Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué

Biographical details

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, a German author of the 18th and 19th centuries, is renowned for his romantic tales that combine chivalric ideals, supernatural elements, and psychological depth. His works, including Undine, Sintram and His Companions, The Two Captains, and Aslauga's Knight, explore themes of love, destiny, and moral struggle, often set in medieval settings.

Through compelling characters and poetic language, he examines human frailty and the conflict between worldly desires and spiritual elevation. His stories, distinguished by otherworldly encounters and emotional power, reflect a fusion of Gothic atmosphere and folk traditions, securing his place as a significant figure in European romantic literature.

Quotes by Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, Sintram and His Companions

“ High above, and at a great distance, the castle of Drontheim, as if to take leave, appeared again through an opening in the rocks. The knight then looked keenly at his companion, and he almost felt as if Weigand the Slender were riding beside him.
“In God’s name,” cried he, “art thou not the shade of that departed knight who suffered and died for Verena?”
“I have not suffered, I have not died; but ye suffer, and ye die, poor mortals!” murmured the stranger. “I am not Weigand. I am that other, who was so like him, and whom thou hast also met before now in the wood.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, Aslauga's Knight

“ Immediately glittering locks of gold waved here and there between the folds of her close-wrapped mantle, and the thicket began almost to shine in the light which they shed. ‘Poor youth,’ said she then, ‘you love truly, and can well understand how a lofty woman’s heart burns in keenest sorrow when a noble knight, who vowed himself to be her own, withdraws his heart, and, like a weak bondman, is led away to meaner hopes.’ Hereupon she arose, and, sighing, disappeared in yonder thicket. It almost seemed to me, Froda, as though she uttered your name. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, The Two Captains

“ By the spring where moonlight’s gleams O’er the sparkling waters pass, Who is sitting by the youth, Singing on the soft green grass? Shall the maiden tell her name, When though all unknown it be, Her heart is glowing with her shame, And her cheeks burn anxiously, First, let the youthful knight be named. ‘Tis he that on that glorious day Fought in Castilla’s proud array; ‘Tis he the youth of sixteen years, At Pavia, who his fortunes tried, The Frenchman’s fear, the Spaniard’s pride. Heimbert is the hero’s name, Victorious in many a fight! ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, Undine

“ The same evening we childless parents were sitting together by our cottage hearth. We had no desire to talk, even if our tears would have permitted us. As we thus sat in mournful stillness, gazing into the fire, all at once we heard something without,—a slight rustling at the door. The door flew open, and we saw a little girl, three or four years old, and more beautiful than I can say, standing on the threshold, richly dressed, and smiling upon us. We were struck dumb with astonishment, and I knew not for a time whether the tiny form were a real human being, or a mere mockery of enchantment. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, Sintram and His Companions

“ As if with a fearful curiosity, the moon, through a rent in the clouds, cast a beam upon Sintram’s companion, and made clear to the shuddering youth that the little Master stood, by him.
“Avaunt!” cried he, “I will listen no more to thy evil stories about the knight Paris: they would end by driving me quite mad.”
“My stories about Paris are not needed for that!” grinned the little Master. “It is enough that the Helen of thy heart should be journeying towards Montfaucon. Believe me, madness has thee already, head and heart. Or wouldest thou that she should remain? ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, Aslauga's Knight

“ But Edwald looked at him sorrowfully, and said, “What can my skill and strength avail if they be tried against you, and for the greatest earthly prize, which one of us alone can win? Alas! I have long foreboded with a heavy heart the sad truth, that you also are journeying to the tournament of the fair Hildegardis.”
“Edchen,” answered Froda, with a smile, “my gentle, loving youth, see you not that I already wear on my breastplate the image of a liege lady? I strive but for renown in arms, and not for your fair Hildegardis!” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué, The Two Captains

“ Once when Zelinda came in the evening twilight, gracefully bearing on her beautiful head a basket of provisions for Heimbert, he smiled at her and shook his head, saying, “It is inconceivable to me, sweet maiden, why you ever give yourself the trouble of coming to me out here in the desert. You can indeed no longer find pleasure in magic arts, since the spirit of truth and love dwells within you. If you would only transform the oasis into the natural form in which the good God created it, I would go there with you, and we should have far more time for holy converse.” ”

Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué

Biographical details

Quotes by Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué

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Works by Freiherr de Friedrich Heinrich Karl La Motte-Fouqué

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