Ulrich+von+Liechenstein’s+Service+of+Ladies

Ullrich von Liechtenstein: Austrian nobleman and knight under the Hapsburg empire in present-day Austria Service of Ladies: autobiographical poetry collection allegedly describing his life in early 1200s

he is the protaganist going on grand adventures and challenging everyone to noble duels to honor certain married noblewomen

obviously an example of courtly love. shows an almost religious devotion to ladies that drew on the very individual, almost foolish passion of the cistercian monks for god.

the fact that his great deeds are for married noblewomen illustrates the growing tension between individual desire and what society needs.

also shows how aristocracy cultivating the language of love to maintain their status and distinction from the growing bourgeoisie

also reflects the aristocracy's response to the growth of new secular polities-- being bankrupt by new lordly dues, and inquest. land is being seized and given back to them as former vassals. trying to preserve their distinction