Author
Ferdinand Raimund
1790-1836
Ferdinand Raimund (1790-1836) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Ferdinand Raimund
Das Mädchen aus der Feenwelt; oder, Der Bauer als Millionär
"Das Mädchen aus der Feenwelt; oder, Der Bauer als Millionär" by Ferdinand Raimund is a romantic fairy tale with music premiered in 1826. A fairy's daughter is banished to Earth and must reject all wealth to marry a poor man before her eighteenth birthday. When the simple farmer raising her discovers treasure and becomes corrupted by riches, magical forces intervene. Allegorical figures like Youth, Age, Envy, and Contentment shape the fates of lovers kept apart by greed, teaching lessons about true happiness and the dangers of material wealth.
Der Alpenkönig und der Menschenfeind
"Der Alpenkönig und der Menschenfeind" by Ferdinand Raimund is a romantic-comic magic play premiered in 1828. Rappelkopf has become a bitter misanthrope who tyrannizes his loving wife and household, opposing his daughter's engagement. When the Alpine King appears, he devises a transformative lesson: Rappelkopf must witness his own cruelty through another's eyes. Forced to watch his double abuse those he loves, the misanthrope confronts the painful truth about himself. Can this bitter man find redemption in the Temple of Recognition?
Der Diamant des Geisterkönigs
"Der Diamant des Geisterkönigs" by Ferdinand Raimund is a magical farce with songs composed in 1824. When magician Zephises dies, his son Eduard must reach the spirit king Longimanus's palace to claim his inheritance. Eduard faces supernatural trials, including climbing a mountain without looking back, where those who turn are transformed into animals. To receive the most precious treasure—a diamond statue—Eduard must find an 18-year-old girl who has never told a lie, leading him on an unexpected journey of love and discovery.
Die unheilbringende Krone (oder König ohne Reich, Held ohne Mut, Schönheit ohne Jugend)
"Die unheilbringende Krone" by Ferdinand Raimund is a tragicomic magic play premiered in 1829. When the war hero Phalarius is denied the crown of Agrigent, Hades offers him a magic crown to seize power. The protective goddess Lucina must fulfill three impossible conditions to stop his destructive plan: obtain a crown from a king without a realm, a wreath from a cowardly hero, and a beauty prize won by an old woman. A debt-ridden tailor and a poor poet become unlikely helpers in this battle between divine forces.
Der Barometermacher auf der Zauberinsel
"Der Barometermacher auf der Zauberinsel" by Ferdinand Raimund is a magical comedy with songs written in 1823. When barometer-maker Bartholomäus Quecksilber receives three enchanted gifts—a gold-making staff, an army-summoning horn, and a teleporting sash—his fortune changes overnight. But the scheming princess Zoraide has her eye on these treasures, not on him. Through deception and false affection, she strips him of everything. Lost and desperate in a magical forest, Quecksilber discovers an unusual weapon: enchanted figs that give their victims embarrassingly long noses.
Die gefesselte Phantasie
"Die gefesselte Phantasie" by Ferdinand Raimund is a magical play in two acts premiered in 1828. On the flower island ruled by Queen Hermione, where all inhabitants are poets, two evil sorceress sisters wreak havoc and capture Phantasie herself to prevent anyone from writing poetry. When Hermione announces she'll marry whoever writes the most beautiful poem, the enchantresses sabotage the contest by ensuring no one can compose verses—until a clever solution saves the day and restores peace to the island.
Moisasurs Zauberfluch
"Moisasurs Zauberfluch" by Ferdinand Raimund is a magical play structured in two acts, likely written in the early 19th century. The narrative centers around the themes of virtue and evil, embodied by the character Moisasur, the demon of evil, who casts a curse upon Alzinde, the queen of the Diamond Kingdom, as she seeks to eradicate the dark influences of her realm. The interplay between these forces of good and evil drives the dramatic tension of the work. At the start of the play, the audience is introduced to an Indian landscape where the fall of Moisasur’s temple heralds a new order. Characters such as a herald returning from battle and the populace celebrate the victory of virtue over evil. However, the demon Moisasur soon appears to exact vengeance for his temple's destruction. He threatens to transform the kingdom into a wasteland and curses Alzinde with a fate that ensures her beauty and happiness are stripped away. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Alzinde’s transformation into an old beggar while she clings to her hope of reunion with her beloved, King Hoanghu. The opening sets the stage for a tale of curse, resilience, and the fight against the forces of darkness.
Der Verschwender
"Der Verschwender" by Ferdinand Raimund is a theatrical play written in the early 19th century that intertwines elements of magic and social commentary. The story revolves around Julius von Flottwell, a wealthy nobleman known for his extravagant generosity, which often leads to foolish decisions that affect himself and those around him. The play sets up a fantastical backdrop with the involvement of spirits and magical beings, including the fairy Cheristane, who plays a significant role in Flottwell's life and choices. The opening of "Der Verschwender" introduces us to the lavish setting of Flottwell's castle as preparations for a hunting event are underway. Various servants engage in light banter about their master’s reckless spending habits and the consequences that could follow. We meet Flottwell through the eyes of his servants, who reflect on his character and the way he treats them. The scene also teases the arrival of significant characters, such as the fairy and the tradesmen who will likely become entangled in Flottwell's fate. Themes of class disparity and the folly of wealth are hinted at through the interactions of the various characters, establishing a foundation for the rich narrative to unfold.