Kottanner Jánosné memoárja

In my study I analyze a significant late-medieval memoir, known as „The Memoires of Helene Kottanner (1439–1440), written by Helene, or Elena Kottanner, an Austrian woman, daughter ofPeter Wolfram from Ödenburg (Sopron), acting in the service Queen Elizabeth Hungary.The source, which may be considered oldest German memoir secular depicts events interesting period medieval Hungarian history with “vividness and poignancy” (Maya Bijvoet Williamson). After death King Albert (1437–1439), his ambitious wife, – while large part nobles wanted Władysław III Poland to king Hungary tried maintain own authority (at that time she was already pregnant hoped her new-born will boy), therefore ordered servant, steal Holy Crown Saint Stephen royal stronghold, Plintenburg (Visegrád). The woman unnamed collaborator managed remove secretly, rushing it, who within hour crown’s arrival at castle Komorn (Komárom), bore son, Ladislaus Posthumous (1440–1457). Three months later, little boy crowned Stuhlweissenburg (Székesfehérvár). eye-witness author gives unique, detailed remarkable picture about these events. My main goal is rhetorical methods, historiographical practice presented can detected text. demonstrate servant intended emphasize role mentioned events, legitimate kingship Posthumous. Besides, certain symbolic fate future king: according God protects Elizabeth, whole undertaking, Devil on side their enemies (Władysław nobles). Furthermore, also intend what possible goals could have had memoir. It quite wrote opus order get reward for services provided queen king. this problem context political situation 1440s 1450s.