Hartmann von Aue, Gregorius

Maria Dobozy (University of Utah)
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Gregorius

(c. 1190), Hartmann von Aue’s story of sin and grace, is probably the most discussed medieval German work. Its double incest, a universal taboo, continues to fascinate readers and avoid classification. Although the Oedipus myth was known in the Middle Ages, it has little similarity with this Christian text that examines the social and ethical ramifications of incest within an Augustinian framework. Hartmann probably used versions of the twelfth-century French saint’s legend

La vie du pape Grégoire

to build his creative reinterpretation. A re-evaluation for a modern audience,

Der Erwählte

(1951), has been written by Thomas Mann.

Hartmann’s prologue guides the reader’s assessment of fateful incest with the maxim that no sin is so great that it cannot be forgiven by means

2023 words

Citation: Dobozy, Maria. "Gregorius". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 31 March 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=13998, accessed 23 November 2024.]

13998 Gregorius 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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