Freidank
Freidank was a didactic poet and medieval philosopher, born around 1170 in what is now Germany, likely in the regions of Alemannic or Swabian. He is best known for his sole surviving work, the *Bescheidenheit* manuscript, which blends biblical narrative style with secular wisdom, offering guidance on religion, culture, morality, and law through a collection of sayings and proverbs. Freidank accompanied Frederick II on the 1228 crusade that led to Frederick's coronation as king of Jerusalem in 1229, though much of his life remains obscure aside from his literary contributions. The *Bescheidenheit* gained significant traction in the sixteenth century, particularly after being translated into Latin, where it was recognized as a source of profound insight and heavily studied at prominent German universities. Although academic interest waned by the late 1560s, Freidank's work is considered historically significant, contributing to Middle High German culture and influencing subsequent thoughts and writings long after his death around 1233. His legacy endures as a reflection of the intellectual currents of his time.
Freidank
Poet
- Born: c. 1170
- Birthplace: Germany
- Died: c. 1233
Biography
The didactic poet and medieval philosopher Freidank was born circa 1170 in either Alemannic or Swabian territory in what is now Germany. Freidank arrived with Frederick II in the 1228 crusade that culminated in Frederick’s crowning as king of Jerusalem in 1229 as a result of diplomatic (not military) concessions. Nothing is known about Freidank’s life other than what has been learned from his work, which details his personal thoughts on religion, culture, morality, and law. Friedank’s only work was his Bescheidenheit manuscript, which was written in a biblical narrative fashion but was more of a secular guidebook or manual complete with numerous sayings and proverbs. The true significance in Freidank’s publication is not in what it may have meant when it was published, but rather in the enormous impact it had later on when it was reproduced in Latin and edited. It was particularly influential in sixteenth century Europe, where it was considered a source of profound wisdom. It was studied quite extensively at major Germanic universities. Academic interest in Freidank’s manuscripts and sayings died out by the late 1560’s, but the work is still of historical relevance because it was a crucial part of Middle High German culture and helped shape thoughts and writings long after Friedank’s death, which occurred sometime around 1233.