# Laura Mancinelli

> Italian germanist, medievalist, translator and writer (1933-2016)

**Wikidata**: [Q3827806](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3827806)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Mancinelli)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/laura-mancinelli

## Summary

Laura Mancinelli was born on December 18, 1933, in Udine[1][2] and died on July 7, 2016, in Turin[3][4][5][6]. She held citizenship in Italy and the Kingdom of Italy and spoke Italian as her native language. Her religion was atheism. The cause of her death was multiple sclerosis, and she was buried at Exilles.She was educated at the University of Turin, which also employed her. Her professional occupations included professor, writer, translator, historian, germanist, and novelist. Her academic fields were medievalist, German studies, Germanic philology, and history of German. She was influenced by Ladislao Mittner, Gottfried von Strassburg, Hartmann von Aue, Wolfram von Eschenbach, and Walther von der Vogelweide.Her notable works include The Twelve Abbots of Challant, Mozart's Ghost, The Miracle of Saint Odilia, Amadé, The emperor's eyes, and The barefoot prince. She received the Mondello Prize, Rapallo Carige Prize, and Cesare Pavese Prize. Additionally, she was named a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

## Summary
Laura Mancinelli was an Italian germanist, medievalist, translator, and writer renowned for her scholarly contributions to German studies and medieval literature. Born on December 18, 1933, she played a pivotal role in translating and interpreting key medieval German works, notably the *Nibelungenlied*. Her academic career and literary endeavors left a lasting impact on the field of medieval studies.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 18, 1933
- **Nationality:** Italian
- **Education:** University of Turin
- **Known for:** Translating the *Nibelungenlied* and authoring novels like *The Twelve Abbots of Challant*
- **Employer(s):** University of Turin
- **Field(s):** German studies, medieval literature, translation

## Contributions
- **Translation of *Nibelungenlied*:** Mancinelli translated the medieval epic poem into Italian, making it accessible to a broader audience and enhancing its scholarly recognition.
- **Novels:** Authored *The Twelve Abbots of Challant* (1981) and other works that blended historical and literary themes, contributing to Italian literature.
- **Academic Work:** Conducted research on medieval German literature, focusing on authors like Wolfram von Eschenbach and Walther von der Vogelweide, enriching the understanding of Middle High German texts.

## FAQs
**What was Laura Mancinelli's most notable translation?**  
Her translation of the *Nibelungenlied* is widely regarded as a seminal work, introducing the medieval epic to Italian readers and scholars.

**Where did Laura Mancinelli pursue her academic career?**  
She was affiliated with the University of Turin, a prestigious institution where she contributed to German studies and medieval literature research.

**What literary awards did Laura Mancinelli receive?**  
She won the Rapallo Carige Prize, among other recognitions, for her literary achievements and contributions to Italian and German literary studies.

**How did Laura Mancinelli influence medieval studies?**  
Through her translations, novels, and academic research, she revitalized interest in medieval German literature, particularly the works of authors like Wolfram von Eschenbach and Walther von der Vogelweide.

## Why They Matter
Laura Mancinelli's work bridged the gap between medieval German literature and modern audiences, ensuring the preservation and appreciation of texts like the *Nibelungenlied*. Her dual role as a scholar and novelist allowed her to engage both academic and general readers, fostering a deeper understanding of medieval culture. Without her contributions, the accessibility and scholarly analysis of key medieval works in Italy and beyond would be significantly diminished.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Translation:** First Italian translation of the *Nibelungenlied*.
- **Literary Awards:** Recipient of the Rapallo Carige Prize.
- **Academic Affiliation:** Prominent scholar at the University of Turin.
- **Interdisciplinary Approach:** Combined translation, literary creation, and academic research to enrich medieval studies.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Laura Mancinelli was born on December 18, 1933, in Italy. She pursued her education at the University of Turin, laying the foundation for her future academic and literary career.

### Academic Career
Mancinelli's affiliation with the University of Turin was central to her professional life. As a germanist and medievalist, she focused on translating and analyzing Middle High German texts, contributing to the university's reputation in humanities research.

### Translation Work
Her translation of the *Nibelungenlied* stands out as a landmark achievement. This epic poem, dating back to around 1200, is a cornerstone of medieval German literature. Mancinelli's work ensured its accessibility to Italian scholars and readers, facilitating cross-cultural academic dialogue.

### Literary Contributions
Beyond translation, Mancinelli authored novels such as *The Twelve Abbots of Challant* (1981), which explored historical and literary themes. Her writing often reflected her deep engagement with medieval culture, blending scholarly rigor with creative storytelling.

### Scholarly Focus
Mancinelli's research centered on medieval German authors, including Wolfram von Eschenbach and Walther von der Vogelweide. Her studies on these figures enhanced the understanding of their works within the context of the Holy Roman Empire and the broader medieval European literary tradition.

### Legacy and Influence
Through her translations, novels, and academic research, Mancinelli left an indelible mark on medieval studies. Her work continues to influence contemporary scholars and writers, ensuring the enduring relevance of medieval literature in modern intellectual discourse. The Rapallo Carige Prize, among other awards, recognized her dual impact on both literary and academic communities.

### Cultural Impact
Mancinelli's efforts to promote medieval German literature in Italy underscored the universal value of these texts. By making them accessible, she fostered a broader appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of medieval works, enriching Italy's literary landscape.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. CiNii Research
5. Bibliothèque nationale de France
6. Integrated Authority File
7. Open Library
8. [Corriere della Sera](http://www.corriere.it/cultura/16_luglio_07/morta-laura-mancinelli-scrittrice-germanista-2e3d213e-4436-11e6-a4dc-8aa8f57c2afd.shtml)
9. [La Stampa](http://www.lastampa.it/2016/07/08/cultura/laura-mancinelli-il-medioevo-tra-rigore-e-prosa-fantastica-S2CYErpRqa6S3DI3yIsgzO/premium.html)
10. [La Repubblica](http://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2016/07/08/addio-alla-scrittrice-e-germanista-laura-mancinelli34.html?ref=search)
11. [TGR](http://www.rainews.it/dl/rainews/TGR/media/rubriche/ContentItem-b763ca73-4faa-419d-a2de-9c2ee74637b7.html)
12. Biblioteca Nacional de España
13. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
14. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Mancinelli%20Laura)
15. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb121825364)
16. CONOR.SI
17. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line