Walther von der Vogelweide, << VAHL tuhr fawn duhr FOH guhl `vy` duh >> (1170?-1230?), was perhaps the greatest of the medieval minnesingers (love poets). Walther was born in Austria, and he lived during the period when the elegance and grace of aristocratic culture flourished. He was a poet in the court of Vienna but apparently had to leave when his patron died. He then moved from court to court until, late in life, he received a grant of land from German Emperor Frederick II.
Walther’s love poetry differed from the conventions of courtly minnesang, which celebrated a hopeless love for some high-born lady. Walther praised the love for a village girl. He also raised poems of political commentary to a high art. His large and varied poetic production shows originality. His technique ranges from simple to highly complex forms.
