“Theodor K\u00f6rner Eiche 1813-1913” This plaque commemorates a historical oak tree, the Theodor K\u00f6rner Eiche, which stood here, a silent sentinel of Vienna’s history, for almost a century. This oak tree was, in a way, a symbol of patriotism, a connection to a poet and soldier of the Napoleonic Wars, Theodor K\u00f6rner.
Theodor K\u00f6rner wasn’t just a poet, though. He was also a soldier, and he fought bravely in the German uprising against Napoleon. In fact, he fell in a battle near Gadebusch, in Mecklenburg, just hours after composing his famous “Sword Song”. This song, a testament to bravery and freedom, became an anthem of the German resistance against Napoleon.
The Theodor K\u00f6rner Eiche was planted in 1813, a year after his death. It served as a reminder of his sacrifice and his enduring legacy. This plaque, placed in 1913, marked a century of remembrance for the poet, the soldier, and the oak tree which grew to embody his spirit.