This post explores a strong stylistic and thematic influence on Günderrode’s work: the writings of legendary Scottish bard Ossian. For an English translation of Günderrode’s dramatic fragment “Mora” see Karoline von Günderrode: Philosophical Writings (OUP: forthcoming January-March 2026). A translation of the short story “Timur” is included at the end of this post. Versions of the original GermanContinue reading “Karoline von Günderrode’s “Timur” and the Influence of Ossian”
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Karoline von Günderrode, “The Prisoner and the Singer”
A version of the original German text can be found here. Rather than providing a new translation of the poem, I’ll send you to an existing one here. “The Prisoner and the Singer” was written in 1805 or 1806 and included in Günderrode’s third collection, Melete. The verses describe a singer who grants a prisoner’s request toContinue reading “Karoline von Günderrode, “The Prisoner and the Singer””
Karoline von Günderrode’s Notes: Where Did They Come From?
In which I explain a mystery in Günderrode scholarship. Please cite me if you quote or share information from this post. In 1975, Doris Hopp and Max Preitz published a selection of notes from Günderrode’s notebooks, including a set of quotations by Kant, Spinoza, Locke, Fichte, Rousseau, Herder and other philosophers and writers. Günderrode groupedContinue reading “Karoline von Günderrode’s Notes: Where Did They Come From?”
Karoline von Günderrode, “Musa”
This little-read short story by Günderrode is loosely based on the events of the 15th century Ottoman Interregnum. The story contains typical Günderrodean themes of friendship and betrayal, as well as the limits of the rightful use of power and the nature of tyranny. The piece also showcases Günderrode’s interest in epic stories and theContinue reading “Karoline von Günderrode, “Musa””
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