al,[1] from which the following version is drawn.
The name of the hero as written by Wolfram (Loherangrin) may possibly
be traced to Garin le Loherin or Garin of Lorraine. Wagner's version is
taken from the same source, but the mighty master of melody altered many
of the details for dramatic and other reasons.

[Footnote 1: See my Dictionary of Medieval Romance, articles 'Grail,'
'Parzival,' 'Perceval,' and 'Garin.']

The principal French versions of the romance are Le Chevalier au Cygne
and Helyas, and there are medieval English forms of these.[2]

[Footnote 2: Op. cit.]

The Knight of the Swan

In a dungeon in the castle of Cleves lay Elsa of Brabant, languishing
in captivity. Her father, the Duke of Brabant, had ere he died appointed
his most powerful vassal, one Frederick of Telramund, to be her
guardian; but he, seeking only the advancement of his own ends,
shamefully abused the confidence of his lord. Using his authority as
Elsa's guardian, he sought to compel her to become his wife, and threw
her into prison to await the wedding-day, knowing well that none would
dare to dispute his action.

An appeal was made on Elsa's behalf to the Emperor, Henry I, who decreed
that she should choose a champion, so that the matter might be settled
by combat. But, alas! there was not a knight who would venture to match
his skill against that of Frederick, who was a giant in stature and an
expert in sword-play. In accordance with the Emperor's decree Telramund
sent out a herald at stated times to proclaim his readiness to do battle
with any who would champion the cause of Elsa.

Time passed, yet the challenge was not accepted, and at length the
day was fixed for the bridal. Behind her prison bars the lady wept
ceaselessly, and called upon the Virgin to save her from the threatened
fate. In her despair she beat her breast with her chaplet, whereon was
hung a tiny silver bell. Now this little bell was possessed of magic
properties, for when it was rung the sound, small at first as the
tinkling of a fairy lure, grew in volume the further it travelled till
it resembled the swelling of a mighty chorus. Rarely was its tone heard,
and never save when its owner was in dire straits, as on the present
occasion. When Elsa beat her breast with it, therefore, its magical
qualities responded to her distress, and its faint, sweet tinkle fell on
her ear.

Far away over hill and dale went the sound of the bell, growing ever
richer and lo