About this ebook
"Schiller never saw Switzerland in the flesh; but all the more certainly his spirit will walk over the sunny slopes and ride with the storm through the rocky gorges, even after the Mythenstein will finally have long weathered and crumbled." This is a philosophical essay related to the "Mythenstein" also called the Schillerstein, which is a natural rock made into a monument to Schiller, located in seelisberg, Switzerland, and standing around 80 feet tall. It is only accessible by boat. The monument had a large inauguration ceremony in 1859, called the Schiller Festival, which Keller attended. It celebrated his greatest story, Wilhelm Tell, which Keller refers to as merely "Tell". Schiller's daughter read his poetry at the proceedings, and Keller describes the event in detail. Keller crafts here a vivid story intertwining Swiss national identity and the monumental legacy of Friedrich Schiller, who was born in Southern Germany, and never made it to Switzerland. Still, Schiller and Goethe were two of the greatest German poets and authors to ever live, and defined an entire era of German history. The document commences with an account of Schiller's posthumous adoption as a Swiss compatriot, symbolized by the dedication of the Mythenstein monument. This gesture acknowledges Schiller's dramatization of Swiss heroism in "William Tell," which, despite historical ambiguities, has become an indelible part of the Swiss cultural consciousness. Keller muses on the transformative power of Schiller's work, which immortalizes the Swiss struggle for freedom and unites the cantons in a shared historical story. Keller's reflections extend to the broader consequences of cultural memory and myth making. He critiques the dismissal of undocumented historical events, arguing for the legitimacy of oral traditions and their role in shaping national identity. The story shows the conflict between scholarly skepticism and popular belief, positing that the lasting spirit of the Swiss Confederation is as much a product of lived experience and collective memory as it is of documented history. Keller's evocative descriptions of the Swiss landscape and the ceremonial parts of the Mythenstein dedication serve to reinforce this connection between land, memory, and identity. At the Mythstone concludes with contemplations on the nature of patriotism and the role of public monuments in encouraging national unity. Keller shows the simplicity and sincerity of the Mythenstein celebration, contrasting it with the often elaborate and exclusionary nature of urban festivals. He shows on the lasting power of Schiller's legacy, suggesting that true national spirit is cultivated through collective memory and shared cultural practices, rather than through grandiose displays. Alongside the translation of At the MythStone, the edition provides contextual material on Keller's life and literary influence. Nietzsche considered Keller to be one of the greatest living poets of his time. yet, his works are rarely found in other languages, so most people today are unaware of who he was or why he was major. At the MythStone is presented in a clear modern version of Keller's German prose, with contextual material on his broader ideas and intellectual setting. For At the MythStone, working directly from Keller's German manuscripts, this new translation delivers literary excellence and scholarly depth with supporting materials. For contextual study, At the MythStone is accompanied by an afterword tracing Keller's intellectual relationship with Nietzsche, revealing the detailed dialogue between two of the period's most influential minds. The supporting chronology for At the MythStone connects the major events of Keller's life with his published works, and a detailed index provides an guide to his complete writings.
"Schiller never saw Switzerland in the flesh; but all the more certainly his spirit will walk over the sunny slopes and ride with the storm through the rocky gorges, even after the Mythenstein will finally have long weathered and crumbled." This is a philosophical essay related to the "Mythenstei...
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About the author
Gottfried Keller (1819 to 1890) was a Swiss poet, novelist, and short story writer who also served as a public official in Zurich. His best known books include Green Henry and the story cycle The People of Seldwyla, alongside poetry, diaries, letters, and political prose.
Gottfried Keller (1819 to 1890) was a Swiss poet, novelist, and short story writer who also served as a public official in Zurich. His best known books include Green Henry and the story cycle The People of Seldwyla, alongside poetry, diaries, letters, and political prose.
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