Der Roland von Berlin

Roland von Berlin, Der, a historical novel (Ein vaterländischer Roman) in 3 vols. by W. Alexis, published in 1840. It is set in Berlin and its adjoining twin city Cölln and in the Mark Brandenburg between 1442 and 1448, and deals with the dissensions between the two cities and the drastic action to resolve them taken by the Elector Friedrich II. Its principal figure is the burgomaster, Johannes Rathenow, a man of steadfast character and devotion to duty, who, in his rectitude, alienates his fellow citizens and also comes into collision with the Elector, who nevertheless respects his integrity. A personal plot, the love of the burgomaster's daughter Elsbeth and the lively Henning Mollner, who is eventually ennobled, runs through the historical events. The lovers, after many vicissitudes, are finally united. A short epilogue shows the weary Friedrich leaving Brandenburg after his abdication in 1470.

The novel is based on a careful study of the sources, and occasional quotations from documents are given in notes. The title alludes to the statue known as der Roland, destroyed by the Elector in 1448. Its removal absolves the burgomaster from an uncomfortable oath.