Die vermeintlich vergessenen Kinder in der mittelhochdeutschen Literatur

Summary

Contrary to the traditional paradigm originally established by Philippe Ariès (L’Enfant et la vie familiale sous l’ancien régime, 1960), medieval authors often focused their attention on children and the parent-child relationship which was more often than not characterized by strong emotions. With the notable exception of James A. Schultz (The Knowledge of Childhood, 1995), however, the history of emotions concerning children, as it found its perhaps best expression in literary texts, has so far not been studied adequately. Depending on the text selection, we can find surprisingly intensive and emotional relationships between parents and children, or, respectively, little regard for the young sons and daughters. The examples of the anonymous Mai und Beaflor, the anonymous Prosalancelot, Konrad von Fußesbrunnen Die Kindheit Jesu, and Konrad von Würzburg’s Heinrich von Kempten demonstrate that those children who figure prominently as victims or actors enjoy great respect and are treated as what they are: as children. The thirteenth-century authors consistently portray them as lovable, innocent, vulnerable, and in great need of protection. They act as all children would act, and they are loved by their parents with great passion. These findings can also be extended to some earlier (Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Titurel) and later texts (Johann von Würzburg’s Wilhelm von Österreich). Moreover, the data gained from these Middle High German examples can also be confirmed through other medieval French and English texts. In light of this literary-social analysis, several conclusions can be drawn: the medieval history of emotions can be well identified and analysed through literary sources; love for children was a phenomenon that emerges in many medieval cultures, hence Ariès’ old thesis can finally be laid to rest.