Lohengrin facts for kids
Lohengrin is a famous character from old German stories. These tales are part of Arthurian literature, which means they are about King Arthur and his knights. Lohengrin is known as the son of Parzival (also called Percival). He is a special knight of the Holy Grail, a legendary cup.
Lohengrin's story tells how he travels in a boat pulled by swans. He comes to rescue a young woman who has been wrongly accused of a crime, often murder. A key part of his story is that he must never tell anyone his real name. If he does, he will lose his special powers and have to leave. His tale is a version of a very old legend called the Knight of the Swan. Today, Lohengrin is most famous because of a grand opera named Lohengrin, written by Richard Wagner in 1849.
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Who is Lohengrin?
Lohengrin is a brave and mysterious knight. He is part of the legendary Knights of the Round Table. These knights served King Arthur. Lohengrin's father, Parzival, was also a famous knight. Parzival was one of the few who found the Holy Grail. Because of his father, Lohengrin is also connected to the Grail's magic.
The Knight of the Swan Legend
The story of Lohengrin is part of a wider group of legends. These are known as the Knight of the Swan stories. In these tales, a mysterious knight arrives by boat, often pulled by a swan. He comes to help someone in need. This knight always has a secret: he must never reveal his true identity. If his secret is found out, he must leave forever.
This legend teaches about trust and keeping promises. It also shows the idea of a hero who comes from a magical place. He helps people but cannot stay in the normal world.
Lohengrin in Richard Wagner's Opera
The most famous version of Lohengrin's story is the opera by Richard Wagner. It was first performed in 1849. Wagner's opera made the character of Lohengrin very popular. The opera tells the full story of Lohengrin's arrival. It shows his fight to save the innocent maiden, Elsa of Brabant. It also shows the tragic moment when his secret is finally revealed.
The opera includes famous music. One of the most well-known pieces is the "Bridal Chorus." People often call it "Here Comes the Bride." This opera helped to make Lohengrin a household name. It brought the old German legend to a new audience around the world.
Images for kids
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Lohengrin by Walter Crane, 1895
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Lohengrin by Ferdinand Leeke, 1916
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