Reinmarbilder

Reinmar von Zweter is the most important Sangspruch poet between Walther von der Vogelweide and Frauenlob. Within German poetry of the time, the transmission of his works is unique in two ways. A systematic collection of his Sangsprüche must have taken place during his lifetimes, and the fragments of his ‚Leich‘-poem, from the 13th century, are older than any other manuscript of the genre. In a detailed analysis of the manuscripts, changing attitudes towards this oeuvre can be perceived. Each manuscript creates a certain image of the poet. The author portrait in the ‘Codex Manesse’ and the fictional character 'Reinmar' in the 'Wartburg Contest' can be considered as further aspects of perception. The literary study of the main body of Reinmars Sangsprüche opens up new perspectives on the oeuvre and on the innovations within.