German Stories

Nibelungenlied

This is the Germanic saga upon which Wagner based his Ring Cycle. Although not a short story by any means, a story teller can take out episodes and use them as stories.

Online Sources

The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Nibelungenlied

Modern Collections

The Best Novellas of Medieval Germany

A collection of five Novellas (Poor Heinrich, Moriz Von Craûn, Heinrich von Kempten, Laurin and Helmbrecht). The original German pieces are all in verse, but this translation gives each of the stories in prose. A useful Introduction gives an explanation as to the history and interpretation of each story.

In the author's estimation the only story which does not live up to the claim of the book's title is Laurin, which was included because of its enormous popularity during the Middle Ages. Perhaps the best tale for the purposes of retelling is Heinrich von Kempten, which tells of the hero's quarrel and reconciliation with Otto the Great.

The Best Novellas of Medieval German Literature
J.W. Thomas
Studies in German Literature, Linguistics and Culture Vol.17
1984, Camden House Inc.