Der Ame Heinrich

＂Der arme Heinrich＂ (Poor Henry) by Hartmann von Aue, is a Middle High German verse narrative written around 1195. The story tells of a wealthy and respected knight, Heinrich, who is struck by leprosy as a punishment for his pride. Advised in a dream that he can only be cured by the heart’s blood of a virgin willing to sacrifice herself for him, Heinrich reluctantly searches for such a maiden. He finds her in a peasant girl who is moved by his plight. However, at the last moment, Heinrich is overcome with guilt and calls off the sacrifice. Miraculously, he is healed anyway, learning humility and gratitude.

This edition makes available a timeless work of medieval literature. It represents the enduring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of humility. Hartmann von Aue’s masterful storytelling and profound insights into human nature continue to resonate with readers today.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.