Konrad Fleck
Konrad Fleck was a twelfth-century German poet known for his significant contribution to medieval literature through his verse novel "Flore und Blanscheflur." This narrative tells the poignant tale of Flore, a young prince, and Blanscheflur, a royal slave, who fall in love despite the obstacles presented by societal norms and familial opposition. Their relationship faces severe challenges when Blanscheflur is separated from Flore and sold into Babylon, while Flore is misled into believing she has died. The story unfolds as Flore, driven to despair, learns the truth and embarks on a quest to reunite with Blanscheflur. Ultimately, after overcoming numerous trials, they return home to become king and queen, living a long life together. Fleck's adaptation of this folk tale is notable for its depth, expanding the original narrative from 3,000 to 8,000 verses and providing insights into character motivations. While little is known about Fleck's personal life, it is believed he wrote in the Alemannic dialect and may have lived in the regions of Alsace or Basel. His work contributes to the rich tapestry of medieval storytelling and highlights themes of love, perseverance, and social justice.
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Subject Terms
Konrad Fleck
Writer
- Born: fl. 1220
Biography
Konrad Fleck was the author of a twelfth century German verse novel written called Flore und Blanscheflur. It is the story of a young prince, Flore, and a slave of the royal household, Blanscheflur. Born on the same day, Flore and Blanscheflur grow up together and eventually fall in love. Flore’s father disapproves of their affections and conspires to separate them. Blanscheflur is sold away to Babylon, and Flore is told that she has died. Flore hears the truth from his mother, however, after he displays suicidal tendencies. Flore travels to Babylon, where he is reunited with his love. After the death of the king, Flore and Blanscheflur return home to reign as king and queen and live to very old age together.
The story of Flore und Blanscheflur had been circulating as a folk tale, but Konrad Fleck expanded it from three thousand to eight thousand verses. His version is notable for its insight on the motivations that drive the actions of the various characters. Little is known about the life of Konrad Fleck other than that several collectors of folk tales designated him as the author of this expanded version of Flore und Blanscheflur. Fleck wrote in the Allemanisschem dialect, and it is possible that he lived in either Elsass or Basel.