German Medieval Literature Hildebrandslied - 1025 Words

In each text of the following German medieval literature: â€Å"Hildebranslied,† â€Å"Nibelungenlied† and Tristan courtly virtues of muot, à ªre, and triuwe are present and have importance within the context which either make a situation acceptable or not. These virtues make characters within each text either admirable or looked down upon. It also makes meaning of the text complex rather than one-sided. Although all virtues are present and emphasized, equal value is not given to the virtues in all texts except for à ªre. In â€Å"Hildebrandslied,† the character that displays à ªre in an extreme situation is Hildebrand. The conflict of the passage is a father who knows he must battle his son in the name of triuwe and especially à ªre. While Hildebrand has knowledge that his opponent is his son, his son Hadubrand did not recognize Hildebrand as his father because he believes his father is dead from battle. (27-29) Although not directly mentioned, muot is also present through the description of both Hildebrand and Hadubrand as champions. (2) Mental strength is shown through Hadubrand calling Hildebrand â€Å"utterly cunning.† (38) However in â€Å"Hildebranslied,† muot is not as valued as triuwe and particularly à ªre. As à ªre was most valued because although Hildebrand had knowledge of his son, he still has to fighting his opponent to guard his honor and the honor of his lord. This leads to Hildebrand showing triuwe and perfect à ªre to his lord, as he performs the order to fight against his enemy,