Konrad Pfaffe German poet of the 12th century Date of Birth: . Country: Germany

1. Konrad, the 12th-Century German Author
2. The Roland Song
3. Manuscript and Editions
4. Critical Edition

Konrad, the 12th-Century German Author

Konrad was a German poet who lived in the 12th century. He is renowned as the author of the oldest known German-language song about the legendary figure of Roland.

The Roland Song

Konrad's Roland song differs significantly from its French counterparts in its lack of nationalistic sentiments. The French soldiers in his poem fight not for "dulce France," but for the glory of God. The text frequently references biblical passages, giving it a strong religious undertone.

Manuscript and Editions

The most complete version of Konrad's poem is preserved in the Heidelberg Manuscript from the late 12th century. It was edited by Wilhelm Grimm and published in Göttingen in 1838. In the late 12th century, it was translated into Low German.

Critical Edition

The first critical edition of Konrad's poem was published by Karl Bartsch in his "Deutsche Dichtungen des Mittelalters" in 1874. This edition played a pivotal role in establishing the historical and literary significance of Konrad's work.