The directory «Plots»

Johannsdorf Albrecht von
(1180—1209)

A Middle High German Minnesänger, was a minor nobleman in the service of Bishop Wolfger of Passau. Documents referring to him indicate that his lifespan included the period 1180-1206. He may have known Walther von der Vogelweide, and is believed to have participated in a crusade. His handful of Minnelieder conform outwardly to the pattern in which the man subordinates himself to the woman above him; and he is responsible for the classical formulation of the educative value of Minnedienst: ‘daz ir deste werde sît und dâ bî hôchgemuot’ (daß Euer Wert wächst und zugleich Euer hoher Mut). His poetry reflects a balanced and harmonious personality. His integrity and warmth of heart are most evident in the poems referring to departure for the crusade.

Berlin, 1970, Albrecht von Johannsdorf