Oswald von Wolkenstein: The Wandering Soul of Medieval Poetry
Born in 1377 at Trostburg Castle, near Ponte Gardena, Oswald von Wolkenstein stands as one of the most fascinating and complex figures of the European Middle Ages. The second son of Friedrich von Wolkenstein and Katharina von Villanders, Oswald is remembered today as the last of the knightly poets — and also as the first “modern” author of the German-speaking world, thanks to the deeply autobiographical nature of his works.
His life is known in remarkable detail through his Lieder — poetic songs — and numerous letters. He is one of the rare medieval figures whose life can be followed almost like a diary written in verse.
A youth marked by fate
Depictions of Oswald always show him with his right eye closed: according to legend, he lost his eye at the age of nine during Carnival celebrations. Yet this accident did not curb his rebellious and curious spirit — at just ten years old, he left his family home to embark on a long pilgrimage that took him across Europe, to the East, and the Holy Land.
During his travels, he served as a counsellor, diplomat, and minstrel alongside kings and emperors. He was a direct witness to the political and spiritual tensions of his time — experiences he transformed with great emotional depth into his poetry.
His works and poetic legacy
Between 1423 and 1425, Oswald commissioned parchment manuscripts to collect his Lieder for one or two voices. Many of these works are still preserved today and represent a unique artistic and cultural treasure. Their value lies not only in their musical or poetic qualities but also in their historical and documentary significance, as they recount his personal struggles, travels, and emotional and political disappointments.
Oswald was a forerunner of the autobiographical poet, capable of expressing the inner voice of the heart with a new language — free from the conventions of courtly lyricism.
Return home and final years
After his father’s death in 1398, Oswald returned to South Tyrol. But the homecoming was far from peaceful: he clashed bitterly with his brothers over the family inheritance — a harsh and humiliating conflict that left a deep mark on his life.
He eventually settled at Hauenstein Castle, at the foot of the Sciliar mountain — today a fascinating destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in his story. There, among the South Tyrolean peaks, he spent his final years, haunted by memories of his wandering days and trapped in an unhappy marriage.
Did you know? The Oswald von Wolkenstein Festival, held every year in the Isarco Valley, is a thrilling journey back to the Middle Ages — with tournaments, music, and historical reenactments. A must-see event for anyone wishing to relive the spirit of the last great knightly poet.