Walther von der Vogelweide's two commentaries on the double German royal election of 1198, in which he campaigns for the contender Philipp of Swabia, reveal unique ideas concerning legitimacy and the outward signs of authority. He does not ground legitimacy in legal abstractions, but rather on Philipp's appearance. This kind of thinking is found not only in politics but also in feudal lay society and the literature derived from it.

Jan-Dirk Müller, University of Munich, Germany.