Der Ring

"Der Ring" by Heinrich Wittenweiler is a satirical didactic poem written around 1408-1410. This work combines serious teachings about courtly behavior, marriage, household management, and virtue with comic scenes of foolish peasants. It follows Bertschi, a young man whose passion for the ugly Mätzli triggers a series of grotesque and slapstick situations. His clumsy courtship attempts—including disastrous serenades, barn mishaps, and rooftop accidents—spiral into tragic consequences that lead to war and his village's destruction.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.