
In the spring of 1358 a young scholar named Johannes finds himself far from home, perched at a window in Strasbourg as a swallow sings the dawn. The simple act of watching the bird’s migration sparks a meditation on the fleeting nature of human life and the restless wanderings of a wandering student. Through his modest observations, the narrative weaves together the hum of medieval town life with the quiet yearning of a soul seeking purpose.
When Johannes is taken under the wing of the old knight Veltlin, he is thrust into a world of gardens, blooming herbs, and sparkling fountains that feel as new as a child’s first discovery. The vivid scenery awakens a mixture of awe and humility, prompting him to confront his own pride and the constant need for gratitude. As he learns to balance his scholarly ambitions with the simple, everyday miracles around him, the story gently invites listeners to reflect on the balance between learning and wonder.
Language
de
Duration
~1 hours (81K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Michael Pullen. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2003-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1778–1842
A central voice of German Romanticism, his writing moves between lyric poetry, folklore, faith, and restless imagination. He is especially remembered for collecting folk songs with Achim von Arnim and for helping shape the literary spirit of early 19th-century Germany.
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