Etzel der rîche

:  The depiction of Attila the Hun in the literature of medieval Germany : with reference to related Byzantine, Italic, Gallic, Scandinavian and Hungarian sources (450-1300)

Abstract

In comparison with other heroes of Germanic poetry, the figure of Attila has attracted remarkably little scholarly interest. This investigation attempts to rescue Attila from a state of comparative reflect by focusing attention on his portrayal in medieval German literature with reference to related source material. The material is arranged according to place of origin in six chapters and sources are discussed chronologically within each chapter. While many elements in the depiction of Attila in medieval German literature are shown to derive from other traditions, the literature of medieval Germany makes several significant contributions to the Attila legends. German historiographers are the first to apply the standard of historicity to the Attila legends and to attempt an historically accurate version. The creation of Etzel der riche represents the peculiarly German contribution to the Attila legends. Etzel, although a secondary character, is portrayed in a by no means uniform manner. His largely inactive role may be ascribed in same works to one of his chief functions of training young heroes or assisting exiles, in others to his role as a statesman as opposed to a warrior and on occasion to his secondary position. Two channels are suggested by which Etzel became involved in German heroic poetry. The first resulted from the confusion between the Huns and Avars in the Carolingian period which caused the place of Dietrich's exile to be transferred from Constantinople to Attila's court. The second channel apparently originated in Attila's invasion of Europe in 4-51. As a result of this investigation Heusler's theories regarding she 'Burgundensage' ere demonstrated to be no longer tenable. In view of our conclusions many largely uncritically held tenets regarding the depiction of Attila in medieval German literature are shown to be in need of modification and, in some cases, urgent revision.

Date of Award	1979
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	D.A. Wells (Supervisor)