Wartburg Castle

(Die Wartburg)

GDR, 1953, 17 min, color
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Synopsis

This documentary from the DEFA Studio for Popular Scientific Films traces the history of the Wartburg Castle in Thuringia and explains the landmark's contemporary significance.

 

The castle became famous in the Middle Ages as the site of the legendary Sängerkrieg, a competition between court poets including Walther von der Vogelweide. Several centuries later, Martin Luther took refuge there while translating the New Testament into German, an event which the documentary relates to the figure of Thomas Muentzer and his role in the peasant's revolt.  Author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also visited the castle several times. This long cultural history is intended to inspire viewers with a sense of shared national pride.

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