Athis und Prophilias

Athis und Prophilias, an anonymous Middle High German poem existing only in fragments of a 13th-c. MS.; it was written, probably in Thuringia, about 1215. It is based on a French poem, L'Estoire d'Athènes, the theme of which is a story of friendship, probably oriental in origin, but transferred to the classical world (Athens and Rome). Prophilias loves Athis's wife so deeply and with such danger to his health that Athis yields her up to him. Athis is suspected of murder, and Prophilias sacrifices himself for him. The true murderers are discovered and Prophilias freed. Finally, Athis, after various vicissitudes, is rewarded with the love and hand of Prophilias's sister Gayte. The story is prolonged by a series of battles and loves concerning other characters. The German version is remarkable for its elegant, mannered style.