The story of Tristan and Isolde remains an intriguing and influential legend because of its lesson about love: two people truly in love experience the greatest joys and sorrows. Various versions reflect the story in a light that illuminates the history of the time periods and the authors’ themes. Two works, Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde and Strassburg’s poem Tristan and Iseult, express unique differences. Because the Middle Ages were times of wonder, discovery, and the unknown, Strassburg appeals to people with an exciting love story, and his work presents a detailed version of the legend since he is highly educated. Conversely, Wagner composed an opera focusing on the relationship of Tristan and Isolde and the consequences of their love.
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After the death of Tristan’s parents, a marshal named Rual adopts him, so the foreign king would not kill him; Tristan is the rightful heir to his kingdom. Rual saves him because of the strict hierarchy as well as to be kind. Politeness is important to people in the Middle Ages. Another detail Strassburg mentions is the fact that Tristan plays the harp beautifully. When Isolde heals Tristan, he plays music for her. By mentioning the harp, Strassburg relates that music is an integral part of the Middle Ages. Moreover, honor and strength are essential characteristics to men in this time period and are reflected in stories, such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf. Tristan represents these traits by defeating a dragon and a knight named Morolt. Strassburg describes Tristan as “‘the fairest day king and kingdom had ever known’” which reinforces the idea of courage and nobility in the Middle Ages (59). Perhaps most important, Strassburg includes an additional part of the story writing about the romance Tristan finds with another woman, Isolde of the White Hands. She resembles every part of the real Isolde the Fair: she is beautiful, intelligent, kind. Strassburg points out the irony that Tristan chose the exact same woman, but he does not love her; his true love is to Isolde the Fair. By lying to him, Isolde of the White Hands causes his death. She represents the social tension of the adulterous relationship between Tristan and Isolde the Fair. Although their relationship does not abide by the courtly society, they truly love each other, and Strassburg praises their success despite its consequences. Notwithstanding excluding parts of the legend, Wagner uses music and staging in the opera to communicate the emotions and feelings that Strassburg created from the poem. In Prelude to Act 1, a depth of longing is
After the death of Tristan’s parents, a marshal named Rual adopts him, so the foreign king would not kill him; Tristan is the rightful heir to his kingdom. Rual saves him because of the strict hierarchy as well as to be kind. Politeness is important to people in the Middle Ages. Another detail Strassburg mentions is the fact that Tristan plays the harp beautifully. When Isolde heals Tristan, he plays music for her. By mentioning the harp, Strassburg relates that music is an integral part of the Middle Ages. Moreover, honor and strength are essential characteristics to men in this time period and are reflected in stories, such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf. Tristan represents these traits by defeating a dragon and a knight named Morolt. Strassburg describes Tristan as “‘the fairest day king and kingdom had ever known’” which reinforces the idea of courage and nobility in the Middle Ages (59). Perhaps most important, Strassburg includes an additional part of the story writing about the romance Tristan finds with another woman, Isolde of the White Hands. She resembles every part of the real Isolde the Fair: she is beautiful, intelligent, kind. Strassburg points out the irony that Tristan chose the exact same woman, but he does not love her; his true love is to Isolde the Fair. By lying to him, Isolde of the White Hands causes his death. She represents the social tension of the adulterous relationship between Tristan and Isolde the Fair. Although their relationship does not abide by the courtly society, they truly love each other, and Strassburg praises their success despite its consequences. Notwithstanding excluding parts of the legend, Wagner uses music and staging in the opera to communicate the emotions and feelings that Strassburg created from the poem. In Prelude to Act 1, a depth of longing is