Margery (Gred): A Tale Of Old Nuremberg

In Short

Set in 15th-century Nuremberg, this historical chronicle follows the close bond between Margery Schopper, a noble daughter, and Ann Spiesz, the modest daughter of a humble scribe. As they grow to womanhood, both maidens draw the devotions of local youths, particularly Margery’s brother Herdegen. Their quiet lives are shattered by social rivalry, political intrigue, and sudden tragedy when Herdegen and his companion fall into Saracen captivity overseas. Refusing to yield to grief or social pressure, Margery and Ann set out on a perilous journey to Egypt to secure the men’s ransom. Georg Ebers’s tale endures for its rich portrayal of medieval civic life, steadfast female friendship, and the enduring power of devotion against high-born arrogance and foreign trials.

The Story

The narrative opens with the discovery of an old German manuscript in Venice, setting the stage for the chronicle written by Margery Schopper in her later years. As young maidens in 15th-century Nuremberg, Margery and her gentle friend Ann Spiesz share a close bond, despite their difference in social rank. Ann, the daughter of a simple Chancery scribe, faces the disdain of wealthy classmates like Ursula Tetzel, who attempts to ostracize her from their convent school. Margery immediately shields Ann from this cruelty, cementing a lifelong alliance.

As the children mature into adulthood, Margery’s hot-headed brother Herdegen becomes enchanted by Ann’s sweetness and singing voice, choosing her over Ursula. Despite their deep affection, obstacles quickly mount. Herdegen’s aristocratic family and his wealthy grand-uncle, Sir Sebald Im Hoff, fiercely oppose a match with a craftsman’s daughter, pushing instead for a union with Ursula. Herdegen’s own flighty, headstrong nature drives him into reckless affairs and duels, eventually forcing him to flee Italy for Paris after a bloody fray. Through every trial, Ann remains steadfast, refusing to renounce her devotion even when Herdegen’s light-mindedness and long silences break her heart.

The political life of Nuremberg intrudes upon their domestic troubles when Emperor Sigismund and his court visit the city. During the grand festivities, tourneys, and imperial receptions, Ann’s beauty and grace attract the admiration of noble courtiers, provoking Herdegen’s fierce jealousy and driving him to seek reconciliation. However, feud and deceit continue to haunt the family. A deadly passage of arms ensues, and Herdegen is forced into exile to fulfill a vow of pilgrimage to the Holy Land alongside his fellow knight, Sir Franz.

Tragedy strikes when news reaches Nuremberg that Saracen pirates have attacked the travelers' galleon. Herdegen and Franz are captured and sold into brutal slavery in Egypt, forced to labor at the oars of a Saracen galley. Back home, Ursula Tetzel, driven by bitter spite over Herdegen’s rejection, actively suppresses the captive knights' letters, leaving their families in agonizing ignorance while her father refuses to aid in their ransom.

When the truth of their captivity finally comes to light through faithful servants, Margery and Ann take matters into their own hands. defying the wrath of their grand-uncle and the social conventions of Nuremberg, the two maidens resolve to cross the seas themselves to deliver the necessary ransom. Supported by loyal friends like the stout Brunswicker Seyfried Kubbeling and Margery’s long-absent cousin Gotz, a plan is struck to secure the vast sum demanded by the Sultan.

Through diplomatic intervention, the assistance of Venetian merchants, and the bravery of their devoted companions, the ransom is paid, releasing Herdegen and Franz from the armory in Cairo. After fulfilling their vows of pilgrimage to Jerusalem to cleanse their past sins, the brothers return home. Herdegen, thoroughly chastened by his years of bondage and transformed by Ann’s unyielding faith, unites with her at last. Margery finds her own lasting happiness alongside Gotz, bringing her long manuscript to a serene close as she reflects on a life saved by love, fortitude, and unwavering loyalty.

How It Unfolds

The bonds of youth Margery Schopper and the humble scribe's daughter, Ann Spiesz, forge an enduring friendship at their convent school, standing together against the snobbery of wealthy maidens like Ursula Tetzel. Margery's brother Herdegen soon casts aside Ursula's favors, giving his heart and a costly illuminated manuscript to Ann.

Schisms and misdirection Herdegen's rash temperament and hot blood lead him into a violent fray in Italy, forcing him to flee to Paris without sending word to Ann. Misunderstandings multiply when Ursula Tetzel spreads rumors of his unfaithfulness, tempting a heartbroken Ann to briefly consider an unwanted marriage to a local Magister before reaffirming her love.

Imperial splendor and duels During the Emperor's grand visit to Nuremberg, high-born suitors court Ann, driving a jealous Herdegen to prove his devotion and renounce Ursula forever. A illegal passage of arms outside the city walls forces Herdegen into exile to undertake a penitential pilgrimage to the Holy Places.

Captivity in foreign lands Saracen pirates board the galleon carrying Herdegen and his companion Sir Franz, selling them into harsh bondage in Egypt. Ursula Tetzel discovers their plight in Venice but maliciously suppresses their letters, leaving Nuremberg to believe the men have perished or abandoned their kin.

The vow of rescue Upon learning the truth through a wounded servant and faithful friends, Margery and Ann defy family opposition and city gossip to plan a rescue. They resolve to travel to Cairo under the protection of the rugged Seyfried Kubbeling to pay the Sultan's exorbitant ransom.

Freedom and homecoming With the aid of Venetian merchants and Margery’s returned cousin Gotz, the ransom is negotiated down and paid, delivering the captives from their dungeon. After completing their pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the humbled men return to Nuremberg, where Herdegen marries Ann and Margery finds her own happiness with Gotz.

The People

• Margery Schopper: The spirited, stout-hearted narrator of the chronicle. She wants above all to preserve her family's honor and shield her beloved friend Ann from hardship, using her sharp wit and independent mind to challenge overbearing elders and ride into danger whenever duty demands.

• Ann Spiesz: A gentle, slender maiden of modest birth whose nightingale voice and heavenly beauty captivate those around her. She wants only to remain true to her childhood love, Herdegen, enduring social scorn, bitter betrayal, and long separation without ever surrendering her faith in him.

• Herdegen Schopper: Margery’s brilliant but headstrong older brother. He desires fame, pleasure, and Ann’s devotion, yet his vain, light-minded nature repeatedly leads him into brawls, duels, and foolish entanglements until bitter captivity in Egypt tempers his character into true nobility.

• Ursula Tetzel: A proud, wealthy Nuremberg maiden who seeks Herdegen’s hand and social dominance. Thwarted by his love for the humble Ann, her wounded pride turns into malicious hatred, driving her to orchestrate schemes and conceal vital news of Herdegen’s capture overseas.

• Gotz: Margery’s brave, warm-hearted cousin who returns from years abroad. He seeks to comfort his aging parents and win the heart of Margery, serving as a steadfast protector who helps negotiate the release of the captives in Cairo.

In Its Own Voice

"For the sake of a 'God repay thee!' this maid, named Ann, had been brought to mix with us daughters of noble houses. 'But we will harry her out,' said Ursula, 'you will see!'"

Ursula Tetzel reveals her arrogant malice toward the humble scribe's daughter on Ann's first day at the convent school.

"Yes, yes, yes! It is so! And if he beat me and scorned me, if he fell so deep that no man would leap in after him, I, I, would never let him sink."

Ann fiercely declares her unconditional devotion to Herdegen despite his reckless faults and long silence.

"Once for all, I, Margery, and Ann with me, are going forth to the land of Egypt in Kubbeling’s company, and to Cairo itself!"

Margery stuns her household by announcing her unwavering resolve to cross the seas and rescue her captured brother.

What It's Really About

Beneath its colorful portrait of medieval pageantry, the novel explores the tension between rigid social hierarchy and individual moral worth. Ann Spiesz’s gentle dignity continually exposes the hollowness of noble rank when divorced from virtue, proving that true nobility rests in character rather than lineage or wealth.

The story also serves as a profound meditation on fidelity and redemption. Herdegen’s journey from a vain, self-indulgent youth to a humbled, penitent man illustrates how suffering and steadfast love can purify a flawed soul. Ann’s unyielding forgiveness acts as the redeeming force that rescues Herdegen from his own worst impulses.

Finally, the narrative champions female agency within a restricted historical setting. Margery and Ann are not passive maidens waiting to be rescued; their courage, practical resolve, and refusal to submit to overbearing male guardians drive the plot, proving that devoted action can overcome foreign peril and civic prejudice alike.

Why Read It Today

Readers who delight in detailed historical fiction will appreciate this immersive recreation of 15th-century Germany. Georg Ebers brings old Nuremberg to life not as a static museum piece, but as a vibrant world of bustling Guildhalls, rich merchant houses, imperial diets, and deep civic pride. The story balances intimate personal romance with sweeping adventure, shifting seamlessly from domestic quietude to foreign captivity in Cairo.

The narrative's emotional heart lies in the fierce, unshakeable friendship between Margery and Ann. Their shared strength offers a refreshing counterpoint to the romantic dilemmas that surround them. Margery’s voice as an elderly narrator gives the prose a warm, retrospective wisdom that makes the characters' youthfully impetuous decisions feel deeply human and understandable.

Modern readers should be prepared for a deliberative, 19th-century pacing and a stylized archaism in language that reflects its frame as a translated medieval manuscript. The plot relies on the theatrical coincidences common to Victorian-era historical romances. Yet, those who press through its formal prose will find an uplifting chronicle of loyalty, courage, and a love that refuses to yield to time or distance.