Theodor Körner
Theodor Körner was a German poet and soldier, born in Dresden in 1791. Initially pursuing a career in mining, he moved to Vienna where he mingled with influential scientists and literary figures, producing a significant body of work that included poetry, dramas, farces, and operas. His literary success earned him the title of court poet. In 1813, Körner joined the Lützow free corps to fight against Napoleon's forces. His military involvement led to several engagements, during which he demonstrated bravery, including a notable incident where he outsmarted enemy troops by feigning command. Tragically, Körner sustained a severe abdominal wound during a battle in August 1813, which resulted in his paralysis and subsequent death at just 21 years old. He was buried near Ludwigslust, and a tomb now marks his resting place, commemorating his short yet impactful life both as an artist and a soldier.
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Subject Terms
Theodor Körner
Poet
- Born: September 23, 1791
- Birthplace: Dresden, Saxony, Germany
- Died: August 26, 1813
- Place of death: Gadebusch, Mecklenburg, Germany
Biography
Theodor Körner was born in Dresden, Germany, in 1791. After receiving his education, he chose to pursue a profession in mining. He moved to Vienna, where he became friends with many prominent scientists and literary figures, including scientist Alexander von Humboldt, and critic and poet Karl Wilhelm Friedrich von Schlegel. Körner was very productive in Vienna, producing many poems, dramas, farces, and operas. His works were so successful that he was appointed the position of court poet.
In March, 1813, he left Vienna and joined the Lützow free corps, a group of soldiers who were fighting against Napoleon I, emperor of France. On May 28, the corps headed out on an expedition towards Thuringia with four squadrons of calvary and fifty cossacks. The expedition passed through Halberstadt, Eisleben, Buttstadt, Schlaitz, and Plauen, encountering enemy forces and dispersing them. After seeing this carnage, Napoleon vowed to destroy the corps, planning to attack during the armistice of 1813. After receiving official information of the armistice, Major Adolf von Lützow, the corps leader, proceeded to Kitzen, but found himself overwhelmed by a superior force. Körner, demanding an explanation, went to parlay with the opposing officers, but instead of replying to the parlay, the enemy commander struck Körner with his sword, injuring his head. The commander than ordered his men to attack. Körner retreated to the forest and while he was assisting a wounded comrade, he was approached by enemies. Seeing an opportunity, he shouted “Fourth squadron, advance!” This trick worked, and the enemy retreated. He then retreated to the right bank of the Elbe River, where he met back up with the majority of the corps.
He suffered pains from his head wound and was feeling ill when he wrote his sonnet “Farewell to Life.” He recovered from his wound and continued to fight with the corps. On August 17, fighting resumed, and on August 26, 1813, during a battle at Rosenburg, Körner was struck by a bullet in the abdomen. The bullet struck his liver and spine and he fell, instantly paralyzed. He was carried to a nearby wood but soon died, at the age of twenty-one. He was buried about a mile from Ludwigslust, under an oak tree. A tomb has been placed over his remains.