Hermann (The Lame) of Reichenau

(1013–54)

   Poet and Historian.

   Hermann was the son of Count Wolverad II of Swabia. He joined a monastic community in Reichenau in 1043. Despite his considerable physical handicaps, he was highly scholarly and attracted many students. He is remembered for his Chronicle, which begins with the birth of Jesus Christ and ends with the year of Hermann’s own death. It was based on a variety of sources and is regarded as a considerable achievement. He is also credited with being the author of the two famous hymns ‘Salve regina’ and ‘Alma redemptoris mater’ – although not all scholars accept this.

   H. Hansjakob, Hermann der Lahme von der Reichenau (1875) [no English translation available];

   C.C. Martindale, From Bye-Ways and Hedges (1935);

   H. Thurston, ‘The ‘Salve Regina’, Month, cxxviii (1918).