Author
Franz Grillparzer
1791-1872
Franz Grillparzer (1791-1872) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Franz Grillparzer
König Ottokars Glück und Ende Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen
"König Ottokars Glück und Ende" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragedy written in 1823. Based on the historical King Ottokar II of Bohemia, the play chronicles a powerful monarch's dramatic fall from greatness. Through his own flawed decisions—divorcing his wife, alienating supporters, and losing the Holy Roman Emperor crown to a rival—Ottokar descends from the height of power toward ruin. Grillparzer originally planned to write about Napoleon but chose this medieval king instead, finding striking parallels between the two figures.
Ein Bruderzwist in Habsburg
"Ein Bruderzwist in Habsburg" by Franz Grillparzer is a five-act drama written in 1848. The play depicts the bitter conflict between Emperor Rudolf II and his ambitious brother Matthias, who schemes to seize the throne. Rudolf, paralyzed by his fear of political action and moral compromise, faces accusations of weakness while Matthias pursues power with reckless confidence. Their struggle unfolds against a backdrop of religious tensions and political intrigue, ultimately culminating in Rudolf's downfall and an ominous prophecy of the coming Thirty Years' War.
Das goldene Vließ
"Das goldene Vließ" by Franz Grillparzer is a dramatic trilogy written between 1818-1820. This expansive retelling of the ancient Argonaut myth follows the cursed golden fleece across three interconnected tales. From Phryxus's betrayal and murder in barbaric Colchis, through Jason's quest and forbidden love with the sorceress Medea, to her tragic exile and devastating revenge in Greece, the work explores themes of loyalty, cultural collision, and destiny's cruel demands as the fleece passes from hand to bloodstained hand.
Der arme Spielmann
"Der arme Spielmann" by Franz Grillparzer is a frame novella published in 1848. A narrator encounters an elderly street musician playing terrible violin music at a Vienna fair. Intrigued, he visits the old man's shabby dwelling to hear his life story: a tale of a gentle, impractical dreamer who failed at every worldly pursuit, lost his inheritance to fraud, and was rejected by Barbara, the baker's daughter he loved. The musician finds refuge only in his music and principles, barely surviving on alms in a society that has no place for him.
Das Kloster bei Sendomir
"Das Kloster bei Sendomir" by Franz Grillparzer is a frame narrative written in 1827-1828 and published in 1828. Two German knights seek shelter at a monastery and learn its dark origin story from a monk. The tale reveals how Count Starschensky married the beautiful Elga, only to discover years later a devastating betrayal involving her childhood friend. His discovery leads to tragic consequences and the founding of the monastery itself, with a final revelation about the monk's true identity.
Sappho : $b Ein Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen
"Sappho: Ein Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragedy written in 1818. The play dramatizes the ancient Greek poet Sappho's doomed love for the young Phaon, who prefers her slave Melitta. Caught between earthly desire and artistic calling, Sappho misreads innocence as betrayal. Grillparzer blends classical simplicity with modern passion, exploring the conflict between poetic genius and worldly happiness. This elegantly crafted work examines whether the spiritually gifted can reconcile their higher mission with human longing.
Die Ahnfrau
"Die Ahnfrau" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragic play written in the early 19th century. The drama unfolds in a gothic setting and revolves around the themes of fate, legacy, and the haunting past of the Borotin family, encapsulated by the eponymous Ahnfrau. The central character, Graf Zdenko von Borotin, grapples with despair over the extinction of his lineage, casting a dark shadow over his relationship with his daughter Berta and her suitor Jaromir. The opening of the play introduces us to the Graf and his daughter Berta in a somber gothic hall during a bleak winter evening. As the Graf reflects on a troubling letter, he reveals the impending extinction of the Borotin family due to the death of his last relative. Berta, sensing her father's sorrow, tries to uplift him with thoughts of spring and renewal. Meanwhile, hints of an ominous family curse—the Ahnfrau, whose restless spirit foretells doom for the House of Borotin—surface throughout their conversation. The tension escalates with the arrival of Jaromir, the man who saved Berta from danger, leading to further strife entangled with themes of love, loss, and vengeance, setting the stage for a tragic unfolding of events influenced by the characters' entwined fates with the family's dark legacy.
Des Meeres und der Liebe Wellen: Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen
"Des Meeres und der Liebe Wellen: Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen" by Franz Grillparzer is a dramatic work written in the early 19th century. The play unfolds against the backdrop of love, desire, and the divine, focusing on the character Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, and her complex relationship with love and duty. The opening of the play introduces us to Hero, who is preparing for a festival at the temple dedicated to Aphrodite. She reveals her mixed feelings about her role as a priestess, hinting at a desire for personal freedom. Other characters, including her playful companions and authoritative figures like the Oberpriester (high priest), discuss various societal expectations and the nature of relationships. The stage is set for tension between Hero's duty and her yearning for love, foreshadowing her encounter with Leander—a stranger who will challenge her commitments. Amid this, the air of the impending festival creates a sense of festivity mixed with the undercurrents of divine scrutiny and human emotion.
Weh dem, der lügt Lustspiel in fünf Aufzügen
"Weh dem, der lügt" by Franz Grillparzer is a comedy first performed in 1838. When Bishop Gregor's nephew is held captive by Germanic tribes, kitchen boy Leon volunteers for a daring rescue mission—but with one impossible condition: he must succeed without telling a single lie. Set during the Merovingian era, this witty play explores truth and deception as Leon uses clever wordplay to navigate between two warring cultures. The premiere sparked controversy, yet the work later became recognized as a classic of German comedy.
Libussa Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen
"Libussa" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragic play written in the early 19th century. This dramatic work explores themes of power, gender roles, and destiny through the character of Libussa, a princess with prophetic abilities, as well as the three siblings—Kascha, Tetka, and Libussa herself. The story begins with Libussa's journey to reclaim her identity and position amidst political turmoil following her father's death. At the start of the play, we witness Libussa's enigmatic departure from her home, guided by Primislaus, who has rescued her from danger. As they navigate the woodlands, Libussa's character unfolds in her interactions, reflecting a blend of strength and vulnerability. Meanwhile, her sisters are concerned about their father's health, and soon news of his death reaches them. This loss ushers in a power struggle, and the sisters grapple with their responsibilities as potential rulers of the land. The opening sets a foundation for the unfolding drama, foreshadowing the challenges Libussa will face, both personally and politically, as she contemplates taking on the mantle of leadership.
Ein treuer Diener seines Herrn
"Ein treuer Diener seines Herrn" by Franz Grillparzer is a drama that draws on Hungarian historical legend. When the aging nobleman Bancbanus becomes regent during the king's absence, he faces an impossible test of loyalty. The queen's brother pursues Bancbanus's young wife, leading to tragedy and uprising. Caught between personal loss and duty to the throne, Bancbanus must navigate moral complexities where faithfulness means something deeper than blind obedience. The play explores responsibility, sacrifice, and the cost of serving a higher order.
Medea
"Medea" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragic play written in the early 19th century. The drama focuses on the tumultuous and vengeful character of Medea, exploring themes of betrayal, love, and revenge as she navigates her strained relationship with her husband Jason, who has abandoned her for another woman. The play offers a deep dive into Medea's psychological turmoil as she grapples with her identity, loyalty, and the consequences of her actions. At the start of the play, we find Medea preparing for a significant action against those she perceives as her betrayers. Set against the backdrop of Corinth, the atmosphere is tense with Medea contemplating the consequences of her past and current grievances. As she speaks with her nurse Gora, she reveals her deep sense of betrayal by Jason, who has chosen another wife despite their shared history and children. The opening scenes depict Medea's emotional struggles and her resolve to reclaim her power and dignity, laying the groundwork for the conflicts and tragic events that will unfold throughout the play. The dynamics between Medea, her servant, and Jason introduce us to the complexity of her character and foreshadow the dramatic repercussions of love turned sour.
Der Traum ein Leben
"Der Traum ein Leben" by Franz Grillparzer is a dramatic fairy tale first performed in 1834. When ambitious hunter Rustan asks to leave his comfortable home for adventure and glory, he reluctantly agrees to stay one more night. That night, he dreams of his journey—saving a king, gaining wealth and power, but descending into murder and deception. As the nightmare intensifies, reality and dream blur together. Upon waking, Rustan must choose between the adventurous life he craved and the peaceful existence he left behind.
Die Jüdin von Toledo Historisches Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen
"Die Jüdin von Toledo" by Franz Grillparzer is a historical tragedy written largely between 1848 and 1855, though published posthumously in 1872. When a spirited young Jewish woman named Rahel intrudes into the royal gardens of Toledo, she captivates the king with her passionate nature. As the king falls under her spell, his kingdom faces threats from the Moors. The queen and court must decide how far they will go to break the enchantment and restore the king to reason.
Der Gastfreund
"Der Gastfreund" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragic play written during the early 19th century. The story unfolds in Kolchis, focusing on themes of hospitality, betrayal, and the dire consequences of vengeance. The drama explores the complex relationships between family members, the nature of trust, and the religious and cultural beliefs that influence human actions. The plot centers around Aietes, the king of Kolchis, and his daughter Medea. When Phryxus, a Greek who has sought refuge in Kolchis, arrives seeking safety and assistance, Aietes initially welcomes him but soon reveals his duplicitous motives, driven by a desire for vengeance over the perceived affront to his honor and the gods. As tensions rise, Medea tries to intercede and protect Phryxus from her father's wrath; however, when Aietes ultimately murders Phryxus, it triggers a curse that haunts both father and daughter. The play concludes with a foreboding atmosphere, leaving the audience to ponder the tumultuous consequences of betrayal and the inexorable fate that follows.
Die Argonauten
"Die Argonauten" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragic play written in the early 19th century. The story revolves around ancient mythological figures, particularly Jason and Medea, as they navigate themes of love, betrayal, and destiny amid familial loyalties and the weight of magical powers. At the start of the play, the scene is set in Kolchis, a wild and foreboding landscape, where King Aietes and his son Absyrtus anxiously discuss the arrival of trespassers seeking to reclaim the golden fleece stolen by Aietes' ancestors. As tensions rise, the character of Medea, Aietes' daughter, is introduced, revealing her inner turmoil as she grapples with her loyalty to her father and her growing feelings for Jason, the leader of the Argonauts. The opening establishes an atmosphere of impending conflict and foreshadows Medea’s pivotal role in the struggle, as she ultimately faces the heart-wrenching decision between love and allegiance.
Sappho : $b Viisinäytöksinen murhenäytelmä
"Sappho: Viisinäytöksinen murhenäytelmä" by Franz Grillparzer is a tragedy written in 1818. Based on the ancient Greek poet Sappho, the play explores her unrequited love for the youth Phaon, who she believes prefers her slave Melitta. Neither will listen to Melitta's pleas of innocence or her desire to return home. The drama examines the conflict between artistic genius and earthly happiness, depicting the renunciation imposed upon poets by their higher calling. Combining modern passion with classical simplicity, it explores poetic nature's struggle with reality.
Meren ja lemmen aallot
"Meren ja lemmen aallot" by Franz Grillparzer is a play written in the early 20th century, which explores themes of love, destiny, and the duties of priesthood through the lens of Greek mythology. The story centers around the character Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, as she prepares for a significant ceremony and reflects on her past, relationships, and the influence of love in her life. The opening of the play establishes a lively temple setting in Sestos where Hero sets about preparing for a festival honoring the goddess Aphrodite. As she engages with Ianthe and the temple staff, Hero grapples with her emotions and the weight of her priestly responsibilities, which starkly contrast with her yearning for personal connection. The arrival of her family adds complexity to her inner conflict as Hero's past interactions and unresolved feelings surface, hinting at future challenges she may face in reconciling her duties as a priestess with her human desires for love and companionship, notably as she interacts with two young men, Naukleros and Leander, who represent the allure of the outside world.
Unelma-elämä : $b Nelinäytöksinen näytelmäruno
"Unelma-elämä : Nelinäytöksinen näytelmäruno" by Franz Grillparzer is a four-act verse drama written in the early 19th century. The work dramatizes the temptations of ambition and the tension between dreamed glory and humble contentment, following the impetuous Rustan, his devoted Mirza, and the goading servant Zanga amid the courtly world of Samarkand and Princess Gülnare. It is a moral tale of self-fashioning, reputation, and conscience beneath the glitter of heroic deeds. The opening of the play shows Mirza anxiously awaiting the hunter Rustan at a mountain cottage, while her father Massud laments Rustan’s restless, glory-hungry spirit—stoked by the crafty Zanga. Returning defiant, Rustan resolves to leave despite their pleas; as night falls, music and a stage transformation carry him into a new scene near Samarkand, where he revels in “freedom” and opportunity. When a king is pursued by a giant serpent, a mysterious mountaineer actually slays the beast, but Rustan—prodded by Zanga—accepts the credit and wins the favor of the king and Princess Gülnare; later, fearing exposure, he fights the stranger on a bridge and stabs him, the man plunging into the river. As celebrations begin, news of a murdered body found by the water spreads; a mute old father seeks justice, the king’s suspicions stir, and an old crone presses a “remedy,” leaving Rustan cornered between his soaring fortunes and the consequences of his deed.