König Rother

[3][7] The story is probably based on orally transmitted accounts of historical events, but its treatment is entirely fictional.

[8] In the story, Rother, whose capital is Bari, needs a wife to ensure his succession.

He pursues the daughter of Emperor Konstantin of Constantinople, who has the habit of executing her suitors.

In a second effort, Rother goes in disguise to Constantinople, but is identified and sentenced to death.

[6] He is saved by a pre-planned military intervention and finally receives his bride.