Gewalt Der Minne Analysis

Pfitzner composed “Gewalt der Minne”, like the first song of the opus, to a translation of a Middle High German poem by Walther von der Vogelweide. I got interested in Walther’s original when I noticed that the poem is in the form of a Canzone stanza that consists of an Aufgesang with two symmetrical Stollen (vv. 1-2 and 3-4) and an Abgesang (vv. 5-9). My assumption that the Lied text is part of a bigger work got confirmed when I discovered that the translation covers only one of the six stanzas that constitute Walther’s poem “Ich freudehelfelôser man”. Wisbey (1982) points out that the existing manuscripts of Walther’s work differ both regarding what stanzas form the poem and which order they appear in. Only two manuscripts consider “Gewalt …show more content…
Her prominent position is again emphasised in the eighth verse, where he addresses her as queen. The placement of the word “Königinne” at the end of the verse, which, due to the feminine cadence, is a syllable longer than and does not rhyme with the other verses, emphasises her high standing. The speaker’s request for “Gnade” appears strange at first glance. It could be translated as “mercy”, but a wish for mercy, i.e. a wish not to be enchained by Minne would seem contradictory to the speaker’s desire to devote himself to her. Another meaning of “Gnade” is grace, favour or goodwill of someone socially superior towards someone of a lower rank. This translation seems to be more in line with the spirit of the poem. Nevertheless, what for a modern reader seems the inherent contradiction in the Medieval idea of Minne pervades the whole text: Minne is not a kind ruler. She forces (uses “Gewalt” vv. 1-2, “zwingest”) and binds her subjects (v. 6) at her discretion and there is no escape. Nevertheless, the speaker is happy to serve her and promises never to stray as he accepts this as the immutable order of