Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekkehard_(novel)

Release date is 2014-12-24

E-text prepared by Juhani Kärkkäinen and Tapio Riikonen

"Ekkehard: Kertoelma kymmenenneltä vuosisadalta" by Joseph Victor von Scheffel is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The book delves into the world of 10th-century Alemannia, exploring the intertwining lives of historical figures and the social fabric of the time. The story centers around Hadwig, the Duchess of Swabia, portraying her experiences following the death of her husband and her strong-willed, sometimes tumultuous, navigation of power in a male-dominated society. The opening of the novel introduces us to the themes of memory and history, as the author reflects on ancient historical relics and the need to breathe new life into them through narrative. Hadwig is introduced as a strong character, observing her surroundings from her castle while grappling with her thoughts on recent events and the absence of her late husband, Burkhard. As she expresses her dissatisfaction with her current situation, she takes action by deciding to visit a nearby monastery, setting the stage for engaging encounters with its inhabitants, including the enigmatic Ekkehard. The beginning sets a rich and atmospheric foundation that hints at a blend of personal and historical drama, with explorations of identity, duty, and the complexities of medieval life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified