Q3: Lesson 1 | German Epic Flashcards
is a major literary type in a nation’s literature; it is the earliest form to appear
epic
age of epic
middle ages
oldest of european epics
beowulf
is inseparable from the idea
of grandeur, it contains a magnitude
of theme, storyline, and heroic
characters.
epic
does not sing only of the
anger and the warlike deeds of
Achilles. It brings to mind the whole
Trojan War that, in the Homeric world,
was an event of great magnitude and
importance.
the iliad
apart from the wanderings
and warlike adventures of Aeneas,
opens an impressive prospect of the
destiny of imperial Rome.
the aeneid
not only pictures
the pride and obstinacy of Roland, but
is also filled with the crusading zeal
of a man who represents Christianity
against Islam.
song of roland
(refers to the royal Burgundian family or
a race of dwarves thought to be the
original owners of the Burgundian wealth).
“The lay/Song of the Nibelungs”
who wrote nibelungenlied
unknown
setting of nibelungenlied: the land of the Burgundians
in the city of
city of worms
the hero of
the Nibelungenlied
- a handsome, valorous
prince in the Netherlands
city of Xanten
siegfried
what city is siegfried from
city of xanten
heroine, the
sister of Gunther
kriemhild
king of
Burgundy, with a capital
at Worms.
king gunther
the queen of
Isenland (Iceland)
brunhild
was a fierce warrior, cousin of King
Gunther and his sister Kriemhild, and as such,
vassal of the Burgundian kings.
hagen
How did Siegfried’s statement that he
was a vassal to Gunther increase
Gunther’s worth in the eyes of
Brunhild?
If the mighty Siegfried was the vassal
of Gunther, it meant that Gunther was
more powerful than Siegfried.
Why was it a mistake for Siegfried to
give Brunhild’s girdle and ring to
Kriemhild?
She would use the items to later to
prove to Brunhild that it was
Siegfried who subdued her and not
Gunther, her husband.
Why did Kriemhild reveal these gifts
to Brunhild?
To prove to Brunhild that her husband
is mightier than Gunther.
How was Siegfried killed?
Hagen made Kriemhild to reveal his
weak spot by pretending to be
concerned.
Hagen thrusts a spear into the
vulnerable spot of Siegfried.
