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In 1193, Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich VI, wished to create a political alliance with France. He offered his cousin, Agnes of Hohenstaufen, to wed Philippe II. However, Agnes’ mother made use of her husband’s absence to marry Agnes to her original betrothed, the Welf prince, Heinrich V.


In the Romantic era – especially Gabbe’s play and Spontini’s opera (which inspired this WI) – Agnes was hailed as the girl who singlehandedly brought about the reconciliation between the Hohenstaufens and the Welfs – even though her mother is the one who made the marriage happen. Not to mention, Agnes’ eponymous daughter is the ancestor of all later Wittelsbachs.


Thus, what if Agnes had become queen of France instead? Say Heinrich V doesn’t go to Schloss Stahleck because he fears a trap or some sort; or Agnes’ father takes her with him to court in the prospect of the French marriage. What becomes of Isambour of Denmark in this scenario?
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