Lohengrin

/ˈloʊənɡriːn/ or /ˌloʊənˈɡriːn/ noun

Definition

A figure from medieval legend and German mythology, a knight associated with the Holy Grail; also the title of an opera by Richard Wagner.

Etymology

From Germanic medieval tradition, the name appears in various forms. Wagner's famous 1850 opera 'Lohengrin' popularized the character. The legendary knight became a symbol of idealized noble virtue, though historians debate whether he was based on any historical figure.

Kelly Says

Wagner's 'Lohengrin' includes one of the most famous bridal marches ever written—everyone knows it even if they don't know it's Lohengrin! Sadly, the opera was later co-opted by the Nazis as an example of 'Aryan' mythology, which is a reminder that even beautiful stories can be corrupted by history.

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