Trans-thalassic Identities in ›König Rother‹

Abstract

In ›König Rother‹, one encounters schematic characters such as the ›exemplary warrior‹ or the ›bad ruler‹; however, the literary Mediterranean Sea, which is also a schematically shaped space, leads to ambiguities that are used at the level of the characters’ actions. Rother as a schematic character is given a trans-thalassic identity that makes his cunning actions possible in the first place. Narratively, spaces such as the banquet hall in Constantinople can be shaped heterotopically and temporarily take on the characteristics of sea space. In these spaces, the actions of Rother as a trans-thalassic character can once again prove to be a dominant and promising tactic, as they are purposeful.