This most enigmatic short verse narrative in Middle High German (verse novella) is based on a very short Old French
fablel(or short
fabliau),
Du chevalier qui recovra l'amour de sa dame, which in turn seems to be based on an erotic affair between Maurice II, Duke of Craon, and Isabel (died in 1220), wife of his neighbor and friend, Count Richard of Beaumont. Maurice was born around 1131/1132 and was one of the most loyal supporters of King Henry II of England. In 1173/1174 Maurice crushed a riot by Henry's French vassals in Anjou and Maine and subsequently received both territories as his fiefdom. In 1191 Maurice accompanied Richard Lionheart on his crusade to Palestine. Maurice died on July 12, 1196, having enjoyed a life filled with political and military successes, but also as an…
2003 words
Citation: Classen, Albrecht. "Moriz von Craûn". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 December 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=16639, accessed 21 November 2024.]