The Nibelungenlied is one of the most important German epic poetry of the Middle ages. Today, only 35 handwritings and fragments, dated from the 13th century up to the 16th century could be found.
The Nibelungenlied is based on old oral lore and was written down thereabout in the beginning of the 12th century. The language is Middle High German and the poet unknown. However, the origin of the Nibelungenlied is supposed to have something to do with Passau or the baronies of the diocese of Passau.
Wolfgang von Erla, who was bishop from Passau from 1191 to 1204 is probably the patron of the unknown poet. Moreover the predecessor in office, Bishop Pilgrim is involved in an interesting plot of the Nibelungenlied. It is assumed that the unknown poet wanted to give Passau and in conclusion to this Wolgang von Erla, a higher reputation. Although Passau isn’t important for the storyline, it is mentioned three times as the whereabout of the protagonists.The title "Nibelungenlied" is derived from the last verse of one part of the handwriting, which closes the sentence with following words: "daz ist der Nibelunge liet" This wordings was taken over with little variation into the High German title "the Nibelungenlied". In contrary to former assumptions it is not possible to gain one uniform text, which could be mentioned as the only one with the origin authenticity.
Today the three most important handwritings are kept in Munich (handwriting A), St. Gallen (handwriting B) and in Karlsruhe (handwriting C). It is evinced that the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages because of the great number of manuscripts that have come down to us. In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was soon forgotten by the mass of the people in 16th century. About 500 years after the Nibelungenlied was written down it was rediscovered in the year 1755.
edited by: Markus Schönberger
translation by: Markus Schönberger
(2004/18.8.2005)