Liebestod im Minnesang Heinrichs von Morungen

Abstract

‘LIEBESTOD’ IN THE LYRIC CORPUS OF HEINRICH VON MORUNGEN. This essay explores variations of the motif of the ‘Liebestod’ in the lyric corpus of Heinrich von Morungen, seen against the general background of the genre. The constellation of relationships, the absolute surrender despite the isolation of the lovers, serves to accentuate the classical paradoxe amoureux (Lieder XIX/XX; XVII); it directs the audience’s attention towards a literary life after death (Lieder VIII; XXII) and creates a conflict between love and Christian beliefs (Lieder VII; XXII; XXXIV). In the tradition of the classical Latin literature, and in contrast to the romantic ‘Liebestod’ of the 19th century, here every attempt at a harmonic resolution is rejected.