The Tragedy of Knighthood: Origins of the Tannhauser-legend by J.M. Clifton-Everest explores the rich and complex origins of the Tannhauser-legend, a medieval German tale of a knight torn between earthly pleasures and spiritual redemption. The book delves into the myth of the Venusberg, the mountain paradise ruled by Lady Venus, where Tannhauser succumbs to temptation before seeking forgiveness from the Pope—only to be denied and tragically returning to the Venusberg.

Clifton-Everest examines the legend's evolution across German, Italian, and French traditions, highlighting its connections to the myth of the Sibylline Mountains and Italian romances such as Guerino il Meschino. He also provides a detailed analysis of Richard Wagner’s operatic adaptation, illustrating how the story resonated with 19th-century German nationalism. Through meticulous historical and literary research, the author traces the legend’s transformation from a medieval moral tale to a cultural symbol of conflict between body and spirit.

This scholarly work is essential reading for those interested in medieval literature, folklore, and the interplay of myth and morality in European cultural history. It offers a nuanced understanding of how legends adapt over time to reflect the concerns of different eras.