness of the medieval knightly ideal. Wolfram flavors his brutal account, however, with tender scenes between the lovers, asides to his audience, sympathetic cameos of his charactersespecially the womenand, most unusually for his time, a surprising tolerance for 'pagans'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willehalm about?
Wolfram von Eschenbach (fl. c. 1195-1225), best known as the author of Parzival, based Willehalm, his epic poem of military prowess and courtly love, on the style and subject matter of an Old French chanson de geste.
In it he tells of the love of Willehalm for Giburc, a Saracen woman converted to Christianity, and its consequences. Seeking revenge for the insult to their faith, her relatives initiate a religious war but are finally routed. Wolfram's description of the two battles of Alischanz, with their massive slaughter and loss of heroes, and of the exploits of Willehalm and the quasicomic Rennewart, well displays the violence and courtliness of the medieval knightly ideal. Wolfram flavors his brutal account, however, with tender scenes between the lovers, asides to his audience, sympathetic cameos of his charactersespecially the womenand, most unusually for his time, a surprising tolerance for 'pagans'.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Willehalm?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems > Classic poetry / poems
Where can I read a sample of Willehalm?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780140443998
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Willehalm?
Wolfram von Eschenbach
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Willehalm is available as paperback(ISBN 9780140443998)
Where can I buy Willehalm online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Willehalm?