A NHG translation of "Von sente Brandan" with introduction and commentary. (German text); (Germany)

Abstract

The translation of Von sente Brandan is based on a text from Carl Schroder's book: Sankt Brandan. Ein lateinischer and drei deutsche Texte, published by Eduard Besold in Erlangen in 1871. Of these four texts, Von sente Brandan is a MHG version which is a transcription of a 14th century manuscript. It is loosely based on the Latin Navigatio sancti Brendani and shows influence of 12th century "Spielmannsdichtung". It is written in rhymed couplets, and consists of 1935 lines. In this version Saint Brendan burns a book when he is angered by what he thinks are fictitious accounts of miracles and wonders. As a punishment, God orders him to sail the seas for nine years until he believes what he has read. After a successful voyage he returns to Ireland, where he dies. This translation strives to provide an accurate and enjoyable translation in unrhymed verse.