Durchkreuzte Länder, verschobenes Begehren

Abstract

Abstract This article is intended to illustrate how helpful it is to incorporate the theoretical and methodological approaches of Queer Studies and Intersectionality Studies into (medievalist) literary studies. As the analysis of the medieval narrative Herzog Ernst will show, gender relations become visible in this way that tend to remain hidden to a heteronormative perspective. It has for a long time been controversial whether Herzog Ernst can be interpreted as a bridal-quest epic. This article argues that this is not only possible, but even essential – albeit in unforeseen ways.