Gregorius

work by Hartmann von Aue

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June 29, 2026

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Gregorius is a religious epic by the Middle High German poet Hartmann von Aue, written around 1185–1195. It is a Christian adaptation of the Oedipus story, detailing a tale of double incest. The protagonist is born from an incestuous union and later unknowingly marries his own mother. After 17 years of penance for his sins as both a knight and a lover, he is elevated to the position of pope. Hartmann von Aue's works, including Gregorius, are characterized by clarity, directness, and a didactic purpose, emphasizing moral content over stylistic virtuosity.12

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Hartmann von Aue
…four extended 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…
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…four extended 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…
Read More