Carl Zuckmayer

Zuckmayer took the medieval epic plot strait from „ German folk legends of the lower Rhine“. The Schelm ( rascal ) von Bergen, the headman’s son Vincent, unknowingly falls in love with the young beautiful empress, who in her turn has no idea of his lowly origins. When it turns out she is carrying his child, he is exposed during festivities at court and brought before the emperor. Who against expectations refrains from punishing him but instead knights him and elevates him to nobility. The same grace is awarded the wayward wife, when the emperor proclaims: „Never could her body or soul be besmirched by the touch of a lowly hand, but whom she deigns to touch – becomes noble! “
Zuckmayers version highlights the humanitarian aspect of the story. Originally the aging emperor’s humane forgiveness is also a calculated move to ensure his dynasty at the last minuter. This comical political motive is not repressed by the author, but the main focus lies on how the headman’s son is able to escape the awful plight of his profession just by pure unconditional love.