Election of Rudolf I as King of the Romans
The moment of Rudolf I of Habsburg's election as King of the Romans, marking the end of the Great Interregnum and the rise of the Habsburg dynasty. The Archbishop of Mainz places the crown on Rudolf's
Setting
Frankfurt Cathedral, a grand Romanesque structure with towering arches and thick stone walls. The nave is filled with electors, clergy, and nobility gathered for the solemn ceremony. The high altar is adorned with golden ornaments, and the scent of incense lingers in the air.
Characters
Rudolf I of Habsburg
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his mid-50s with a prematurely white beard and deep-set blue eyes that convey both wisdom and wariness. His face bears the weathered lines of a seasoned military commander, with a prominent Habsburg jawline.
Archbishop of Mainz
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late fifties with sharp cheekbones and a long, pointed nose. His deep-set eyes are framed by bushy silver eyebrows, and his thin lips are pressed in solemn concentration. His hands are delicate but strong, accustomed to holding sacred objects with reverence.
Elector of Saxony
secondary
A robust man in his mid-40s with a square jaw and closely cropped auburn beard, his broad shoulders and military bearing marking him as both a nobleman and warrior. His weathered face carries faint scars from battles fought under previous emperors.
Herald
secondary
A middle-aged man of average height with a sturdy build, well-suited for his role as a royal announcer. His face is clean-shaven, and his dark hair is neatly trimmed. His deep-set eyes and strong jaw give him an authoritative presence, while his slightly furrowed brow suggests the gravity of his task.
Kneeling Knight
background
A middle-aged knight of sturdy build, with weathered features and a closely cropped beard. His hands bear the calluses of years wielding a sword, and a faded scar runs along his right cheekbone. His brown eyes glisten with emotion beneath thick brows.
Choir Monk
background
A middle-aged Benedictine monk with a gaunt face and deep-set eyes, his tonsured head gleaming under the cathedral's candlelight. His slender frame suggests years of ascetic living, with long fingers accustomed to turning psalter pages.
Dialog
Archbishop of Mainz
By the authority invested in this sacred office and with the consent of the electors gathered under God's sight, we do consecrate thee, Rudolf of Habsburg, as King of the Romans.
Rudolf I of Habsburg
With due reverence to the Holy Church and by my troth as a faithful son of the Empire, I accept this sacred burden.
Elector of Saxony
Take this blade as you would a stronghold's keys - to defend, not to conquer.
Herald
Let it be proclaimed throughout Christendom - Rudolf of Habsburg is elected and crowned King of the Romans by rightful choice of the electors!
Rudolf I of Habsburg
Should Jupiter and the saints bear witness, this empire shall know peace as it knew in Charlemagne's day.
Archbishop of Mainz
May the divine wisdom that guided Solomon guide thy hand in ruling, and may the peace of Christ prevail in thy governance.