Ludwig der Bayer

Ludwig der Bayer, a historical play (Schauspiel in fünf Aufzügen) in blank verse, written, by L. Uhland in 1818 and published in 1819. Uhland intended it as an entry for a competition organized by the Court Theatre in Munich for a play on a Bavarian historical subject. It was not successful in gaining the prize, and was first performed at Munich in 1826.

The action begins in 1314, when Ludwig der Bayer (see Ludwig IV, Kaiser), elected German King, faces a rival claimant, Friedrich der Schöne of Austria. Friedrich is defeated, captured, and released by Ludwig on condition that his adherents give no further trouble. But Friedrich cannot control them, and, being thus unable to keep his word, he surrenders voluntarily to Ludwig. A reconciliation follows. It is a play in which trustworthiness and fidelity, magnanimity and clemency are the moving principles.