Personality of the Month: Tristan and Isolde
Personality of the Month
The love stories sung about by poets and musicians that have gone down in history share one thing in common: the tragic fate of unhappy love. This is also true for Tristan and Isolde; their fateful union was impressively depicted by Gottfried von Strassburg - and valuable frescoes in the summer house at Runkelstein Castle still portray it today. The fresco cycle extends over three walls, although the end of the story remains open because part of the wall has broken away. However, from other sources, we know that it ended tragically...
The cycle of frescoes at Runkelstein Castle is unique; together with the paintings of King Arthur's Round Table in the nearby fireplace room, they are among the oldest frescoes on this theme.
In Dialogue with Tristan and Isolde
Let's imagine we could talk to the protagonists of the frescoes and ask them how they would experience feelings and social conventions today.
Isolde: “I sacrificed my love for Tristan in order to keep my marriage vows to the king. Maybe it's often different today, but women have always adapted to social norms and sacrificed their true feelings. Today, I would probably follow my heart.”
And Tristan? “I probably wouldn't be beholden to a king today and wouldn't be a subject who has to swallow everything. Everyone has the right to be happy, and I too would fight to live my great love.”
A visit to Runkelstein Castle offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the theme of love and celebrate Valentine's Day.
The visit to the fresco halls is available every day from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Image: Fresco cycle of Tristan and Isolde, Sommerhouse of Runkelstein Castle, Tristan and Isolde and the love potion, 1400 ca. ©️ Fondazione Castelli Bolzano