Der arme Heinrich

work by Hartmann von Aue

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June 18, 2026

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Der arme Heinrich is a narrative poem by Hartmann von Aue, a Middle High German poet active around the late 12th and early 13th centuries. This work is considered one of Hartmann's finest poems and is characterized by its didactic purpose, focusing on religious themes.1

The poem tells the story of a knight named Heinrich who is afflicted with leprosy. His illness causes him to lose his wealth and social standing. The only known cure for his condition is the blood of a virgin who is willing to sacrifice her life for him. A young, pure maiden from the household that shelters him offers herself for this sacrifice. However, her sacrifice is ultimately not carried out, and Heinrich is miraculously healed. The poem concludes with the lord marrying the young peasant girl.12

Hartmann von Aue's works, including Der arme Heinrich, are noted for their clarity, directness, and moral purpose, emphasizing ethical ideals such as restraint and moderation.1

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Hartmann von Aue
narrative poems (Erec, Gregorius, Der arme Heinrich, Iwein), two shorter allegorical love poems (Büchlein I and II), and 16 lyrics (13 love songs and three Crusading songs). The lyrical poems and the two Büchlein appear to have been written first, followed by the narrative poems—his most important works—in the…
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narrative poems (Erec, Gregorius, Der arme Heinrich, Iwein), two shorter allegorical love poems (Büchlein I and II), and 16 lyrics (13 love songs and three Crusading songs). The lyrical poems and the two Büchlein appear to have been written first, followed by the narrative poems—his most important works—in the…
Read More

German literature
Hartmann von Aue
1185–95) and Der arme Heinrich (c. 1195; “Poor Henry”). Gregorius is a chivalric-Christian adaptation of the Oedipus story, a tale of double incest in which the tragic hero, born from an incestuous union and later wed to his own mother, is raised to the position of pope…
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1185–95) and Der arme Heinrich (c. 1195; “Poor Henry”). Gregorius is a chivalric-Christian adaptation of the Oedipus story, a tale of double incest in which the tragic hero, born from an incestuous union and later wed to his own mother, is raised to the position of pope…
Read More