Rudolph Von Habsburg: Ein Heldengedicht in Zwölf Gesängen.johann Ladislav Pyrker's Sämmtliche Werke (2/3)

''Rudolph von Habsburg: Ein Heldengedicht in zwölf Gesängen'' by János László Pyrker is a historical epic written in the mid-19th century. The narrative centers on the character Rudolph, Kaiser of the Germans, capturing the struggles and triumphs related to his legacy and conflicts with the Bohemian King Ottgar, driven by themes of love, honor, and revenge. The work delves into the complexities of political and personal allegiances during a tumultuous period in Central European history. At the start of the epic, the narrative introduces the antagonist Drahomira, a malevolent spirit who seeks revenge on Rudolph and his kingdom after her demise. As she emerges from the depths of Hell, her machinations set the stage for conflict. Meanwhile, key characters such as Ottgar and his wife Kunegunde are introduced, with tensions brewing as Ottgar gathers forces to wage war against Rudolph. The opening charts the backstory of Drahomira and the fallout from her actions that fuel the ensuing battle, laying the groundwork for the epic clashes and emotional turmoil that will unfold in the subsequent stanzas.