Frau Ava (Ava of Göttweig/Ava of Melk) was the first medieval female author originating from lower Austria writing in the eleventh century, composing biblical narratives in early Middle High German. She succeeded in rendering the complex biblical texts into fairly simple rhymed couplets for the lay reader, which secured her high respect in Lower Austria, especially because she knew how to tone down the esoteric religious messages to a level her vernacular audience could easily understand.