Nathan der Weise: Historiendrama aus der Zeit des Dritten Kreuzzugs: Bitte um religiöse Toleranz in Jerusalem

Set during the Third Crusade in Jerusalem, the story revolves around Nathan, a rational Jewish merchant, who learns that his adopted daughter, Recha, was saved from a fire by a Christian knight. This knight, in turn, owes his life to the Muslim ruler, Sultan Saladin, who spared him due to a resemblance to his deceased brother. The drama explores themes of humanism and tolerance, reflecting Enlightenment ideals, as Nathan challenges the belief in miracles and emphasizes reason over superstition. Lessing's work remains a significant contribution to German literature.