Our tradition holds that the name Voglewede is derived from the
German family name Vogelweide (Birdmeadow). Some of us further
hold that our family can trace its lineage back to the great
German poet, Walther von der Vogelweide. It has been pointed out,
however, that because the German name was so well known, it could
have been assumed by one of our ancestors, rather than given as a
birthright. For more recent information, see the
Travelog of Bill Borns).
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Walther von der Vogelweide was a minnesinger and poet, who was born about 1170 and died in 1228. One old document mentions his name and a small event in his life; in the record of the travelling expenses of Wolfger von Ellenbrechtskirchen, Bishop of Passau, there is an entry for 12 November 1203, which says that five solidi were given for a fur coat as a present to the singer Walther von der Vogelweide. Further information regarding his place of birth exist only in his poems, especially two in imperfect rhyme. Since he was usually very exact in his rhyme, this faultiness can only be explained if they were originally written in the Bavarian-Austrian dialect. Austria, therefore, is probably his birth-place. On one occasion Walther speaks of Duke Leopold VI as the ruler of his native country, and proclaims the fact that he learned to read and sing in Austria, and that he always feels himself drawn to go to Vienna. The Tyrolese, however, claim him as a countryman, as do also the Bohemians, and many have erected monuments to his memory. A chronological arrangement of his poetry is not possible, so his works provide few clues about his life. All that is certain is that Walther developed artistically the knightly Minne poetry, and introduced the real love song into the artistic court poetry, and this is his particular merit as a minnesinger.
Walther von der Vogelweide's didactic poetry, a form of the poetic art that generally belonged to the wandering scholar, stands on the same high level as his love lyrics. Ruler and people listened attentively to his words of exhortation. His poetry is of value both for the history of his times and for that of civilization. The poet probably did not live to see the Crusade of Frederick II, for which he had written a song. At least he ceased writing in the year 1228. Where he died and where he was buried are as little known as the place of his birth.
The image of Walther von der Vogelweide is taken from Manässische Liederhandschrift (manuscript) at the Universitätsbibliothek Heidelberg (University Library of Heidelberg) and dates back to the period 1310-1330. More information regarding the life and work of Walther von der Vogelweide is available on-line from Albert K. Wimmer's Anthology of Medieval German Literature.
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Unter der linden an der heide, dâ unser zweier bette was, Dâ magt ir vinden schône beide gebrochen bluomen unde gras. Vor dem walde in einem tal, tandaradei, schône sanc die nahtegal.
Ich kam gegangen zuo der ouwe,
Dô hêt er gemachet alsô rîche
Daz er bî mir læge |
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Under the linden in the heather, that's where our bed for two was. There you'd find lovingly broken flowers and grass. In the valley by the wood, tandaradei, sweetly sang the nightingale.
I came walking down by the meadow,
Then he made a wonderful place
That he lay with me |
Other Poetry of the Period
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Du bist mein, ich bin dein dessen sollst du gewiß sein. Du bist beschlossen in meinen Herzen Verloren ist das Schüsselein. Du mußt auch immer drinnen sein. |
You are mine, I am yours of that you should be certain. You are locked in my heart Lost is the key. And you must remain inside forever. |
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