Der wilde Alexander
Encyclopedia
Der wilde Alexander, also known as Meister Alexander, was a medieval Minnesänger
who was active from the mid-1200s until after 1288. His works are considered to be part of the Sangspruchdichtung.
or more probably Switzerland
, Alexander is mentioned in both the Codex Manesse
, where he is portrayed as a wild rider with a red robe, as well as the Jenaer Liederhandschrift. His works date mostly from the latter half of the 13th century, being first mentioned in 1247. Whether Alexander was part of the gentry is not known, but he is generally considered to have been a wandering minstrel who was dependent upon his reception at courts.
is considered to be a symptom. His poetry is written in a simple yet expressive style, and always contains a degree of spiritual interpretation; for example, Hie vor dô wir kinder wâren contains one of only a handful of depictions of childhood in medieval poetry, yet still contains a warning against sensual pleasures. Alexander also wrote a minneleich
, Mín trûclîchez klagen, which invokes the essence of Cupid
, as well as mentioning the destruction of Troy.
List of Works
Minnesang
Minnesang was the tradition of lyric and song writing in Germany which flourished in the 12th century and continued into the 14th century. People who wrote and performed Minnesang are known as Minnesingers . The name derives from the word minne, Middle High German for love which was their main...
who was active from the mid-1200s until after 1288. His works are considered to be part of the Sangspruchdichtung.
Life
Perhaps originally from WürttembergWürttemberg
Württemberg , formerly known as Wirtemberg or Wurtemberg, is an area and a former state in southwestern Germany, including parts of the regions Swabia and Franconia....
or more probably Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, Alexander is mentioned in both the Codex Manesse
Codex Manesse
The Codex Manesse, Manesse Codex, or Große Heidelberger Liederhandschrift is a Liederhandschrift , the single most comprehensive source of Middle High German Minnesang poetry, written and illustrated between ca. 1304 when the main part was completed, and ca...
, where he is portrayed as a wild rider with a red robe, as well as the Jenaer Liederhandschrift. His works date mostly from the latter half of the 13th century, being first mentioned in 1247. Whether Alexander was part of the gentry is not known, but he is generally considered to have been a wandering minstrel who was dependent upon his reception at courts.
Works
Five of Alexander's songs remain, one of which is fragmentary. He uses complex imagery, which suggests that he had a relatively high level of education, and sets a high value upon poetic art, insisting upon its descent from Kings. The majority of his poems deplore the decadence of the age, of which the fall of AcreSiege of Acre (1291)
The Siege of Acre took place in 1291 and resulted in the loss of the Crusader-controlled city of Acre to the Muslims. It is considered one of the most important battles of the time period. Although the crusading movement continued for several more centuries, the capture of the city marked the end...
is considered to be a symptom. His poetry is written in a simple yet expressive style, and always contains a degree of spiritual interpretation; for example, Hie vor dô wir kinder wâren contains one of only a handful of depictions of childhood in medieval poetry, yet still contains a warning against sensual pleasures. Alexander also wrote a minneleich
Lai
A lai is a lyrical, narrative poem written in octosyllabic couplets that often deals with tales of adventure and romance.Lais were mainly composed in France and Germany, during the 13th and 14th centuries. A Provençal term for a similar kind of poem is descort.The English term lay is a...
, Mín trûclîchez klagen, which invokes the essence of Cupid
Cupid
In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, affection and erotic love. He is the son of the goddess Venus and the god Mars. His Greek counterpart is Eros...
, as well as mentioning the destruction of Troy.
List of Works
- Ein wunder in der werlde vert
- Hie vor dô wir kinder wâren
- Mín trûclîchez klagen
- Owê daz nach liebe gât
- Sîôn trûre