Sagen, Marchen Und Lieder Der Herzogtumer Schleswig, Holstein Und

In this review the reviewer recommends Sagen, Marchen Und Lieder Der Herzogtumer Schleswig, Holstein Und Lauenburg for readers interested in 19th century German folklore and historical folk poetry. Edited by Karl Mullenhoff, this reprint of the 1845 original collects several hundred regional sagas, marchen and songs, and is most valuable for those who want a comprehensive primary-source compilation and a scholarly introduction to German volksdichtung. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a wide-ranging collection with Mullenhoff's detailed historical and typological overview, which frames the texts for modern readers.

Key Features

• Extensive collection: The book contains several hundred sagas, marchen and songs from Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg, offering broad exposure to regional folk tradition.
• Scholarly introduction: Karl Mullenhoff provides a detailed overview of the history and typology of German folk poetry from the Volkerwanderungszeit to the high Middle Ages, which helps place the texts in context.
• Historical reprint: This edition reproduces the original 1845 publication, making it useful for those who want text faithful to the first scholarly presentation.
• Primary-source value: For researchers and serious readers, the compilation is a direct window into 19th century collection practices and the material gathered by Mommsen, Storm and Mullenhoff.
• Regional focus: The concentration on the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg highlights local variants and traditions often missing from broader anthologies.

Who It's For

Scholars, students of German literature, and folk-music enthusiasts will find this edition most rewarding because it supplies original texts and a rigorous introduction by a 19th century philologist. Those researching the formation of German national and regional identities in literature will value the historical framing that accompanies the collection.

Readers seeking a modern annotated translation, a beginner-friendly introduction in contemporary language, or illustrated editions should look elsewhere; this reprint prioritizes fidelity to the original 1845 text and scholarly apparatus over modern commentary or visual elements.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive selection covering many sagas, marchen and songs from the specified duchies.
• Mullenhoff's introduction offers a learned historical and typological survey that aids interpretation.
• Faithful reprint of the 1845 edition preserves original scholarly context and presentation.

Cons

• As a reprint of an 1845 scholarly work, it lacks modern annotations or updated translations that some readers may prefer.

Specifications

Title	Sagen, Marchen Und Lieder Der Herzogtumer Schleswig, Holstein Und Lauenburg
Editor / Brand	Karl Mullenhoff (Hg )
Contents	Several hundred sagas, marchen and songs from Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg
Introduction	Detailed overview of history and typology of German folk poetry
Original Publication	Reprint of the 1845 original edition
Language	German

Our Verdict

Sagen, Marchen Und Lieder Der Herzogtumer Schleswig, Holstein Und Lauenburg is a strong purchase for readers who need a historically grounded, comprehensive collection of northern German folk material. Its value lies in the volume of primary texts and Mullenhoff's scholarly introduction, making it good value for researchers and serious collectors, though casual readers seeking modern translation or extensive notes may prefer a different edition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a modern translation?
No. This is a reprint of the 1845 original and presents the material as edited in that scholarly edition rather than providing a modern translation.

Who edited the collection?
The volume was edited and introduced by Karl Mullenhoff, a professor of German literature and antiquities at the University of Kiel.

What regions do the texts cover?
The collection focuses on folk tales and songs from the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenburg.