The Nibelungenlied

Author Unknown

 

PREFACE

This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation of as 
famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the general 
reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has been stimulated 
by Wagner’s operas and by the reading of such poems as William Morris’ 
"Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the medium of translation, 
since it is hardly possible to give an accurate rendering and at the same 
time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme and metre; at least, none of the 
verse translations made thus far have succeeded in doing this. The prose 
translations, on the other hand, mostly err in being too continuous and in 
condensing too much, so that they retell the story instead of translating 
it. The present translator has tried to avoid these two extremes. He has 
endeavored to translate literally and accurately, and to reproduce the 
spirit of the original, as far as a prose translation will permit. To this 
end the language has been made as simple and as Saxon in character as 
possible. An exception has been made, however, in the case of such Romance 
words as were in use in England during the age of the romances of chivalry, 
and which would help to land a Romance coloring; these have been frequently 
employed. Very few obsolete words have been used, and these are explained in 
the notes, but the language has been made to some extent archaic, especially 
in dialogue, in order to give the impression of age. At the request of the 
publishers the Introduction Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus of 
scholarship and made as popular as a study of the poem and its sources would 
allow. The advanced student who may be interested in consulting authorities 
will find them given in the introduction to the parallel edition in the 
Riverside Literature Series. A short list of English works on the subject 
had, however, been added.

In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G. Child 
and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting the work, 
and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition of Paul 
Piper, especially in preparing the notes.

-- DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY,

Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.

 

INTRODUCTORY SKETCH

There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such 
universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as the 
"Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age of 
chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German antiquity, 
and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry, but also traits of 
ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic mythology. One of its 
earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad", for, like this great 
Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and unites the monumental 
fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical personages into a poem that 
is essentially national in character, and the embodiment of all that is 
great in the antiquity of the race. Though lacking to some extent the 
dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied" surpasses the former in the 
deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy of fate, the inevitable 
retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle between the powers of good 
and evil, between light and darkness.

That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages is 
evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us. We 
possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved in thirty-
one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and fourteenth 
centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved that, in spite 
of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of this number three, 
designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon as the most important 
for purposes of textual criticism, and around them a fierce battle has been 
waged, which is not even yet settled.

(1) It is now generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later 
redaction with many additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to 
whether the priority should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that 
B is the more original, A merely a careless copy of B.

In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was soon 
forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly chivalry and 
the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and testes lay in a 
different direction, this epic shared the fate of many others of its kind, 
and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery or ducal libraries, 
there to wait till a more cultured age, curious as to the literature of its 
ancestors, should bring it forth from its hiding places. However, the 
figures of the old legend were not forgotten, but lived on among the people, 
and were finally embodied in a popular ballad, "Das Lied vom Hurnen 
Segfrid", which has been preserved in a print of the sixteenth century, 
although the poem itself is thought to go back at least to the thirteenth. 
The legend was also dramatized by Hans Sachs, the shoemaker poet of 
Nuremberg, and related in prose form in a chap book which still exists in 
prints of the eighteenth century. The story and the characters gradually 
became so vague and distorted, that only a trained eye could detect in the 
burlesque figures of the popular account the heroes of the ancient Germanic 
Legend.

The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to the 
world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H. 
Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the Tirol 
on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with Karl 
Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany has ever 
produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin his epoch-making 
essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied". Believing that the 
poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads or lays, he sought by means 
of certain criteria to eliminate all parts which were, as he thought, later 
interpolations or emendations. As a result of this sifting and discarding 
process, he reduced the poem to what he considered to have been its original 
form, namely, twenty separate lays, which he thought had come down to us in 
practically the same form in which they had been sung by various minstrels.

This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every 
reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of Siegfried 
and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed in Germany, 
yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They formed merely 
the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive the old heroic 
legends of the German past which were familiar to his hearers and to adapt 
them to the tastes of his time. In all probability we must assume two, 
three, or even more steps in the genesis of the poem. There appear to have 
been two different sources, one a Low German account, quite simple and 
brief, the other a tradition of the Lower Rhine. The legend was perhaps 
developed by minstrels along the Rhine, until it was taken and worked up 
into its present form by some Austrian poet. Who this poet was we do not 
know, but we do know that he was perfectly familiar with all the details of 
courtly etiquette. He seems also to have been acquainted with the courtly 
epics of Heinrich von Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his poem is free 
from the tedious and often exaggerated descriptions of pomp, dress, and 
court ceremonies, that mar the beauty of even the best of the courtly epics. 
Many painstaking attempts have been made to discover the identity of the 
writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all these theories which 
considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the "Minnesingers", to be the 
author, because of the similarity of the strophic form of our poem to that 
used by him, is not capable of absolute proof, and recent investigations go 
to show that Kurenberg was indebted to the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form 
of his lyric, and not the "Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe 
is presumably much older, and, having become popular in Austria through the 
poem, was adopted by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, 
in its present form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of 
the exactness of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later than 1204, 
because of certain allusions to it in the sixth book of "Parzival", which we 
know to have been written at this date. The two Low German poems which 
probably form the basis of our epic may have been united about 1150. It was 
revised and translated into High German and circulated at South German 
courts about 1170, and then received its present courtly form about 1190, 
this last version being the immediate source of our manuscripts.

The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited 
upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the latter 
by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages prove by 
their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity with the 
German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the Danube and upon 
the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along the rocky fjords of 
Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new home across the channel, 
even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the snow-covered wastes of 
Iceland, this story was told around the fires at night and sung to the harp 
in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles, each people and each generation 
telling it in its own fashion and adding new elements of its own invention. 
This great geographical distribution of the legend, and the variety of forms 
in which it appears, make it difficult to know where we must seek its 
origin. The northern version is in many respects older and simpler in form 
than the German, but still it is probable that Norway was not the home of 
the saga, but that it took its rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine 
among the ancient tribe of the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical 
names that are reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a 
Siegfried "spring" in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild 
"bed" near Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon’s Rock, on 
the Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge of 
the story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the 
"Nibelungenlied" and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved 
almost no trace of the legend, and such as exist are too late and too 
corrupt to be of much use in determining the original features of the story.

Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but certainly 
at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the sixth century. It 
may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves captured by the 
Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or, as Mogk believes, may 
have been taken by the Heruli on their return to Norway after their defeat 
by the Langobardi. By whatever channel, however, the story reached the 
North, it became part and parcel of Skandinavian folklore, only certain 
names still pointing to the original home of the legend. In the ninth 
century, when Harald Harfagr changed the ancient free constitution of the 
land, many Norwegians emigrated to Iceland, taking with them these acquired 
legends, which were better preserved in this remote island because of the 
peaceful introduction of Christianity, than on the Continent, where the 
Church was more antagonistic to the customs and legends of the heathen 
period.

The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down to us 
in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or older "Edda", 
also called Saemund’s "Edda", as it was assigned to the celebrated Icelandic 
scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in which it is preserved, 
dates from the middle of the thirteenth century, but is probably a copy of 
an older manuscript. The songs it contains were written at various times, 
the oldest probably in the first half of the ninth century, the latest not 
much before the date of the earliest manuscript. Most of them, however, 
belong to the Viking period, when Christianity was already beginning to 
influence the Norwegians, that is, between the years 800 and 1000. They are 
partly heroic, partly mythological in character, and are written in 
alliterative strophes interspersed with prose, and have the form of 
dialogues. Though the legends on which these songs are based were brought 
from Norway, most of them were probably composed in Iceland. Among these 
songs, now, we find a number which deal with the adventures of Siegfried and 
his tragic end.

The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called "Volsungasaga", a 
prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates from the beginning of 
the thirteenth century, but the account was probably written a century 
earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his ancestors are here related in 
great detail and his ancestry traced back to Wodan. Although a secondary 
source, as it is based on the "Edda", the "Volsungasaga" is nevertheless of 
great importance, since it supplies a portion of the "Codex Regius" which 
has been lost, and thus furnishes us with the contents of the missing songs.

The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra Edda", 
after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241),to whom it was 
ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda" and the 
"Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger "Edda" is 
not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however, the Siegfried 
saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since it evidently made 
use of songs that have not come down to us, especially in the account of the 
origin of the treasure, which is here told more in detail and with 
considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or "Nornageststhattr", the 
story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of the Siegfried story. It is 
really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains the story of Sigurd and Gunnar 
(the Norse forms of Siegfried and Gunther), which an old man Nornagest 
relates to King Olaf Tryggvason, who converted the Norwegians to 
Christianity. The story was written about 1250 to illustrate the transition 
from heathendom to the Christian faith. It is based on the "Edda" and the 
"Volsungasaga", and is therefore of minor importance as a source.

These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried legend 
into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the middle of the 
thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of the Hanseatic League, 
when the story was introduced together with other popular German epics. 
These poems are products of the age of chivalry, and are characterized by 
the romantic and courtly features of this movement. The one which concerns 
us here, as the fifth source of the Siegfried story, is the so-called 
"Thidreksaga", which celebrates the adventures of the famous legendary hero, 
Dietrich of Berne, the historical Theodorich of Ravenna. In as far as it 
contains the adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also called the 
"Niflungasaga". The "Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a Norwegian who, 
as he himself tells us, heard the story from Germans in the neighborhood of 
Bremen and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon traditions, it can be 
considered an independent source of the legend, and, in fact, differs from 
the earlier Norse versions in many important details. The author was 
acquainted, however, with the older versions, and sought to compromise 
between them, but mostly followed his German authorities.

The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects more 
original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of the 
treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of 
"Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for the 
killing of the former’s son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form of an 
otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari", who in turn 
had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari pronounces a 
terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and this curse passes 
from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when asleep by his two 
sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is cheated out of the 
coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the "Gnita" heath, where he 
guards it in the form of a dragon.

This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands of a 
human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have seen), a 
descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history back to 
Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of Siegfried’s 
ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not especially concern us, 
as it has little or no influence on the later development of the story. It 
is sufficient for our purpose to know that Siegfried was the son of 
Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the birth of his son. Sigurd was 
carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis" and the wise dwarf Regin, who 
taught him the knowledge of runes and of many languages. (2) At the 
suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and receives the steed "Grani" from the 
king, and is then urged by his tutor to help him obtain the treasure guarded 
by the latter’s brother Fafnir. Sigurd promises, but first demands a sword. 
Two, that arc given him by Regin, prove worthless, and he forges a new one 
from the pieces of his father’s sword, which his mother had preserved. With 
this he easily splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of wool, floating 
down the Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father, and then sets off 
with Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of the former Sigurd 
digs a ditch across the dragon’s peth and pierces him from below with his 
sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the dragon warns Sigurd 
against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin, who, he says, is 
planning Sigurd’s death, intending to obtain the treasure for himself.

When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of 
concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs Sigurd to 
roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers, and, putting 
them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the birds and hears 
them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and then he would be wiser 
than all other men. They also betray Regin’s evil designs, and counsel the 
lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does, cutting off Regin’s head, 
drinking the blood of both brothers, and eating Fafnir’s heart. (3) On the 
further advice of the birds Sigurd first fetches the treasure from the cave, 
and then journeys to the mountain "Hindarfjall", where he rescues the 
sleeping Valkyrie, "Sigrdrifu" ("Brynhild", "Brunhild"), who, stung by the 
sleep thorn of Wodan, and clad in full armor, lies asleep within a castle 
that is surrounded by a wall of flame. With the help of his steed Grani, 
Sigurd succeeds in penetrating through the fire to the castle. The sleeping 
maiden awakes when he cuts the armor from her with his sword, for it was as 
tight as if grown fast to the flesh. She hails her deliverer with great joy, 
for she had vowed never to marry a man who knew fear. At Sigurd’s request 
she teaches him many wise precepts, and finally pledges her troth to him. He 
then departs, after promising to be faithful to her and to remember her 
teachings.

On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the Norse 
form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on the lower 
Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Guthorm", and a 
daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears the name of 
Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil heart. (4) Sigurd 
is received with great honor, for his coming had been announced to Gudrun in 
dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her by Brynhild. The mother, 
knowing of Sigurd’s relations to the latter, gives him a potion which 
produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer remembers his betrothed, and 
accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king offers him at the queen’s 
request. The marriage is celebrated with great pomp, and Sigurd remains 
permanently attached to Giuki’s court, performing with the others many deeds 
of valor.

Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild. 
Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild’s 
father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom he 
learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will marry no 
one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this answer they 
proceed to Brynhild’s castle, where Gunnar is unable to pierce the flames, 
even when seated on Sigurd’s steed. Finally Sigurd and Gunnar change forms, 
and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through the wall of fire, announces 
himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of Giuki, and reminds her of her 
promise to marry the one who penetrated the fire. Brynhild consents with 
great reluctance, for she is busy carrying on a war with a neighboring king. 
Sigurd then passes three nights at her side, placing, however, his sword 
Gram between them, as a bar of separation. At parting he draws from her 
finger the ring, with which he had originally pledged his troth to her, and 
replaces it with another, taken from Fafnir’s hoard. Soon after this the 
marriage of Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with great splendor, and all 
return to Giuki’s court, where they live happily for some time.

One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath, 
Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the 
water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her 
father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through the 
fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts that not 
Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from her the 
fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in proof of 
her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not a word. After a 
second conversation on the subject had increased the hatred of the queens, 
Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill, she takes to her bed, and 
when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks him if he remembers the 
circumstances of the wooing and that not he but Sigurd had penetrated the 
flames. She attempts to take Gunnar’s life, as she had pledged her troth to 
Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains by Hogni. Seven days she sleeps, 
and no one dares to wake her. Finally Sigurd succeeds in making her talk, 
and she tells him how cruelly she has been deceived, that the better man had 
been destined for her, but that she had received the poorer one. This Sigurd 
denies, for Giuki’s son had killed the king of the Danes and also Budli’s 
brother, a great warrior. Moreover, although he, Sigurd, had ridden through 
the flames, he had not become her husband. He begs her therefore not to 
harbor a grudge against Gunnar.

Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd’s death, and threatens Gunnar 
with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd. After some 
hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs him that he must 
kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the Rhinegold. Hogni warns 
him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it occurs to Gunnar, that his 
brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might do the deed. Both now proceed 
to excite the latter’s greed, and give him wolf’s and snake meat to eat to 
make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes the attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, 
but is deterred by the latter’s penetrating glance. The third time he finds 
Sigurd asleep, and pierces him with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the 
pain, hurls his own sword after his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He 
then dies, protesting his innocence and designating Brynhild as the 
instigator of his murder. Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun’s frantic 
grief, but later her joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share 
Sigurd’s death. In vain they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, 
she pierces herself with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd’s funeral 
pyre. In dying she prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun’s marriage to 
"Atli" and of the death of the many men which will be caused thereby. 

After Brynhild’s death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King 
"Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild learns of 
the place of her daughter’s concealment, and tries to bring about a 
reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much treasure, if she 
will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only of revenge, but 
finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in Atli’s land. After a 
time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar’s riches, for the latter had taken 
possession of Sigurd’s hoard, invites him to his court. A man named "Vingi", 
who was sent with the invitation, changes the runes of warning, which Gudrun 
had given him, so that they, too, read as an invitation. The brothers 
determine to accept the invitation, and, though warned by many dreams, they 
set out for Atli’s court, which they reach in due time. Vingi now breaks 
forth into exultations, that he has lured them into a snare, and is slain by 
Hogni with a battle axe.

As they ride to the king’s hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for 
battle, and demand Sigurd’s treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun. 
Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some exchange of 
taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the combatants, but, 
failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her brothers. The battle 
rages furiously with great loss on both sides, until nearly all of the 
Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni are forced to yield to the power 
of numbers and are captured and bound. Gunnar is asked, if he will purchase 
his life with the treasure. He replies that he first wishes to see Hogni’s 
bleeding heart. At first the heart of a slave is cut out and brought to him, 
but Gunnar recognizes it at once as that of a coward. Then they cut out 
Hogni’s heart, who laughs at the pain. This Gunnar sees is the right one, 
and is jubilant, for now Atli shall never obtain the treasure, as Gunnar 
alone knows where it is hid. In a rage Atli orders Gunnar to be thrown to 
the snakes. Though his hands are bound, Gunnar plays so sweetly with his 
toes on the harp, which Gudrun has sent him, that all the snakes are lulled 
to sleep, with the exception of an adder, which stings him to the heart, so 
that he dies.

Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun that 
she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers of peace 
and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons "Erp" and 
"Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives for his 
retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had drunk their 
blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night when Atli is 
asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni’s son "Hniflung", who desires to avenge his 
father, and together they enter Atli’s room and thrust a sword through his 
breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told by Gudrun that she is his 
murderess. When he reproaches her with thus killing her husband, she answers 
that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli now asks for a fitting burial, and on 
receiving the promise of this, expires. Gudrun carries out her promise, and 
burns the castle with Atli and all his dead retainers. Other Edda songs 
relate the further adventures of Gudrun, but they do not concern us here, as 
the "Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the Nibelungs.

This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to us in 
the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that this version, 
though more original than the Gorman tradition, does not represent the 
simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the original form was, 
has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two distinctly opposite 
views are held, the one seeing in the story the personification of the 
forces of nature, the other, scouting the possibility of a mythological 
interpretation, seeks a purely human origin for the tale, namely, a quarrel 
among relatives for the possession of treasure. The former view is the 
older, and obtained almost exclusively at one time. The latter has been 
gaining ground of recent years, and is held by many of the younger students 
of the legend. According to the mythological view, the maiden slumbering 
upon the lonely heights is the sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the 
morning red ("Morgenrote"). Siegfried is the youthful day who is destined to 
rouse the sun from her slumber. At the appointed time he ascends, and before 
his splendor the morning red disappears. He awakens the maiden; radiantly 
the sun rises from its couch and joyously greets the world of nature. But 
light and shade are indissolubly connected; day changes of itself into 
night. When at evening the sun sinks to rest and surrounds herself once more 
with a wall of flames, the day again approaches, but no longer in the 
youthful form of the morning to arouse her from her slumber, but in the 
sombre shape of Gunther, to rest at her side. Day has turned into night; 
this is the meaning of the change of forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day 
and sun descend into the realm of darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried 
story is a day myth; but under another it is a myth of the year. The dragon 
is the symbol of winter, the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes the 
bright summer, his sword the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in the 
dark days of winder. When its time has come, it goes forth triumphantly and 
destroys the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the symbolization the 
abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is thus not a mere 
allegory, but a personification of nature’s forces. The treasure may have 
entered the saga through the widespread idea of the dragon as the guardian 
of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of nature which unfolds when the 
season has conquered. In the last act of the saga, Siegfried’s death, 
Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees again a symbolic 
representation of a process of nature. According to him it signifies the 
death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he kills the dragon, 
in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully slain by the hostile 
powers of darkness. Later, when this act was connected with the story of 
Gunther’s wooing Brunhild, the real meaning was forgotten, and Siegfried’s 
death was attributed to the grief and jealousy of the insulted queen.

Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already 
spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and does 
not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best exponent of 
this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt to resolve the 
story into its simplest constituents. According to him the nucleus of the 
legend is an old story of the murder of relatives ("Verwandienmord"), the 
original form being perhaps as follows. Attila (i.e., the enemy of Hagen 
under any name)is married to Hagen’s sister Grimhild or Gudrun. He invites 
his brother-in-law to his house, attacks him in the hope of obtaining his 
treasure, and kills him. According to this view Hagen was originally the 
king, but later sinks to a subordinate position through the subsequent 
connection of the story with the Burgundians. It is of course useless to 
hunt for the date of such an episode in history. Such a murder could have 
frequently occurred, and can be localized anywhere. Very early we find this 
Hagen story united with the Siegfried legend. If the latter is mythological, 
then we have a heterogeneous combination, a mythical legend grafted on a 
purely human one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and presents a number of 
arguments to disprove the mythical character of the Siegfried story, into 
which we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to the conclusion, that the 
Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and consisted originally of the 
murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of the Hagen title. Siegfried is 
married to Hagen’s sister, and is killed by his brother-in-law because of 
his treasure. The kernel of the legend is, therefore, the enmity between 
relatives, which exists in two forms, the one in which the son-in-law kills 
his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi" saga, the other in which Hagen kills 
his son-in-law and is killed by him, too, as in the "Hilde" saga. The German 
tradition tries to combine the two by introducing the new feature, that 
Kriemhild causes the death of her relatives, in order to avenge her first 
husband. Boer is of the opinion that both the Norse and the German versions 
have forgotten the original connection between the two stories, and that 
this connection was nothing more nor less than the common motive of the 
treasure. The same treasure, which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes 
his own death in turn through the greed of Attila. There was originally, 
according to Boer, no question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the 
retribution which overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate 
was lost when the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his 
treasure, was replaced by the one that he does it at the request of 
Brunhild. This leads Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not 
originally belong to the Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale 
of Sleeping Beauty ("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. 
The type is that of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which 
may take the form of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of 
being sewed into a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm’s fairy tales. By the 
union of the two stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping 
Beauty tale, Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand his 
relation to Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the rock, on 
the other his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent death. This 
twofold relation had to be disposed of, and since his connection with 
Grimhild was decisive for his fate, his relation to Brunhild had to be 
changed. It could not be entirely ignored, for it was too well known, 
therefore it was given a different interpretation. Siegfried still rescues a 
maiden from the rock, not for himself, however, but for another. The 
exchange of forms on the part of Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of 
the older form. It gives the impression, that Siegfried, and yet not 
Siegfried, won the bride. This alteration probably took place when the 
Burgundians were introduced into the legend. With this introduction an 
unlocalized saga of unknown heroes of ancient times became one of events of 
world-wide importance; the fall of a mighty race was depicted as the result 
of Siegfried’s death. To render this plausible, it was necessary on the one 
hand to idealize the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of 
horror demanding fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of 
the Burgundians an active participator in Siegfried’s death, for otherwise 
it would not seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for a 
crime committed by the king’s brother or vassal. As the role of Brunhild’s 
husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role, it was 
natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very ingeniously the 
gradual development of this exchange of roles through the various sources.

Another method of explaining away Siegfried’s relation to two women is to 
identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the hero 
rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her, and then is 
later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As Brunhild and 
Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need of a wooing for 
the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild, accordingly the old 
motive of greed (here envy) reappears.

As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not originally 
belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the popular ballad is 
the fight with the dragon connected with the release of Brunhild. If the 
Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the dragon cannot have 
originally belonged to it, but was later introduced, because of the 
widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of treasure, and in order to 
answer the question as to the provenience of the hoard. This is, however, 
only one answer to the question. Another, widespread in German legends, is 
that the treasure comes from the Nibelungs, that is, from the dwarfs. Many 
identify the dwarfs and the dragon, but this finds no support in the 
sources, for here the dwarfs and Fafnir are never confused. The 
"Nibelungenlied" describes an adventure with each, but the treasure is only 
connected with the dwarfs. The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon fight but 
not the dwarfs, as is likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad. Only in the 
Norse sources do we find a contamination. The story of Hreithmar and his 
sons, who quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of Schilbung and 
Nibelung in the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same source. One of 
the sons, because of his guarding the treasure, is identified with the 
dragon, and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon, after gaining the 
treasure. Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but a dwarf. These two 
independent forms can be geographically localized. The dwarf legend is the 
more southern; it is told in detail in the "Nibelungenlied". The dragon 
legend probably originated in the Cimbrian peninsula, where the "Beowulf" 
saga, in which the dragon fight plays such an important part, likewise 
arose.

There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing in 
the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other tracing it 
back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may be, that the 
true form of the original saga lies half way between these two views. The 
story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their killing at Etzel’s court, 
may go back to the tale of the murder of relatives for money. On the other 
hand it is hard to believe that the Siegfried saga is nothing but a 
repetition of the Attila motive, for this is too brief a formula to which to 
reduce the long legend of Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if we discard 
the mythological interpretation, it is the tale of a daring hero, who is 
brought up in the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon and takes 
possession of his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon a mountain, 
as in the older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a tower, as in 
the "Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire, as in the Norse, 
or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied". After betrothing 
himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further adventures, and 
falls into the power of an evil race, who by their magic arts lure him to 
them, cause his destruction, and then obtain his treasure and the maiden for 
themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa belongs to Siegfried, just as Gunther 
and Gudrun-Grimhild belong together, and it seems hardly possible that she 
should have entered the story later, as Boer would have us believe. After 
all, it is largely a matter of belief, for it is impossible to prove 
positively that mythical elements did or did not exist in the original.

To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements were 
added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the Franks 
were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward. Further up 
the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had established a kingdom 
in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their capital being Worms and their 
king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the Romans called him. For twenty 
years the Burgundians lived on good terms with the surrounding nations. 
Then, growing bolder, they suddenly rose against the Romans in the year 436, 
but the rebellion was quietly suppressed by the Roman general Aetius. Though 
defeated, the Burgundians were not subdued, and the very next year they 
broke their oaths and again sought to throw off the Roman yoke. This time 
the Romans called to their aid the hordes of Huns, who had been growing 
rapidly in power and were already pressing hard upon the German nations from 
the east. Only too glad for an excuse, the Huns poured into the land in 
great numbers and practically swept the Burgundian people from the face of 
the earth. According to the Roman historians, twenty thousand Burgundians 
were slain in this great battle of the Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this 
catastrophe, in which a whole German nation fell before the hordes of 
invading barbarians, produced a profound impression upon the Teutonic world. 
The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the "Nibelungenlied", who also fell in the 
battle, became the central figure of a new legend, namely, the story of the 
fall of the Burgundians.

Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after his 
death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the slaughter of 
the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types, and as Attila was 
a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon as the type of a cruel 
tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural for him to play the role 
assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible is Boer’s explanation of the 
entrance of Attila into the legend. The "Thidreksaga" locates him in Seest 
in Westphalia. Now this province once bore the haute of "Hunaland", and by a 
natural confusion, because of the similarity of the names, "Huna" and 
"Huns", Attila, who is the chief representative of Hunnish power, was 
connected with the legend and located at Seest. This would show that the 
original extension of the legend was slight, as Xanten, the home of Hagen, 
is but seventy miles from Seest. The original form would then be that Hagen 
was slain by a king of "Hunaland", then because history relates that the 
Burgundians were slain by the Huns, the similarity of the names led to the 
introduction of Attila and the identification of the Nibelungs with the 
Burgundians. The fact, too, that the Franks rapidly took possession of the 
district depopulated by the crushing defeat of the Burgundians likewise 
aided the confusion, and thus the Franks became the natural heirs of the 
legend concerning the death of Gunther, and so we read of the fall of the 
Nibelungs, a name that is wholly Frankish in character. This identification 
led also to Attila’s being considered the avenger of Siegfried’s death. 
Poetic justice, however, demands that the slaughter of the Burgundians at 
the hands of Attila be also avenged. The rumor, that Attila’s death was not 
natural, but that he had been murdered by his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave 
the necessary features to round out the story. As Kriemhild was the sister 
of the Burgundian kings, it was but natural to explain her killing of 
Attila, as described in the Norse versions, by her desire to avenge her 
brothers.

In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild, who 
is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here, has sunk 
to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive observer of 
the fight raging around him. This change was brought about perhaps by the 
introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing figure of all Germanic 
heroic lore. The necessity of providing him with a role corresponding to his 
importance, coupled with a growing repugnance on the part of the proud 
Franks to acknowledge defeat at the hands of the Huns, caused the person of 
Attila to dwindle in importance. Gradually, too, the role played by 
Kriemhild was totally changed. Instead of being the avenger of her brothers, 
as depicted in the Norse versions, she herself becomes the cause of their 
destruction. Etzel is not only innocent of any desire to harm the Nibelungs, 
but is even ignorant of the revenge planned by his wife. This change in her 
role was probably due to the feeling that it was incumbent upon her to 
avenge the murder of Siegfried.

Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried’s youth 
as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no longer the 
love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic Valkyrie Brunhild, 
but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king of the Netherlands, and 
the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild. The poem has forgotten Siegfried’s 
connection with Brunhild; it knows nothing of his penetrating the wall of 
flames to awake and rescue her, nothing of the betrothal of the two. In our 
poem Siegfried is carefully reared at his father’s court in the Netherlands, 
and sets out with great pomp for the court of the Burgundians. In the Norse 
version he naturally remains at Gunther’s court after his marriage, but in 
our poem he returns to the Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the 
introduction of several new scenes to depict his arrival home, the 
invitation to the feast at Worms, and the reception of the guests on the 
part of the Burgundians.

In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the winning 
of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older Norse 
versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but Siegfried dons 
the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that while Gunther makes 
the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing which is rather 
difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is likewise very 
differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it is in the Norse 
version. In the latter it takes place while the ladies are bathing in the 
river, and is brought on by the arrogance of Brunhild, who refuses to stand 
lower down the stream and bathe in the water flowing from Gudrun to her. In 
the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the seclusion of the ladies’ apartments, but 
in our poem it culminates in front of the cathedral before the assembled 
court, and requires as its background all the pomp and splendor of medieval 
chivalry. With a master hand and a wonderful knowledge of female character, 
the author depicts the gradual progress of the quarrel until it terminates 
in a magnificent scene of wounded pride and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as 
usual, plays the more important part, and, while standing up for her rights, 
tries in every way to conciliate Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At 
last, however, stung by the taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her 
patience, bursts out with the whole story of the twofold deception to which 
Brunhild has been subjected, and then triumphantly sweeps into the church, 
leaving her rival stunned and humiliated by the news she has heard. In the 
Norse tradition the scene serves merely to enlighten Brunhild as to the 
deception played upon her. In the "Nibelungenlied" it becomes the real cause 
of Siegfried’s death, for Brunhild plans to kill Siegfried to avenge the 
public slight done to her. She has no other reason, as Siegfried swears that 
there had been no deception. Brunhild appeals to us much less in the 
"Nibelungenlied" than in the Norse version. In the latter she feels herself 
deeply wronged by Siegfried’s faithlessness, and resolves on his death 
because she will not be the wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason 
for wishing his death except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", 
too, she disappears from view after Siegfried’s death, whereas in the Norse 
tradition she ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.

The circumstances of Siegfried’s death are likewise totally different in the 
two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while asleep in 
bed, by Gunnar’s younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is killed by 
Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded by a scene in 
which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the one vulnerable spot 
on Siegfried’s body, on the plea of protecting him. This deepens the 
tragedy, and renders Kriemhild’s misery and self-reproaches the greater. 
After Siegfried’s burial his father, who had also come to Worms with his 
son, vainly endeavors to persuade Kriemhild to return with him to the 
Netherlands. Her refusal is unnatural in the extreme, for she had reigned 
there ten years or more with Siegfried, and had left her little son behind, 
and yet she relinquishes all this and remains with her brothers, whom she 
knows to be the murderers of her husband. This is evidently a reminiscence 
of an earlier form in which Siegfried was a homeless adventurer, as in the 
"Thidreksaga".

The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs, is treated of 
very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the "Nibelungenlied", which 
knows so little of Siegfried’s youth, has developed and enlarged upon the 
story, until it overshadows the first part in length and importance and 
gives the name to the whole poem. The main difference between the two 
versions is that in the older Norse tradition it is Attila who invites the 
Nibelungs to his court and attacks them in order to gain possession of the 
treasure, while Gudrun (Kriemhild) first tries to reconcile the warring 
parties, and, not succeeding in this, snatches up a sword and fights on the 
side of her brothers and later kills her husband as an act of revenge. In 
the "Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied", however, she is the instigator 
of the fight and the cause of her brothers’ death, and finally suffers death 
herself at the hands of Master Hildebrand, who is furious that such noble 
heroes should fall at a woman’s hand. The second part of the poem is 
grewsome reading at best, with its weltering corpses and torrents of blood. 
The horror is relieved only by the grim humor of Hagen and by the charming 
scene at Rudeger’s court, where the young prince Giselher is betrothed to 
Rudeger’s daughter. Rudeger is without doubt the most tragic figure of this 
part. He is bound on the one hand by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and 
on the other by ties of friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at 
the dilemma in which Kriemhild’s command to attack the Burgundians places 
him is pitiful. Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must 
fulfill his vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he 
rushes to his death in combat with his dearest friends.

Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of Hagen, 
the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that he is going 
to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his companions-in-arms, and 
awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism that would do honor to a 
Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of his crime, and to the last 
mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury knows no bounds. No character 
shows so little the refining influences of Christianity as does his. In all 
essential respects he is still the same old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in 
the earliest forms of the legend.

As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the 
"Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here, although 
they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to say, that the 
"Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective scenes for the purpose 
of bringing some of them, especially Folker and Dankwart, into prominence. 
Among the best of these are, first, the night watch, when Folker first plays 
the Burgundians to sleep with his violin, and then stands guard with Hagen, 
thus preventing the surprise planned by Kriemhild; further, the visit to the 
church on the following morning, when the men of both parties clash; and 
lastly the tournament between the Huns and the Burgundians, which gives the 
author an excellent chance to show the prowess of the various heroes.

Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the 
"Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild’s Revenge" 
("Grimhild’s Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of the Low 
German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the strophe is 
considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem, and that it 
was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back most probably to 
the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth century, although 
some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the French epic verse, may 
have been of influence. The direct derivation from Otfrid seems, however, 
the most plausible, as it accounts for the importance of the caesura, which 
generally marks a pause in the sense, as well as in the verse, and also for 
its masculine ending. The "Nibelungen" strophe consists of four long lines 
separated by a caesura into two distinct halves. The first half of each line 
contains four accents, the fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last 
stress, however, is not, as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being 
somewhat like that of a feminine ending. On this account some speak of three 
accents in the first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth stress 
is, however, too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of its lighter 
character is best marked with a grave accent. The second half of each line 
ends in a masculine rhyme. The first three lines have each three stresses in 
the second half, while the second half of the fourth line has four accents 
to mark the end of the strophe. This longer fourth line is one of the most 
marked characteristics of the "Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are arranged 
in the order of "a", "a", "b", "b", though in a few isolated cases near the 
end of the poem but one rhyme is used throughout the strophe.

The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form and 
scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the Middle 
High German language in which the poem is written:

Uns ist in alten maeren wunders vil geseit

von heleden lobebaeron, von grozer arebeit,

von froude und hochgeziten, von weinen und von klagen,

von kuener recken striten muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.

Ez wuochs in Burgonden ein edel magedin,

daz in allen landen niht schoeners mohte sin,

Kriemhild geheizen; si wart ein scoene wip,

darambe muosen degene vil verliesen den lip.

Der minneclichen meide triuten wol gezam,

ir muotten kuene recken, niemen was ir gram,

ane ma zen schoene so was ir edel lip;

der iunevrouwen tugende zierten anderiu wip.

Ir pilagen drie kilnege edel unde rich,

Ganther ande Geruot, die recken lobelieh,

und Giselher der iunge, ein uz erwelter degen,

diu frouwe was ir swester, die fu’rsten hetens in ir

pflegen.

Die herren waren milte, von arde hohe erborn,

mit kraft unmazen kuene, die recken uz erkorn,

dazen Burgonden so was ir lant genant,

si framden starkiu wunder sit in Etzelen lant.

Ze Wormze bidem Rine si wenden mit ir kraft,

in diende von ir landen stolziu ritterscaft

mit lobelichen eren unz an ir endes zit,

sit sturben si inemerliche von zweier edelen frouwen nit.

Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene" :

"degene" (str. 84) or "Hagene" : "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, 
but it is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in 
question shows that the three accents are not complete without this final 
"e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High German 
poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to die out in 
the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the period. The 
rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure rhymes being 
mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed together, e.g. "mich" 
: "rich" or "man" : "han". Caesural rhymes are frequently met with, and were 
considered by Lachmann to be the marks of interpolated strophes, a view no 
longer held. A further peculiarity of the "Nibelungen" strophe is the 
frequent omission of the unaccented syllable in the second half of the last 
line of the strophe between the second and third stresses. Examples of this 
will be found in the second, third, and fifth strophes of the passage given 
above.

The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High German, 
that is, the High German written and spoken in the period between 1100 and 
1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry and of the 
"Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the Austrian dialect of 
the close of the twelfth century, but contains many archaisms, which point 
to the fact of its having undergone a number of revisions.

In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or two 
further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in German 
literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue" (faithfulness 
or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent portrayal; 
faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his lord, as depicted 
in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband, as shown by Kriemhild, 
carried out with unhesitating consistency to the bitter end. This is not the 
gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors so largely the opening scenes 
of the poem, but the heroic valor, the death-despising stoicism of the 
ancient Germans, before which the masters of the world, the all-conquering 
Romans, were compelled to bow.

In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of the 
youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it is a 
torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of these 
integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of originally 
separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains not a few 
contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a close study 
reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle High German epic 
poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older German literature. It 
lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in Gottfried von Strassburg’s 
"Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often magnificent descriptions of 
armor and dress to be met with in the epics of Hartman von Ouwe; it is 
wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram von Eschenbach’s "Parzival", and 
does not, as this latter, lead the reader into the realms of religious 
doubts and struggles. It is imposing through its very simplicity, through 
the grandeur of the story, which it does not seek to adorn and decorate. It 
nowhere pauses to analyze motives nor to give us a picture of inner conflict 
as modern authors are fond of doing. Its characters are impulsive and prompt 
in action, and when they have once acted, waste no time in useless regret or 
remorse.

It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the 
terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery, but 
it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the latter. 
It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp of courtly 
ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and beneath the 
outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and wildly as in the 
days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps greater poems in 
literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so majestic in conception, so 
sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their execution, and so national in 
their character, as this great popular epic of German literature.

ENDNOTES:

(1) A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth century, now 
found in Munich. It forms the basis of Lachmann’s edition. It is a parchment 
MS. of the middle of the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of 
St. Gall. It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker des 
Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-Literatur", vol. 6. 
C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth century, now in the ducal library of 
Donauesehingen. It is the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited 
by Zarncke.

(2) The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in having 
"Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in ignorance of his parents, a 
trait which was probably borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, 
although thought by some to have been an original feature of our legend.

(3) The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the brothers, and 
calls Sigurd’s tutor "Mimr", tells the episode in somewhat different 
fashion. The brothers plan to kill Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the 
dragon, while burning charcoal in the forest. After killing the monster with 
a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and thus become covered with 
a horny skin, which renders him invulnerable, save in one place between the 
shoulder blades, which he could not reach. This bathing in the blood is also 
related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied", with the 
difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a linden leaf falling upon 
him.

(4) The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows that the 
Norse version is here more original. Gunnar is the same as Gunther 
(Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm (Godomar) appears in the German 
version as Gernot. In this latter the father is called Danerat, the mother 
Uote, and the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the daughter.

(5) In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun’s hair.

 

 

THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)

ADVENTURE I (2)

Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of praise, of 
hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold warriors, of 
weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.

In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer 
might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became, for 
whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the loving was 
this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her hate. Her 
peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues of this maid 
of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.

Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and Gernot, 
(5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a chosen knight. 
This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their care. The lordings 
were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold of strength were they, 
these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy. Great marvels they wrought 
hereafter in Etzel’s (7) land. At Worms (8) upon the Rhine they dwelt with 
all their power. Proud knights from out their lands served them with honor, 
until their end was come. Thereafter they died grievously, through the hate 
of two noble dames.

Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father, 
Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a mighty 
man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full great. These 
kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed allegiance the 
best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong and brave, fearless 
in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg, thereto his brother 
Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13); Gere (14) and Eckewart, 
(15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16) endued with fullness of 
strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen, a chosen knight; the lords 
Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three kings, had rule of the court and 
of its honors. Thereto had they many a warrior whose name I cannot tell. 
Dankwart was marshal; his nephew, Ortwin, seneschal unto the king; Sindolt 
was cupbearer, a chosen knight; Hunolt served as chamberlain; well they wot 
how to fill these lofty stations. Of the forces of the court and its far-
reaching might, of the high worship (18) and of the chivalry these lords did 
ply with joy throughout their life, of this forsooth none might relate to 
you the end.

In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she 
trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes, two 
eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all this 
world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not unfold it 
to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon which thou 
trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him soon, unless so 
be that God preserve him."

"Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be 
without a warrior’s love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I shall 
never gain woe from love of man."

"Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever 
thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the 
love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right worthy 
knight."

"I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it been 
seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall avoid them 
both, then can it ne’er go ill with me."

Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day thereafter 
the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would care to love. In 
after days she became with worship a valiant here’s bride. He was the 
selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her mother unfolded to 
her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest kin, who slew him 
after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a mother’s son.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs. The ordinary etymology of 
this name is ‘children of the mist’ ("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and 
it is thought to have belonged originally to the dwarfs. Piper, I, 50, 
interprets it as ‘the sons of Nibul’; Boer, II, 198, considers "Hniflungar" 
to be the correct Norse form and interprets it as ‘the descendants of Hnaef’ 
(O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G. "Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".

(2) "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.

"adventura"). The word meant originally a happening, especially some great 
event, then the report of such an event. Here it is used in the sense of the 
different cantos or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G. 
epics. Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes the source, or is 
the personification of the muse of poetry.

(3) "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish "Grimhild". In the 
MSS., the name generally appears with a further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as 
if the initial consonant were Germanic "k". On the various forms of the 
name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained, see Mullenhoff, 
ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.

(4) "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the Burgundians in the 
fifth century.

(5) "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place of the 
historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse version as "Gutthormr", 
though the names are not etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be 
"Guthmarr" in Old Norse.

(6) "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius". Although mentioned by the 
"Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian kings, he does not appear in the 
early Norse version, or in other poems dealing with these persons, such as 
the "Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc., and was 
probably introduced at a late date into the saga. Originally no role was 
ascribed to him, and not even his death is told. He probably came from some 
independent source.

(7) "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila" (Norse "Atli"). A 
discussion of his connection with the saga will be found in the 
introduction.

(8) "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first century B.C. 
was the chief city of the German tribe of the "Vangioni". In the fifth 
century it was the capital of the Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by 
the Huns. The Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it became 
a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his court. It was later noted as 
the meeting-place of many imperial diets. It remained a free city till 1801. 
In the "Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".

(9) "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote"). The name means ancestress, and is frequently used 
for the mother of heroes. The modern German form is "Ute", but in order to 
insure its being pronounced with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.

(10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in the 
"Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the "Klage" and 
"Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse "Giuki").

(11) "Hagen of Troneg". Troneg is probably a corruption of the name of the 
Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower Rhine, which as early as the 
fifth century was written as "Troja", giving rise to the legend that the 
Franks were descended from the ancient Trojans. "Troja" was then further 
corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege". Hagen was therefore originally a Frank 
and had no connection with the Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration 
also goes to show. Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally lived 
at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was often called Troja 
Francorum. When the Hagen story was connected with the Burgundians and Hagen 
became either their brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to 
Worms and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial 
localization. Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of Troneg, as is 
Hagen. Other attempts to explain Troneg will be found in Piper, I, 48.

(12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that belonged to the 
early form of the legend. He may have come from another saga, where he 
played the principal role as Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks. Boer considers 
him to be Hagen’s double, invented to play a part that would naturally fall 
to Hagen’s share, were he not otherwise engaged at the moment. In our poem 
he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a word that has proved a stumbling-block 
to translators, because in modern German it means ‘speedy’, ‘swift’. Its 
original meaning was, however, ‘brave’, ‘warlike’, although the later 
meaning is already found in M.H.G. In all such doubtful cases the older 
meaning has been preferred, unless the context forbids, and the word 
‘doughty’ has been chosen to translate it.

(13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied", "Waltharius", and in 
"Biterolf". He is most likely a late introduction (but see Piper, I, 44). 
Rieger thinks that he belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis". Though the 
"i" is long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein" in his 
translation, the spelling with short "i" has been chosen, as the lack of 
accent tends to shorten the vowel in such names.

(14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction. He is perhaps the historical 
Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the Great appointed as a 
leader against the Slavs. See O. von Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", 
Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L 43.

(15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession. He is perhaps the historical 
margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the name. He, too, won fame in 
battle against the Slavs.

(16) "Folker of Alzet" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the knightly minstrel, 
is hardly an historical personage, in spite of the fact that Alzey is a 
well-known town in Rhine Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of 
Mainz. The town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also the 
noble family of the same name. It is most likely, however, that this fact 
caused Folker to be connected with Alzei. In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did 
not play the role of minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser 
of our poem developed the character and made it the personification of 
himself.

(17) "Rumolt", "Bindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis and merely 
help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.

(18) "Worship". This word has been frequently used here in its older meaning 
of ‘worth’, ‘reverence’, ‘respect’, to translate the M.H.G. "eren", 
‘honors’.

 

 

ADVENTURE II Of Siegfried.

In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had for 
name Siegemund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle, known far 
and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called it. Of this 
hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish. Strong and 
famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great worship he won in 
this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty knight. Full many kingdoms 
did he put to the test through his warlike mood. Through his strength of 
body he rode into many lands. Ho! What bold warriors he after found in the 
Burgundian land! Mickle wonders might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in 
youthful days; what honors he received and how fair of body he. The most 
stately women held him in their love; with the zeal which was his due men 
trained him. But of himself what virtues he attained! Truly his father’s 
lands were honored, that he was found in all things of such right lordly 
mind. Now was he become of the age that he might ride to court. Gladly the 
people saw him, many a maid wished that his desire might ever bear him 
hither. Enow gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware. 
Full seldom was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. 
Siegmund and Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire. The older knights 
who were acquaint with courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore 
might he win both folk and land.

Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed 
thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies; 
these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund have 
cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving kindred. 
The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings. To the 
strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever any was 
found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these noble youths 
were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the youthful prince 
they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell of this great feast;

Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great worship with their gifts, 
of which their hands dealt out great store. Wherefore one beheld many 
strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred sword-thanes (4) were to put 
on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a fair maid was aught but idle with 
the work, for he was beloved of them all. Many precious stones the ladies 
inlaid on the gold, which together with the edging they would work upon the 
dress of the proud young warriors, for this must needs be done.

The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer 
festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then full 
many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to the minster. 
Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had been done to 
them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer. To the honor of 
God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people full great a press, as 
the youths were made knights in courtly wise, with such great honors as 
might not ever lightly be again. Then they ran to where they found saddled 
many a steed. In Siegmund’s court the hurtling (6) waxed so fierce that both 
palace (7) and hall were heard to ring; the high-mettled warriors clashed 
with mighty sound. From young and old one heard many a shock, so that the 
splintering of the shafts reechoed to the clouds. Truncheons (8) were seen 
flying out before the palace from the hand of many a knight. This was done 
with zeal. At length the host bade cease the tourney and the steeds were led 
away. Upon the turf one saw all to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and 
great store of precious stones from the bright spangles (10) of the shields. 
Through the hurtling this did hap.

Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With 
good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which one 
bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown worship 
enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of the strolling 
folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which men found there 
richly, whereby Siegmund’s whole land was decked with praise. Then bade the 
king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land and castles, as he himself had 
done. Much his hand bestowed upon the sword-companions. The journey liked 
them well, that to this land they were come. The feasting lasted until the 
seventh day. Siegelind, the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out 
ruddy gold in time-honored wise. Full well she wot how to make him beloved 
of the folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among the strolling mimes. 
Steeds and raiment were scattered by their hand, as if they were to live not 
one more day. I trow that never did serving folk use such great bounty. With 
worshipful honors the company departed hence. Of the mighty barons the tale 
doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of this the 
stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught. Forasmuch as both Siegmund and 
Siegelind were still alive, the dear child of them twain wished not to wear 
a crown, but fain would he become a lord against all the deeds of force 
within his lands, whereof the bold and daring knight was sore adread.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an independent 
saga. See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.

(2) "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of Siegfried’s 
mother, as the alliteration shows. The Early Norse version has "Hjordis", 
which has come from the "Helgi saga".

(3) "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at present a 
town in the Rhenish Prussian district of Dusseldorf. It does not now lie on 
the Rhine, but did in the Middle Ages.

(4) "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires who were to 
be made knights. It was the custom for a youthful prince to receive the 
accolade with a number of others.

(5) "Midsummer festival". The M.H.G. "sunewende" means literally the ‘sun’s 
turning’, i.e., the summer solstice. This was one of the great Germanic 
festivals, which the church later turned into St. John’s Eve. The bonfires 
still burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old heathen custom.

(6) "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed from the 
French to denote a knightly sport in which many knights clashed together. 
Hurtling was used in older English in the same significance.

(7) "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large building standing 
alone and largely used as a reception hall.

(8) "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzune", O.F. "troncon", ‘lance splinters’, 
‘fragments of spears’.

(9) "To-shivered", ‘broken to pieces’, in imitation of the older English to-
beat, to-break, etc.

(10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating from the 
raised centre of the shield and often set, as here, with precious stones.

 

 

ADVENTURE III

How Siegfried Came to Worms.

It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales told 
of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous fair, from 
whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too. Her beauty out of 
measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard of her noble mind, that 
it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther’s land. But however many were 
seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never confessed within her heart that 
she listed any for a lover. He was still a stranger to her, whose rule she 
later owned. Then did the son of Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing 
of all others was to his but as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady 
fair. In later days the noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried’s bride. 
Kinsmen and liegemen enow advised him, since he would have hope of constant 
love, that he woo one who was his peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then 
will I choose Kriemhild, the fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond 
measure. This I know full well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would 
have a wife, that it would not beseem him to love this noble queen."

Tidings of this reached Siegmund’s ear; through the talk of the courtiers he 
was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to the king, that his 
child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it too, the wife of the 
noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for full well she knew Gunther 
and his men. Therefore they sought to turn the hero from this venture. Up 
spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear father mine, I would fain ever be 
without the love of noble dames, if I may not woo her in whom my heart hath 
great delight; whatsoever any may aver, it will avail but naught."

"And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad of 
thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath this 
King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but Hagen, the 
doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it will repent us 
sore, if we woo this high-born maid."

Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may not 
obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can gain. I 
trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."

To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this tale 
were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that land. Long 
time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may none win the 
maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride with warriors 
unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they shall be summoned 
soon."

"It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should follow 
me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the noble maid. 
My single hand can win her well—with eleven (2) comrades I will fare to 
Gunther’s land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father Siegmund." Then to his 
knights they gave for garments furs both gray and vair. (3)

Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for her 
loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther’s men. Sorely the noble 
queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where he saw her; to 
his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not weep for me; naught 
have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray you, speed me on my journey 
to the Burgundian land, that I and my warriors may have array such as proud 
heroes can wear with honor; for this I will say you gramercy i’ faith."

"Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I 
speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that ever 
knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."

Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake: "None 
but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be made ready for 
them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with Kriemhild."

Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease 
them, till Siegfried’s weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist from 
faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his son 
should ride forth from Siegmund’s land. The shining breastplates, too, were 
put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both fair and broad. 
Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near; man and wife began to 
fear lest they never should come home again. The heroes bade lade their 
sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their steeds were fair and their 
trappings red with gold. No need were there to live more proudly than 
Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave to journey to the land of 
Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully vouchsafed. Lovingly he 
comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he, "must ye not weep, nor have 
fear for me or for my life."

The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts did 
tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death because of 
this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in sooth.

Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave 
warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings 
fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried’s men. Their 
shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as Siegfried, 
the bold, rode to court in Gunther’s land. Never had such princely attire 
been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down to their spurs. Sharp 
javelins were borne by these chosen knights. Siegfried wielded one full two 
spans broad, which upon its edges cut most dangerously. In their hands they 
held gold-colored bridles; their martingales were silken: so they came into 
the land. Everywhere the folk began to gape amazed and many of Gunther’s men 
fared forth to meet them. High-mettled warriors, both knight and squire, 
betook them to the lords (as was but right), and received into the land of 
their lords these guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which 
bore the shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. 
How boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of my 
men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever 
knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of 
Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."

Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king, 
that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see him. 
Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly man."

To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come, who 
wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the Burgundian 
land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly warriors in such 
shining array, with such good shields, both new and broad. Loth was it to 
Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then Ortwin of Metz (a bold and 
mighty man was he) made answer to the king: "Since we know them not, ye 
should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let him see them. To him are known (4) 
all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so be he knoweth these lords, he will 
tell us straightway."

Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with his 
warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.

"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.

"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If ye 
have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."

"That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the guests 
he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their array, but 
full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He spake: "From 
wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may well be princes 
or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and their garments passing 
good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth high-mettled warriors be they."

"I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried, yet 
can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that 
strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to this 
land. By this here’s hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung and 
Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought great 
marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone without all aid, 
he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been told, by Nibelung’s 
hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to him, till he gained 
knowledge of them there.

"The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear a 
wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it there. 
This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near was he now 
come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights espied him, too. 
One among them spake:

‘Here cometh the mighty Siegfried, the hero of Netherland.’ Passing strange 
were the tidings that, he found among the Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung 
greeted well the knight; with one accord these young and noble lordings bade 
the stately man divide the hoard. Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in 
turn gan vow it to them.

"He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred wains 
might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from the 
Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should divide. As a 
guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were served full ill 
by the service which the good knight Siegfried should render them. Nor could 
he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew. Twelve bold men of their 
kith were there, mighty giants these. What might that avail them! 
Siegfried’s hand slew them soon in wrath, and seven hundred warriors from 
the Nibelung land he vanquished with the good sword Balmung. (7) Because of 
the great fear that, many a young warrior had of the sword and of the 
valiant man, they made the land and its castles subject to his hand. 
Likewise both the mighty kings he slew, but soon he himself was sorely 
pressed by Alberich. (8) The latter weened to venge straightway his masters, 
till he then discovered Siegfried’s mighty strength; for no match for him 
was the sturdy dwarf. Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where from 
Alberich he won the Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, 
become master of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there 
slain. Soon bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the 
men of Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the strong, warden of 
the hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his knave; and fit he 
was for work of every sort."

So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win such 
mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the hero slew 
a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became like horn. 
Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been seen. All the 
better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the youthful warrior’s 
hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a friend, for he hath wrought 
full many a wonder by his strength."

Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how 
valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring man! 
Let us go down to meet the warrior."

"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son of 
a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that it can 
be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."

"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both 
noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good 
stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried 
stood.

The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full little 
was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they had greeted 
him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway, "whence ye, 
noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at Worms upon the 
Rhine."

Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from 
you. Tales were told me in my father’s land, that here with you were the 
boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and that 
I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear boasting 
of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This the folk relate 
much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn back, till it be 
known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a crown. Fain would I bring 
it to pass that it may be said of me:

Rightly doth he rule both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be 
a pledge. Now be ye so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it lief or 
loth to any man, I will gain from you whatso ye have—land and castles shall 
be subject to my hand."

The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard, 
that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed wroth, as 
they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther, the knight, 
"that we should lose by the force of any man that which my father hath rules 
so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that we, too, are used in 
knightly ways."

"In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be that 
through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And shouldst 
thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall be subject to thy 
sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike; whether of us twain can 
triumph over the other, him shall both land and people serve."

Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish," spake 
Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man lie dead at 
hero’s hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is meet, nor hath any a 
better claim to them than we."

There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz. "It 
doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the mighty 
Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your brothers no 
meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well so to fight 
that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty mien."

At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake:

"Thy hand shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king’s vassal 
thou. Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."

Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be Hagen of 
Troneg’s sister’s son. It rued the king that he had held his peace so long. 
Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between. He spake to Ortwin: 
"Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done us no such wrong, but 
that we may still part the strife in courteous wise. Be advised of me and 
hold him still as friend; far better will this beseem us."

Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights 
that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over; my 
lordings never would have done such ill to him."

To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir 
Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have 
dominion here in the Burgundian land."

"I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights 
speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then 
bethought him of the noble maid.

"How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However 
really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant honor 
therefrom and ye but little gain."

To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen, and 
Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he hath so 
many here in Burgundy?"

At this all held their peace; such was Gernot’s counsel. Then spake Queen 
Uta’s son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who are come 
with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."

Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther’s wine. The master of 
the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable wise, 
shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be shared."

At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade that 
care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that men might 
find were sought for Siegfried’s squires; great easement they gave them. 
Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day they offered 
him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell you. This his 
prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he saw who was his 
foe.

Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games, 
Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one match 
him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or hurled the 
shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights made merry with the 
ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of Netherland, for upon high 
love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for whatso they undertook, but in 
his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he had never seen. She too, who in 
secret spake full well of him, cherished him alone. Whenever the pages, 
squires, and knights would play their games within the court, Kriemhild, the 
noble queen, watched them from the windows, for no other pastime she needed 
on such days. Had he known that she gazed on him thus, whom he bare within 
his heart, then had he had pastime enough, I trow, for well I wot that no 
greater joy in all this world could chance to him.

Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to do, 
for pastime’s sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind’s son, that many 
a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him many a day: 
"How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the noble maid, whom 
I do love with all my heart and so have done long time. Sadly must I stand, 
sith she be still a stranger to me."

Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all must 
needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady rued, and 
he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt with the 
lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther’s land, and in all this time he 
saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there happed to him 
much joy and eke much woe.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may mean either 
‘guest’ or ‘stranger,’ and it is often difficult, as here, to tell to which 
meaning the preference should be given.

(2) "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means one of 
twelve. The accounts are, however, contradictory, as a few lines below 
mention is made of twelve companions of Siegfried.

(3) "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), ‘variegated’, like the fur of the 
squirrel.

(4) "Known". It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he was 
acquainted with the customs and dress of various countries and with the 
names and lineage of all important personages. Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" 
Hildebrand asks Hadubrand to tell him his father’s name, and adds: "If thou 
tellest me the one, I shall know the other."

(5) "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a mighty king, 
were originally dwarfs, and, according to some authorities, the original 
owners of the treasure. Boer, ix, 199, thinks, however, that the name 
Nibelungs was transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in the 
formation of the saga.

(6) "Angry of mood". The reason of this anger is apparent from the more 
detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801. The quarrel arose from the fact that, 
according to ancient law, Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of 
the first born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.

(7) "Balmung". In the older Norse version and in the "Thidreksaga" 
Siegfried’s sword bore the name of Gram.

(8) "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of legends, e.g., in 
the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf". Under the Romance form of his name, 
"Oberon", he plays an important role in modern literature.

(9) "Cloak of Darkness". This translates the M.H.G.

"tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators. It is formed from O.H.G. 
tarni, ‘secret’ (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and "kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 
‘cloak’. It rendered the wearer invisible and gave him the strength of 
twelve men.

 

ADVENTURE IV

How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)

Now there came strange tales to Gunther’s land, though messengers sent them 
from afar—tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When they heard 
this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will I name to you: 
there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly prince, and then from 
Denmark Lindegast, the king. For their journey they had gathered many a 
lordly stranger.

To Gunther’s land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked the 
strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court unto King 
Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be ye welcome . I have 
not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be told." So spake the right 
good king. But they feared full sore King Gunther’s warlike mood.

"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall not 
hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us hither: 
Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye have earned 
their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal hate. They 
would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of many a knight; that 
may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the journey must befall. And 
ye have aught of good friends, who will help guard your castles and your 
lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be carved by them many a helm and 
shield. Or would ye parley with them, let messengers be sent. Then the 
numerous bands of your mighty foes will not ride so near you, to give you 
pain of heart, from which full many a lusty knight and a good must die."

"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then ye 
shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold from 
them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my 
friends."

To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare the 
speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his men, and 
sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of men that could 
he found. The king spake:

"Men would seek us here in this our land with mighty armies, now make ye 
wail for that."

To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we fend 
indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die; for their 
sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be welcome to us."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and 
Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such short 
time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the valiant knight.

To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they 
bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but right, 
till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend him aid. Yet 
in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full blithe a knight, who 
wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and prayed King Gunther to tell 
him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me," spake Siegfried, for he it was, 
"that ye thus have changed your merry wont, which ye have used thus far with 
us."

To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell all 
folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise. Only to 
trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."

At this Siegfried’s color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake: "I 
have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your woes. And ye 
seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport myself with 
honor until mine end."

"Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and though 
your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are friend to me, 
and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will let you hear why I 
stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I have heard that they would 
visit me with war, a thing which knights have never done to us in all these 
lands."

"Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do as I 
pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye command 
your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty foes be 
helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them, had I but a 
thousand; for that rely on me."

Then spake King Gunther: "For this I’ll serve you ever."

"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have but twelve, 
and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of Siegfried serve 
you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart, and Sindolt, your trusty 
men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride along; he shall bear the 
banner, for to none would I liefer grant it. Let now the envoys ride home to 
their masters’ lands. Give them to understand they soon shall see us, that 
our castles may rest in peace."

Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers of 
Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should journey 
home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts and gave 
them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say unto my 
foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their journey and 
stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands, hardships shall 
they know, and my friends play me not false."

Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to 
bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they took 
their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.

Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had heard 
how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in sooth, 
their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full many a 
valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand, whose name was 
Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it Liudegast when he heard 
aright this tale. When the men of Denmark had heard these tidings told, they 
hasted all the more to call their friends; till Sir Liudegast had gathered 
for his journey full twenty thousand knights from among his valiant men. 
Then King Liudeger, also, of Saxon land, sent forth his summons, till they 
had forty thousand men and more, with whom they thought to ride to the 
Burgundian land.

Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the 
liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen’s men whom they wished to lead 
thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon must 
suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey. When they 
would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such wise they 
thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg was master of 
the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who wist well how to 
merit Gunther’s gold. Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, and Ortwin, too, well could 
they serve with honor in this war.

"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your warriors 
are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep your spirits 
high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate. Well will I bring 
it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at Worms upon the Rhine, 
had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride so nigh unto their land 
that their proud defiance shall be turned to fear."

From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon 
land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried all 
the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire distress. 
Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along. Siegfried, the 
strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?" Forsooth never did 
men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake: "Let the valiant 
Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty knight. Thus shall we 
lose the less through Liudeger’s men. Let him and Ortwin guard the rear."

"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the 
outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors be." 
Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop he gave in 
charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the valiant man. Thus 
he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a helmet band he cut to 
pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host that lay encamped upon the 
plain and far outweighed the forces of his men. Forty thousand or better 
still there were. Full blithely Siegfried saw this in lofty mood. Meantime a 
warrior full well arrayed had mounted to the outlook ‘gainst the foe. Him 
Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold man saw him, too. Each began to watch the 
other in hostile wise. Who it was, who stood on guard, I’ll tell you now; a 
gleaming shield of gold lay by his hand. It was the good King Liudegast, who 
was guarding here his band. The noble stranger pricked along in lordly wise.

Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of their 
horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched the spears 
against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty king. After the 
thrust the horses carried past each other the royal knights, as though borne 
upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled in knightly wise and the two 
fierce champions encountered with their swords. Then smote Sir Siegfried, so 
that the whole field did ring. Through the hero’s hand from out the helmets, 
as from firebrands, flew the bright red sparks. Each in the other found his 
match. Sir Liudegast, too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each 
broke full upon the shields. Thirty of Liudegast’s men stood there on guard, 
but ere they could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with three 
groat wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming breastplate, the 
which was passing good. The blood from the wounds gushed forth along the 
edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast stood in sorry mood. He begged 
for life and made offrance of his lands and said that his name was 
Liudegast. Then came his warrior’s, who had witnessed what there had happed 
upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he was set 
upon by thirty of these men. With mighty blows the hero’s hand guarded his 
noble prize. The stately knight then wrought worse scathe. In self-defense 
he did thirty unto death; only one he left alive, who rode full fast to tell 
the tale of what here had chanced. By his reddened helmet one might see the 
truth. It sorely grieved the men of Denmark, when the tale was told them 
that their king was taken captive. Men told it to his brother, who at the 
news began to rage with monstrous wrath, for great woe it brought him.

Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried’s might to Gunther’s 
men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was the king, full 
moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden raise their banner. 
"Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be done, ere the day end, and I 
lose not my life. Full many a stately dame in Saxon land shall rue this 
fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed to me, for I can guide you well 
to Liudeger’s band. So shall ye see helmets carved by the hands of goodly 
knights; ere we turn again, they shall become acquaint with fear."

To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart 
minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band. Then 
were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor had they more 
than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried’s twelve men-at-arms. Now from 
the road gan rise the dust, as across the land they rode; many a lordly 
shield was seen to gleam from out their midst. There, too, were come the 
Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened swords, as I since have heard. 
Sore cut these weapons in the heroes’ hands, for they would fain guard both 
their castles and their land against the strangers. The lordings’ marshals 
led on the troop. Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had 
brought from Netherland. In the storm of battle many a hand this day grew 
red with blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too, slew many a knight in 
the strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness of their foes. This many a 
stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too, dimmed in 
the battle the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these storm-bold 
men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.

The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield 
resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of 
which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but when 
the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide wound 
carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow. Thus they 
fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang the sharp 
weapons in the heroes’ hands, as those of Netherland followed their lording 
through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way in Siegfried’s 
wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow. Through the 
shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn forth by 
Siegfried’s hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his men-at-arms. 
Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was Hagen come, who 
helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before them many a good 
knight must needs die this day.

When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in hand 
the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the lording 
wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of swords arose, 
as their comrades pressed against each other. The two champions tried their 
prowess all the more. The troops began to yield; fierce grew the hate. To 
the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that his brother had been 
captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it was the son of Siegelind 
who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot, but later he learned the 
truth.

So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried’s charger reeled beneath 
the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a frightful 
usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise Gernot, 
Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise Sindolt and 
Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side by side in the 
fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets many a spear, thrown 
by here’s hand, hurtling through the gleaming shields. Blood-red was colored 
many a lordly buckler; many a man in the fierce conflict was unhorsed. At 
each other ran Siegfried, the brave, and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly 
and many a keen-edged spear. Then off flew the shield-plates, struck by 
Siegfried’s hand; the hero of Netherland thought to win the battle from the 
valiant Saxons, wondrous many of whom one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-
rings the daring Dankwart broke!

Then Sir Liudegor espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried’s hand. 
Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends the hero 
loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have seen the son 
of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him well. The foul fiend 
himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land." The banners bade he lower 
in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was later granted him, but he must 
needs go as hostage to Gunther’s land. This was wrung from him by valiant 
Siegfried’s hand. With one accord they then gave over the strife and laid 
aside the many riddled helmets and the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of 
these was found, bore the hue of blood from the Burgundians’ hand. They 
captured whom they would, for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the 
full bold warriors, bade bear away the wounded; five hundred stately men 
they led forth captive to the Rhine. The worsted knights rode back to 
Denmark, nor had the Saxons fought so well that one could give them aught of 
praise, and this the heroes rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly 
mourned by friends.

Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried, the 
warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther’s men must needs 
confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his native 
land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him and to his 
men, and how these daring knights had striven well for honor. The 
squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had sorrowed, were 
blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come. Much questioning was 
heard from noble dames, how it had fared with the liegemen of the mighty 
king. One of the messengers they bade go to Kriemhild; this happed full 
secretly (openly she durst not), for she, too, had amongst them her own true 
love. When she saw the messenger coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake 
in kindly wise: "Now tell me glad news, I pray. And thou dost so without 
deceit, I will give thee of my gold and will ever be thy friend. How fared 
forth from the battle my brother Gernot and others of my kin? Are many of 
them dead perchance? Or who wrought there the best? This thou must tell me."

Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne’er a coward did we have, but, to tell the 
truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray, as did the 
noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of valiant Siegfried 
wrought. Whate’er the knights have done in strife, Dankwart and Hagen and 
other men of the king, however much they strove for honor, ‘tis but as the 
wind compared with Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, the king. They slew full 
many a hero in the fray, but none might tell you of the wonders which 
Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode into the fight. Great woe he did the 
ladies through their kin; upon the field the love of many a dame lay dead. 
His blows were heard to ring so loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds 
they drew forth the blood in streams. In every knightly art he is a worthy 
knight and a brave. Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he whom he could 
reach with his good sword, fell sorely wounded, but mostly dead), yet your 
brother wrought the direst woe that could ever chance in battle. One must 
say of the chosen knights in truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted 
them so well that they can well preserve their honor from every taint of 
shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field 
resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the warriors from the 
Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been avoided. The valiant 
men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great numbers the armies met. 
Bold Hagen’s hand did many a one to death; of this full many stories might 
be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt, Gernot’s men, 
Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well ever rue Liudeger 
that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The very best fight that 
happed from first to last, that one has ever seen, was made full lustily by 
Siegfried’s hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to Gunther’s land. He won them 
by his prowess, this stately man. Of this King Liudegast must bear the loss 
and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon land. Now listen to my tale, most 
noble queen:

by the hand of Siegfried the twain were caught. Never have men brought so 
many hostages to this land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men 
are bringing to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the 
deadly wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These 
men were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried’s hand. Those who in haughty pride 
sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of Gunther, 
the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."

Still higher rose Kriemhild’s color when she heard this tale. Her fair face 
blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight, had fared 
forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings could not have 
pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in duty bound. Then 
spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me; therefore shalt thou 
have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I’ll have thee brought ten marks of 
gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are gladly told to noble dames.

They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a fair 
maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many high-
mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There came the 
champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard the greetings 
of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his guests, for his 
great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he his vassals and the 
strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty king in courtly wise 
should thank those who were come back to him, because in the storm of battle 
they had won the fight with honor. Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had 
been slain upon the march; but sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as 
is the wont with heroes. Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed 
warriors brought to Gunther’s land. The men alighted from their steeds 
before the palace of the king. Loud was heard the joyous sound of the merry 
welcome; then order was given to lodge the warriors in the town. The king 
bade minister well unto his guests, attend the wounded and give them good 
easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to 
Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta’en because of you; for 
this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God reward my kinsmen, for 
they have given me joy."

"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath king 
never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of wealth, that 
ye may act with mercy towards your foes."

"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety that 
my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land against my 
will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.

Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded were 
bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine. Never 
could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields were borne 
away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which one bade hide 
away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight returned aweary 
from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer. His lands were full 
of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the sorely wounded in kindly 
wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men offered to the leeches rich 
rewards, silver without weight and thereto shining gold, if they would heal 
the heroes from the stress of war. To his guests the king likewise gave 
great gifts. Those that were minded to set out for home, were asked to stay, 
as one doth to friends. The king bethought him how he might requite his men, 
for they had brought to pass his wish for fame and honor.

Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to them 
that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then will many 
a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."

Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther 
learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for the 
king’s sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward, though 
he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the kinsmen, 
who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For the sake of one 
fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy her. Later it was 
done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He rode thereafter joyfully 
to Siegmund’s land.

At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful knight 
did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon the sand 
before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the Burgundian 
land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard it said that 
the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear friends. Then comely 
women hasted apace with robes and headgear which they were to don. The noble 
Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors who were to come. Then many rich 
dresses were taken from the press. To please her children she bade make 
garments ready, that many ladies and many maids might therewith be decked 
and many youthful knights of the Burgundian land. Also for many of the 
strangers she bade fashion lordly robes.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Saxons". This war with the Saxons does not appear in the poetic "Edda", 
but was probably introduced into the story later to provide the heroes with 
a suitable activity in the period elapsing between Siegfried’s marriage and 
the journey to Brunhild’s land. (In our poem it is placed before the 
marriage.) It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks on the one hand 
and the Saxons and Danes on the other. Originally Siegfried probably did not 
take part in it, but was later introduced and made the leader of the 
expedition in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to idealize 
him and to give him everywhere the most important role. The two opposing 
leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of 
Denmark. In "Biterolf" Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and 
Liudegast is his brother.

(2) "Fey". This Scotch and older English word has been chosen to translate 
the M.H.G. "veige", ‘fated’, ‘doomed’, as it is etymologically the same 
word. The ancient Germans were fatalists and believed only those would die 
in battle whom fate had so predestined.

(3) "Thirty thousand". The M.H.G. epics are fond of round numbers and 
especially of thirty and its multiples. They will he found to occur very 
frequently in our poem. See Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 
1.

(4) "Their". The original is obscure here; the meaning is, ‘when he heard 
with what message they were come, he rued the haughtiness of the 
Burgundians’.

(5) "Marks of gold". A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of gold or 
silver.

 

 

ADVENTURE V

How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.

One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the feasting. 
Full many of these who for the king’s sake were come into the land, were 
given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all, for the 
highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes at the 
feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire. Giselher, the 
youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their men received the 
friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights right courtly 
greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle of golden red, dainty 
shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the Rhine. Many a wounded man 
was seen full merry since. Even those who lay abed in stress of wounds, must 
needs forget the bitterness of death. Men ceased to mourn for the weak and 
sick and joyed in prospect of the festal day, and how well they would fare 
at the feasting of the king. Pleasure without stint and overabundance of joy 
pervaded all the folk which there were seen. Therefore great rejoicing arose 
throughout the whole of Gunther’s land.

Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad attire, 
were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they vied with 
each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he already wet, 
how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his sister, albeit 
he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above all maids. Then 
spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full honor at your 
feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who live in such high 
honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man, what else could give him 
pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames? Pray let your sister go forth 
before the guests." To the joy of many a hero was this counsel given.

"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were 
merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely 
daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the 
presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away. Of 
rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden decked 
herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was of the mind 
that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would not exchange this 
chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they gazed on those whom 
till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty king full a hundred of his 
men, who were his kin and hers, escort his sister and serve her thus. These 
were the court retainers of the Burgundian land and carried swords in hand. 
Soon one saw the noble Uta coming with her child. Full hundred or more fair 
ladies had she taken for her train, who wore rich robes. Likewise there 
followed her daughter many a stately maid. When from out a bower men saw 
them come, there rose a mighty press of knights who had the hope, if that 
might be, to gaze with joy upon the noble maid. Now came she forth, the 
lovely fair, as doth the red of dawn from out the lowering clouds. He then 
was reft of many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw 
the lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How shone full many a precious 
stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her rose-red hue appeared. Whatever one 
might wish, he could not but confess that never in the world had he beheld a 
fairer maid. As the radiant moon, whose sheen is thrown so brightly on the 
clouds, doth stand before the stars, so stood she now before full many a 
stately dame. Therefore higher rose the spirits of the comely knights. 
Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front, while the high-mettled 
warriors forsooth must press where they might see the lovely maid. At this 
Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole. To himself he thought: "How could 
that chance, that I should love thee? That is a foolish dream. But if I now 
must lose thee, then were I better dead." At thought of this his color came 
and went. There stood the son of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were 
limned on parchment by skillful master’s art. Indeed ‘twas said of him that 
never had so fair a knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade 
everywhere give way and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced 
full many a wight, as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.

Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who offered 
service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite before these 
knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried now approach my 
sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be our gain. She who 
never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by this means we now may 
win the stately knight."

Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion from 
Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court; his 
sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."

At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy without 
alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta’s child. With lovely grace she 
greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight stand thus 
before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most good 
and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this greeting his spirits 
mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she took him by the hand. How 
gallantly he walked by the lady’s side! Upon each other this lord and lady 
gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly this happed. Was perchance a white 
hand there fervently pressed by heart-felt love? That know I not; yet I 
cannot believe that this was left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him 
her love. Nevermore in summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his 
heart such lofty joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he walked with her 
whom he fain would call his love.

Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk thus 
with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her, I’d bear 
it willingly."

Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the 
guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was bidden 
kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened in this 
world.

Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a 
warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried’s hand. God grant 
that he may never come again to my kingly lands."

On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw her 
go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately knight 
was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed by many a 
dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a daring wish must 
needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes’ delight of many a knight. 
Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well might he think his 
fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in heart. Cause enow he 
had to love the fair.

When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight 
again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely maid 
began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many knights. 
"Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid, "that ye have 
brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do love you with such 
fealty as I hear them say."

Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve them 
ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never will I lay 
my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do, my Lady 
Kriemhild, to win your love."

A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid beside 
the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This service was 
done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure was daily seen in 
front of Gunther’s hall, without and eke within, from many a daring man. 
Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever any wished to play, 
these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they became well known to all the 
guests and so the whole of Gunther’s land was decked with honor. Those who 
had lain wounded were now seen coming forth; they, too, would fain have 
pastime with the troop and guard themselves with bucklers and hurl the 
shaft. Enow there were to help them, for there was great store of men.

At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He kept 
him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men saw him move 
in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy knights, ere ye go 
hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it of you ever. Do not 
disdain my goods, the which I’ll share with you, as I have great desire."

Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we crave a 
lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of our kinsmen 
lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."

Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had recovered 
from the fray, though many dead they left within this land. Then King 
Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake: "Now tell me 
what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for lasting peace of me 
and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what thinketh thee good to 
do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee; what of gold five hundred 
steeds can bear, that would they gladly give me, and I set them free again."

Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride 
hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his hand, 
that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding hither to 
your land."

"This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king’s foes 
was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their loved friends 
at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield full of treasure was 
then brought forth which the king dealt out unweighed to his many friends, 
to each five hundred marks of gold, and to a few, still more. Gernot, the 
brave, had counseled Gunther this. Then they all took leave, sith they would 
hence. One saw the guests draw nigh to Kriemhild and also to where Dame Uta 
sate. Never yet were knights dismissed in better wise. Lodgings grew empty 
as they rode away, but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin 
and many a noble liegeman. Daily they were seen as they went to Lady 
Kriemhild. The good knight Siegfried now would likewise take his leave; he 
weened not to win that on which his mind was set. The king heard said that 
he would hence, but Giselher, the youth, quite won him from the journey.

"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the knights, I 
beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too, are many comely 
dames whom we shall gladly let you see."

Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride 
hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I 
craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me from 
it."

So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he have 
fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw Kriemhild, 
the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording stayed. With 
many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her love constrained 
him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love in later days the 
valiant knight lay pitiful in death.

 

ADVENTURE VI

How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.

New tidings came across the Rhine. ‘Twas said that yonder many a fair maid 
dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high therefore 
rose the warrior’s spirits. There lived a queen beyond the sea, whose like 
men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great her strength. With 
doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The stone she hurled afar and 
sprang far after it. He who craved her love must win without fail three 
games from this high-born dame. When the noble maid had done this passing 
oft, a stately knight did hear it by the Rhine. He turned his thoughts upon 
this comely dame, and so heroes must needs later lose their lives.

One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in many a 
wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be their lady 
and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I will go down to 
the sea and hence to Brunhlld, however it may go with me. For her love I’ll 
risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become not my wife."

"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say, the 
queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will pay full 
dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."

Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I 
might not vanquish her with mine own hand."

"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."

"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to share 
with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so well how 
matters stand with Brunhild."

The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely 
maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my love, 
for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."

To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and thou 
give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask no other 
meed."

"I’ll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if fair 
Brunhild come hither to this land, I’ll give thee my sister unto wife. Then 
canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."

This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their 
hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account these 
brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take with him 
hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won ‘mid dangers from a dwarf, 
Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made them ready for the 
journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness he had strength enow: the 
force of full twelve men beside his own. With cunning arts he won the royal 
maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that whatsoever any wrought within it, 
none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild, which brought him dole.

"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we not 
take warriors with us into Brunhild’s land, that we may come with passing 
honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be called."

"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so fierce a 
wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I’ll give thee better 
counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering knights adown the 
Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the band. In all four 
knights, we’ll journey to the sea and thus we’ll woo the lady, whatever be 
our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four comrades, the second thou 
shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have we hope of life), Dankwart then 
the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand others durst not match us in the 
fight."

"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence (‘t would 
please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which would 
beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."

"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in Brunhild’s 
land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel no shame when 
men shall hear the tidings told."

The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if 
perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments 
which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid." 

Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your 
mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and 
she’ll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild’s court."

Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight 
Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing 
well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were her 
attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when she 
heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to greet 
the noble stranger and her brother, too.

"Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I’d gladly know," so spake the maid, 
"what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me hear how 
it standeth with you noble knights."

Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I’ll tell you now. Maugre our lofty mood, 
yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign lands, and 
for this journey we have need of costly robes."

"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear 
aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other 
kings."

By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she walked 
to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with dainty 
figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime with the 
ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft between the 
twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as life. In after days 
fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried’s wife.

Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may not 
be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild’s land, and have need of 
princely garb to wear before the dames."

Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit, 
that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give. 
Should any deny you aught, ‘t would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble 
knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly air to 
do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a will." So 
spake the winsome maid.

"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand 
shall help to choose . Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there be 
no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye what I 
say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon the 
shields and thus we’ll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too, gave 
glad assent. 

"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus clad 
to court?"

He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and Hagen, 
shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say. Each of us 
four must have to wear for four whole days three changes of apparel and such 
goodly trappings that without shame we may quit Brunhild’s land."

In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the queen, 
bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come forth from 
out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the fair silk of 
Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with precious stones; 
that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the high-born maiden, 
cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought linings from the skin 
of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they covered now with silk, as was 
the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great marvels of these shining weeds. From 
the kingdom of Morocco and from Libya, too, they had great store of the 
fairest silks which the kith of any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it 
well appear what love she bore the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they 
had set their minds, they deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay 
fine silk as black as coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at 
high festal tides. From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many 
a stone. The ladies’ zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they 
wrought the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.

When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste upon 
the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward to the sea. 
Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the warriors were told 
that the brave vestures they should wear were now prepared; as they had 
craved it, so it now was done. Then no longer would they tarry on the Rhine; 
they sent a message to their war-companions, if perchance they should care 
to view their new attire, to see if it be too long or short. All was found 
in fitting measure, and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw 
them could not but aver that never in the world had they seen attire more 
fair. Therefore they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of 
better knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the 
lusty knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise. 
Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.

Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and pay 
court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then would I say 
well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a birth."

I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no matter 
what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their tears, 
which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.

She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended to 
your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild’s land." This 
the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild’s hand.

The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from every 
care, my lady. I’ll bring him to you sound again hither to the Rhine; that 
know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.

Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought them 
all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would ride away. 
Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids stood at the 
easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the proud war fellowship 
embarked upon the Rhine.

Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?" 

"That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the flood. 
That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to me."

So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly 
grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold Gunther 
took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy knights set forth 
from land. With them they took rich food and eke good wine, the best that 
could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood fair; they had good 
easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap them. Their stout sheet-
rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues they sailed, or ever came 
the night, with a good wind, downward toward the sea. These hard toils later 
brought the high-mettled warriors pain.

Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them far 
away to Isenstein in Brunhild’s land. To none save Siegfried was this known; 
but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad marches, too, how soon 
he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it known to you whose are 
these castles and this lordly land?"

Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild and 
the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still see 
there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of one single 
mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day before 
Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When we behold 
the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes, must ye tell 
but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his man; then what he 
craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for whatever he bade them 
vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain. They promised what he would; 
wherefrom they all fared well, when King Gunther saw fair Brunhild. (6)

"Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister’s, the comely maid, 
who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to pass, that 
she become my wife."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has, however, no 
connection with Iceland in spite of the agreement of the names in German. 
"Isen lant", the reading of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid 
confusion, and partly to indicate its probable derivation from "Isenstein", 
the name of Brunhild’s castle. Boer’s interpretation of "Isen" as ‘ice’ 
finds corroboration in Otfrid’s form "isine steina" (‘ice stones’, i.e. 
crystals) I, 1. 70. Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle. In the 
"Thidreksaga" Brunhild’s castle is called "Saegarthr" (‘Sea Garden’), and in 
a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg", referring to the fact that it 
was surrounded by the sea. Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the 
shore.

(2) "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a few times in 
Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the name from this passage. (See 
Bartsch, "Germanistische Studien", ii, 129.)

(3) "Wont to wear". In the Middle Ages costly furs and fish-skins were used 
as linings and covered, as here described, with silk or cloth. By fish such 
amphibious animals as otter and beaver were often meant.

(4) "Well fit". In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D, has been 
followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems more appropriate to the 
sense.

(5) "Dight", ‘arrayed’; used by Milton.

(6) "Brunhild". The following words are evidently a late interpolation, and 
weaken the ending, but have been translated for the sake of completeness. 
They are spoken by Siegfried.

 

 

ADVENTURE VII

How Gunther Won Brunhild.

Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many a 
comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther that he 
knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no knowledge of 
these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on the flood? 
Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."

At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the high-born 
maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the power."

"That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder window 
do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair that mine 
eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she should become my 
wife."

"Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild, the 
comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and mood." All 
her bearing seemed to Gunther good.

When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it behooved 
them not to be the mark of strangers’ eyes. Each one obeyed. What next the 
ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their persons out to meet 
the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever had. To the narrow casements 
they came again, where they had seen the knights. Through love of gazing 
this was done.

But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the stately 
women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby King Gunther 
felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed, so stately, good 
and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had sat him in the 
saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later quite forgot. Such 
service he had seldom done afore, that he should stand at any here’s 
stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship. All this the comely dames 
of noble birth saw through the casements. The steeds and garments, too, of 
the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were right well matched and all alike; 
the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed in the hands of the stately men. In 
lordly wise they rode to Brunhild’s hall, their saddles set with precious 
stones, with narrow martingales, from which hung bells of bright and ruddy 
gold. So they came to the land, as well befit their prowess, with newly 
sharpened spears, with well-wrought swords, the which hung down to the spurs 
of these stately men. The swords the bold men bore were sharp and broad. All 
this Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.

With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of how 
the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their 
bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of India, 
the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they left their 
skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good rode to the castle. 
Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad palaces, (1) and one hall 
well wrought of costly marble, green as grass, wherein Brunhild herself sate 
with her courtiers. The castle was unlocked and the gates flung wide. Then 
ran Brunhild’s men to meet them and welcomed the strangers into their 
mistress’ land. One bade relieve them of their steeds and shields.

Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining 
breastplates, too."

"That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will bear 
them."

Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let me 
say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken hence, 
then will all be well."

Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther’s man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade pour 
out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were seen 
walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were these 
heroes gazed upon.

Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were come 
in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid gan ask 
concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be these unknown 
knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose sake the heroes 
have journeyed hither?"

Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never have I 
set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among them. Him 
ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The second of 
their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily a mighty king 
over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and might possess them. 
One doth see him stand by the rest in such right lordly wise. The third of 
the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal so fair of body, most noble 
queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth east, I ween he be grim of 
thought and mood. The youngest among them is worshipful indeed. I see the 
noble knight stand so charmingly, with courtly bearing, in almost maiden 
modesty. We might all have cause for fear, had any done him aught. However 
blithely he doth practice chivalry, and howso fair of body he be, yet might 
he well make many a comely woman weep, should he e’er grow angry. He is so 
fashioned that in all knightly virtues he must be a bold knight and a 
brave."

Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried be 
come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I fear him 
not so sore, that I should become his wife."

Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a 
comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately 
dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights 
from Isenland, Brunhild’s men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore swords 
in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave and lusty 
heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear what the maid did 
speak.

"Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey 
mean? That I fain would know."

"Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most generous 
queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here before me, for 
he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By birth he’s from 
the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we come hither. Fain 
would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now betimes, my lord will 
not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a lordly king. An’ he win thy 
love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth this knight, so well beseen, did 
bid me journey hither. I would fain have given it over, could I have said 
him nay."

She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games which 
I mete out and gain the mastery, then I’ll become his wife; but should I 
win, ‘t will cost you all your lives."

Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games. It 
must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He troweth 
well to win so fair a maid."

"He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be ye 
not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as well. 
Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.

Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen all that 
he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I’ll guard you well against her 
with my arts."

Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list, and 
were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I’ll gladly lose 
my head, and ye become not my wife."

When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games, as 
was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a 
breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2) 
too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken cloth 
of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen to shine 
thereon.

Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart and 
Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of how the 
king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us warriors 
aught of good."

Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied him to 
the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he quickly 
slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he found a great 
press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty games. Thither he went 
in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was he seen of any that were 
there. The ring had been marked out, where the games should be, afore many 
valiant warriors, who were to view them there. More than seven hundred were 
seen bearing arms, who were to say who won the game.

Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal 
lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her 
lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare 
along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel, 
beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there served 
a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and gleamed 
against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the maid would show 
her love. The shield the maid should bear was three spans thick beneath the 
studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of steel and eke of gold, the which 
four chamberlains could scarcely carry.

When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg 
spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our 
lives! She you would make your love is the devil’s bride, in truth."

Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat of silk 
of Azagoue, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in contrast to 
its color on the person of the queen.

Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large, the 
which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad, which on its 
edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear’s great weight hear wonders told. 
Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought therein, the which 
scarce three of Brunhild’s men could bear. The noble Gunther gan be sore 
afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this mean? How could the 
devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe and sound in Burgundy, 
long might she live here free of any love of mine."

Then spake Hagen’s brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this court 
doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how must we 
lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in these lands? It 
doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country. Had but my brother 
Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should Brunhild’s men go 
softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure, they’d guard against 
it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand oaths, before I’d see my 
dear lord die, the comely maid herself should lose her life."

"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had we 
the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then would the 
pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."

What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she 
gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave, bring them 
forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors’ hands their sharp-edged 
swords."

When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart blushed 
for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the doughty man. 
"Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."

Mightily now did Brunhild’s strength appear. Into the ring men bare a heavy 
stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant men-at-
arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when she had shot 
the spear. The Burgundians’ fear now grew amain.

"Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love? Certes 
she should be the foul fiend’s bride in hell."

Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands she 
grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife began. 
Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild’s hate, and had Siegfried not come to 
Gunther’s aid, she would have bereft the king of life. Secretly Siegfried 
went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther marked his wiles. "Who 
hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then he gazed around on every 
side, but saw none standing there.

"’Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the queen. 
Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark aright what 
thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the deeds."

When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.

Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then can 
the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See how 
fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."

Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield, 
mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm. The 
sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of the 
mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the fire flame 
forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered at the blow; but 
for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead. From the mouth of 
Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly the good knight sprang 
back again and snatched the spear that she had driven through his shield. 
Stout Siegfried’s hand now sent it back again. He thought: "I will not 
pierce the comely maid." So he reversed the point and cast it at her armor 
with the butt, that it rang out loudly from his mighty hand. The sparks flew 
from the armor rings, as though driven by the wind. Siegmund’s son had made 
the throw with might. With all her strength she could not stand before the 
blow. In faith King Gunther never could have done the deed.

Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight, I cry 
you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with his strength. 
To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she quickly, angry was 
her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the stone and hurled it 
mightily far from her hand. After the cast she sprang, that all her armor 
rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve fathoms hence, but with her leap 
the comely maid out-sprang the throw. Then went Sir Siegfried to where lay 
the stone. Gunther poised it, while the hero made the throw. Siegfried was 
bold, strong, and tall; he threw the stone still further and made a broader 
jump. Through his fair arts he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with 
him as he sprang. The leap was made, the stone lay on the ground; men saw 
none other save Gunther, the knight, alone. Siegfried had banished the fear 
of King Gunther’s death. Brunhild, the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her 
courtiers she spake a deal too loud, when she spied the hero safe and sound 
at the border of the ring: "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and liegemen of 
mine, ye must now be subject to Gunther, the king."

Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at the 
feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he had won 
the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving wise; in 
sooth he was most rich in virtues.

Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him 
within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced him. 
She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace. When 
this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better cheer. With 
good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The doughty Siegfried 
was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he repaired to where the 
ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly did he this: "Why wait ye, 
good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of which the queen doth deal so 
great a store? Let us soon see how they be played." The crafty man did not 
as though he wist not a whit thereof.

Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have seen 
naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"

To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have made us 
sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the ship when the 
lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth naught thereof."

"Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride 
hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath the 
power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us hence to the 
Rhine."

Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith and 
liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands; my 
dearest friends must first be fetched."

Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends, her 
kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to 
Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily, early 
and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild’s castle.

"Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming of 
fair Brunhild’s men. If now they come into this land in force, then hath the 
noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is unknown to 
us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"

Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I’ll have care. I’ll not let hap 
that which ye fear. I’ll bring you help hither to this land, from chosen 
knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask about me; I 
will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I’ll return eftsoon 
and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights that I have ever 
known."

"Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be justly 
glad."

He answered: "In a few short days I’ll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild, that 
ye’ve sent me hence."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Palaces". See Adventure III, note 7.

(2) "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is a light 
garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.

(3) "Azagouc". See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2. This strophe is evidently 
a late interpolation, as it contradicts the description given above.

(4) Weights. The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "masse") is just as indefinite as the 
English expression. It was a mass or lump of any metal, probably determined 
by the size of the melting-pot.

 

 

ADVENTURE VIII (1)

How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.

Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the 
sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and 
drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the 
steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried’s mighty strength. 
They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed by 
Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and night 
with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away, or more. 
The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard. The hero rowed 
alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached the boat and made 
it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which stood a castle, and 
sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He came first to a gateway 
that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded well their honor, as men still 
do. The stranger now gan knock upon the door, the which was closely guarded. 
There within he saw a giant standing, who kept the castle and at whose side 
lay at all times his arms. He spake: "Who is it who doth knock so rudely on 
the gate?"

Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up the 
door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer lie 
soft and take his ease."

When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had 
donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty man 
snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he ran at 
Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge blows were 
dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend him, but with an 
iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then was the hero in dire 
need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the warder struck such 
mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for this cause. They 
strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound was heard in 
Nibelung’s hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.

The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs’ land. Alberich, the bold, a 
savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain. He armed him 
quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he bound the mighty 
giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his body he bare helmet 
and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of gold. Swift and hard he 
ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs (3) hung down in front, with 
which he smote so fiercely the shield upon the bold man’s arm, that it brake 
in parts. The stately stranger came in danger of his life. From his hand he 
flung the broken shield and thrust into the sheath a sword, the which was 
long. He would not strike his servant dead, but showed his courtly breeding 
as his knightly virtue bade him. He rushed at Alberich and with his powerful 
hands he seized the gray-haired man by the beard. So roughly he pulled his 
beard, that he screamed aloud. The tugging of the youthful knight hurt 
Alberich sore.

Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the vassal 
of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own him as my 
lord, I’d serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4) man.

He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength of 
Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"

"My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."

"Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I noted 
well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran of the 
land. I’ll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."

Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of knights 
we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."

Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich and 
the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In fear he 
waked the Nibelung men. He spake:

"Up now, ye heroes, ye must go to Siegfried."

From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand doughty 
knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw Sir Siegfried 
stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds. Great store of 
tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine. (5) He gave them 
thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must away with me across 
the flood."

Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty hundred 
men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the best. Men 
brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead them to 
Brunhild’s land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell you, ye must 
wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely dames shall gaze 
upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly weeds."

Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey Siegfried 
won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and thus they came 
in knightly wise to Brunhild’s land.

The fair maids stood upon the battlements. Then spake the queen:

"Knoweth any, who they be whom I see sailing yonder far out upon the sea? 
They have rich sails e’en whiter than the snow."

Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They’re men of mine, the which I left hard 
by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my lady." All 
eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.

Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel’s prow in lordly weeds and 
many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I receive 
the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"

He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may well 
perceive how fain we be to see them here."

Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried with 
her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took in charge 
their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land, that 
everywhere they jostled Brunhild’s bands. Now would the valiant men fare 
home to Burgundy.

Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out to 
the king’s guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such store."

To this Dankwart, King Giselher’s liegeman, answered: "Most noble queen," 
spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to deal it out in 
fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own." That he was 
bountiful, he made appear full well.

When now Sir Hagen’s brother took the keys in charge, the hero’s hand did 
proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such store 
that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds he gave, nor 
did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich attire, who never 
had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued the queen when this she 
heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have your aid, lest your 
chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress; he squandereth eke my 
gold. If any would forfend this, I’d be his friend for aye. He giveth such 
royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth, that I have sent for death. I 
would fain use it longer and trow well myself to waste that which my father 
left me." No queen as yet hath ever had so bounteous a chamberlain.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of the 
Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we have no 
need to carry hence aught of Brunhild’s weeds."

"Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling chests 
with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we are come 
across to Gunther’s land."

Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains stood 
by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher’s men. Gunther and Hagen began 
to laugh thereat.

Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand and 
yours must first decree."

Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will make 
him steward."

The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother’s brother); 
to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my castles and 
my lands, till that King Gunther’s hand rule here."

Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence to 
Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung land. They 
dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the sand. Six and 
eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids, their bodies 
passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were fain to get them 
hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they left at home! In courtly 
wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her nearest kinsmen who were found 
at court. After a fair leave-taking they journeyed to the sea. To her 
fatherland the lady nevermore returned. Many kinds of games were seen upon 
the way; pastimes they had galore. A real sea breeze did help them on their 
voyage. Thus they fared forth from the land fully merrily. She would not let 
her husband court her on the way; this pleasure was deferred until their 
wedding-tide in the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good time she 
came right joyfully with all her knights.

ENDNOTES:

(1) Adventure VIII. This whole episode, in which Siegfried fetches men to 
aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on Brunhild’s part, is of late 
origin and has no counterpart in the older versions. It is a further 
development of Siegfried’s fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung and 
became the ruler of the Nibelung land. The fight with Alberich is simply a 
repetition of the one in the former episode.

(2) "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally ‘repose’, then used as a measure of 
distance, as here.

(3) "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.

(4) "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of ‘knowing’. The 
M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates, denotes ‘skilled’ or ‘learned’ in 
various arts and is a standing epithet of dwarfs.

(5) "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret mulled with herbs 
and spice and left to stand until clear.

(6) "Mark". See Adventure V, note 5.

 

 

ADVENTURE IX

How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.

When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg spake: 
"Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for Worms upon 
the Rhine. Our messengers should be e’en now in Burgundy."

Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting for 
this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can acquaint 
them better with our journey home to court."

To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlan, I’ll 
stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until we bring 
them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he knoweth how 
to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the journey, then 
must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon for your sister’s 
sake."

Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake: 
"Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a 
messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw 
near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may 
requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.

Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther gan 
beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for Kriemhild’s 
too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it, as well as I."

When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me 
what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair 
maid’s sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye command 
for love of her, shall all be done."

"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this 
voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye let 
our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her mine and 
Brunhild’s greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men. How well I 
have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And tell Ortwin, the 
dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at Worms along the Rhine. 
Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to hold with Brunhild a mighty 
wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she hath heard that I be come with 
my guests to the land, that she give fair greeting to my bride. For that I 
will ever render Kriemhild service."

The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed him 
well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might there be 
a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty men-at-arms to 
Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised about, the courtiers 
all were grieved; they feared their master had been slain.

Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher, the 
good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother, too. How 
quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried’s side: "Be 
welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the king my brother? 
The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta’en him from us. Great scathe had 
her haughty love then brought us."

"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his 
kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his 
messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however that 
may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must let them 
hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are in high 
estate."

Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have brought 
my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I’ll answer that the 
maid will see you gladly."

Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be gladly 
done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me thither?"

Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight 
spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To us 
is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther hath 
sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth with the 
king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He’ll tell you the right tidings 
straight from Isenland."

As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds 
they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This he 
did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble maid, 
addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful knight. 
Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween that we have 
lost him through Brunhild’s strength. Woe is me, poor maid, that ever I was 
born."

Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy’s guerdon, ye passing 
fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left him safe 
and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He and his bride 
do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman’s love, O noble queen. Now leave 
off your weeping, they’ll come full soon."

In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white hem she 
wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the messenger for 
the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow and her weeping were 
taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full ready he was for this. 
Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue it, should I give you as an 
envoy’s meed my gold. For that ye are too rich, but I will be your friend in 
other ways."

"And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive gifts 
from your fair hand."

Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her chamberlain go 
fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings, set with goodly gold, 
she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero’s mood that he would not retain 
them, but gave them straightway to her nearest maidens, he found within the 
bower. Full kindly her mother offered him her service. "I am to tell you the 
tale," then spake the valiant man, "of what the king doth pray you, when he 
cometh to the Rhine. If ye perform that, my lady, he’ll ever hold you in his 
love. I heard him crave that ye should give fair greetings to his noble 
guests and grant him the boon, that ye ride to meet him out in front of 
Worms upon the strand. This ye are right truly admonished by the king to 
do."

Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever wise I 
can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman’s love it shall 
be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the messenger of any 
prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed him, had she but 
dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!

The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt and 
Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up the seats 
outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too, were found at 
work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch their friends on 
every side, and made known to them the feasting that was to be. The many 
comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast. Everywhere the palace and 
the walls were decked out for the guests. Gunther’s hall was passing well 
purveyed for the many strangers. Thus began full merrily this splendid 
feast.

From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen of 
these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon those who 
were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly weeds was 
taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild’s kinsmen ride along. 
Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in the Burgundian land. Ho, 
what bold knights were found on either side!

Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at the 
greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will praise 
and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors, too, and bade 
the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth, on which the ladies 
should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better trappings might there never 
be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on the jet-black palfreys! From their 
bridles there gleamed forth many a precious stone. The golden stepping-
blocks were brought and placed on shining carpets for the ladies, who were 
gay of mood. As I have said, the palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard 
for the noble maids. One saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best 
of silk, of which tale might be told. Six and eighty ladies who wore fillets 
(1) in their hair were seen come forth. The fair ones came to Kriemhild 
wearing glittering robes. Then followed many a comely maid in brave attire, 
fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They were eke the best that might 
anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with their flaxen hair and shining 
ribbons. That which the king desired was done with zeal. They wore before 
the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that could be found, and 
so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample beauty. One found there 
many clothes of sable and ermine fur. Many an arm and hand was well adorned 
with bracelets over the silken sleeves, which they should wear. None might 
tell the story of this tiring to the end. Many a hand played with well-
wrought girdles, rich and long, above gay colored robes, over costly ferran 
(2) skirts of silken cloth of Araby. In high spirits were these maids of 
noble birth. Clasps (3) were sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a 
comely maid. She had good cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine 
in contrast to her weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When 
now the lovely maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then 
drew near a mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their 
shields they carried many an ashen spear.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Fillets" were worn only by married women.

(2) "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.

"ferrandine".

(3) "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in front.

 

 

ADVENTURE X

How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.

Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking to 
the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the bridle. All 
those who should give them welcome were ready now. When those of Isenland 
and Siegfried’s Nibelung men were come across in boats, they hasted to the 
shore (not idle were their hands), where the kindred of the king were seen 
upon the other bank. Now hear this tale, too, of the queen, the noble Uta, 
how she herself rode hither with the maidens from the castle. Then many a 
knight and maid became acquaint. Duke Gere led Kriemhild’s palfroy by the 
bridle till just outside the castle gate. Siegfried, the valiant knight, 
must needs attend her further. A fair maid was she! Later the noble dame 
requited well this deed. Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta’s side, and many 
knights and maidens rode in pairs. Well may we aver that so many dames were 
never seen together at such stately greeting.

Many a splendid joust was ridden by worshipful knights (not well

might it be left undone) afore Kriemhild, the fair, down to the

ships. Then the fair-fashioned ladies were lifted from the

palfreys. The king was come across and many a worthy guest. Ho,

what stout lances brake before the ladies’ eyes! One heard the

clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what costly bucklers rang

loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the shore as

Gunther and his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led

Brunhild by the hand. Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth

in rivalry. Lady Kriemhild walked with courtly breeding to meet

Dame Brunhild and her train. White hands removed the chaplets,

(1) as these twain kissed each other; through deference this was done.

Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in these 
lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we have."

Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving 
greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her daughter, 
gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When now 
Brunhild’s ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many a comely 
woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were seen to 
stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the greetings all 
were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth. Still side by side 
the noble princesses stood, which liked full well the doughty warriors for 
to see. They who had heard men boast afore that such beauty had ne’er been 
seen as these two dames possessed, spied now with all their eyes and must 
confess the truth. Nor did one see upon their persons cheats of any kind. 
Those who wot how to judge of women and lovely charms, praised Gunther’s 
bride for beauty; but the wise had seen more clear and spake, that one must 
give Kriemhild the palm before Brunhild.

Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen 
arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by, the 
which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came crowding 
around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames were bidden 
go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the Burgundian land 
escorted them.

Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many royal 
jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land had burst 
forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as champion. Many a 
maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks, Sir Siegfried and his 
knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a thousand stately 
Nibelungs.

Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in gentle 
wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the dust, the 
which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot: "Let stand the 
steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full ready when that the 
king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely dames before the spacious 
hall."

When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on pastime 
bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the hope of 
lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded to ride away.

Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no longer 
they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a comely 
maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store of clothes 
were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors, after the custom of 
the land, until the king dismounted by the hall. Valiant heroes helped the 
ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens then parted; Lady Uta and her 
daughter went with their train to a spacious hall, where great noise of 
merriment was heard on every side.

The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his 
guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in the 
king’s domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with full 
many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told. Little 
they lacked that they should have! At the king’s table many a lordly guest 
was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in basins of ruddy 
gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were ever better served 
at princes’ feasts: I would not believe you that.

Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands, Siegfried 
did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had promised, or 
ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake: "Ye must remember 
how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild came to this land, ye 
would give me your sister to wife. Where be now these oaths? I have suffered 
mickle hardship on our trip."

Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my hand 
shall not be perjured. I’ll bring it to pass as best I can."

Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came

with her fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir

Giselher sprang down the

steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister alone shall be 
here by the king."

Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood noble 
knights from many princes’ lands; throughout the broad hall one bade them 
stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped to the table, too. 
Then spake King Gunther:

"Sweet sister mine, by thy courtesie redeem my oath. I swore to give thee to 
a knight, and if he become thy husband, then hast thou done my will most 
loyally."

Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me. 
Certes I’ll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done. I’ll 
gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to husband."

Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then 
proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand at 
each other’s side within the ring and asked if she would take the stately 
man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was Siegfried’s 
luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand. The noble king 
of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he and the maid had 
pledged their troths, Siegfried’s arm embraced eftsoon the winsome maid. 
Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The courtiers parted, 
when that had happed; on the bench over against the king Siegfried was seen 
to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many a man accompanied him as 
servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at Siegfried’s side.

The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied Kriemhild 
(naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried’s side. She began to 
weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord of the land: 
"What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow dim? Ye may well 
rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately vassal own your sway."

"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore 
because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal’s side. I must 
ever weep that she be so demeaned."

Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At 
another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister unto 
wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."

She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would 
flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by your 
side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried’s bride."

Then spake the noble king: "I’ll do it you to wit; he hath castles and broad 
domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king, therefore did I 
give him the peerless maid to love."

But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.

Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so 
passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his 
guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady’s side. As 
yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him 
through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the guests 
leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would go to bed. 
Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the hall, as yet 
without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble chamberlains 
delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the liegemen of the two 
kings, then parted on either side and many of the knights were seen to walk 
with Siegfried.

The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the 
twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe of 
mood. Siegfried’s pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord 
Siegfried lay at Kriemhild’s side and with his noble love caressed the high-
born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not for a 
thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I’ll tell how 
Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther lay by Lady 
Brunhild’s side. The stately knight had often lain more soft by other dames. 
The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The chamber soon was locked; 
he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth the time was still far off, 
ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy linen she went to bed. Then 
thought the noble knight: "Now have I here all that I have ever craved in 
all my days." By rights she must needs please him through her comeliness. 
The noble king gan shroud the lights and then the bold knight hied him to 
where the lady lay. He laid him at her side, and great was his joy when in 
his arms he clasped the lovely fair. Many loving caresses he might have 
given, had but the noble dame allowed it. She waxed so wroth that he was 
sore a-troubled; he weened that they were lovers, but he found here hostile 
hate. She spake: "Sir Knight, pray give this over, which now ye hope. 
Forsooth this may not hap, for I will still remain a maid, until I hear the 
tale; now mark ye that."

Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her 
clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a stout 
band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king great wrong 
enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and hung him on the 
wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep. Of a truth he came 
full nigh to death through her great strength.

Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my 
bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and 
full seldom will I lie so near your side."

She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang all 
night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the casements. 
Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him now.

"Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid spake, 
"and your servants found you bound by a woman’s hand?"

Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it gain me 
honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me lie now by 
your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch your garment 
with my hands."

Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady he 
went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom touched 
her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.

Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great store 
was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the lord of the 
land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As was the usage which 
they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and Brunhild no longer 
tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was sung. Thither, too, 
Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the crowd. In keeping with 
their royal rank, there was ready for them all that they did need, their 
crowns and robes as well. Then they were consecrated. When this was done, 
all four were seen to stand joyful ‘neath their crowns. Many young squires, 
six hundred or better, were now girt with sword in honor of the kings, as ye 
must know. Great joy rose then in the Burgundian land; one heard spear-
shafts clashing in the hands of the sworded knights. There at the windows 
the fair maids sat; they saw shining afore them the gleam of many a shield. 
But the king had sundered him from his liegemen; whatso others plied, men 
saw him stand full sad. Unlike stood his and Siegfried’s mood. The noble 
knight and good would fain have known what ailed the king. He hasted to him 
and gan ask: "Pray let me know how ye have fared this night, Sir King."

Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won;

I have brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her, 
she bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall. There 
I hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me. How 
softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to thee as 
friend to friend."

Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I’ll do you this to 
wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I’ll contrive that she lie by you so 
near this night, that she’ll nevermore withhold from you her love."

After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried spake 
again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike last night. 
Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady Brunhild must 
become thy wife to-night. I’ll come to thy chamber this night, so secretly 
in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts. Then let the 
chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I’ll put out the lights in 
the pages’ hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within and that I’ll 
gladly serve thee. I’ll tame for time thy wife, that thou mayst have her 
love to-night, or else I’ll lose my life."

"Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be 
glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an’ thou 
didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."

"I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her. The 
fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever seen."

Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.

From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade the 
hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to the 
hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court was 
cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they should 
go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior followed to 
the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well he thought on 
that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought him as long as 
thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his lady’s love. He could 
scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men let fair Brunhild and 
Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what doughty knights were seen to 
walk before the queens!

The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss without 
alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he vanished from 
before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer spied him, as she 
toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this wondereth me, whither 
the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from mine?"

She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms of 
the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages’ hands. 
Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he would; he bade 
the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done, the mighty king 
himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place two sturdy bolts. 
Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of the bed. Stout 
Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there was no help) which 
was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him close by the high-born 
maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and it be lief to you, that ye 
suffer not hardship as afore."

Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered not a 
whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a bit, that 
they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon the bed. 
Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king. In his arms 
he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon a bench near by, 
so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up sprang the valiant man 
with all his might; fain would he try again. When he thought now to subdue 
her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween, might nevermore be made by any 
wife.

When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus my 
shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore, I’ll have 
you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she grasped the 
peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the king, that she 
might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full sore, that he had 
rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle force and his giant 
strength? She showed the knight her masterly strength of limb; she carried 
him by force (and that must needs be) and pressed him rudely ‘twixt a 
clothes-press and the wall.

"Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden’s hands, 
then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty mien, who 
would never do it else."

The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman’s life. Siegfried was 
sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set himself 
against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful wise. It 
thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She pressed his hands, 
till from her strength the blood gushed forth from out the nails: this irked 
the hero. Therefore he brought the highborn maiden to the pass that she gave 
over her unruly will, which she asserted there afore. The king heard all, 
albeit not a word he spake. Siegfried pressed her against the bed, so that 
she shrieked aloud. Passing sore his strength did hurt her. She grasped the 
girdle around her waist and would fain have bound him, but his hand 
prevented it in such a wise that her limbs and all her body cracked. Thus 
the strife was parted and she became King Gunther’s wife.

She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I’ll do thee remedy for 
whatso I have done thee. I’ll no longer struggle against thy noble love, for 
I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over women."

Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off his 
clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that she wist 
it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout band. I know 
not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his wife and rued it 
sore in after time.

Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover, as 
beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From his 
embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed through 
love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed her lovely 
form in lover’s wise. Had she tried her strength again, what had that 
availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How right lovingly 
she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!

Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by a 
woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to put 
and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as queen 
within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!

On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore. 
Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands, whom he 
had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of service. The 
wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that in all this while 
the sound never died away of the many joys which there they plied. The cost 
to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the noble host gave gifts in his 
honor to the strolling folk, as the king commanded: vesture and ruddy gold, 
steeds and silver, too. Those who there craved gifts departed hence full 
merrily. Siegfried, the lord from Netherland, with a thousand of his men, 
gave quite away the garments they had brought with them to the Rhine and 
steeds and saddles, too. Full well they wot how to live in lordly wise. 
Those who would home again thought the time too long till the rich gifts had 
all been made. Nevermore have guests been better eased. Thus ended the 
wedding feast; Gunther, the knight, would have it so.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.

"schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress especially of 
unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing. It was often of flowers or 
leaves, but not infrequently of gold and silver. (See Weinhold, "Deutsche 
Frauen im Mittelalter", i, 387.)

 

ADVENTURE XI

How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.

When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund’s son spake to his 
fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."

Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake to 
her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too sore. 
First must my brothers share their lands with me."

It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The lordings 
hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir Siegfried, that 
our true service be ever at your bidding till our death."

Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such 
kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both 
land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to our 
power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."

The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the lordings’ 
will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and the folk 
therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which ye would 
give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier than any one 
alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do command, I stand 
ready to your bidding."

Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is it not 
so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might gladly lead 
them to his land. Forsooth my brothers’ hands must share them with me."

Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish.

Thou wilt find here really a one who’ll gladly ride with thee. We will give 
thee a thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court 
retainers."

Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask if 
they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild’s men.

At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not give 
us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know full well 
the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain here with the 
kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till now have followed."

They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild gained 
for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble train. The 
Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all took leave, both 
knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle right. Anon they 
parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther’s land. Their kinsmen 
bare them company far upon the way and bade them pitch their quarters for 
the night, whereso they listed, throughout the princes’ land.

Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know, and 
Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta’s child, Kriemhild, 
the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might they never have. 
"Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have lived to see fair Kriemhild 
here as queen. My heritage will be thereby enhanced. My son, the noble 
Siegfried, shall himself be king."

Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy

gold; this was the envoy’s meed. The tale well liked her, which

then she heard. She clad her and her handmaids with care, as did

beseem them. Men told who was to come with Siegfried to the

land. Anon they bade seats be raised, where he should walk

crowned before his friends. King Siegmund’s liegemen then rode

forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted than the

famous hero in Siegmund’s land, I know not. Siegelind, the fair,

rode forth to meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty

knights did follow on behind), a full day’s journey, till one

espied the guests. Home-folk and the strangers had little

easement till they were come to a spacious castle, hight Xanten,

(2) where they later reigned.

Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and 
Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship 
received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund’s hall, 
and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a knight gan 
serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting at the Rhine 
was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes than they had 
worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels might be told. When 
now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all, what gold-hued clothes 
their courtiers wore with precious stones well worked thereon! Thus did 
Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.

Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried’s kin to wit, 
that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of Netherland heard 
full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the cognizance, (3) and 
lands, so that he then was master of them all. When that men went to law and 
Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in such a wise that men feared 
sore fair Kriemhild’s husband.

In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king, till 
the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was come to 
pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened to baptize and 
name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be ashamed of this. 
Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full well. They brought 
him up with care, as was but due. In these same times the Lady Siegelind 
died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them of her. Then the child 
of the noble Uta held withal the power over the lands, which well beseemed 
such high-born dames. (4)

Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther’s court, in the 
Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero’s sake 
they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend him! The 
noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him up to be a 
doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered through 
misfortune!

Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty knights 
dwelt alway in Siegmund’s land. Gunther dealt the same with his 
distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung’s knights and the goods 
of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed mightier than 
he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man. The very greatest 
heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned it aforetime, the bold 
man had, the which he had won by his own hand hard by a hill, and for which 
he did many a lusty knight to death. He had honors to his heart’s desire, 
and had this not been so, yet one must rightly aver of the noble champion, 
that he was one of the best that ever mounted horse. Men feared his might 
and justly, too.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.

(2) "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.

(3) "Cognizance", ‘jurisdiction.’

(4) "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.

 

 

ADVENTURE XII

How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.

Now Gunther’s wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild bear 
her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath he done 
us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her peace. It 
irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers and that men 
from Siegfried’s land so seldom served her. Fain would she have known from 
whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap that she should see 
Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in mind. The speech like 
the king but moderately well. "How might we bring them," quoth he, "hither 
to our land? That were impossible, they live too far away; I dare not ask 
them this."

To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty a 
king’s vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord command 
him."

King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried, yet 
did he not count it to him as service.

She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy sister 
come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might ever hap 
to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister’s courtesie and her well-bred 
mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I first became thy 
wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."

She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have never 
seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send my envoys 
for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."

Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for 
them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me 
also to know whom ye will send thither."

"That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride thither."

He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried’s 
land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.

Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to 
mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that no 
one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to us to the 
Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At the next 
Midsummer’s Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who would fain do 
them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings, and say that I and 
my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister, too, that she fail not 
to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem her better."

Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended their 
service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in Siegfried’s land. 
With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the messengers set forth. They 
rode as wandering knights; their horses and their trappings had now been 
brought them. Then they voided the land, for they had haste of the journey, 
whither they would fare. The king bade guard the messengers well with 
convoys. In three weeks they came riding into the land, to Nibelung’s 
castle, in the marches of Norway, (1) whither they were sent. Here they 
found the knight. The mounts of the messengers were weary from the lengthy 
way.

Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who wore 
such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang from a couch 
on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the window. In the 
court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship that had been sent 
thither. What joyful things she there found against her sorrow of heart! She 
spake to the king: "Now behold where they stand, who walk in the court with 
the sturdy Gere, whom my brother sendeth us adown the Rhine.

Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."

All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then spake 
full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord, was right 
blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and men bade take 
their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence to where Lord 
Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had leave to go to 
court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at once and greeted well 
Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship, Gunther’s liegemen. One 
bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.

"Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us way-
worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which Gunther 
and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you, and also what 
Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and Sir Gernot, too, 
and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and commend their service to 
you from out the Burgundian land."

"Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and good, 
as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same.

Ye must tell us more, whether our dear friends at home be of good

cheer? Since we have been parted from them, hath any done amiss

to my lady’s kinsmen? That ye must let me know. If so, I’ll

ever help them bear it in duty bound, until their foes must rue

my serviceú"

Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every virtue 
of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by the Rhine. 
They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg my lady that 
she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They would see you 
before the next Midsummer’s Day."

Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."

Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot, and 
Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily wail, that 
ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids be fain of the 
tidings, if that might be that they should see you again; this would raise 
their spirits high." These tidings thought fair Kriemhild good.

Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured out 
for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come to where he 
saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in friendly wise: "Be 
welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now Siegfried, my son, hath 
won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more often here in this our land, 
if ye would show your kinship."

They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their 
weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers be 
seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given great store. 
They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last the doughty knights 
made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their land.

Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them what 
they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman Gunther 
and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would go full 
gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg Kriemhild, too, 
that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in what manner she shall 
ride thither. Though I must harry for them through thirty lands, yet would 
Siegfried’s arm fain serve them there."

Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting, we 
will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a thousand 
knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy land."

Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why 
make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with you 
and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."

"And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried, "glad 
shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."

All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.

Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good and 
speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife’s kindred on the Rhine, 
that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and Kriemhild, as 
the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of gifts that their 
horses could not bear them to their native land. A wealthy man was he. They 
drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.

Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that very 
hour bade seek out ladies’ robes, the best that were at hand or might be 
found throughout all Siegfried’s land. Men gan prepare the saddles and the 
shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with him was given whatso 
they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought to his kinsfolk many a 
lordly stranger.

The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the 
knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from 
their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther’s hall. Young and old did 
hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight: "When I 
tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."

With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy the 
king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they were 
come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried, from whom 
so much of gladness hath happed to me?"

Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer tidings 
did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and his father, 
too, have sent to you."

Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh Kriemhild 
to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how to use?"

"She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.

Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one might 
note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were well. He 
told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor were the 
gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them, gold and 
vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings to see. For 
their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.

"He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not squander 
all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath closed upon the 
hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the Burgundian land!"

All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the men of 
the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the folk. The 
valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All time they had to 
oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a bench. Ortwin helped 
them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks. Rumolt, the master cook, 
how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many a broad kettle, pot, and pan 
they had! They made ready the vitaille for those who were coming to the 
land.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Norway". The interpolated character of the Adventures XI to XIII, which 
are not found in the earlier versions, is shown by the confusion in the 
location of Siegfried’s court. The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his 
capital, and locates it in Norway. No mention is made, however, of the 
messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild speaks of their 
being sent down the Rhine.

 

 

ADVENTURE XIII

How They Journeyed To The Feasting.

Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild and 
her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine. Never 
did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for the way full 
many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the queen as well, 
rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of joys. Later it sped 
them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried’s little child, 
Kriemhild’s son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief befell him through 
their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his father and his mother 
more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund. Had he known aright how he 
would fare at the feasting, no whit of it would he have seen. No greater woe 
might ever hap to him in loving friends.

Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band 
there rode to meet them many of Uta’s kith and Gunther’s liegemen. The host 
gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and asked: 
"How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like manner must 
ye greet Siegfried’s wife."

"That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her friend."

The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if ye 
would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within the 
castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."

At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best they 
had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may lightly say, 
they did this gladly. Gunther’s men hasted also for to serve them, and 
around him the host did gather all his knights. Then the queen rode forth in 
princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome guests was done. With what 
great joy did they receive them! It thought them as though Lady Kriemhild 
had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in the Burgundian land. Those who had 
never seen her became acquaint with lofty mood.

Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending to and 
fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there against the 
jostling and the dust.

When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how lovingly 
he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we shall be of 
good cheer because of this your journey to our court."

"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man;

"sith my son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should 
go to see you."

At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."

Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none bare 
him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great courtesie. I 
ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.

Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many 
saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the sward. 
How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women now drew 
near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair greeting 
passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors standing by 
the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each other by the hand. 
Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from fair-fashioned dames. 
This liked well Gunther’s and Siegfried’s liegemen for to see. They bided 
now no longer, but rode to town. The host bade show his guests full well 
that all were fain to see them in the Burgundian land. Many a royal joust 
took place before the high-born maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too, 
proved full well their prowess. One durst not leave undone whatso they would 
command. Much service was rendered by them to the welcome guests. Many 
shields were heard resound from thrusts and blows before the castle gate. 
The host and his guests tarried long time without, or ever they came within. 
Forsooth the hours passed quickly for them with their sports. Merrily they 
rode before the royal palace. Many cunning housings (2) of good cloth and 
well cut were seen hanging on either side from the saddles of the fair-
fashioned dames.

Then came Gunther’s liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to their 
easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who was 
passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam in lovely 
wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout. Gunther bade 
Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then gan lodge the retinue 
in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke without. Never were stranger 
guests better cared for. Men gave them gladly all they craved; so rich was 
the king, that not a wish was there denied. Men served them in friendly wise 
without all hate. The host now took his seat at table with his guests. One 
bade Siegfried be seated where he sate afore. Then many a stately man went 
with him to the seats. Twelve hundred warriors in sooth did sit at his round 
table. Brunhild thought her that a vassal could not be mightier than he; yet 
she was still so friendly to him that she did not wish his death.

On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes were 
wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service was 
given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts, men bade 
the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever they were 
come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all enow with goodly 
honors.

When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone from 
the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched by woman’s 
hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had fully dawned, 
many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then rose a merry rout 
before the early mass, which was sung for the king. There young heroes rode 
so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many a trumpet rang out passing 
loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did grow so great that the broad 
town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The high-mettled heroes horsed them 
everywhere. Then there rose in the land high knightly play from many a 
doughty champion; one saw a great rout of them whose youthful hearts beat 
high, and many a dapper knight and a good stood armed with shield. At the 
easements sate the high-born dames and many comely maids, decked out in 
brave attire. They watched the pastimes of the many valiant men. The host 
himself gan tilt there with his friends. Thus they passed the time, the 
which seemed aught but long.

Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came, the 
ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens. They 
alighted on the green before the minster;

Brunhild was still friendly to her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the 
spacious church. Later their love was parted, which caused great hate. When 
they had heard the mass, they rode away again with many honors and were soon 
seen going merrily to table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag 
until the eleventh day.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), ‘courtiers’, ‘serving folk’.

(2) "Housings", ‘saddle cloths’.

 

 

ADVENTURE XIV

How The Queens Reviled Each Other.

On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many knights 
made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for pastime’s 
sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to gaze. The royal 
queens had sat them down together and talked of two worshipful knights.

Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should rule 
over all these kingdoms."

Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he and 
thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther liveth, 
this may never hap."

Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right royally he 
walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the stars? Therefore 
must I needs be merry of mood."

Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and fair, 
yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother of thine. 
Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."

Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not 
lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost 
thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther’s peer."

"Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not 
spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them 
first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when he 
won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king, and 
Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my vassal, sith 
I heard him speak thus himself."

Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble brothers 
have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal’s bride? Therefore I do 
beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my sake thou kindly leave 
off this speech."

"I’ll not leave it off," quoth the king’s wife. "Why should I give up so 
many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"

Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego that 
ho ever do you a vassal’s service; he is worthier than my brother Gunther, 
the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee say. Certes, it 
wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so much power over us 
twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a time. By right I 
should be spared thy overweening pride."

"Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king’s wife. "I would fain see 
whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."

The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: 
"This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for thy liegeman, now 
must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether I durst walk before 
the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am noble and free and that 
my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I myself be taxed therewith. 
Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman goeth to court before the knights 
of the Burgundian land. I myself shall be more worshipful than any queen was 
known to be, who ever wore a crown." Great hate enow rose then betwixt the 
ladies.

Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so must thou 
sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to church."

To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."

"Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried’s wife. "I must be here without 
reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds. Brunhild shall 
fain deny what she hath here averted."

They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and maid 
attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with her train. 
Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty maidens with her, 
whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore bright vesture wrought 
in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids betook them to the minster. All 
Siegfried’s men awaited them before the house. The folk had marvel whence it 
chanced that the queens were seen thus sundered, so that they did not walk 
together as afore. From this did many a warrior later suffer dire distress. 
Here before the minster stood Gunther’s wife, while many a good knight had 
pastime with the comely dames whom they there espied.

Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind of 
clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but the 
wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the wives of 
thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An’ one would wish to, 
yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly dresses as at this 
time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild had not done it, save to 
anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious minster. Through her great hate 
the mistress of the house in evil wise bade Kriemhild stand: "Forsooth no 
vassaless should ever walk before the queen."

Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held thy 
peace, ‘twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair body of 
thine. How might a vassal’s leman (1) ever be the wife of any king?"

"Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.

"That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed by 
Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy 
maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick. 
Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear thee 
make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.

"I’ faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."

"What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee. With 
words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it will ever 
grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."

Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster 
with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from which 
bright eyes grew dim and moist.

Whatso men did or sang to God’s service there, the time seemed far too long 
for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave knight and a 
good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now went forth and 
stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must tell me more of 
what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me. Hath Siegfried made 
boast of this, ‘twill cost his life."

Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild 
spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must ye 
let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."

Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I’ll prove it by 
the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought me when he 
first lay at your side."

Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of gold 
was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in evil wise. 
I’ll find out yet who hath ta’en it from me."

Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.

Kriemhild replied: "I’ll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better to 
have held thy peace, an’ thou hold thine honor dear. I’ll prove it by the 
girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my Siegfried 
became thy lord."

She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth 
‘twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and all 
the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.

Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I will 
let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly that I be 
Siegfried’s wife."

The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how gently 
he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"

She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain part 
me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver that 
Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."

Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."

"She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy gold. 
It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou clearest me of 
this passing great shame, for that I’ll serve thee ever."

King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if he hath 
made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of Netherland." One 
bade fetch at once Kriemhild’s love.

When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how quickly 
then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for what cause 
the king hath had me fetched."

Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady Brunhild 
hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the first to 
clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy wife, doth 
say."

Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue it 
sore, or ever I turn back, and I’ll clear me with solemn oaths in front of 
all thy men, that I have not told her this."

Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost 
offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."

They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold, stretched 
out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy great innocence 
is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that of which my sister 
doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this thing."

Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened Brunhild, 
that will surely cause me boundless grief."

Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should so 
train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave haughty 
words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I’ll do the same to mine. In truth, 
I do shame me of her great discourtesie."

Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore, that 
it moved King Gunther’s men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to his sovran 
lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had. She told him then 
the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild’s lord should rue it sore, or 
he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot joined their parley and these 
heroes counseled Siegfried’s death. Giselher, the son of the noble Uta, came 
hither too. When he heard the talk, he spake full true: "Ye trusty knights, 
wherefore do ye this? Siegfried hath not merited forsooth such hate, that he 
should therefore lose his life. Certes, women oft grow angry over little 
things."

"Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would 
gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege lady, I 
will rather die, an’ it cost him not his life."

Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and honor, so 
let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the knight? He was ever 
faithful to us and that right willingly."

Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth 
avail him aught. If my lord permit, I’ll do him every evil."

So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this none 
followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the that if 
Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his sway. At 
this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.

Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered before 
the minster in the presence of Siegfried’s wife, even down to the hall! Enow 
of Gunther’s men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be this murderous 
rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too, the wonderly bold 
man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match him, if he marked it."

"No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring it 
to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild’s tears. Certes, Hagen hath broken 
with him for all time."

Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"

To this Hagen made answer: "I’ll let you hear. We’ll bid messengers, that be 
not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon us openly. 
Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will take the field. 
When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and from this he shall lose 
his life, an’ I learn the tale from the bold knight’s wife."

The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights gan 
plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women’s 
quarreling full many a hero lost his life.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", ‘lief man’, i.e., ‘dear one’), 
‘mistress’ in a bad sense.

 

 

ADVENTURE XV

How Siegfried Was Betrayed.

Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court and 
the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared. The very 
direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave to come before 
the king and say that they were Liudeger’s men, whom Siegfried’s hand had 
conquered afore and had brought as hostages to Gunther’s land. He greeted 
then the messengers and bade them go and seat them. One among them spake: 
"My lord, pray let us stand till we have told the message we do bear you. 
This know, ye have of a truth many a mother’s son as foe. Liudegast and 
Liudeger, whom ye one time gave grievous sores, declare a feud against you 
and are minded to ride with an army to this land." The king waxed wroth when 
he heard This tale.

Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or any 
else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles? This later 
brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering with his 
friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king’s liegemen 
would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give up his plan. On 
a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of Netherland gan ask: "How 
go the king and his men so sadly? I’ll help avenge it, hath any done you 
aught."

Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have 
challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."

At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried’s hand shall hinder that with zeal, 
as beseemeth all your honors. I’ll do yet to these knights as I did before; 
I’ll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head your pledge of 
this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me ride to meet them 
with those I have. I’ll let you see how fain I serve you. This know, through 
me it shall go evil with your foes."

"Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were glad 
in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.

Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."

Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This was 
done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of Netherland get 
them ready. Siegfried’s warriors sought out warlike weeds. Then the stalwart 
Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must stay here. We shall return in 
short space hither to the Rhine, and God give us luck. Ye must here make 
merry with the king."

They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were enow 
of Gunther’s men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout of men was 
seen at Siegfried’s side. They bound their helmets and their breastplates 
upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to quit the land. Then 
Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for leave; sith they would 
void the land.

"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare 
protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here. 
Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend Hagen, 
think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear you hate. 
Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer, if I have 
done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble wife. 
"Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero and a good 
hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."

"Ye’ll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray tell 
me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do this for 
you than for any else."

"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one would 
take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening mood; then 
the bold knight and a good were safe."

"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an’ ye do think that men might wound him, pray 
let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot, on horse, 
will I ever be his guard."

She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I’ll commend to thee 
trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well, mine own 
dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been better left 
unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow. When he slew the 
dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of a truth in the blood, so 
that since then no weapon ever cut him in the fray. Yet am I in fear, 
whenever he standeth in the fight and many javelins are cast by heroes’ 
hands, that I may lose this dear husband of mine. Alas, how oft I suffer 
sore for Siegfried’s sake! Dear kinsman, in the hope that thou wilt hold thy 
troth with me, I’ll tell thee where men may wound the dear lord of mine. I 
let thee hear this, ‘tis done in faith. When the hot blood gushed from the 
dragon’s wounds and the bold hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad 
linden leaf did fall betwixt his shoulder blades. Therefore am I sore afraid 
that men may cut him there."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I may 
know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."

She weened to save her knight, but ‘twas done unto his death. She spake: 
"With fine silk I’ll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight, thy 
hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in the 
battle before his foes."

"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.

The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild’s husband was 
thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence. The 
king’s liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will warrior give 
such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild trusted in his troth.

Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He 
weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so near him 
that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent in secret twain 
of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther’s land should still 
have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the king. How loth Siegfried 
now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his kinsmen’s wrongs! Gunther’s 
men could hardly turn him back. He rode then to the king; the host gan thank 
him. "Now God requite you of your will, friend Siegfried, that ye do so 
willingly what I bid you. For this I’ll ever serve you, as I rightly should. 
I trust you more than all my friends. Now that we be rid of this foray, I am 
minded to ride a-hunting for bears and boars to the Vosges forest, as I have 
done oft-time." That Hagen, the faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be 
told to all my guests, that we ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me 
must make them ready. If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, 
that liketh me as well."

Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting,

I’d fain go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach,

(1) and I will ride to the pines."

"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I’ll lend you, an’ ye will, 
four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is wont to go, 
and who will not let you miss the camp."

Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told the 
king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never use such 
faithlessness.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Brach", ‘hunting dog’, cognate with M.H.G. "braeke", used here.

 

 

ADVENTURE XVI How Siegfried Was Slain.

Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry a-hunting 
in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars and bears and 
bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried in lordly guise; many 
kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool spring he later lost his 
life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther’s wife, had counseled. The bold 
knight then went to where he found Kriemhild. His costly hunting garb and 
those of his fellowship were already bound upon the sumpters, for they would 
cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild have been more sorrowful. He kissed 
his love upon her mouth. "God let me see thee, lady, still in health and 
grant that thine eyes may see me too. Thou shalt have pastime with thy 
loving kinsmen. I may not stay at home."

Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not say 
a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord 
Siegfried’s wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be your 
hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did chase you 
across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great cause to weep 
so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we have not misserved 
some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear my lord, that I 
counsel by my troth."

He spake: "Dear love, I’ll come back in a few short days. I wot not here of 
people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my friends, 
nor have I deserved it other of the knights."

"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an evil 
dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It doth cut 
me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."

In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then in a 
short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw him in 
health again.

Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime’s sake. Many bold 
knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher stayed at 
home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the Rhine, the which 
bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat and fish, and great 
store of other things, which so mighty a king might rightly have. They bade 
the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green wood over against the 
courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade where they should hunt. The 
king was told that Siegfried, too, was come. The hunting fellowship now took 
their stand on every side. Then the bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, 
asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who shall lead us to the game within the 
wood?"

"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords and I 
may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us divide the 
folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He who doth hunt 
the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen bided by another 
after that.

Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath been 
trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine woods." 
Quoth Kriemhild’s husband: "We’ll find the game."

Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space brought 
the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its lair the 
comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever the brach 
started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his hand. His 
horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he gained the 
prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The beast which he 
slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after which he found full 
soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started this from its lair, he 
shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a full sharp arrow. After the 
shot the lion ran the space of but three bounds. The hunting fellowship gave 
Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he speedily slew a bison and an elk, four 
strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage shelk. (3) His horse bare him so swiftly 
that naught escaped him, nor could hart or hind avoid him. Then the sleuth-
hound found a mighty boar; when he began to flee, at once there came the 
master oœ the hunt and encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar 
did run against the valiant hero, but Kriemhild’s husband slew him with his 
sword. Another huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he 
had felled him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well 
known to the Burgundian men.

Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a deal 
of the beasts alive. Ye’ll empty both our hill and woods to-day."

At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and the 
baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise that both 
hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had let loose full 
four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must needs lose their lives. 
Each man weened to bring it to pass that men should give him the prize of 
the hunt; that might not be, for the stalwart Siegfried was already standing 
by the fire. The chase was over, and yet not quite. Those who would to the 
camp-fire brought with them thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. 
Ho, how much the king’s meiny bare then to the kitchen!

Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A horn 
was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might find the 
noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried’s huntsmen: "My lord, I 
heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the quarters; I’ll 
now give answer."

Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then

spake Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed

bare him smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their

rout they started up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth

then the knight to those behind: "I’ll give our fellowship a

little pastime. Let loose the brach. Forsooth I spy a bear

which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he never so fast,

he shall not escape us,"

The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild’s husband would fain 
overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The mighty 
beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the proud 
knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him. The bear was 
helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught it and bound it 
quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither scratch nor bite the men. 
The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle and horsed him quickly. 
Through his overweening mood the bold warrior and a good brought it to the 
camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise he rode to the quarters! Mickle 
was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A dainty sword hung downward to his 
spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of 
better hunting weeds. One saw him wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a 
hat of sable: rich enow it was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his 
quiver! A panther’s skin was drawn over it for its sweet fragrance’ (4) 
sake. He bare a bow, which any but the hero must needs draw back with a 
windlass, and he would bend it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) 
from head to toe. From the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold 
master of the hunt many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good 
broad sword, that was so sharp that it never failed when ‘twas wielded 
‘gainst a helmet; its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly 
huntsman. Sith I must tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of 
goodly darts, the heads a full hand’s breadth, on golden shafts. What he 
pierced therewith must needs die soon.

Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter’s garb. Gunther’s men espied him 
coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his saddle 
he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he loosed the 
bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly, that spied the 
bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had fear. Dazed by the 
din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he drove the scullions from the 
fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a firebrand scattered. Ho, what good 
victual men found lying in the ashes! Then the lordings and their liegemen 
sprang from their scats. The bear grew furious and the king bade loose the 
pack that lay enleashed. Had all sped well, they would have had a merry day. 
No longer the doughty men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. 
There was such press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people’s 
shouts the whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none 
could follow him but Kriemhild’s husband, who caught and slew him with his 
sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it, averred 
he was a mighty man.

Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon a 
fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they bare there 
to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine delayed; else 
might never heroes have been better served. Had they not been so falsely 
minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.

Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such great 
store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the wine. Unless men 
purvey the hunters better, I’ll be no more your hunting-fellow. I have well 
deserved that they regard me, too."

The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you 
remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen’s fault, who is willed to let us die of 
thirst."

Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the 
Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not 
drink today, how well will I avoid this in the future!"

At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye’ll get for that. One should 
have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled wine. (8) If 
that might not be, then men should have placed our benches nearer to the 
Rhine."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a good 
cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."

To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of thirst 
now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne away the 
sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With false intent 
the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the game which 
Siegfried’s hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever saw it gave 
him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth to Siegfried. 
When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It hath oft been told 
me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild’s husband when he be minded for 
to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"

Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that, and ye 
will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call give the 
prize to him who winneth."

"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.

Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward at 
your feet." (9)

How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold knight 
spake again: "I’ll tell you more. I’ll take with me all my trappings, my 
spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he quickly girded his 
quiver and his sword.

Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in two 
white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran, but men 
spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare away the 
prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid aside his quiver 
and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough. The lordly stranger stood 
now by the flowing spring. Passing great was Siegfried’s courtesie. He laid 
down his shield where the spring gushed forth, but the hero drank not, 
albeit he thirsted sore until the king had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. 
Cool, clear, and good was the spring. Gunther stooped down then to the 
flowing stream, and when he had drunken straightened up again. Bold 
Siegfried would fain also have done the same, but now he paid for his 
courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from him both bow and sword and bounded 
then to where he found the spear; then he looked for the mark on bold 
Siegfried’s coat. As Lord Siegfried drank above the spring, he pierced him 
through the cross, so that his heart’s blood spurted from the wounds almost 
on Hagen’s clothes. Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed. Hagen left the 
spear a-sticking in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world 
had run from any man.

When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started in 
a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered. He 
weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid as he 
deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his sword, then 
had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the spring and ran 
at Hagen; nor could King Gunther’s man escape him. Albeit he was wounded 
unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of precious stones were 
shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst quite apart. Fain would the 
lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was Hagen fallen to the ground at his 
hands, and from the force of the blow the glade rang loudly. Had he had a 
sword in hand, then had it been Hagen’s death, so sore enraged was the 
wounded man. Forsooth he had good cause thereof. His hue grew pale, he could 
not stand; his strength of body melted quite away, for in bright colors he 
bore the signs of death. Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames enow.

Kriemhild’s husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his 
blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause, at 
those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded spake: 
"Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye have slain 
me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you. Alas, ye have acted 
ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born in after days will be 
disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore upon me. With shame shall ye 
be parted from all good warriors."

The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a hapless 
day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and this the brave 
and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the Burgundians bemoaned his 
death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no need that he should weep who 
hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle blame. It had been better left 
undone."

Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All our 
fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who dare 
withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."

"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your 
murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue me so 
sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I ever had a son 
to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his kindred have slain 
a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake Siegfried, "I should 
rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the deadly wounded spake again:

"Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to any in the world, then let my 
dear love be commended to your grace and let it avail her that she be your 
sister. For the sake of your princely courtesie protect her faithfully. My 
father and my men must wait long time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded 
in a loving friend."

The flowers on every side were wot with blood. With death he struggled, but 
not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely. Then the 
lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.

When the lordlings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a shield 
of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen had done 
the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye must all hide it 
and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild’s husband as he rode alone a-
hunting through the pine wood."

Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I’ll bring him home; I care not if it be known 
to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild’s heart. Little doth it trouble me 
however much she weep."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Lion." It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not roam at large 
in the forests of Germany. They were, however, frequently exhibited in the 
Middle Ages, and the poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried’s fame as 
a hunter.

(2) "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically extinct.

(3) "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant deer.

(4) "Fragrance". It was believed that the odor of the panther attracted the 
game. Compare the description of the panther in the older "Physiologus", 
where the odor is said to surpass that of all ointments.

(5) "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact connotation is not 
known. Some interpret it to meau the fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a 
kind of faun.

(6) "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.

(7) "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and is therefore 
too distant for a day’s hunt, but such trifles did not disturb the poet.

(8) "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.

(9) "Feet". This was probably done as a handicap. The time consumed in 
rising to his feet would give his opponent quite a start.

 

 

ADVENTURE XVII

How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.

Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes 
hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good 
warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale of 
great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the 
Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He bade 
place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when she went 
forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild full seldom 
missed through sleep.

Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild, the 
fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her vesture, 
too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw him red with 
blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord, but with the light 
in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this Lady Kriemhild learned 
the baneful tale. As she would set out with her ladies for the minster, the 
chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet, there doth lie before the chamber a 
knight, slain unto death."

Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it was 
her husband. She began to think of Hagen’s question, of how he might protect 
him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure at his death. 
To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they found lying the 
hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild’s woe. After her faint, she 
shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:

"Perchance it is a stranger knight."

The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake:

"’Tis Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and 
Hagen hath done the deed."

The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand she 
raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him soon. There 
lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The gracious queen cried 
sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is not carved with swords, 
thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done the deed, I’d ever plot his 
death."

All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they grieved 
full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had cruelly avenged 
the wrath of Brunhild.

Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all 
Siegfried’s men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he’ll help me bewail 
brave Siegfried."

A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried’s warriors from the Nibelung 
land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could scarce 
believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger came to 
where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I trow his heart 
did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see his dear son alive.

"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A wrong 
hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all other ills. 
Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."

Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild’s ills, of which thou 
tellest me?"

Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold 
Siegfried of Netherland is slain."

Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales, that 
thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail him fully 
before my death."

"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear 
yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried’s death."

Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need, He and a 
hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands their 
long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail. Then came a 
thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried’s men. When they heard the ladies wail 
so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should dress them. Forsooth 
they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great heaviness was buried in their 
hearts.

Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake:

"Alas for the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of 
my child and you of your husband among such good friends?"

"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul would 
ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin must ever 
weep because of me."

Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow of 
his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded from the 
mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried’s wife. They 
stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his wounds and laid 
him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty grief. Then spake his 
warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be ever ready to avenge him; he 
liveth in this castle who hath done the deed."

All of Siegfried’s men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came with 
their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had in his 
troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he had great 
need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife, unless it be 
to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden to the hunt.

Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief and 
how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the Nibelungs 
at the hands of her brothers’ liegemen, that she tried to hinder it. In 
kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin. The grief-stricken 
woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye wot naught aright; 
forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye will all be lost, and ye 
would encounter these knights."

With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The noble 
queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When they would 
not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord Siegmund, ye must 
let it be until more fitting time, then I’ll avenge my husband with you. An’ 
I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I’ll do him scathe. There be too 
many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I will not counsel you to 
fight. They have full well thirty men to each of ours. Now God speed them, 
as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear with me my dole. When it 
beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights, to coffin the dear husband of 
mine."

Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."

None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were 
heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping. The 
noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they, too, were 
sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried, or for what 
cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the worthy burghers wept 
with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste to work a coffin of 
silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it firm with strips of good 
hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.

The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady bade 
them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster. Whatever 
friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells were ringing 
as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard the chant of many 
priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim Hagen also toward the 
sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs, clear sister, that we may not 
be free from this great scathe. We must ever lament for Siegfried’s death."

"That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth to 
you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on me, when 
I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth Kriemhild, 
"that it had happed to me."

Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him 
guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all the 
folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."

This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained 
murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter’s wounds do bleed, (1) as 
indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen’s. The wounds bled 
sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of those who 
wailed afore.

Then spake King Gunther: "I’d have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen did 
not do the deed."

"I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends 
avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, ‘twas done by you."

Siegfried’s knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again: 
"Now share with me this grief."

Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where they 
found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild’s men wept 
inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives, and children 
did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly bear his loss, 
wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake: "Sister mine, now 
comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We’ll try to make it up to 
thee, the while we live."

Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well 
towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The lady would 
not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle trouble. In a 
rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found none there that 
did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny mourned bitterly the 
stately man. When it was noised abroad that men sang in the minster and had 
encoffined him, then rose a great press of folk. What offerings they made 
for his soul’s sake! He had good friends enow among these foes. Poor 
Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye must now be put to trouble for my 
sake, ye who wished him well and be my friends. For Siegfried’s soul shall 
ye deal out his gold."

No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or ever 
he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day. Great throng 
was there of Siegfried’s friends.

When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake: 
"Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone. With 
him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state three days 
and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God doth bid that 
death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of me, poor 
Kriemhild."

The people of the town returned now to their lodgeings. She begged the 
priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay. They 
spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained without all 
food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made known that men 
would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed. Then were the 
Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three days, as we hear 
tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a deal of work. What 
offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor, grew rich enow. 
Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught, these were bid go to 
mass with gold from Siegfried’s treasure chamber. Since he might not live, 
many thousand marks of gold were given for his soul. She dealt out well-
tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk were found. Enow of gold and 
silver was given to the poor. By her deeds she showed that she did love him 
fondly.

Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the minster 
was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death, as one should 
do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told, full thirty thousand 
marks or better still were given to the poor for his soul’s sake. Yet his 
great beauty and his life lay low. When God had been served and the chants 
were ended, much people fought ‘gainst monstrous grief. Men bade bear him 
from the minster to the grave. Those were seen to weep and wail who missed 
him most. With loud laments the people followed hence; none was merry, 
neither wife nor man. They sang and read a service before they buried him. 
Ho, what good priests were present at his burial! Ere Siegfried’s wife was 
come to the grave, her faithful heart was rung with grief, so that they must 
needs oft sprinkle her with water from the spring. Her pain was passing 
great; a mickle wonder it was that she ever lived. Many a lady helped her in 
her plaint.

Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye prove 
your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my woe, that I 
may see once more his comely head."

She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break open 
the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With her white 
hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and good, thus 
dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then there happed a 
piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk, and soon they found 
the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the lovely fair have died of 
grief.

When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him from 
the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men found 
Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three days would 
neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not so waste away 
their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows, as still happeneth 
oft enow.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Bleed". This was not only a popular superstition, but also a legal 
practice in case of a murder when the criminal had not been discovered, or 
if any one was suspected. The suspected person was requested to approach the 
bier and touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow afresh if 
the one touching the body were guilty. Our passage is the first instance of 
its mention in German literature. A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-
1364. The usage was also known in France and England. See the instances 
quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer", 930.

 

 

ADVENTURE XVIII

How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.

Kriemhild’s husband’s father went to where he found her. Unto the queen he 
spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome guests. 
Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit treachery here 
in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet should ye not 
requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son’s sake, of this 
shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the power which 
Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and also the crown 
shall be subject to you. All Siegfried’s men shall serve you gladly."

Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying for 
steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes. Men bade 
dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund would fain have 
ridden forth, Kriemhild’s mother gan beg her that she stay there with her 
kindred.

The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the sight 
of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"

Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst 
stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have 
grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."

To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of dole 
whenever I should gaze on Hagen."

"I’ll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with thy 
brother Giselher, and of a truth I’ll comfort thee of thy husband’s death."

Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."

When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot and 
her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but little 
kith she had among Siegfried’s men.

"They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so strong 
but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and console your 
mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in truth."

Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were brought 
for Siegfried’s men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land. Also all the 
trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters. Then the Lord 
Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild’s side. To the lady he spake: "Siegfried’s 
men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride away, for I be ill content 
in Burgundy."

The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise me 
that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."

Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He 
spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear the 
crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not suffer, 
because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again, for the sake 
of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him orphaned. When your son 
groweth up, he will comfort your heart. Meanwhile many bold heroes and good 
shall serve you."

"Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever 
fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."

These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We 
might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would stay here 
with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more sorrowfully."

"Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given safe-
conduct to Siegmund’s land, I’ll bid them guard you well. To the care of you 
knights shall my dear child be given."

When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of Siegmund’s 
men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from Lady Kriemhild! 
He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly feasting," spake the 
noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to king or to his kinsmen, 
what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us nevermore in Burgundy."

Then Siegfried’s men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still take 
place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his kinsmen be 
their deadly foes."

He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright that 
she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now first do I 
feel all my sorrow."

Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were surely 
of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend them, should 
they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of none, but Gernot 
and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving wise. These brave and 
lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his loss. Courteously Prince 
Gernot spake:

"God in heaven knoweth well that I be not to blame for Siegfried’s death, 
nor heard I ever that any was his foe. I mourn him justly."

Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them from 
the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous then!

How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild 
mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher alone; 
loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening pride. How 
Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her love or troth. 
Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest woe of heart.

 

ADVENTURE XIX

How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.

When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with his 
vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also often 
helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster, they 
built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and great, where, 
with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to go to church and 
did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither she went all time in 
mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She prayed the good God to 
have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she bewept the knight full oft. 
Uta and her meiny comforted her all time, but so sorely wounded was her 
heart, that it booted naught, whatever comfort men did offer her. She had 
the greatest longing for her dear love, that ever wife did have for loving 
husband. One might see thereby her passing virtue; until her end she 
mourned, the while life lasted. In after days brave Siegfried’s wife avenged 
herself with might.

Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband’s death, and this is 
true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther, nor 
did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister 
friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this might 
ye win great store, an’ the queen would be our friend."

The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will beg 
them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she might 
gladly see us win the hoard."

"I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."

Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was done, 
Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried it with the 
Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy spake: "Lady, ye 
mourn too long for Siegfried’s death. The king will give you proof that he 
hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so greatly."

She spake: "None chargeth him with this. ‘Twas Hagen’s hand that struck him, 
where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could I think 
that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full well," spake 
the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would I, poor wife, 
leave off my weeping. I’ll never be a friend of him that did the deed." Then 
Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.

When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand before 
her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her. Well he wot 
his guilt; ‘twas he had caused her dole. When now she would forego her hate 
of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted him better had she 
not been wronged by his advice; then might he have gone boldly unto 
Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought to pass with so many 
tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the one man alone, she 
pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the deed.

Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained the 
hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was her 
marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot rode to 
fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should bring it 
from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight Alberich (2) and 
his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine coming for the hoard, 
Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught of the treasure dare we 
withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth it to be her marriage 
morning gift. Yet should this never be done," quoth Alberich, "but that with 
Siegfried we have foully lost the good Cloud Cloak, for fair Kriemhild’s 
love did wear it alway. Now, alas, it hath fared ill with Siegfried, that 
the hero bereft us of the Cloud Cloak and that all this land did have to 
serve him."

Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood 
Kriemhild’s liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the treasure 
hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon the waves to the 
mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the hoard, the which 
twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear away from the hill in 
four days and nights and each must make the trip three times a day. There 
was naught else but gems and gold, and had men paid therewith the wage of 
all the world, not a mark less had it been in worth. Forsooth Hagen did not 
crave it so without good cause. The greatest prize of all was a wishing-rod 
(3) of gold. He who knew its nature, might well be master over any man in 
all the world.

Many of Alberich’s kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they stored 
away the hoard in Gunther’s land and the queen took charge of everything, 
chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men hear tales told of 
such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a thousand times as much, if 
the Lord Siegfried were but alive again, Kriemhild would fain have stood 
empty-handed at his side. No more faithful wife did hero ever win. Now that 
she had the hoard, she brought many unknown warriors to the land. In truth 
the lady’s hand gave in such wise that men have never seen such bounty more. 
She used great courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the rich and the 
poor she began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she live yet a 
while, she would gain so many a man for her service that they would fare 
full ill.

Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I hinder 
that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed it, that she 
became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she deal out her silver 
and her gold."

Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught of 
the heard. With her gifts she’ll bring about the day when it well may rue 
the brave Burgundians sore."

Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her 
harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."

Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."

Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty store and 
Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother Gernot, when 
he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath done my sister 
much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his life, were he not 
my kin."

Siegfried’s wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot:

"Or ever we be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the 
Rhine, that it belong to none."

Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake:

"Dear brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life 
and goods."

Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for now 
we think to ride."

The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them that 
one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the hatred he 
bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was come again, 
Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at Loche, (4) in the 
Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The lordings came again 
and with them many men. With her maids and ladies Kriemhild gan bewail her 
passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly would Giselher have helped in 
all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath done wrong."

Hagen avoided the princes’ wrath, until he gained their favor. They did him 
naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate. Before Hagen 
of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty oaths that it 
should lie concealed as long as any one of them might live. Later they could 
not give it to themselves or any other.

Kriemhild’s mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband’s end, and 
because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not in 
all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried’s death, and this is 
true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she could not 
forget the warrior’s death. She was true to him, as most folk owned.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary for the 
bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after the bridal night. On this 
custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.

(2) "A1berich", see Adventure III, note 8. It is characteristic of the poem 
that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.

(3) "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried treasure. Cf. 
Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie, ii, 813.

(4) "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the Rhine 
province.

 

 

ADVENTURE XX

How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.

That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought 
another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in the 
Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead, they 
spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king ever won, 
then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her husband."

Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen and be 
christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and therefore would 
not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that ever happed."

The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the sake 
of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a trial 
for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."

The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and the 
land by the Rhine?"

Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known from 
a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the noble 
knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use the 
highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always done."

Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear the 
crown in this my land. An’ she be so fair, as hath been told me, it shall 
never rue my dearest kin."

"She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen. Certes, 
there might not be in all this world a king’s bride more fair. He may well 
be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."

He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if ever I 
do lie at Kriemhild’s side, I will requite thee for it as best I may. Then 
hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure chambers I will bid 
thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and all thou wilt, that thou 
and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I’ll bid full plenty of these 
things be made ready against thine errand."

To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that were 
not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy hands, will 
I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."

Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May God 
keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune help me, 
that she look with favor on my suit."

Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready arms 
and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will lead to 
the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I and mine be 
seen, all may say of thee:

‘Never did any king send afar so many men in better wise than thou hast done 
to the Rhine.’ If thou, O mighty king, wilt not turn back on this account, 
I’ll tell thee that her noble love was subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund’s 
son. Him thou hast seen here. 

(4) Men could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."

Then spake King Etzel: "Tho’ she was the warrior’s wife, yet was the noble 
prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh me well 
for her passing beauty."

The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence in 
four and twenty days. I’ll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that I 
myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."

Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both sorrowful 
and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife. Lovingly she 
thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the message, a deal 
she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether she should gain a 
lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved her heart full sore.

Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King Etzel 
was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their weeds. Then 
might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind awaited him; 
the young margravine, too, Rudeger’s child, gladly saw her father and his 
men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble Rudeger rode from 
the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes were placed upon the 
sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a whit was taken from them.

When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly bade 
lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw the host 
come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young margravine. To her 
his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to see the heroes from the 
Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden spake: "Now be my father 
and his men full welcome here."

Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty 
knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger’s mood. When at 
night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine put, 
whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady Gotelind, I’ll 
gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another lady for my lord, sith 
that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for Kriemhild to the Rhine; she 
shall become a mighty queen here among the Huns."

"Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an’ that might hap, sith we do hear such 
speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our lady for us 
in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear the crown in 
Hungary."

Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to ride 
with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel richly, 
then are they of lofty mood."

She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I would 
not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part hence."

Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."

Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers! With 
enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined from the 
neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that pleased him well.

On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from Bechelaren. 
Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the Bavarian land. 
Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery’s sake, and within 
twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the tidings not be hid; men 
told it to the king and to his liegemen, that stranger guests were come. The 
host gan say, if any knew them, he should tell him so. One saw their 
sumpters bear right heavy loads. ‘Twas seen that they were passing rich.

Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many 
strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft. The 
people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine. The host 
now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him. Then spake the 
knight of Troneg:

"None of them have I ever seen, but when we now gaze upon them, I can tell 
you well from whence they ride hither to this land. They must indeed be 
strangers, an’ I know them not full soon."

(5)

Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship were 
come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good 
garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As well 
as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as if 
‘twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."

"How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of Bechelaren be 
come to this land?"

When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the good 
knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five hundred 
knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the men from 
Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes. Then Hagen 
of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord of Bechelaren 
and all his men, welcome in God’s name."

With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the king 
went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never have we 
seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."

On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all their 
fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the king and with 
him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats; through their great 
chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met the messengers! Gunther 
and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals warmly, as was his due. He 
took the good knight Rudeger by the hand and led him to the seat where he 
sat himself. Men bade pour out for the guests (full gladly this was done) 
passing good mead and the best of wine that one might find in the land along 
the Rhine. Giselher and Gere both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had 
heard about the strangers. Merry they were of mood and greeted before the 
king the noble knights and good.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever 
requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the 
husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."

King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare Etzel 
and Helca of the Hunnish land."

To this the margrave now made answer: "I’ll gladly let you know."

He rose from his seat with all his men and spake to the king:

"An’ may that be that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the 
tidings that I bring, but will tell them willingly."

Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these I’ll 
let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my vassals hear 
them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."

Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon the 
Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This message 
is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you his need. His 
folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master’s wife, is dead. 
Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned, daughters of noble 
princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth full piteously in his 
land; they have alas none that might befriend them faithfully. The king’s 
grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."

"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth his 
service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his greeting, and 
this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."

Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair 
Helca’s death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."

With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.

Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me, O 
king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent you, 
sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men told my 
lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be dead. If 
this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel’s knights, would ye but 
permit her. This my sovran bade me say."

Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care to do 
this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in these 
three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I’ve learned her wish?"

Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served so 
well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunthers men. Hagen 
served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the third day 
Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full wisely he acted) 
to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that Kriemhild take King 
Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save Hagen alone. He spake 
to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right wit, ye will take good care 
that ye never do this, tho’ she were fain to follow."

"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure happen 
to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister. We ourselves 
should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her honor."

Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel as 
have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath danger 
happed to you by right."

"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I’ll take good care that I come not so near him that 
I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an’ she become his wife."

Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."

For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords would 
think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble king. Hagen 
still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight Giselher of 
Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make her to forget 
the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune she may have, this 
ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister so many an ill," 
continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she hath good cause, if she 
be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady of greater joys."

Quoth Hagen: "I’ll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and 
live long enow, she’ll do us still much harm in whatever way she can. 
Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."

To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to 
Etzel’s land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that 
maketh for our honor."

Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an’ the noble Kriemhild wear the 
crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give it over, 
‘twould beseem you knights far better."

Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta’s son: "Let us not all act as 
traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever ye 
may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."

Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and Giselher, 
the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at last, if 
Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.

Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor upon 
King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can well requite 
her of all the wrongs that have been done her."

Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she 
received him. how quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly and 
give me a messenger’s meed. Fortune is about to part you from all your woes. 
For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that ever gained a 
kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath sent envoys hither. 
Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me tell you."

Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my kinsmen 
that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man who had ever 
gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"

Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher, the 
youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in truth, 
could she but take the king.

None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the knights 
begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to see the 
messengers."

"I’ll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see the 
Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither, whoever 
else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted with me. Pray 
bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I’ll let him hear my will in full and 
tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake forth anew.

The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the high-born 
queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but let the knight 
persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow when mass was sung, 
the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those who should go to court 
with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed. Full sad of mood, the 
high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and good. He found her in the 
weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids wore rich clothes enow. She 
went to meet him to the door and greeted full kindly Etzel’s liegeman. Only 
as one of twelve he went to meet her. Men offered him great worship, for 
never were come more lofty envoys. They bade the lording and his vassals 
seat them. Before her were seen to stand the two Margraves Eckewart and 
Gere, the noble knights and good. None they saw merry of mood, for the sake 
of the lady of the house. Many fair women were seen to sit before her, but 
Kriemhild only nursed her grief; her dress upon her breast was wot with 
scalding tears. This the noble margrave noted well on Kriemhild.

Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you, permit 
me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and tell you 
the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."

"Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear it 
gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."

The others noted well her unwilling mood.

Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king, hath in 
good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers hither to 
this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your love. Great joy 
without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready to give you constant 
friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay within his heart. Certes, 
through longing for her virtues he hath full often joyless days."

Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my bitter 
sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the best of 
husbands that ever lady won."

"What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy. When 
that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught availeth 
so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble master, ye shall 
have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord will give you the 
lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand hath overcome. Ye 
shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen, who were subject to my 
Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and princely race, who owned her 
sway." Thus spake the brave knight and bold. "Thereto my lord will give you 
(this he bade me say), if ye would deign to wear with him the crown, the 
very highest power which Helca ever won; this shall ye rule before all 
Etzel’s men."

Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero’s bride? 
Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live joyless unto 
mine end."

To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel’s court will 
be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an’ it come to pass, for 
the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca’s damosels and your maids 
shall together form one retinue, at sight of which warriors may well be 
blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare well in truth."

With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow early, 
when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to what ye have 
in mind."

The bold knights and good must needs obey.

When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for 
Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping did 
beseem her and naught else better.

Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I can 
well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish, and thou 
takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this thinketh me 
well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake Giselher again; 
"from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the sea, there be no 
other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice, an’ he make thee his 
wife."

She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping and 
wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his knights? 
Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."

To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel 
thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with thee. I 
have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."

Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she might 
have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband’s side of yore, 
when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never have again such 
happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall I give my body to a 
paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the world must I bear shame. 
An’ he gave me all the kingdoms in the world still 1 would not do it."

Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady lay 
upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the morn 
she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come and took 
their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the king of the 
Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry. Then they bade 
fetch hither Etzel’s men, who now would fain have taken their leave, 
whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost their suit. Rudeger 
came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn aright the noble prince’s 
mind. To all it seemed well that this be done betimes, for long was the way 
back into their land. Men brought Rudeger to where Kriemhild was found. 
Winningly the knight gan beg the noble queen to let him hear what message 
she would send to Etzel’s land. I ween, he heard from her naught else than 
no, that she nevermore would wed a man. The margrave spake: "That were ill 
done. Why would ye let such beauty wither? Still with honor may ye become 
the bride of a worthy man."

Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in secret 
that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At this her great 
sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let be your weeping. 
If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful kin and liegemen, sore 
must he repent it who had ever done you aught."

At this the lady’s mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an oath, 
that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my wrongs."

Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."

Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her faithfully 
and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel’s land would ne’er 
refuse her aught.

Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many 
friends, I’ll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear 
husband’s death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath so 
many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an’ I command them. He is likewise 
so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen hath bereft 
me of my goods."

To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly would I 
go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."

Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many 
knights of Christian faith, that ye’ll ever be joyful at his court. What if 
ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened? Therefore may 
ye fain become King Etzel’s wife."

Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye 
should now give over your sadness."

They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King 
Etzel’s bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to the 
Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will take me 
to his land."

Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.

Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more. ‘Twill 
be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine. No longer, 
lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred vassals and 
kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye bid, both here 
and there at home. I’ll do by you the same whenever ye do mind me of the 
tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for your horses be made 
ready (Rudeger’s counsel will never irk you) and tell it to your maids, whom 
ye would take along, for many a chosen knight will meet us on the road."

She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried’s time, so 
that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she 
would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames! Albeit 
they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready, for much had 
been told them of the king. They opened up the chests, which stood afore 
well locked. For four and one half days they were aught but idle; from the 
presses they brought forth the stores that lay therein. Kriemhild now began 
to open up her treasure rooms, she fain would make all Rudeger’s liegemen 
rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung land she still had such store that a 
hundred horses might not bear it; she weened her hand should deal it out 
among the Huns.

This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will not 
become my friend, so Siegfried’s gold must stay behind. For why should I 
give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what Kriemhild will do 
with this hoard. I can well believe, an’ she take it with her, that it will 
be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor have they steeds enow to 
bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it, pray tell Kriemhild that."

When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told to 
all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not hap, 
the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye for the 
gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his eyes do light 
upon you, such store he’ll give you that ye can never spend it all; this 
will I swear to you, my lady."

Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king’s daughter gained 
such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."

Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the king 
in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild’s gold was handed forth, a thousand 
marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased King 
Gunther.

Then spake Gotelind’s knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild all 
the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it would mine 
or the queen’s hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will none of it. 
Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can lightly do 
without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey in full lordly 
wise."

Aforr this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very best 
of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great store of 
women’s trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her thought too 
great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she had still a 
thousand marks. For her dear husband’s soul she dealt it out. This Rudeger 
thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the mournful lady: "Where be 
now my friends who for my sake would live in exile? Let those who would ride 
with me to the Hunnish land, take now my treasure and purchase horses and 
trappings."

Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first became 
your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight, "and aye will 
do the same by you until mine end. I will take with me also five hundred of 
my men and place them in your service right loyally. Naught shall ever part 
us, save death alone."

For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.

Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many tears 
were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed that they 
were sad at Kriemhild’s loss. A hundred high-born maids she took with her 
hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from bright eyes the tears 
fell down, but soon at Etzel’s court they lived to see much joy. Then came 
Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their fellowship, as their courtesie 
demanded. Fain would they escort their dear sister hence; of their knights 
they took with them full a thousand stately men. Then came Or(win and the 
doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master of the kitchen, must needs be with them, 
too. They purveyed them night quarters as far as the Danube’s shore, but 
Gunther rode no further than a little from the town. Ere they fared hence 
from the Rhine, they had sent their messengers swiftly on ahead to the 
Hunnish land, who should tell the king that Rudeger had gained for him to 
wife the noble high-born queen.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.

(2) "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel’s wife, is the daughter of 
king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the "Thidreksaga" calls him. In the latter 
work (chap. 73-80) we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from 
her father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter’s bride. On her 
identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see Bleyer, PB. "Beit." 
xxxi, 542.

(3) "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the "Thidreksaga", 
"Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an historical personage, but the 
hero of a separate legend. Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he 
calls himself an exile, though he is Etzel’s mightiest vassal, with castles 
and lands in fief. He may have been introduced, as Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 
101) thinks, to play a role originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an 
exile. Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person. Bechelaren, 
or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach with the Danube.

(4) "hast seen here". "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich had carried 
Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel’s court.

(5) "full soon". See Adventure III, note 4.

(6) "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"), ‘heathen’.

(7) "gold for offerings". This was the gold to be used as offering when 
masses were sung for Siegfried’s soul.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXI

How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.

Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen journeyed 
through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from her. They had 
served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1) on the Danube they 
rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for they would ride again to 
the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen might not part. Doughty 
Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever, lady, thou shouldst need me, 
when aught doth trouble thee, let me but know, and I will ride in thy 
service to Etzel’s land."

Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took their 
leave of Margrave Rudeger’s men. The queen had with her many a fair-
fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes of rich, 
gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the ladies on the 
road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.

They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the tale 
was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where still a 
cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In the town of 
Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and the prince’s 
court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers in the Bavarian 
land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild. The knights of the 
land were little loth, when in her train they saw so many comely maids; with 
their eyes they courted the daughters of noble knights. Later good lodgings 
were given the noble guests.

With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the burghers 
of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince’s sister’s child, well was 
she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope that they would stay. 
Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must fare further down to 
Rudeger’s land. Many knights await us, for all wot well the news."

Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with 
care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should 
cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the Enns 
(3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw on every side 
the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet their guests. Now 
was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were from the Bavarian land 
who might perchance have done the guests much harm, had they robbed upon the 
roads, as was their wont. That had been forestalled by the lordly margrave: 
he led a thousand knights or more.

Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a 
noble knight in lordly ;vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5) upon 
the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests should 
have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to his guests. 
Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the road there trotted 
many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair was the welcome; right 
well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to meet them on the way, on 
either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a knight. They practised 
chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor did the service of the 
knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger’s liegemen met the guests, many 
truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high from the warriors’ hands in knightly 
custom. As though for a prize they rode before the ladies there. This they 
soon gave over and many warriors greeted each other in friendly wise. Then 
they escorted fair Gotelind from thence to where she saw Kriemhild. Scant 
leisure had they who wot how to serve the ladies.

The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble 
margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part her 
cares had given way to .joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade her dismount 
with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a noble knight bestirred 
him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then Kriemhild spied the 
margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she drew, but checked the 
palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her quickly from the saddle. Men 
saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his sister’s child to Gotelind. All stood 
aside at once. Then the exiled queen kissed Gotelind upon the mouth. Full 
lovingly spake Rudeger’s wife: "Now well is me, dear lady, that I have ever 
seen with mine own eyes your charming self in these our lands. Naught liefer 
might hap to me in all these times."

"Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I and 
Botelung’s (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that ye have 
seen me here."

Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each other 
in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their service. 
After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With many they became 
acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As it was now high noon, 
men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The noble meiny no longer tarried, 
but rode to where they found many broad pavilions; there ample service stood 
ready for the guests.

That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren 
made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned, that 
little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open, the castle 
at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men were fain to see; 
the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most lovingly Rudeger’s 
daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen. There, too, stood her 
mother, the margrave’s wife; many a high-born maid was greeted with delight. 
They took each other by the hand and hied them hence to a broad hall, 
fashioned full fair, under which the Danube flowed along. Towards the breeze 
they sate and held great pastime. What more they did I cannot tell, save 
that Kriemhild’s men-at-arms were heard to grumble that they fared so slowly 
on their way, for much it irked them. Ho, what good knights rode with them 
hence from Bechelaren!

Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind’s daughter 
twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she brought to 
Etzel’s land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her, yet she did win 
the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still might have. Great 
gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In turn the Lady Gotelind 
offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such friendly wise, that men 
found passing few of the strangers that did not wear her jewels or her 
lordly robes.

When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by the 
lady of the house to Etzel’s bride. The fair young margravine, too, was much 
caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you good, I know well 
that my dear father will gladly send me to you to the Hunnish land." How 
well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her truly.

The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren and the 
noble queen took leave of Rudeger’s wife and daughter. With a greeting many 
a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each other since these 
days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands many a rich cup of 
gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers on the highway. Thus they 
made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight Astolt, (9) who showed them the 
road to the Austrian land, towards Mautern (10) down the Danube. There the 
noble queen was later served full well. From his niece the bishop parted 
lovingly. How he counseled her that she should bear her well and that she 
should purchase honor for herself, as Helca, too, had done! Ho, what great 
worship she later gained among the Huns!

To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger’s men purveyed 
them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land. Then the queen 
became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the king of the Hunnish 
land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer, (12) known far and wide. 
Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such great virtues that it might 
not lightly ever hap again, unless it be through Kriemhild. She wist so how 
to give, that after all her sorrow she had the joy that Etzel’s liegemen 
gave her great worship, of which she later won great store among the heroes. 
Etzel’s rule was known far and wide, so that all time one found at his court 
the boldest warriors of whom men ever heard, among Christian or among 
paynim. They were all come with him. All time there were at his court, what 
may not so lightly hap again, Christian customs and also heathen faith. In 
whatsoever wise each lived, the bounty of the king bestowed on all enow.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt. A ferry across the 
river existed here from ancient times.

(2) "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an historical 
personage. He was bishop of Passau from 971 to 991. Without doubt he is a 
late introduction, according to Boer between 1181 and 1185. See Boer, ii, 
204, and E.L. Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.

(3) "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the Danube, flowing 
into it about eleven miles southeast of Linz.

(4) "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube, about 
thirteen miles west of Linz.

(5) "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria, forty-four miles 
southeast of Linz.

(6) "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.

(7) "Botelung’s son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in the 
"Klage", and in "Biterolf". In the earlier Norse version "Atli" is the son 
of "Budli". (On this point see Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der 
Nibelungensage", p. 106, and Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 
459, where the names are shown to be identical.

(8) "Medelick" is the modern Molk, or Melk, a town on the Danube near the 
influx of the Bilach. It lies at the foot of a granite cliff on which stands 
a famous Benedictine abbey.

(9) "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known of him.

(10) "Mantern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite Stein in 
Lower Austria.

(11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower Austria, 
emptying near Traismauer.

(12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure"). All the MSS. but C and D have this 
reading. The latter have "Treysenmoure" and "treisem moure", which 
corresponds better to the modern name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and 
Vienna. It is possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was originally 
called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from Traismauer to Tulln still bears 
the name of Zeiselstrasse. See Laehmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, 
ii, 289, note to str. 1333.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXII

How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.

Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon the 
highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were burning, 
where King Etzel’s liegemen rode through Austria. Then the king was told 
aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at thought of this his 
sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the lovely Kriemhild. Men saw 
ride before King Etzel on the road many bold knights of many tongues and 
many mighty troops of Christians and of paynims. When they met the lady, 
they rode along in lordly wise. Of the Russians and the Greeks there rode 
there many a man. The right good steeds of the Poles and Wallachians were 
seen to gallop swiftly, as they rode with might and main. Each did show the 
customs of his land. From the land of Kiev (1) there rode many a warrior and 
the savage Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they often shot at the birds 
which flew there; to the very head they drew the arrows on the bows.

By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call Tulna. 
(3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the which size had 
never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came through her to 
grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and noble, courtly and 
lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of lofty birth. They would 
fain behold their lady and craved naught more. Duke Ramung (4) of Wallachia, 
with seven hundred vassals, galloped up before her; like flying birds men 
saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeek with lordly bands. The doughty 
Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men, wheeled from the king away towards 
the queen. Loudly they shouted after the custom of their land. Madly too 
rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then came brave Hawart (6) of Denmark and the 
doughty Iring, (7) free of guile was he, and Irnfried (8) of Thuringia, a 
stately man. With twelve hundred vassals, whom they had in their band, they 
greeted Kriemhild, so that she had therefrom great worship. Then came Sir 
Bloedel, (9) King Etzel’s brother, from the Hunnish land, with three 
thousand men. In lordly wise he rode to where he found the queen. Then King 
Etzel came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his fellowship. There stood many 
worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good. At this Dame Kriemhild’s 
spirits rose.

Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the high-
born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may not greet 
alike King Etzel’s men."

From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty, bode 
no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man. Joyfully men 
saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we are told, walked by 
the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went to meet her, where she 
greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious wise. She raised her veil 
and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy hue. Many a man stood there who 
vowed that Lady Helca could not have been more fair than she. Close by stood 
also Bloedel, the brother of the king. Him Rudeger, the mighty margrave, 
bade her kiss and King Gibeek, too. There also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of 
the warriors the king’s bride kissed. She greeted many knights in other 
ways.

All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild’s side, the youthful warriors 
did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a royal joust. 
This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according to their custom. In 
what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made truncheons from the shafts 
fly through the air, high above the shields, from the hands of doughty 
knights! Many a buckler’s edge was pierced through and through by the German 
strangers. Great crashing of breaking shafts was heard. All the warriors 
from the land were come and the king’s guests, too, many a noble man.

Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them a 
royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with booths, 
where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely maid was shown 
to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then sate with the queen 
on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well purveyed the seats for 
Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at this King Etzel grew blithe 
of mood. What the king there spake, I know not. In his right lay her snow-
white hand; thus they sate in lover’s wise, since Rudeger would not let the 
king make love to Kriemhild secretly.

Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the great 
rout ended. Etzel’s men betook them to the booths; men gave them lodgings 
stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they lay at ease, 
till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a man betook him to 
the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of the king! Etzel bade 
the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they rode from Tulna to the 
town of Vienna, where they found many a dame adorned. With great worship 
these greeted King Etzel’s bride. There was ready for them in great plenty 
whatever they should have. Many a lusty hero rejoiced at prospect of the 
rout.

The king’s wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge the 
guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town. Rudeger 
therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in the country 
round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild, Sir Dietrich and 
many another knight. Their rest they had given over for toil, that they 
might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his friends had pastime 
good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide, when King Etzel lay by 
Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first husband, I trow, she did not 
win so many men for service. Through presents she made her known to those 
who had never seen her. Full many among them spake to the guests: "We weened 
that Lady Kriemhild had naught of goods, now hath she wrought many wonders 
with her gifts."

The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any 
king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, ‘tis hidden from us. All 
that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt before in 
Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was rich in goods, 
I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she saw stand ‘fore 
Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast so many costly 
mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which all had here great 
store, given for Kriemhild’s sake. Her friends and the strangers, too, were 
minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any craved, this they willingly 
gave, so that many of the knights through bounty stood bereft of clothes. 
Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with her noble husband by the Rhine; her 
eyes grew moist, but she hid it full well, that none might see it. Great 
worship had been done her after many a grief. Whatever bounty any used, 
‘twas but a wind to that of Dietrich,.

What Botelung’s son had given him, was squandered quite. Rudeger’s lavish 
hand did also many wonders. Prince Bleedel of Hungary bade empty many 
traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all this was given away. 
The king’s champions were seen to live right merrily. Werbel and Swemmel, 
(10) the minstrels of the king, each gained at the wedding feast, I ween, 
full thousand marks, or even better, when fair Kriemhild sate crowned at 
Etzel’s side.

On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were 
pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King 
Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient 
Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force they 
rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel’s native land! 
At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which men saw flowing 
there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were solid earth. The 
wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships were lashed 
together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm. Upon them many a 
goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land and plain.

From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and wives 
therein were glad. Helca’s meiny, that aforetime waited on their mistress, 
passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild’s side. There many a noble 
maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca’s death. Kriemhild 
found still seven royal princesses there, through whom all Etzel’s land was 
graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat (14) cared, the daughter 
of Helca’s sister, beseen with many courtly virtues, the betrothed of 
Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin’s (15) daughter; much worship she 
later had. Blithe of heart she was at the coming of the guests; for this, 
too, mighty treasures were prepared. Who might tell the tale of how the king 
held court? Never had men lived better among the Huns with any queen.

When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble Kriemhild 
was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the better. Ho, how 
royally she ruled in Helca’s stead! She became acquaint with much loyal 
service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk and precious 
stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to Hungary must needs 
be given all away. All the king’s kinsmen and all his liegemen then owned 
her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so mightily as she, whom they 
now must serve till Kriemhild’s death. The court and all the land lived in 
such high honors, that all time men found the pastimes which each heart 
desired, through the favor of the king and his good queen.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the southwestern part of 
Russia. Its capital of the same name, situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest 
of the better known cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an 
important station of the Hanseatic league.

(2) "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the north of the 
Caspian. By conquest they acquired a kingdom extending from the Don to 
Transylvania. They were feared for their ferociousness and because they 
continually invaded the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.

(3) "Tulna (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town of Lower 
Austria, seventeen milos northwest of Vienna on the Danube.

(4) "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our poem, nothing 
else is known of them.

(5) "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but nothing 
otherwise is known of him.

(6) "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot, who is 
reputed to have played an important part in the conquest of Thuringia. He 
evidently comes from the Low German version.

(7) "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an ancient 
deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or "Iringi". He occurs in 
a legend of the fall of the Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a 
prominent role that the Milky Way was named after him. See W. Grimm, 
"Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the connection of Iring with 
the Milky Way is the result of a confusion.

(8) "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who was 
overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the aid of the Saxons. 
See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii, 73-79. He, too, comes from the Low 
German tradition.

(9) "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he reigned 
conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445. In our poem the name appears frequently 
with the diminutive ending, as "Bloedelin".

(10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction to some 
minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with the important mission 
of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel’s court, an honor that would hardly be 
accorded to persons of their rank. Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive 
form "Swemmelin".

(11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.

(12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube, twenty-one miles 
southeast of Pressburg.

(13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of Budapest, called 
in German "Ofen", through the influence of Hungarish legends, but, as G. 
Heinrich has shown, had no definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics. 
See Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506. The name occurs in documents as late 
as the fifteenth century.

(14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently mentioned in the 
"Thidreksaga" as Dietrich’s betrothed. She is spoken of as the exiled maid.

(15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else is known of 
him. See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXIII

How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.

With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh year. In 
this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel could not 
have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she brought it to pass 
that Etzel’s child was christened after the Christian rite. Men named it 
Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of Etzel’s lands. Whatever 
courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame Kriemhild practiced this 
full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who in secret grieved full sore 
for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was she known to the strangers and 
the home-folk. They vowed that never had a kingdom had a better or more 
bounteous queen. This they held for true. She bare this praise among the 
Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot she well, that none would thwart 
her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a prince’s wife, and that all time she 
saw twelve kings stand before her. Over many a wrong she brooded, that had 
happed to her at home. She thought likewise on the many honors in the 
Nibelung land, which she had there enjoyed and of which Hagen’s hand had 
quite bereft her at Siegfried’s death, and if perchance she might not make 
him suffer for his deed. "That would hap, if I might but bring him to this 
land." She dreamed that Giselher, her brother, walked often with her hand in 
hand. Alway she kissed him in her gentle slumber; later suffering came to 
both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel Kriemhild this, that she withdrew 
her friendship from Giselher, whom for forgiveness’ sake she had kissed in 
the Burgundian land. At this hot tears again gan soil her robe. Early and 
late it lay within her heart, how without fault of hers they had made her 
wed a heathen man. Hagen and Gunther had brought her to this pass. This wish 
she seldom gave over in her heart. She thought: "I am so mighty and have 
such great wealth, that I can do my foes an injury yet. Full ready would I 
be for this towards Hagen of Troneg. My heart doth often yearn for my 
faithful kin. Might I be with those who did me wrong, my lover’s death would 
be well avenged. Scarce can I abide this," spake Etzel’s wife.

All the king’s men, Kriemhild’s warriors, bare her love in duty bound. Of 
the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might gainsay 
Dame Kriemhild’s will. All time she thought: "I will beg the king, that he 
in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the Hunnish land." None 
marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when she lay by the king, 
and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont to love the noble dame, who 
was dear to him as life, the high-born lady thought her of her foes. To the 
king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would fain beseech you, by your grace, that 
ye would show me that ye did love my kinsfolk, if I have earned the favor."

Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I’ll give you to know however 
well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I won 
better kin through woman’s love."

Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have high-born 
kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me here. I hear 
the folk aver that I be banished."

Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far, I’ll 
bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to see."

The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me 
your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through 
whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come hither 
to our land many a noble knight and a good."

He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to see 
your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me sore, that 
they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please you, dear lady 
mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to the Burgundian 
land."

He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted to 
where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be envoys to 
the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready for them. 
Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the message was told 
them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his liegemen hither. 
Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then spake the mighty king: 
"I’ll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my love and service, that it 
may please them to ride hither to my land. But few such welcome guests have 
I known, and if they perchance will fulfill my wish, tell Kriemhild’s 
kinsmen that they must not fall to come this summer to my feast, for much of 
my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my wife."

Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be in 
these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"

King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer’s day."

"We’ll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.

The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she then 
talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a knight. To 
the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in that ye do my 
pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send to my native land. 
I’ll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly robes. And if ye see any 
of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not tell them that ye ever saw me 
sad of heart. Tender my service to the heroes brave and good. Beg that they 
do as the king doth bid and thus part me from all my grief. The Huns ween, I 
be without kith and kin. Were I a knight, I’d visit them myself at times. 
And say to Gernot, too, the noble brother of mine, that none in the world 
doth love him more. Beg him to bring with him to this land our best of 
friends, that it may be to our honor. Say also to Giselher, that he remember 
well, I never gained grief through fault of his. Therefore would mine eyes 
fain sue him. For his great loyalty I would gladly have him here. Tell my 
mother also of the honors which I have, and if Hagen of Troneg be minded to 
stay at home, who then should lead them through the lands? From a child he 
knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)

The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of 
Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him many 
a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now been 
given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a sumptuous 
life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their persons 
adorned full well with goodly weeds.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga" Etzel’s son is 
called Aldrian. Bleyer, "Die germanischen Elemente der ungarischen, 
Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570, attempt to prove the identity of the names 
by means of a form "*Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar", 
"Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".

(2) "Hungary". According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen spent his 
youth as a hostage at Etzel’s court.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXIV

How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.

When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew from 
land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to his high 
feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys rode away 
from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for three noble 
kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel; therefore all gan 
haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served them gladly. Rudeger 
and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed not to send their service 
through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did they let them part hence without 
gifts, that Etzel’s men might fare the better. To Uta and her sons Rudeger 
sent word that they had no more loyal margrave than he. To Brunhild, also, 
they tendered service and good wishes, constant fealty and a loving mind. 
When they heard the speech that the envoys would ride, the margravine begged 
God in heaven to keep them well.

Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty 
Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin upon 
the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the messengers 
for love and let them ride.

Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister’s sons, I 
should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the 
Rhine."

What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them of 
their silver and their weeds; men feared their master’s wrath. Certes the 
noble high-born king was a mighty lord.

Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land of 
Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there came 
strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask: "Who will 
do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"

This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to Gunther: 
"New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen King Etzel’s 
minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine; for their master’s 
sake we must give them a kindly welcome."

Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince’s 
minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king’s meiny bade 
them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their 
trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that with 
honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them longer 
there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them. At the 
selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to these they 
were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such as well befitted 
king’s messengers for to wear.

Then Etzel’s retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men saw 
this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and greeted 
them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks. That he might 
know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his men. Then spake 
the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were the folk more 
merry; now know that of a truth."

To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests, as 
one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of other 
kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther’s side. In courteous 
wise the king gan greet them:

"Ye minstrels of the Huns and all your fellowship, be ye welcome.

Hath the mighty Etzel sent you hither to the Burgundian land?"

To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also 
Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They have 
sent us to you knights in all good faith."

Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so 
asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"

Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I’ll tell you; ye should know that never have 
folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their kinsmen and 
their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we departed hence."

"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of my 
sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in 
happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."

The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard the 
tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to see the 
envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be very welcome to 
us. An’ ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine, ye would find friends 
here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm shall hap you in this 
land."

"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to you 
with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who live in 
such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth mind you of 
your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever hold her dear. 
But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye may deign to ride to 
Etzel’s land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly to beg you this and sent 
the message to you all, that if ye would not let your sister see you, he 
fain would know what he had done you that ye be so strange to him and to his 
lands,. An’ ye had never known the queen, yet would he fain bring it to pass 
that consent to come and see him. It would please him well if that might 
hap."

Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what I 
have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings and 
rest you well."

Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the royal 
Uta, afore we take our easement?"

The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that. An’ 
ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother’s wish, for she will 
gladly see you for my sister’s sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will make you 
welcome."

Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon the 
envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them gentle 
greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale. "My lady 
offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty. Might that 
be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no better joy in 
all the world."

Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often see the 
dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live, alas, too 
far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me know before ye 
leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have I seen messengers 
so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this should hap.

Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the mighty 
king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his liegemen how 
they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king well might ride to 
Etzel’s land. The very best among them advised him this, save Hagen alone; 
him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the king: "Ye fight against 
yourself; ye know full well what we have done. We may well be ever on our 
guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand I slew her husband to death. 
How durst we ride to Etzel’s land?"

Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss she 
lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless be that 
the feud doth stand against you alone."

Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not, 
whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there both 
life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel’s wife."

Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over, 
because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed not 
to go to see our sister."

Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be guilty, 
friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let those who 
dare ride with us to my sister."

At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye take 
any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I. Sith ye will 
not turn you, I will well show you that."

Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well have 
the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own desire, for 
ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given you for a 
hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth you, for I be 
bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide here and leave 
King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more gently with you in 
all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your foes; so deck your body 
out with brave attire, drink the best of wine, and pay court to stately 
ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of food that ever king did gain 
in the world. And were this not so, yet should ye tarry here for your fair 
wife’s sake, before ye risk your life so childishly. Wherefore I do counsel 
you to stay at home. Your lands be rich, and one can redeem his pledges 
better at home than among the Huns. Who knoweth how it standeth there? Ye 
should stay at home, Sire, that is Rumolt’s counsel."

"We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel have 
bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that liketh 
not to go may stay at home."

To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare. In 
all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the Huns 
well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms, the best 
ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I’ll choose a thousand 
doughty knights. Then Kriemhild’s evil mood can bring you naught of harm."

"This rede I’ll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then bade 
messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand champions 
or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous woe. Full 
merrily they rode to Gunther’s court. Men bade give all that were to ride 
forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king gained full many a 
one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his brother Dankwart lead 
eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly guise they came; these 
doughty men took with them harness and trappings into Gunther’s land. Then 
came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he, with thirty of his men for the 
journey to Kriemhild’s court. They had clothing such as a king might wear. 
Gunther bade make known, he would to the Hunnish land. I’ll do you now to 
wit who Folker was. He was a noble lord, the liege of many doughty knights 
in Burgundy. A minstrel he was called, for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen 
chose a thousand whom he well knew; oft had he seen what their hands had 
wrought in press of battle, or in whatever else they did. None might aver 
aught else of them than doughtiness.

The tarrying irked Kriemhild’s envoys sore, for great was their fear of 
their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant 
through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard against 
letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight later to 
Etzel’s land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we wot it. Nor 
may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of hers, men do us 
harm. An’ this be her will, she’ll fare full ill, for many a chosen liegeman 
had we hence."

Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them to 
Etzel’s land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now men bade 
Kriemhild’s messengers go before King Gunther. When they were come, Gernot 
spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly come to his high 
feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."

Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall be, 
or in what time we should go thither?"

Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer’s day."

The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would fain 
see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker 
hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not so well 
of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the morrow, and 
men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon her, it might not 
hap.

Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own 
courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which he 
had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen Giselher and 
Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were generous, too. 
They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for fear of their lord 
they durst not take them.

Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay here 
at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take aught of 
gifts. Then too, there is but little need."

Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse the 
gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold and 
weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel’s land. They would fain see the 
Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher brought the 
minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message, that whatever 
honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen bade give the 
minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of King Etzel and 
Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in good faith ‘twas 
done.

The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and men. 
Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights escort 
them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those who should 
have them in their care, Etzel’s power did guard them on all their ways, so 
that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With great speed they 
hasted towards Etzel’s land. To all the friends they wot of, they made known 
that in a short time the Burgundians would come hither from the Rhine to the 
Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too, the tale was told. As they rode 
adown the highway before Bechelaren, men delayed not to tell Rudeger and 
Gotelind, the margrave’s wife. Merry she grew that she should see them. Men 
saw the minstrels hasting with the tidings. They found King Etzel in the 
town of Gran. (2) Greeting after greeting they gave the king, of which full 
many had been sent him. He blushed for very joy.

Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her 
brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts as 
meed. This was done for honor’s sake. She spake:

"Now tell me, both of you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to 
be at the feast? Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? 
Pray tell me what Hagen said when he heard the tale."

The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council, and but 
little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the journey hither 
to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the wrathful Hagen. Your 
brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly mood. Whoever else may come, 
this tale I know not of a surety. The brave minstrel Folker vowed to ride 
along."

"Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of 
Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may see 
him here."

Then the queen went to where she saw the king. how lovingly Dame Kriemhild 
spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have ever craved, 
shall now be brought to pass."

"Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe of 
mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the kindness 
of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."

King Etzel’s officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with 
benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard from 
them mickle weeping.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.

(2) "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the Danube 
opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles northwest of Budapest.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXV

How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.

Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel’s court. More high-
mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any king; 
they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The ruler of 
the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1) as I have 
heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those they left at 
home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now borne across the 
court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer to fair Uta: "Our 
friends would journey to the feasting. May God preserve their honor there."

The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good knights. 
Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this land lay 
dead."

"Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say the 
proper words, when ‘twould bring him great store of honors. I wish that my 
lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to Etzel’s land. The 
arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full well, where we shall 
behold Kriemhild’s feast."

Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have 
advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude words. Of 
Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild’s husband, he minded him; he spake: "Because of 
him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."

At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when it 
please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to Etzel’s 
land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.

The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men bare 
whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then full 
merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised upon the 
green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade his fair wife 
tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately knight. Trumpeting 
and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they should ride. Then to 
the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love caressed the fair. Later 
King Etzel’s wife parted them with woe.

Fair Uta’s sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would hence, 
he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must bewail that 
ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and was a hero of 
his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and lands? O that none 
can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings from Kriemhild have 
never thought me good."

"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well the 
ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes King 
Etzel’s bride will never do us harm."

The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who lived 
there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many a stately 
dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were seen go toward 
the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly there. Their hearts 
did tell them that this long parting boded them great harm. This doth never 
ease the heart.

The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty 
turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and wives. 
But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily along. With 
them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong, who had left many 
comely dames at home whom they never saw again. Siegfried’s wounds gave 
Kriemhild pain.

Gunther’s liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up through 
Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot the way. 
Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As they rode away 
from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men could tell the princes 
and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their lordly bearing. On the 
twelfth morning the king came to the Danube. Hagen of Troneg rode foremost 
of them all, giving to the Nibelungs helpful cheer. On the sandy shore the 
bold knight dismounted and bound his steed full soon to a tree. The river 
was swollen, the skiffs hidden away. Great fear the Nibelungs had, as to how 
they might come across, for the stream was much too broad. Full many a lusty 
knight alighted on the ground.

"Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the Rhine. 
Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is mighty. 
Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."

"Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own 
prowess’ sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the other 
bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."

"Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown me 
in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel’s lands. 
That will I well. Stay by the water’s side, ye proud knights and good, and I 
will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall ferry us across to 
Gelfrat’s (4) land."

Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The 
shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it was. 
Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely it cut on 
either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the splash of water 
and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5) were bathing for to 
cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward them stealthily. When 
they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to escape him; glad enow they were 
of this. The hero took their clothes, but did them naught else of harm.

Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight Hagen, 
we’ll do you here to wit, an’ ye give us our weeds again, bold knight, how 
ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."

Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought their 
senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell him. Well 
they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye may safely 
ride to Etzel’s land. I’ll stake my troth at once as pledge, that heroes 
never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now believe that in 
truth."

In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their clothes 
and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they told him 
rightly of the journey to Etzel’s land. The other mermaid spake (Siegelind 
she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For the sake of 
her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An’ thou comest to the Huns, thou 
wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn again, for ye heroes 
be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel’s land. Whose rideth hither, hath taken 
death by the hand."

Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. how might it come to pass that we 
should all die there, through anybody’s hate?"

Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake 
again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king’s 
chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to 
Gunther’s land."

Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my lords 
that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over the 
stream, thou wisest of all wives."

She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder where 
an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and elsewhere 
none."

At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior she 
called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in haste. 
List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank. The lord of 
these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is hight Knight 
Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. ‘Twill go hard with you, an’ ye will 
cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full wisely with the 
ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he’ll not let you live, unless be that 
ye have your wits about you with the knight. An’ ye will that he guide you, 
then give him his meed. He guardeth this land and is liegeman unto Gelfrat. 
And cometh he not betimes, so call across the flood and say, ye hight 
Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that; because of a feud did void this 
land.

The ferryman will come when he heareth this name."

Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his peace. 
Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore, to where he 
found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call across the flood: 
"Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good knight, "and I will give 
thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know, that of this passage I have 
great need in truth."

So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore he 
full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty of 
mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood. He 
called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and great 
was the hero’s strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else’s liegeman, that 
because of a great feud did void these lands."

High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it was, 
of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat’s land. The haughty 
ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar in hand. As he 
would earn Hagen’s gold so red, therefore he died the sword-grim death at 
the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods (10) doth give an evil 
end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the sandy bank. When he found no 
trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he grew in earnest. When he spied 
Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the hero: "Ye may perchance hight 
Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom I weened here. By father and by 
mother he was my brother. Sith ye have bewrayed me, ye may stay on this 
hither shore."

"No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and have 
warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me over. I 
am in truth your friend."

The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes, wherefore I 
never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life, step out quickly 
on the sand."

"Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from me 
as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just as many 
men."

The grim boatman answered: "’Twill ne’er be done." He raised a mighty rudder 
oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew at this), so 
that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg had never met so 
fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the haughty stranger. He 
smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11) over Hagen’s head (a man 
of might was he); from this the ferryman of Else took great harm. Hagen, 
fierce of mood, seized straightway his sheath, wherein he found his sword. 
His head he struck off and cast it on the ground. Eftsoon these tidings were 
made known to the proud Burgundians. At the very moment that he slew the 
boatman, the skiff gan drifting down the stream. Enow that irked him. Weary 
he grew before he brought it back. King Gunther’s liegeman pulled with might 
and main. With passing swift strokes the stranger turned it, until the 
sturdy oar snapped in his hand. He would hence to the knights out upon the 
shore. None other oar he had. Ho, how quickly he bound it with a shield 
strap, a narrow band! Towards a wood he floated down the stream, where he 
found his sovran standing by the shore.

Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good 
received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the blood 
reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen was plied 
enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther spied the hot 
blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake: "Wherefore tell ye me 
not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween your prowess hath bereft 
him of his life."

At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow tree, 
I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor hath harm 
happed to any one through fault of mine."

Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear 
friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come 
over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."

Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the 
grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one might 
find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to Gelfrat’s 
land."

They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the flood; 
passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not a one. Some 
few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their weariness. Then the 
knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith there was no help for 
the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so he ferried full many mighty 
warriors over to the sandy shore, into the unknown land. First he took 
across a thousand noble knights, then his own men-at-arms. Still there were 
more to come. Nine thousand footmen he ferried over to the land. Aught but 
idle was Hagen’s hand that day. When he had carried them all safe across the 
flood, the doughty knight and good bethought him of the strange tales which 
the wild mermaids had told him afore. For this cause the king’s chaplain 
near lost his life. He found the priest close by the chapel luggage, leaning 
with his hand upon the relics. Little might that boot him. When Hagen spied 
him, ill fared it with the hapless priest; he threw him from the skiff in 
haste. Enow of them called out: "Hold on, Sir Hagen, hold!"

Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then spake 
Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the chaplain’s death? 
Had another done the deed, ‘twould have irked you sore. For what cause have 
ye sworn enmity to the priest?"

The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain save 
his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be, for the 
stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom, the which 
thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help, he turned him 
back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could not swim, yet did 
God’s hand help him, so that he came safe and sound to the: land again. 
There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen marked thereby that 
naught might avail against the tidings which the wild mermaids told him. 
Him-thought: "These knights must lose their lives."

When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne all 
away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it in the 
flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.

"Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come over, 
when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"

Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I do it 
in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through faint-
heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a shameful 
death."

They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which was 
named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did, it thought 
the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters laden well. On 
the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save the king’s chaplain 
alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the Rhine again.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "a thousand and sixty". This does not agree with the account in 
Adventure XXIV, witere we read of a thousand of Hagen’s men, eighty of 
Dankwart’s, and thirty of Folker’s. The nine thousand foot soldiers 
mentioned here are a later interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of 
only a thousand all told.

(2) "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient province of 
"Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east of the Spessart forest, 
including the towns of Fulda, Wurzburg and Barnberg. In "Biterolf" Dietlich 
journeys through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.

(3) "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of "Sualafeld" 
between the Rezat and the Danube.

(4) "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else", mentioned below. 
Their father’s name was also Else.

(5) "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of German 
mythology. While it is not specifically mentioned, it is probable that the 
wise women, or mermaids, as they are also called here, were ‘swan maidens’, 
which play an important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift 
of prophecy. They appear in the form of swans, and the strange attire of the 
wise women mentioned here refers to the so-called swan clothes which they 
wore and which enabled Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings. On 
bathing they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession of it has 
them in his power. This explains their eagerness to give Hagen information, 
if he will return their garments to them. For an account of them see Grimm’s 
"Mythologie", 355.

(6) "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely a 
derivative of "aldiro", ‘the elder’, and signifies ‘ancestor’, just as Uta 
means ‘ancestress’. In the "Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung 
land and the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen is the 
son of an elf by the same mother.

(7) Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is called 
"Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same name. See Adventure XXV, 
note 4.

(8) "Amelrich" is the ferryman’s brother.

(9) "Spear". It was the custom to offer presents on a spear point, perhaps 
to prevent the recipient from treacherously using his sword. Compare the 
similar description in the "Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that 
gifts should be received with the spear.

(10) "Goods". In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring for his 
young wife, which explains better the allusion to marriage and the desire 
for wealth.

(11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.

(12) "Clerk", ‘priest’.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXVI (1)

How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.

Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show us 
the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"

Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."

"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh right 
that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I’ll make you 
acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land. Two mermaids 
told me early in the morning that we should not come back again. I will now 
counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes, for we have mighty foes. 
Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike guise. I thought to catch these 
mermaids in a lie. They swore that none of us would come home safe and 
sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore would I fain have drowned him to-
day."

These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from woe, 
as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel’s court. 
Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering, (2) where 
Else’s ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I have gained me 
foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew this same ferryman 
early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now lay on boldly, so that 
it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they match our fellowship here 
to-day. I know them to be so bold that ‘twill not be left undone. Let the 
steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we be a-fleeing on the road."

"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight;

"but who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"

They answered: "This let Felker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both road 
and path."

Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing there 
well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was his 
fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was red. Later 
with the kings he fell into direst need.

Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman’s death were now come to Gelfrat’s ears. 
The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they sent to 
fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short time, as I’ll 
let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who had wrought scathe and 
monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven hundred or more were come to 
Gelfret. When they began to ride after their savage foes, their lords did 
lead them, of a truth. A deal too strong they hasted after the valiant 
strangers; they would avenge their wrath. Therefore many of the lordings’ 
friends were later lost.

Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his kinsmen 
better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen and his 
brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.

The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared both 
harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the Bavarian land. 
A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On either side of the 
highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat of hoofs. Their foes 
pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart: "They purpose to attack us 
here, so hind on your helmets, for that be well to do."

They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom they 
spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his peace; he 
called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"

To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria: "We 
seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew my 
ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his hands."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault was 
mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I had great 
need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I offered him 
gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir Knight. This 
angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar. At this I waxed 
grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger with a grievous wound. 
Thus the hero met his death. I’ll make amends, as doth think thee best."

"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode hither, 
that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live; the knight 
must stand for the ferryman’s life."

Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust; 
each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously; they 
tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever prove each 
other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by Gelfrat’s hand. His 
martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall. The crash of shafts 
resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the thrust afore had come 
to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I trow, he was not gentle of 
mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their steeds, I know not; both Hagen and 
Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and rushed together. Their fellowship 
helped thereby and became acquaint with strife. Albeit Hagen sprang at 
Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave smote from his shield a mickle piece, 
so that the sparks flew wide. Full nigh did Gunther’s liegeman die 
therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart: "O help, dear brother! Certes, a 
hero of his hands hath matched me, he will not spare my life."

At this hold Dankwart spake: "I’ll play the umpire here."

The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a blow 
that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but he and 
his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had been slain, 
he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained with grim death 
behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in flight from Gunther’s 
men.

When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the savage 
blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes; they were in 
passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then spake Dankwart, the 
knight, in their pursuit:

"Let us turn soon on this road and let them ride, for they be wot with 
blood. Haste we to our friends, this I advise you of a truth."

When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg 
spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost in 
the strife through Gelfrat’s wrath."

Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid for 
dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were slain. From 
their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed and wet. Through 
the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining moon, as Hagen spake 
again:

"Let none make known to my dear lords what we have wrought here to-day. Let 
them rest without care until the morn."

When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was full 
weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a man.

Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must all 
ride until the day be come."

The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the marshal: 
"Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest and our dear 
lords as well?"

Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till it 
begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we’ll lay us down upon the 
grass."

How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained unmarked 
with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his gleaming light 
against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld that they had 
fought. Wrathfully the hero spake:

"How now, friend Hagen? I ween, ye scorned to have me with you when your 
rings grew wet with blood? Who hath done this?"

Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked 
because of his ferryman. Then my brother’s hand smote Gelfrat down. Else 
soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them and 
but four of ours lay dead in the strife."

We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the

folk of the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode

to court. Later they were well received at Passau. The uncle of

the noble king, the Bishop Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his

nephews came to his land with so many knights. That he bare them

good will, they learned full soon. Well were they greeted, too,

by friends along the way, sith men could not lodge them all at

Passau. They had to cross the stream to where they found a field

on which they set up pavilions and costly tents. All one day

they must needs stay there, and a full night too. What good

cheer men gave them! After that they had to ride to Rudeger’s

land, to whom the tidings were brought full soon. When the way-

worn warriors had rested them and came nearer to the Hunnish

land, they found a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen of

Troneg won a sturdy sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart

(3) in truth; sad of mood he grew, that he lost his weapon through the 
journey of the knights. They found Rudeger’s marches guarded ill.

"Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the 
Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight 
Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"

When Hagen heard the noble warrior’s plight, he gave him back his sword and 
six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art my 
friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the 
marches."

"God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey to 
the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you here. I 
counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."

"Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and 
their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement, where 
we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by the 
distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We find naught 
anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his courtesie would 
give us of his bread to-night."

Then Eckewart made answer: "I’ll show you a host so good that full seldom 
have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an’ ye will 
seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway and is the 
best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to courtesie, as 
the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry of mood, when he 
can serve good knights."

At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my dear 
friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I will 
repay thee this, as best I ever can."

"Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good will 
he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard, to whom 
none such pleasing news had come in many a day.

At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried him; 
he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of Kriemhild."

He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet the 
messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The tales he 
brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were straightway 
told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of the Burgundian 
land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have sent me hither to 
you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service. Hagen and Folker, too, 
eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I’ll tell you, that the king’s 
marshal sendeth you by me the message, that the good knights have passing 
need of your lodgement."

Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that the 
high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them. Merry 
and blithe will I be, an’ they come unto my house."

"Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your house 
with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and nine 
thousand men-at-arms."

Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests, that 
these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as yet full 
seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my men."

Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them right, 
which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their service. As 
yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Adventure XXVI". This adventure is a late interpolation, as it is not 
found in the "Thidreksaga". Originally the river must be thought of as 
separating them from Etzel’s kingdom.

(2) "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and Ingolstadt. In 
the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the mermaids were bathing in a body of 
water called "Moere", whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring. This may 
be the original form of the account and the form here contaminated. See 
Boer, i, 134.

(3) "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15. It will be remembered that he 
accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then stayed with her at 
Worms after Siegfried’s death, and finally journeyed with her to Etzel’s 
court. Originally he must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel’s 
land. Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in the early 
Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side of her brothers, but 
since this duty was given to Dietrich, he has nothing to do but to announce 
their arrival to Rudeger. His sleeping here may, however, be thought to 
indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXVII

How They Came To Bechelaren.

Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his 
daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard, that 
the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house. "My dearest 
love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble high-born kings, 
when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye must give fair 
greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther’s man. With them there cometh one also, 
hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen with courtesie. Ye 
and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the knights with gentle 
breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they were to do it. From the 
chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which they would go to meet the 
warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on that day. Men saw but little of 
false colors on the ladies’ cheeks; upon their heads they wore bright bands 
of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these were, that the winds might not dishevel 
their comely hair, and this is true i’ faith.

Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the plain 
was done by Rudeger’s friends, to where one found the lordings, whom men 
then received well into the margrave’s land. When the margrave, the doughty 
Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake: "Be ye welcome, 
fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you in my land." Low 
obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without all hate. That he 
bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen he gave a special 
greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker from Burgundy land he 
did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold knight spake: "Sith ye 
will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for our men-at-arms whom we 
have brought?"

Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship. 
I’ll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds and 
trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not even a 
single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye lose I’ll 
pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."

Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made merry. 
When that was done, the lordlings rode away and the footmen laid them 
everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had;

I ween, they never fared so gently on the way. The noble margravine with her 
fair daughter was come out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the 
lovely ladies and many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely 
robes they wore. The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing 
costly weeds. Fair indeed were they fashioned.

Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great 
courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and many 
other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could wish, went 
forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings were given there 
by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three kings, as did her 
mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father bade her kiss him, but 
when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful that she had fain left it 
undone. Yet she must needs perform what the host now bade her do. Her color 
changed first pale then red. Dankwart, too, she kissed, and then the 
minstrel. For his great prowess was this greeting given. The young 
margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher of the Burgundian land. The same 
her mother did to Gunther, the valiant man. Full merrily they went hence 
with the heroes. The host walked at Gernot’s side into a broad hall, where 
the knights and ladies sate them down. Soon they bade pour out for the 
guests good wine. Certes, heroes might never be better purveyed than they. 
Rudeger’s daughter was gazed upon with loving glances, so fair she was. 
Forsooth many a good knight caressed her in his mind. And well did she 
deserve this, so high she was of mood. The knights thought what they would, 
but it might not come to pass. Back and forth shot the glances at maids and 
dames. Of them sate there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host good will.

Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different 
sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers in 
lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went to table, 
but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by right. The 
guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.

When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again into 
the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake Folker, this 
brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel spake: "Mighty 
margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for he hath given you a 
passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An’ I were a prince," quoth 
the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would fain have to wife your 
comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is lovely for to see, thereto 
noble and good."

Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever crave 
the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth in such 
ease the maiden’s passing comeliness?"

To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An’ I might have a love 
after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."

Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take a wife. 
The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen would gladly 
serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."

This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed it joyed 
their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble Giselher took her 
to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what shall be joined 
together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and swore to give him 
the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely fair. For the maiden they 
set castles and land aside, and this the hand of the noble king did pledge 
with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that this should hap.

Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will ever serve 
you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my daughter, as an 
hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please the hero’s kin in 
honor."

After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a 
youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts, as young 
folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid whether she 
would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet she thought to 
take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as many another maid 
hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer yes, and gladly take 
him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and clasped her in his white 
hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy him.

Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride again 
(that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child, that ye may 
take her with you."

This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy. They 
bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep and rest 
them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the host purveyed 
them well.

When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands. "I’ll 
guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry still, for 
full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."

To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find the 
food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors another 
night?"

When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o’er this speech. My dear lords, 
ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I’d give you vittaile for a fortnight, with 
all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King Etzel hath taken from 
me as yet full little of my goods."

However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the 
fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that it 
was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer might 
they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger wot how to 
save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could not but please 
them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before the gate the many 
steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights. In their hands they 
bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel’s land. Before the noble 
guests come forth from the hall, the host had proffered everywhere his 
gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in mickle honors. To Giselher he had 
given his comely daughter; to Gunther, the worshipful knight, who seldom 
took a gift, he gave a coat of mail, which the noble and mighty king wore 
well with honor. Gunther bowed low over noble Rudeger’s hand. Then to Gernot 
he gave a weapon good enow, the which he later bare full gloriously in 
strife. Little did the margrave’s wife begrudge him the gift, but through it 
good Rudeger was forced to lose his life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving 
gift, as well befit her. He took it, sith the king had taken one, that he 
should not fare forth from her to the feasting, without her present. Later 
he gainsayed it. "Of all that I have ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to 
bear naught else save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that 
with me into Etzel’s land."

When the margravine heard Hagen’s speech, it minded her of her grief—tears 
became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung’s (3) death, whom Wittich 
had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow. To the knight she spake: 
"I’ll give you the shield. Would to God in heaven, that he still lived who 
bare it once in hand. He met his death in battle; for him must I ever weep, 
which giveth me, poor wife, dire woe."

The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she seized 
the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand. This gift 
was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk concealed its 
colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the daylight never 
shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its cost, ‘twere well 
worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be borne away.

Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave’s daughter gave great store 
of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing lordly 
wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have come into the 
hands of any, save through the kindness of the host, who proffered them so 
fair. Later they became such foes that they were forced to strike him dead.

Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before 
Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took his 
leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest. Now 
hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and placed them 
on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel’s land and wear them at 
court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell me how ye have 
served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he later carried out 
full well.

Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier, for I 
myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm you on the 
road."

Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five 
hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full merrily 
hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive to Bechlaren. 
With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did Giselher, as his 
gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they clasped fair wives. This 
many a high-born maid must needs bewail in later times. On every side they 
opened the casements, for the host with his liegemen would now mount their 
steeds. I ween their hearts did tell them of the bitter woes to come. Then 
wept many a dame and many a comely maid. They pined for their dear kinsmen, 
whom nevermore they saw in Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily across the 
sand, down along the Danube to the Hunnish land.

Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians: 
"Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left unsaid, 
for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."

So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side ‘twas 
told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine. Naught could 
have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before the envoys hasted 
with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in the Hunnish land.

"Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be 
coming in great state to visit thee."

Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see her kin, 
as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her fatherland. The 
king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very pleasure. "Now well is me 
of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen bring with them many a brand-new 
shield and white coat of mail. He who would have gold, let him bethink him 
of my sorrows, and I’ll ever be his friend."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.

(2) "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.

(3) "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.

335, by "Vidg"a (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of Wielant, the 
smith, in the battle of Gronsport. There, chap. 369, he is Gotelind’s 
brother, but in "Biterolf" and the "Rosengarten" he is her son.

(4) "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXVIII

How The Burgundians Came To Etzel’s Castle.

When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne did 
hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him welcome 
well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade fetch the 
steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to where he thought 
to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full many a lordly tent. 
When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to his lords he spake in 
courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise from your seats and go to 
meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder cometh a fellowship I know full 
well, they be full speedy knights from the Amelung land, (3) whom the lord 
of Berne doth lead— high-mettled warriors they. Scorn not the service that 
they proffer."

Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right, many 
a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where they found 
the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the Burgundian land. Ye 
may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of Uta, as he saw them 
coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he weened that Rudeger wist 
it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome, fair sirs, Gunther and 
Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and the doughty Dankwart. Know 
ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely for the hero of the Nibelung 
land?"

"Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years, done 
to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not again, he 
hath long been buried."

"Let us not talk of Siegfried’s wounds, but if Kriemhild still live, scathe 
may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope of the 
Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."

"Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys 
(why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him, 
hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."

"Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good knights 
to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady Kriemhild’s 
mood."

Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too, went 
and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne, what ye do 
know of the queen’s mood?"

Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I 
hear King Etzel’s wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God of 
heaven over the stalwart Siegfried’s death."

"That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be 
turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty 
knights among the Huns."

The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after the 
fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what manner 
of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales, that he had 
slain Kriemhild’s husband the mightiest of all heroes. For that cause alone 
much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The knight was fair of 
stature, that is full true; broad he was across the breast; his hair was 
mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his glance; lordly gait he 
had.

Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther’s fellowship was placed 
apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and therefore men 
later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, he was 
marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his followers, that he purvey 
them well and give them enow to eat; The hero of Burgundy bare them all good 
will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her maids-in-waiting to where, false of 
mood, she greeted the Nibelungs. Giselher alone she kissed and took by the 
hand. That Hagen of Troneg saw, and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a 
greeting," quoth Hagen, "doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth 
kings a greeting different from their men. We have not made a good journey 
to this feast." (4)

She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not for 
your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the Rhine, 
that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"

"Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had 
bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to this 
land."

"Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It was 
mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to Etzel’s 
land."

"I’ faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care of 
the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it must 
verily lie till doomsday."

Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of it 
hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in my care. 
Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."

"The devil I’ll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with my 
shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand, 
therefore I bring yon naught."

Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring 
weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I’ll have them taken in 
charge."

"I’ faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not the 
honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other arms to 
the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I myself will 
play the chamberlain."

"Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my brother 
not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and wist I, who 
hath done this, I’d ever plan his death."

To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "’Tis I, that hath warned the noble 
and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go to, thou 
she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."

Sore abashed was King Etzel’s wife, for bitterly she feared Sir Dietrich. At 
once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with furious glance upon 
her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other quickly by the hand, the one 
was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With gentle breeding the lusty hero 
spake:

"Forsooth I rue your coming to the Huns, because of what the queen hath 
said."

Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."

Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and therefore 
he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty king, "who yonder 
warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such friendly wise. He 
carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is sure a doughty knight."

A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from 
Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a grim 
man is he. I’ll let you see full well that I have told no lie."

"How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he wist 
not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her kin, so 
that she let none escape from the Huns alive.

"Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court gained 
mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my gold. The 
faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known Hagen every 
whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther of Spain. (6) 
Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again, Walther ran away with 
Hildegund."

He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied aright 
his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman service. Later 
in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich. 

He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".

(2) "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand’s nephew. In the "Thidreksaga" he falls in the 
battle of Gronsport.

(3) "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich’s land appears. 
Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged to the race of the Amali.

(4) "Feast". That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was innocent of 
Siegfried’s death, aroused Hagen’s suspicions.

(5) "Vassal". No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at Etzel’s court. 
He is probably confused here with his son, for Hagen’s stay with Etzel in 
various legends, as also in our poem a few lines further down.

(6) "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary personage of 
whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. 
epic, and the "Thidreksaga" tell. He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of 
the Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel’s court, as related here, but has to 
fight for his life against overpowering numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" 
against the pursuing Huns, in the other sources against the Burgundians. In 
both cases Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at first, 
out of friendship for Walther.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXIX

How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.

Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and Sir Dietrich. 
Over his shoulder Gunther’s liegeman gazed for a comrade-at-arms, whom he 
then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning fiddler, stand by Giselher, and 
begged him to join him, for well he knew his savage mood. He was in all 
things a bold knight and a good. Still they let the lordings stand in the 
court, only these twain alone men saw walk hence far across the court before 
a spacious palace. These chosen warriors feared the hate of none. They sate 
them down upon a bench before the house over against a hall, the which 
belonged to Kriemhild. Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds. Enow who 
gazed upon them would than have known the knights; as wild beasts the 
haughty heroes were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel’s wife, too, gazed 
upon them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again. Of her 
sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered Etzel’s men 
what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen hath done, ye 
heroes brave and good."

To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see you 
joyful? None there be so bold, an’ he hath done you aught, but it will cost 
him his life, if ye bid us venge you." 

"Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all he 
craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen;

"avenge me on Hagen, that he lose his life."

Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild’s sake. They would 
hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With forethought 
this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim of mood she 
spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give over. With so 
few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong and bold Hagen of 
Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the fiddler, is stronger 
still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not so lightly match these 
knights."

When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them 
ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes later 
fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the queen 
spake to the doughty knights:

"Now bide a while, ye must stand quite still in truth. Wearing my crown, I 
will go to meet my foes. List ye to the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, 
Gunther’s man, hath done me. I know him to be so haughty that he’ll not deny 
a whit. Little I reek what hap to him on this account."

Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the 
flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw this, 
to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how she walketh 
yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have never seen with 
a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such warlike guise. Know 
ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If so be, I counsel you to 
guard the better your life and honor. Certes, methinks this good. They be 
wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and some be so broad of chest that he 
who would guard himself should do so betimes. I ween there be those among 
them who wear bright breastplates. Whom they would attack, I cannot say."

Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all this 
be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in hand. For 
aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land. Now tell me, friend 
Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance Kriemhild’s men would 
fight me? Pray let me hear that, if so be ye hold me dear. I’ll aid you 
evermore with faithful service."

"I’ll help you surely," spake the minstrel; "and should I see the king with 
all his warriors draw near us, not one foot will I yield from fear in aiding 
you, the while I live."

"Now may God in heaven requite you, noble Folker; though they strive against 
me, what need I more? Sith ye will help me, as I hear you say, let these 
warriors come on full-armed."

"Let us rise now from our seats," spake the minstrel. "Let us do her honor 
as she passeth by, she is a high-born dame, a queen. We shall thereby honor 
ourselves as well."

"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "Should I go hence, these knights would 
think ‘twas through fear. Not for one of them will I ever rise from my seat. 
It beseemeth us both better, forsooth, to leave this undone, for why should 
I honor one who doth bear me hatred? Nor will I do this, the while I live; I 
reck not how King Etzel’s wife doth hate me."

Haughty Hagen laid across his knees a gleaming sword from whose pommel a 
sparkling jasper, greener than grass, did shine. Its hilt was golden, its 
sheath an edging of red. That it was Siegfried’s, Kriemhild knew full well. 
She must needs grow sad when that she knew the sword, for it minded her of 
her wrongs; she began to weep. I ween bold Hagen had done it for this cause. 
Folker, the bold, drew nearer to the bench a fiddle bow, strong, mickle, and 
long, like unto a broad, sharp sword, and there the two lusty knights sate 
undaunted. These two brave men did think themselves so lordly, that they 
would not leave their seats through fear of any man. The noble queen walked 
therefore to their very feet and gave them hostile greeting. She spake: "Now 
tell me, Hagen, who hath sent for you, that ye durst ride hither to this 
land, sith ye know full well what ye have done me? Had ye good wits, ye 
should have left it undone, by rights."

"No one sent for me," quoth Hagen. "Men bade to this land three knights, who 
hight my lords. I am their liegeman, and full seldom have I stayed behind 
when they journeyed to any court."

Quoth she: "Now tell me further, why ye did this, through the which ye have 
earned my hate? Ye slew Siegfried, my dear husband, for which I have cause 
enow to weep until mine end."

Quoth he: "What booteth more, enow is already said. It is just I, Hagen, who 
slew Siegfried, a hero of his hands. How sorely did he atone that Lady 
Kriemhild railed at comely Brunhild. ‘Tis not to be denied, O mighty queen, 
I alone am to blame for this scathful scathe. (1) Let him avenge it who 
will, be he wife or man. Unless be I should lie to you, I have dons you much 
of harm."

Quoth she: "Now hear, ye knights, how he denieth no whit of my wrongs. Men 
of Etzel, I care not what hap to him from this cause."

The proud warriors all gazed at one another. Had any began the fight, it 
would have come about that men must have given the honors to the two 
comrades, for they had oft wrought wonders in the fray. What the Huns had 
weened to do must now needs be left. undone through fear.

Then spake one of the men-at-arms: "Why gaze ye thus at me? What I afore 
vowed, I will now give over. I will lose my life for no man’s gift. Forsooth 
King Etzel’s wife would fain lead us into wrong."

Quoth another hard by: "Of the selfsame mind am I. An’ any give me towers of 
good red gold, I would not match this fiddler, for his fearful glances, the 
which I have seen him cast. Hagen, too, I have known from his youthful days, 
wherefore men can tell me little of this knight. I have seen him fight in 
two and twenty battles, through which woe of heart hath happed to many a 
dame. He and the knight from Spain trod many a war path, when here at 
Etzel’s court they waged so many wars in honor of the king. Much this 
happed, wherefore one must justly honor Hagen. At that time the warrior was 
of his years a lad. How gray are they who then were young! Now is he come to 
wit and is a man full grim. Balmung, (2) too, he beareth, the which he won 
in evil wise."

Therewith the strife was parted, so that no one fought, which mightily rued 
the queen. The warriors turned them hence; in sooth they feared their death 
at the fiddler’s hands, and surely they had need of this. Then spake the 
fiddler: "We have now well seen that we shall find foes here, as we heard 
tell afore. Let us go to court now to the kings, then dare none match our 
lords in fight. how oft a man doth leave a thing undone through fear, the 
which he would not do, when friend standeth by friend in friendly (3) wise, 
an’ he have good wits. Scathe to many a man is lightly warded off by 
forethought."

Quoth Hagen: "Now will I follow you."

They went to where they found the dapper warriors standing in the court in a 
great press of welcoming knights.

Bold Folker gan speak loudly to his lords: "How long will ye stand and let 
yourselves be jostled? Ye must go to court and hear from the king of what 
mind he be."

Men then saw the brave heroes and good pair off. The prince of Berne took by 
the hand the mighty Gunther of Burgundian land. Irnfried (4) took the brave 
knight Gernot, while Rudeger was seen to go to court with Giselher. But 
however any paired, Folker and Hagen never parted, save in one fray, when 
their end was come, and this noble ladies must needs greatly bewail in after 
time.

With the kings one saw go to court a thousand brave men of their

fellowship, thereto sixty champions that were come with them,

whom the bold Hagen had taken from his land. Hawart and Iring,

(5) two chosen men, were seen to walk together near the kings. 

Men saw Dankwart and Wolfhart, a peerless knight, display their chivalry 
before all eyes.

When the lord of the Rhine had entered the hall, the mighty Etzel delayed no 
longer, but sprang from his throne when he saw him come. Never did so fair a 
greeting hap from any king. "Be welcome, Sir ,Gunther, and Sir Gernot, too, 
and your brother Giselher. I sent you truly my faithful service to Worms 
beyond the Rhine. All your fellowship, too, I welcome. Now be ye passing 
welcome, ye two knights, Folker, the brave, and Sir Hagen likewise, to me 
and to my lady, here in this our land. She sent you many a messenger to the 
Rhine."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "I heard much talk of that, and were I not come 
to the Huns for the sake of my lords, I should have ridden in your honor to 
this land."

The noble host then took his dear guests by the hand and led them to the 
settle where he sate himself. Busily they poured out for the guests in broad 
bowls of gold, mead, morat, (6) and wine and bade those far from home be 
welcome. Then spake King Etzel: "Let me tell you this; it might not liefer 
hap to me in all this world, than through you heroes, that ye be come to see 
me. Through this much sadness is also taken from the queen. Me-wondereth 
greatly what I have done you noble strangers, that ye never recked to come 
into my land. My sadness is turned to joy, since now I see you here."

To this Rudeger, a high-mettled knight, made answer: "Ye may be glad to see 
them. Good is the fealty which the kinsmen of my lady wot how to use so 
well. They bring also to your house many a stately knight."

Upon a midsummer’s eve the lords were come to the court of the mighty Etzel. 
Seldom hath there been heard such lofty greeting as when he welcomed the 
heroes. When now the time to eat was come, the king went with them to the 
board. Never did host sit fairer with his guests. Men gave them meat and 
drink to the full. All that they craved stood ready for them, for mickle 
wonders had been told about these knights.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Scathful scathe" here imitates the M.H.G. "scaden scedelich".

(2) "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.

(3) "friend . . . friendly". This repetition occurs in the original.

(4) "Irnfried", see Adventure XXII, note 8.

(5) "Hawart" and "Iring", Adventure XXII, notes 6 and 7.

(6) "Morat" (M.H.G. "moraz") from late Latin "moratum", mulberry wine, is a 
beverage composed of honey flavored with mulberry-juice.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXX

How They Kept The Watch.

The day had now an end, and the night drew nigh. Care beset the wayworn 
travelers, as to when they should go to bed and rest them. This Hagen 
bespake with Etzel, and it was told them soon.

Gunther spake to the host: "God be with you, we would fain go to our sleep, 
pray give us leave. We will come early on the morrow, whensoever ye bid."

Etzel parted then full merrily from his guests. Men pressed the strangers on 
every side, at which brave Folker spake to the Huns:

"How dare ye crowd before the warriors’ feet? An’ ye will not leave this, ye 
will fare full ill. I’ll smite some man so heavy a fiddle blow, that if he 
have a faithful friend he may well bewail it. Why give ye not way before us 
knights? Methinks ‘twere well. All pass for knights, but be not of equal 
mettle."

As the fiddler spake thus in wrath, Hagen, the brave, looked behind him. He 
spake: "The bold gleeman doth advise you right, ye men of Kriemhild, ye 
should hie you to your lodgings. I ween none of you will do what ye are 
minded, but would ye begin aught, come early on the morrow, and let us 
wanderers have peace to-night. Certes, I ween that it hath never happed with 
such good will on the part of heroes."

Then the guests were brought into a spacious hall, which they found purveyed 
on every side with costly beds, long and broad, for the warriors. Lady 
Kriemhild planned the very greatest wrongs against them. One saw there many 
a cunningly wrought quilt from Arras (1) of shining silken cloth and many a 
coverlet of Arabian silk, the best that might be had; upon this ran a border 
that shone in princely wise. Many bed covers of ermine and of black sable 
were seen, beneath which they should have their ease at night, until the 
dawn of day. Never hath king lain so lordly with his meiny.

"Alas for these night quarters," spake Giselher, the youth, "and alas for my 
friends, who be come with us. However kindly my sister greeted us, yet I do 
fear me that through her fault we must soon lie dead."

"Now give over your care," quoth Hagen, the knight. "I’ll stand watch myself 
to-night. I trow to guard us well, until the day doth come. Therefore have 
no fear; after that, let him survive who may."

All bowed low and said him gramercy. Then went they to their beds. A short 
while after the stately men had laid them down, bold Hagen, the hero, began 
to arm him. Then the fiddler, Knight Folker, spake: "If it scorn you not, 
Hagen, I would fain hold the watch with you to-night, until the early morn."

The hero then thanked Folker in loving wise: "Now God of heaven requite you, 
dear Folker. In all my cares, I would crave none other than you alone, 
whenever I had need. I shall repay you well, and death hinder me not."

Both then donned their shining armor and either took his shield in hand, 
walked out of the house and stood before the door. Thus they cared for the 
guests in faithful wise. The doughty Folker leaned his good shield against 
the side of the hall, then turned him back and fetched his fiddle and served 
his friends as well befit the hero. Beneath the door of the house he sate 
him down upon a stone; bolder fiddler was there never. When the tones of the 
strings rang forth so sweetly, the proud wanderers gave Folker thanks. At 
first the strings twanged so that the whole house resounded; his strength 
and his skill were both passing great. Then sweeter and softer he began to 
play, and thus many a care-worn man he lulled to sleep. When he marked that 
all had fallen asleep, the knight took again his shield and left the room 
and took his stand before the tower, and there he guarded the wanderers 
against Kriemhild’s men.

‘Twas about the middle of the night (I know not but what it happed a little 
earlier), that bold Folker spied the glint of a helmet afar in the darkness. 
Kriemhild’s men would fain have harmed the guests. Then the fiddler spake: 
"Sir Hagen, my friend, it behooveth us to bear these cares together. Before 
the house I see armed men stand, and err I not, I ween, they would encounter 
us!"

"Be silent," quoth Hagen, "let them draw nearer before they be ware of us. 
Then will helmets be dislodged by the swords in the hands of us twain. They 
will be sent back to Kriemhild in evil plight."

One of the Hunnish warriors (full soon that happed) marked that the door was 
guarded. How quickly then he spake: "That which we have in mind may not now 
come to pass. I see the fiddler stand on guard. On his head he weareth a 
glittering helmet, shining and hard, strong and whole. His armor rings flash 
out like fire. By him standeth Hagen; in sooth the guests be guarded well."

Straightway they turned again. When Folker saw this, wrathfully he spake to 
his comrade-at-arms: "Now let me go from the house to the warriors. I would 
fain put some questions to Lady Kriemhild’s men."

"For my sake, no," quoth Hagen. "If ye leave the house, the doughty knights 
are like to bring you in such stress with their swords, that I must aid you 
even should it be the death of all my kin. As soon as we be come into the 
fray, twain of them, or four, would in a short time run into the house and 
would bring such scathe upon the sleepers, that we might never cease to 
mourn."

Then Folker answered: "Let us bring it to pass that they note that I have 
seen them, so that Kriemhild’s men may not deny that they would fain have 
acted faithlessly."

Straightway Folker then called out to them: "How go ye thus armed, ye 
doughty knights? Would ye ride to rob, ye men of Kriemhild? Then must ye 
have the help of me and my comrade-at-arms."

To this none made reply. Angry grew his mood. "Fy! Ye evil cowards," spake 
the good knight, "would ye have murdered us asleep? That hath been done full 
seldom to such good heroes."

Then the queen was told that her messengers had compassed naught. Rightly it 
did vex her, and with wrathful mood she made another plan. Through this 
brave heroes and good must needs thereafter perish.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Arras", the capital of Artois in the French Netherlands. 

In older English "arras" is used also for tapestry.

 

ADVENTURE XXXI. (1)

How They Went To Church.

"My coat of mail groweth cold," said Folker. "I ween the night hath run its 
course. By the air I mark that day is near."

Then they waked the many knights who still lay sleeping. The light of dawn 
shone into the hall upon the strangers. On all sides Hagen gan wake the 
warriors, if perchance they would fain go to the minster for mass. Men now 
loudly rang the bells in Christian fashion. Heathens and Christians did not 
sing alike, so that it was seen full well that they were not as one. 
Gunther’s liegemen now would go to church, and all alike had risen from 
their beds. The champions laced them into such goodly garments, that never 
did hero bring better clothes to the land of any king. This vexed Hagen. He 
spake: "Heroes, ye should wear here other clothes. Certes, ye know full well 
the tales. Instead of roses, bear weapons in your hands; instead of jeweled 
chaplets, your bright helms and good, sith ye know full well the wicked 
Kriemhild’s mood. Let me tell you, we must fight to-day, so instead of 
silken shirts, wear hauberks, and instead of rich cloaks, good shields and 
broad, so that if any grow angry with you, ye be full armed. Dear my lords, 
and all my kin and liegemen, go willingly to church and make plaint to the 
mighty God of your fears and need, for know full sure that death draweth 
nigh us. Nor must ye forget to confess aught that ye have done and stand 
full zealously before your God. Of this I warn you, noble knights, unless 
God in heaven so will, ye’ll never more hear mass."

So the princes and their liegemen went to the minster. In the holy 
churchyard bold Hagen bade them halt, that they might not be parted. He 
spake: "Of a truth none knoweth what will hap to us from the Huns. Place, my 
friends, your shields before your feet, and if any proffer you cold 
greeting, repay it with deep and mortal wounds. That is Hagen’s counsel, 
that ye may so be found as doth befit your honor."

Folker and Hagen, the twain, then hied them to the spacious minster. This 
was done that the queen might press upon them in the crowd. Certes, she was 
passing grim. Then came the lord of the land and his fair wife, her body 
adorned with rich apparel;

Doughty warriors, too, were seen to walk beside her. One saw the dust rise 
high from Kriemhild’s band. When mighty Etzel spied the kings and their 
fellowship thus armed, how quick he spake:

"Why do I see my friends thus go with helmets? Upon my troth, it grieveth 
me, and hath any done them aught, I shall gladly make amends, as doth think 
them good. Hath any made heavy their hearts or mood, I’ll show them well, 
that it doth irk me much. I am ready for whatever they command me."

To this Hagen answered: "None hath done us aught; it is the custom of my 
lordings that they go armed at all high feasts for full three days. We 
should tell Etzel, had aught been done us."

Kriemhild heard full well what Hagen spake. How right hostilely she gazed 
into his eyes! She would not tell the custom of their land, albeit she had 
known it long in Burgundy. However grim and strong the hate she bare them, 
yet had any told Etzel the truth, he would have surely hindered what later 
happed. Because of their great haughtiness they scorned to tell him. When 
the great crowd went past with the queen, these twain, Hagen and Folker, 
would not step back more than two hand-breadths, the which irked the Huns. 
Forsooth they had to jostle with the lusty heroes. This thought King Etzel’s 
chamberlains not good. Certes, they would have fain angered the champions, 
but that they durst not before the noble king. So there was much jostling, 
but nothing more.

When they had worshiped God and would hence again, many a Hunnish warrior 
horsed him passing soon, At Kriemhild’s side stood many a comely maid, and 
well seven thousand knights rode with the queen. Kriemhild with her ladies 
sate her down at the easements by the side of the mighty Etzel, which was 
him lief, for they would watch the lusty heroes joust. Ho, what stranger 
knights rode before them in the court! Then was come the marshal with the 
squires. Bold Dankwart had taken to him his lord’s retainers from the 
Burgundian land; the steeds of the Nibelungs they found well saddled. When 
now the kings and their men were come to horse, stalwart Folker gan advise 
that they should ride a joust after the fashion of their land. At this the 
heroes rode in lordly wise; none it irked what the knight had counseled. The 
hurtling and the noise waxed loud, as the many men rode into the broad 
court. Etzel and Kriemhild themselves beheld the scene. To the jousts were 
come six hundred knights of Dietrich’s men to match the strangers, for they 
would have pastime with the Burgundians. Fain would they have done it, had 
he given them leave. Ho, what good champions rode in their train! The tale 
was told to Sir Dietrich and he forbade the game with Gunther’s men; he 
feared for his liegemen, and well he might.

When those of Berne had departed thence, there came the men of Rudeger from 
Bechelaren, five hundred strong, with shields, riding out before the hall. 
It would have been lief to the margrave, had they left it undone. Wisely he 
rode then to them through the press and said to his knights, that they were 
ware that Gunther’s men were evil-minded toward them. If they would leave 
off the jousting, it would please him much. When now these lusty heroes 
parted from them, then came those of Thuringia, as we are told, and well a 
thousand brave men from Denmark. From the tilting one saw many truncheons 
(2) flying hence. Irnfried and Hawart now rode into the tourney. Proudly 
those from the Rhine awaited them and offered the men of Thuringia many a 
joust. Many a lordly shield was riddled by the thrusts. Thither came then 
Sir Bloedel with three thousand men. Well was he seen of Etzel and 
Kriemhild, for the knightly sports happed just before the twain. The queen 
saw it gladly, that the Burgundians might come to grief. Schrutan (3) and 
Gibecke, Ramung and Hornbog, (4) rode into the tourney in Hunnish wise. To 
the heroes from Burgundian land they addressed them. High above the roof of 
the royal hall the spear-shafts whirled. Whatever any there plied, ‘twas but 
a friendly rout. Palace and hall were heard resounding loud through the 
clashing of the shields of Gunther’s men. With great honor his meiny gained 
the meed. Their pastime was so mickle and so great, that from beneath the 
housings of the good steeds, which the heroes rode, there flowed the frothy 
sweat. In haughty wise they encountered with the Huns.

Then spake the fiddler, Folker the minstrel: "I ween these warriors dare not 
match us. I’ve aye heard the tale, that they bear us hate, and forsooth it 
might never fortune better for them than now." Again Folker spake: "Let our 
steeds be now led away to their lodgings and let us joust again toward 
eventide, and there be time. Perchance the queen may accord to the 
Burgundians the prize."

Then one was seen riding hither so proudly, that none of all the Huns could 
have done the like. Certes, he must have had a sweetheart on the 
battlements. As well attired he rode as the bride of any noble knight. At 
sight of him Folker spake again:

"How could I give this over? This ladies’ darling must have a buffet. None 
shall prevent me and it shall cost him dear. In truth I reck not, if it vex 
King Etzel’s wife."

"For my sake, No," spake straightway King Gunther. "The people will blame 
us, if we encounter them. ‘Twill befit us better far, an’ we let the Huns 
begin the strife."

King Etzel was still sitting by the queen.

"I’ll join you in the tourney," quoth Hagen then. "Let the ladies and the 
knights behold how we can ride. That will be well, for they’ll give no meed 
to King Gunther’s men."

The doughty Folker rode into the lists again, which soon gave many a dame 
great dole. His spear he thrust through the body of the dapper Hun; this 
both maid and wife were seen thereafter to bewail. Full hard and fast gan 
Hagen and his liegemen and sixty of his knights ride towards the fiddler, 
where the play was on. This Etzel and Kriemhild clearly saw. The three kings 
would not leave their minstrel without guard amidst the foe. Cunningly a 
thousand heroes rode; with haughty bearing they did whatso they would. When 
now the wealthy Hun was slain, men heard his kin cry out and wail. All the 
courtiers asked: "Who hath done this deed?"

"That the fiddler did, Folker, the valiant minstrel."

The margrave’s kindred from the Hunnish land called straightway for their 
swords and shields, and would fain have done Folker to death. Fast the host 
gan hasten from the windows. Great rout arose from the folk on every side. 
The kings and their fellowship, the Burgundian men, alighted before the hall 
and drove their horses to the rear. Then King Etzel came to part the strife. 
From the hand of a kinsman of the Hun he wrenched a sturdy weapon and drove 
them all back again, for full great was his wrath. "Why should my courtesie 
to these knights go all for naught? Had ye slain this minstrel at my court," 
spake King Etzel, "’twere evil done. I saw full well how he rode, when he 
thrust through the Hun, that it happed through stumbling, without any fault 
of his. Ye must let my guests have peace."

Thus he became their safe-guard. To the stalls men led away the steeds; many 
a varlet they had, who served them well with zeal in every service. The host 
now hied him to his palace with his friends, nor would he let any man grow 
wroth again. Then men set up the tables and bare forth water for the guests. 
Forsooth the men from the Rhine had there enow of stalwart foes. ‘Twas long 
before the lords were seated.

Meanwhile Kriemhild’s fears did trouble her passing sore. She spake: "My 
lord of Berne, I seek thy counsel, help, and favor, for mine affairs do 
stand in anxious wise."

Then Hildebrand, a worshipful knight, made answer to her: "And any slay the 
Nibelungs for the sake of any hoard, he will do it without my aid. It may 
well repent him, for they be still unconquered, these doughty and lusty 
knights."

Then Spake Sir Dietrich in his courteous wise: "Let be this wish, O mighty 
queen. Thy kinsmen have done me naught of wrong, that I should crave to 
match these valiant knights in strife. Thy request honoreth thee little, 
most noble queen, that thou dost plot against the life of thy kinsfolk. They 
came in hope of friendship to this land. Siegfried will not be avenged by 
Dietrich’s hand."

When she found no whit of faithlessness in the lord of Berne, quickly she 
promised Bloedel a broad estate, that Nudung (5) owned aforetime. Later he 
was slain by Hagen, so that he quite forgot the gift. She spake: "Thou must 
help me, Sir Bloedel, forsooth my foes be in this house, who slew Siegfried, 
my dear husband. Ever will I serve him, that helpeth me avenge this deed."

To this Bloedel replied: "My lady, now may ye know that because of Etzel I 
dare not, in sooth, advise to hatred against them, for he is fain to see thy 
kinsmen at his court. The king would ne’er forget it of me, and I did them 
aught of wrong."

"Not so, Sir Bloedel, for I shall ever be thy friend. Certes, I’ll give thee 
silver and gold as guerdon and a comely maid, the wife of Nudung, whose 
lovely body thou mayst fain caress. I’ll give thee his land and all his 
castles, too, so that thou mayst always live in joy, Sir knight, if thou 
dost now win the lands where Nudung dwelt. Faithfully will I keep, whatso I 
vow to thee to-day."

When Sir Bloedel heard the guerdon, and that the lady through her beauty 
would befit him well, he weened to serve the lovely queen in strife. Because 
of this the champion must needs lose his life. To the queen he spake: 
"Betake you again to the hall, and before any be aware, I’ll begin a fray 
and Hagen must atone for what he hath done you. I’ll deliver to you King 
Gunther’s liegeman bound. Now arm you, my men," spake Bloedel. "We must 
hasten to the lodgings of the foes, for King Etzel’s wife doth crave of me 
this service, wherefore we heroes must risk our lives."

When the queen left Bloedel in lust of battle, she went to table with King 
Etzel and his men. Evil counsels had she held against the guests. Since the 
strife could be started in no other wise (Kriemhild’s ancient wrong still 
lay deep buried in her heart), she bade King Etzel’s son be brought to 
table. How might a woman ever do more ghastly deed for vengeance’ sake? Four 
of Etzel’s men went hence anon and bare Ortlieb, (6) the young prince, to 
the lordings’ table, where Hagen also sat. Because of this the child must 
needs die through Hagen’s mortal hate.

When now the mighty king beheld his son, kindly he spake to the kinsmen of 
his wife: "Now see, my friends, this is the only son of me and of your 
sister. This may be of profit to you all, for if he take after his kinsmen, 
he’ll become a valiant man, mighty and noble, strong and fashioned fair. 
Twelve lands will I give him, and I live yet a while. Thus may the hand of 
young Ortlieb serve you well. I do therefore beseech you, dear friends of 
mine, that when ye ride again to your lands upon the Rhine, ye take with you 
your sister’s son and act full graciously toward the child, and bring him up 
in honor till he become a man. Hath any done you aught in all these lands, 
he’ll help you to avenge it, when he groweth up."

This speech was also heard by Kriemhild, King Etzel’s wife.

"These knights might well trust him," quoth Hagen, "if he grew to be a man, 
but the young prince doth seem so fey, (7) that I shall seldom be seen to 
ride to Ortlieb’s court."

The king glanced at Hagen, for much the speech did irk him; and though the 
gentle prince said not a word, it grieved his heart and made him heavy of 
his mood. Nor was Hagen’s mind now bent on pastime. But all the lordings and 
the king were hurt by what Hagen had spoken of the child; it vexed them 
sore, that they were forced to hear it. They wot not the things as yet, 
which should happen to them through this warrior.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Adventure XXXI". This adventure is of late origin, being found only in 
our poem. See the introduction.

(2) "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.

(3) "Schrutan". This name does not occur elsewhere. Piper suggests, that 
perhaps a Scotchman is meant, as "Skorottan" appears in the "Thidreksaga", 
chap. 28, as an ancient name of Scotland.

(4) "Gibecke", "Ramung" and "Hornbog", see Adventure XXII, notes 4 and 5.

(5) "Nudung", see Adventure XXVII, note 3.

(6) "Ortlieb". In the "Thidreksaga" Etzel’s son is called Aldrian. There, 
however, he is killed because he strikes Hagen in the face, here in revenge 
for the killing of the Burgundian footmen.

(7) "Fey", see Adventure V, note 2.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXXII (1)

How Bloedel Was Slain.

Full ready were now Bloedel’s warriors. A thousand hauberks strong, they 
hied them to where Dankwart sate at table with the squires. Then the very 
greatest hate arose among the heroes. When Sir Bloedel drew near the tables, 
Dankwart, the marshal, greeted him in courteous wise. "Welcome, Sir Bloedel, 
in our house. In truth me-wondereth at thy coming. What doth it mean?"

"Forsooth, thou needst not greet me," so spake Bloedel; "for this coming of 
mine doth mean thine end. Because of Hagen, thy brother, by whom Siegfried 
was slain, thou and many other knights must suffer here among the Huns."

"Not so, Sir Bloedel," quoth Dankwart, "else this journey to your court 
might rue us sore. I was but a little child when Siegfried lost his life. I 
know not what blame King Etzel’s wife could put on me."

"Of a truth, I wot not how to tell you of these tales; thy kinsmen, Gunther 
and Hagen, did the deed. Now ward you, ye wanderers, ye may not live. With 
your death must ye become Kriemhild’s pledge."

"And ye will not turn you," quoth Dankwart, "then do my entreaties rue me; 
they had better far been spared."

The doughty knight and brave sprang up from the table; a sharp weapon, 
mickle and long, he drew and dealt Bloedel so fierce a sword-stroke that his 
head lay straightway at his feet. "Let that be thy marriage morning gift," 
(2) spake Dankwart, the knight, "for Nudung’s bride, whom thou wouldst 
cherish with thy love. They call betroth her to another man upon the morn. 
Should he crave the dowry, ‘twill be given to him eftsoon." A faithful Hun 
had told him that the queen did plan against them such grievous wrongs.

When Bloedel’s men beheld their lord lie slain, no longer would they stand 
this from the guests. With uplifted swords they rushed, grim of mood, upon 
the youthful squires. Many a one did rue this later. Loudly Dankwart called 
to all the fellowship:

"Ye see well, noble squires, how matters stand. Now ward you, wanderers! 
Forsooth we have great need, though Kriemhild asked us here in right 
friendly wise."

Those that had no sword reached down in front of the benches and lifted many 
a long footstool by its legs. The Burgundian squires would now abide no 
longer, but with the heavy stools they dealt many bruises through the 
helmets. How fiercely the stranger youths did ward them! Out of the house 
they drove at last the men-at-arms, but five hundred of them, or better, 
stayed behind there dead. The fellowship was red and wot with blood.

These grievous tales were told now to Etzel’s knights; grim was their 
sorrow, that Bloedel and his men were slain. This Hagen’s brother and his 
squires had done. Before the king had learned it, full two thousand Huns or 
more armed them through hatred and hied them to the squires (this must needs 
be), and of the fellowship they left not one alive. The faithless Huns 
brought a mickle band before the house. Well the strangers stood their 
ground, but what booted their doughty prowess? Dead they all must lie. Then 
in a few short hours there rose a fearful dole. Now ye may hear wonders of a 
monstrous thing. Nine thousand yeomen lay there slain and thereto twelve 
good knights of Dankwart’s men. One saw him stand alone still by the foe. 
The noise was hushed, the din had died away, when Dankwart, the hero, gazed 
over his shoulders. He spake: "Woe is me, for the friends whom I have lost! 
Now must I stand, alas, alone among my foes."

Upon his single person the sword-strokes fell thick and fast. The wife of 
many a hero must later mourn for this. Higher he raised his shield, the 
thong he lowered; the rings of many an armor he made to drip with blood. 
"Woe is me of all this sorrow," quoth Aldrian’s son. (3) "Give way now, 
Hunnish warriors, and let me out into the breeze, that the air may cool me, 
fight-weary man."

Then men saw the warrior walk forth in full lordly wise. As the strife-weary 
man sprang from the house, how many added swords rang on his helmet! Those 
that had not seen what wonders his hand had wrought sprang towards the hero 
of the Burgundian land. "Now would to God," quoth Dankwart, "that I might 
find a messenger who could let my brother Hagen know I stand in such a 
plight before these knights. He would help me hence, or lie dead at my 
side."

Then spake the Hunnish champions: "Thou must be the messenger thyself, when 
we bear thee hence dead before thy brother. For the first time Gunther’s 
vassal will then become acquaint with grief. Passing great scathe hast thou 
done King Etzel here."

Quoth he: "Now give over these threats and stand further back, or I’ll wot 
the armor rings of some with blood. I’ll tell the tale at court myself and 
make plaint to my lords of my great dole."

So sorely he dismayed King Etzel’s men that they durst not withstand him 
with their swords, so they shot such great store of darts into his shield 
that he must needs lay it from his hand for very heaviness. Then they weened 
to overpower him, sith he no longer bare a shield. Ho, what deep wounds he 
struck them through their helmets! From this many a brave man was forced to 
reel before him, and bold Dankwart gained thereby great praise. From either 
side they sprang upon him, but in truth a many of them entered the fray too 
soon. Before his foes he walked, as doth a boar to the woods before the 
dogs. How might he be more brave? His path was ever wot with recking’ blood. 
Certes, no single champion might ever fight better with his foes than he had 
done. Men now saw Hagen’s brother go to court in lordly wise. Sewers (4) and 
cupbearers heard the ring of swords, and full many a one cast from his hand 
the drink and whatever food he bare to court. Enow strong foes met Dankwart 
at the stairs.

"How now, ye sewers," spake the weary knight. "Forsooth ye should serve well 
the guests and bear to the lords good cheer and let me bring the tidings to 
my dear masters."

Those that sprang towards him on the steps to show their prowess, he dealt 
so heavy a sword-stroke, that for fear they must needs stand further back. 
His mighty strength wrought mickle wonders.

ENDNOTES:

(1) Adventure XXXII. The details of the following scenes differ materially 
in the various sources. A comparative study of them will be found in the 
works of Wilmanns and Boer.

(2) "Marriage morning gift" (M.H.G. "morgengabe") was given by the 
bridegroom to the bride on the morning after the wedding. See Adventure XIX, 
note 1.

(3) "Aldrian’s son", i.e., Dankwart.

(4) "Sewers" (O.F. "asseour", M.L. "adsessor" ‘one who sets the table’; cf. 
F. "asseoir" ‘to set’, ‘place’, Lat. "ad sedere"), older English for an 
upper servant who brought on and removed the dishes from the table.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXXIII

How The Burgundians Fought The Huns.

When brave Dankwart was come within the door, he bade King Etzel’s meiny 
step aside. His garments dripped with blood and in his hand he bare 
unsheathed a mighty sword. Full loud he called out to the knight: "Brother 
Hagen, ye sit all too long, forsooth. To you and to God in heaven do I make 
plaint of our woe. Our knights and squires all lie dead within their 
lodgements."

He called in answer: "Who hath done this deed?"

"That Sir Bloedel hath done with his liegemen, but he hath paid for it 
dearly, as I can tell you, for with mine own hands I struck off his head."

"It is but little scathe," quoth Hagen, "if one can only say of a knight 
that he hath lost his life at a warrior’s hands. Stately dames shall mourn 
him all the less. Now tell me, brother Dankwart, how comes it that ye be so 
red of hue? Ye suffer from wounds great dole, I ween. If there be any in the 
land that hath done you this, ‘twill cost his life, and the foul fiend save 
him not."

"Ye see me safe and sound; my weeds alone are wot with blood. This hath 
happed from wounds of other men, of whom I have slain so many a one to-day 
that, had I to swear it, I could not tell the tale."

"Brother Dankwart," he spake, "guard us the door and let not a single Hun go 
forth. I will hold speech with the warriors, as our need constraineth us, 
for our meiny lieth dead before them, undeserved."

"If I must be chamberlain," quoth the valiant man, "I well wet how to serve 
such mighty kings and will guard the stairway, as doth become mine honors." 
Naught could have been more loth to Kriemhild’s knights.

"Much it wondereth me," spake Hagen, "what the Hunnish knights be whispering 
in here. I ween, they’d gladly do without the one that standeth at the door, 
and who told the courtly tale to us Burgundians. Long since I have heard it 
said of Kriemhild, that she would not leave unavenged her dole of heart. Now 
let us drink to friendship (1) and pay for the royal wine. The young lord of 
the Huns shall be the first."

Then the good knight Hagen smote the child Ortlieb, so that the blood 
spurted up the sword towards his hand and the head fell into the lap of the 
queen. At this there began a murdering, grim and great, among the knights. 
Next he dealt the master who taught the child a fierce sword-stroke with 
both his hands, so that his head fell quickly beneath the table to the 
ground. A piteous meed it was, which he meted out to the master. Hagen then 
spied a gleeman sitting at King Etzel’s board. In his wrath he hied him 
thither and struck off his right hand upon the fiddle. "Take this as message 
to the Burgundian land."

"Woe is me of my hand," spake the minstrel Werbel. "Sir Hagen of Troneg, 
what had I done to you? I came in good faith to your masters’ land. How can 
I now thrum the tunes, sith I have lost my hand?"

Little recked Hagen, played he nevermore. In the hall he dealt out fierce 
deadly wounds to Etzel’s warriors, passing many of whom he slew. Enow of 
folk in the house he did to death. The doughty Folker now sprang up from the 
board; loud rang in his hands his fiddle bow. Rudely did Gunther’s minstrel 
play. Ho, what foes he made him among the valiant Huns! The three noble 
kings, too, sprang up from the table. Gladly would they have parted the 
fray, or ever greater scathe was done. With all their wit they could not 
hinder it, when Folker and Hagen gan rage so sore. When that the lord of the 
Rhine beheld the fray unparted, the prince dealt his foes many gaping wounds 
himself through the shining armor rings. That he was a hero of his hands, he 
gave great proof. Then the sturdy Gernot joined the strife. Certes, he did 
many a hero of the Huns to death with a sharp sword, the which Rudeger had 
given him. Mighty wounds he dealt King Etzel’s warriors. Now the young son 
of Lady Uta rushed to the fray. Gloriously his sword rang on the helmets of 
Etzel’s warriors from the Hunnish land. Full mickle wonders were wrought by 
bold Giselher’s hand. But how so doughty they all were, the kings and their 
liegemen, yet Folker was seen to stand before them all against the foe; a 
good hero he. Many a one he made to fall in his blood through wounds. 
Etzel’s men did fend them, too, full well, yet one saw the strangers go 
hewing with their gleaming swords through the royal hall and on every side 
was heard great sound of wail. Those without would now fain be with their 
friends within, but at the entrance towers they found small gain. Those 
within had gladly been without the hall, but Dankwart let none go either up 
or down the steps. Therefore there rose before the towers a mighty press, 
and helmets rang loudly from the sword-blows. Bold Dankwart came into great 
stress thereby; this his brother feared, as his loyalty did bid him.

Loudly then Hagen called to Folker: "See ye yonder, comrade, my brother 
stand before the Hunnish warriors amid a rain of blows? Friend, save my 
brother, or ever we lose the knight."

"That will I surely," quoth the minstrel, and through the palace he went a-
fiddling, his stout sword ringing often in his hand. Great thanks were 
tendered by the warriors from the Rhine. Bold Folker spake to Dankwart: 
"Great discomfiture have ye suffered to-day, therefore your brother bade me 
hasten to your aid. Will ye stand without, so will I stand within."

Sturdy Dankwart stood without the door and guarded the staircase against 
whoever came, wherefore men heard the swords resound in the heroes’ hands. 
Folker of Burgundy land performed the same within. Across the press the bold 
fiddler cried: "Friend Hagen, the hall is locked; forsooth King Etzel’s door 
is bolted well. The hands of two heroes guard it, as with a thousand bars." 
When Hagen of Troneg beheld the door so well defended, the famous hero and 
good slung his shield upon his back and gan avenge the wrongs that had been 
done him there. His foes had now no sort of hope to live.

When now the lord of Berne, the king of the Amelungs, (2) beheld aright that 
the mighty Hagen broke so many a helm, upon a bench he sprang and spake: 
"Hagen poureth out the very worst of drinks."

The host, too, was sore adread, as behooved him now, for his life was hardly 
safe from these his foes. O how many dear friends were snatched away before 
his eyes! He sate full anxious; what booted it him that he was king? Haughty 
Kriemhild now cried aloud to Dietrich: "Pray help me hence alive, most noble 
knight, by the virtues of all the princes of the Amelung land. If Hagen 
reach me, I shall grasp death by the hand."

"How shall I help you, noble queen?" spake Sir Dietrich. "I fear for myself 
in sooth. These men of Gunther be so passing wroth that at this hour I 
cannot guard a soul."

"Nay, not so, Sir Dietrich, noble knight and good. Let thy chivalrous mood 
appear to-day and help me hence, or I shall die." Passing great cause had 
Kriemhild for this fear.

"I’ll try to see if I may help you, for it is long since that I have soon so 
many good knights so bitterly enraged. Of a truth I see blood spurting 
through the helmets from the swords."

Loudly the chosen knight gan call, so that his voice rang forth as from a 
bison’s horn, until the broad castle resounded with his force. Sir 
Dietrich’s strength was passing great in truth.

When Gunther heard this man cry out in the heated strife, he began to heed. 
He spake: "Dietrich’s voice hath reached mine ears, I ween our champions 
have bereft him of some friend to-day. I see him on the table, he doth 
beckon with his hand. Ye friends and kinsmen from Burgundian land, give over 
the strife. Let’s hear and see what here hath fortuned to the knight from my 
men-at-arms."

When Gunther thus begged and bade in the stress of the fray, they

sheathed their swords. Passing great was his power, so that none

struck a blow. Soon enow he asked the tidings of the knight of

Berne. He spake: "Most noble Dietrich, what hath happed to you

through these my friends? I am minded to do you remedy and to

make amends. If any had done you aught, ‘twould grieve me sore,"

Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Naught hath happed to me, but I pray you, let me 
leave this hall and this fierce strife under your safe-guard, with my men. 
For this favor I will serve you ever."

"How entreat ye now so soon," quoth Wolfhart (3) then. "Forsooth the fiddler 
hath not barred the door so strong, but what we may open it enow to let us 
pass."

"Hold your tongue," spake Sir Dietrich; "the devil a whit have ye ever 
done."

Then: spake King Gunther: "I will grant your boon. Lead from the hall as few 
or as many as ye will, save my foes alone; they must remain within. Right 
ill have they treated me in the Hunnish land."

When Dietrich heard these words, he placed his arm around the high-born 
queen, whose fear was passing great. On his other side he led King Etzel 
with him hence; with Dietrich there also went six hundred stately men.

Then spake the noble Margrave Rudeger: "Shall any other who would gladly 
serve you come from this hall, let us hear the tale, and lasting peace shall 
well befit good friends."

To this Giselher of the Burgundian land replied: "Peace and friendship be 
granted you by us, sith ye are constant in your fealty. Ye and all your men, 
ye may go hence fearlessly with these your friends."

When Sir Rudeger voided the hall, there followed him, all told, five hundred 
men or more, kinsmen and vassals of the lord of Bechelaren, from whom King 
Gunther later gained great scathe. Then a Hunnish champion spied Etzel 
walking close by Dietrich. He, too, would take this chance, but the fiddler 
dealt him such a blow that his head fell soon before King Etzel’s feet. When 
the lord of the land was come outside the house, he turned him about and 
gazed on Folker. "Woe is me of these guests. This is a direful need, that 
all my warriors should lie low in death before them. Alas for the feasting," 
quoth the noble king. "Like a savage boar there fighteth one within, hight 
Folker, who is a gleeman. I thank my stars that I escaped this fiend. His 
glees have an evil sound, the strokes of his how draw blood; forsooth his 
measures fell many a hero dead. I wot not, with what this minstrel twitteth 
us, for I have never had such baleful guest."

They had permitted whom they would to leave the hall. Then there arose 
within a mighty uproar; sorely the guests avenged what there had happed 
them. Ho, what helmets bold Folker broke! The noble King Gunther turned him 
toward the sound. "Hear ye the measures, Hagen, which Folker yonder fiddleth 
with the Huns, when any draweth near the towers? ‘Tis a blood-red stroke he 
useth with the bow."

"It rueth me beyond all measure," quoth Hagen, "that in this hall I sate me 
down to rest before the hero did. I was his comrade and he was mine; and 
come we ever home again, we shall still be so, in loyal wise. Now behold, 
most noble king, Folker is thy friend, he earneth gladly thy silver and thy 
gold. His fiddle bow doth cut through the hardest steel, on the helmets he 
breaketh the bright and shining gauds! (4) Never have I seen fiddler stand 
in such lordly wise as the good knight Folker hath stood to-day. His glees 
resound through shield and helmet. Certes he shall ride good steeds and wear 
lordly raiment."

Of all the kinsmen of the Huns within the hall, not one of these remained 
alive. Thus the clash of arms died out, since none strove with them longer. 
The lusty knights and bold now laid aside their swords.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Friendship" translates the M.H.G. "minne trinken" ‘to drink to the 
memory of a person’, an old custom originating with the idea of pouring out 
a libation to the gods. Later it assumed the form of drinking to the honor 
of God, of a saint, or of an absent friend. See Grimm, "Mythologie", p. 48.

(2) "Amelungs", see Adventure XXVIII, note 3.

(3) "Wolfhart", see Adventure XXVIII, note 2.

(4) "Gauds", ornaments.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXXIV

How They Cast Out The Dead.

The lordings sate them down for weariness. Folker and Hagen came forth from 
the hall; upon their shields the haughty warriors leaned. Wise words were 
spoken by the twain. Then Knight Giselher of Burgundy spake: "Forsooth, dear 
friends, ye may not ease you yet; ye must bear the dead from out the hall. 
I’ll tell you, of a truth, we shall be attacked again. They must no longer 
lie here beneath our feet. Ere the Huns vanquish us by storm, we’ll yet how 
wounds, which shall ease my heart. For this," quoth Giselher, "I have a 
steadfast mind."

"Well is me of such a lord," spake then Hagen. "This rede which my young 
master hath given us to-day would befit no one but a knight. At this, 
Burgundians, ye may all stand glad."

Then they followed the rede, and to the door they bare seven thousand dead, 
the which they cast outside. Down they fell before the stairway to the hall, 
and from their kinsmen rose a full piteous wall. Some there were with such 
slight wounds that, had they been more gently treated, they would have waxed 
well again; but from the lofty fall, they must needs lie dead. Their friends 
bewailed this, and forsooth they had good cause.

Then spake Folker, the fiddler, a lusty knight: "Now I mark the truth of 
this, as hath been told me. The Huns be cravens, like women they wail; they 
should rather nurse these sorely wounded men."

A margrave weened, he spake through kindness. Seeing one of his kinsmen 
lying in the blood, he clasped him in his arms and would have borne him 
hence, when the bold minstrel shot him above the dead to death. The flight 
began as the others saw this deed, and all fell to cursing this selfsame 
minstrel. He snatched javelin, sharp and hard, the which had been hurled at 
him by a Hun, and cast it with might across the court, far over the folk. 
Thus he forced Etzel’s warriors to take lodgement further from the hall. On 
every side the people feared his mighty prowess.

Many thousand men now stood before the hall. Folker and Hagen gan speak to 
Etzel all their mind, wherefrom these heroes bold and good came thereafter 
into danger. Quoth Hagen: "’Twould well beseem the people’s hope, if the 
lords would fight in the foremost ranks, as doth each of my lordings here. 
They hew through the helmets, so that the blood doth follow the sword."

Etzel was brave; he seized his shield. "Now fare warily," spake Lady 
Kriemhild, "and offer the warriors gold upon your shield. If Hagen doth but 
reach you there, ye’ll be hand in hand with death."

The king was so bold he would not turn him back, the which doth now seldom 
hap from so mighty a lord. By his shield-thong they had to draw him hence. 
Once again grim Hagen began to mock him. "It is a distant kinship," quoth 
Hagen, the knight, "that bindeth Etzel and Siegfried. He loved Kriemhild, or 
ever she laid eyes on thee. Most evil king, why dost thou plot against me?"

Kriemhild, the wife of the noble king, heard this speech; angry she grew 
that he durst thus revile her before King Etzel’s liegemen. Therefore she 
again began to plot against the strangers. She spake: "For him that slayeth 
me Hagen of Troneg and bringeth me his head, I will fill King Etzel’s shield 
with ruddy gold, thereto will I give him as guerdon many goodly lands and 
castles."

"Now I know not for what they wait," spake the minstrel. "Never have I seen 
heroes stand so much like cowards, when one heard proffered such goodly 
wage. Forsooth King Etzel should never be their friend again. Many of those 
who so basely eat the lording’s bread, and now desert him in the greatest 
need, do I see stand here as cravens, and yet would pass for brave. May 
shame ever be their lot!"

 

ADVENTURE XXXV How Iring Was Slain.

Then cried Margrave Iring of Denmark: "I have striven for honor now long 
time, and in the storm of battle have been among the best. Now bring me my 
harness, for in sooth I will encounter me with Hagen."

"I would not counsel that," spake Hagen, "but bid the Hunnish knights stand 
further back. If twain of you or three leap into the hall, I’ll send them 
back sore wounded down the steps."

"Not for that will I give it over," quoth Iring again. "I’ve tried before 
such daring things; in truth with my good sword I will encounter thee alone. 
What availeth all thy boasting, which thou hast done in words?"

Then were soon arrayed the good Knight Iring and Irnfried of Thuringia, a 
daring youth, and the stalwart Hawart and full a thousand men. Whatever 
Iring ventured, they would all fain give him aid. Then the fiddler spied a 
mighty troop, that strode along well armed with Iring. Upon their heads they 
bare good helmets. At this bold Folker waxed a deal full wroth of mood. "See 
ye, friend Hagen, Iring striding yonder, who vowed to match you with his 
sword alone? How doth lying beseem a hero? Much that misliketh me. There 
walk with him full a thousand knights or more, well armed."

"Say not that I lie," spake Hawart’s liegeman. "Gladly will I perform what I 
have vowed, nor will I desist therefrom through any fear. However frightful 
Hagen be, I will meet him single-handed."

On his knees Iring begged both kinsmen and vassals to let him match the 
knight alone. This they did unwillingly, for well they knew the haughty 
Hagen from the Burgundian land. But Iring begged so long that at last it 
happed. When the fellowship beheld his wish and that he strove for honor, 
they let him go. Then a fierce conflict rose between the twain. Iring of 
Denmark, the peerless high-born knight, bare high his spear and covered him 
with his shield. Swiftly he rushed on Hagen before the hall, while a great 
shout arose from all the knights around. With might and main they cast the 
spears with their hands through the sturdy shields upon their shining armor, 
so that the shafts whirled high in air. Then the two brave men and fierce 
reached for their swords. Bold Hagen’s strength was mickle and great, but 
Iring smote him, that the whole hall rang. Palace and towers resounded from 
their blows, but the knight could not achieve his wish.

Iring now left Hagen stand unharmed, and hied him to the fiddler. He weened 
to fell him by his mighty blows, but the stately knight wist how to guard 
bin, well. Then the fiddler struck a blow, that the plates of mail whirled 
high above the buckler’s rim. An evil man he was, for to encounter, so Iring 
let him stand and rushed at Gunther of the Burgundian land. Here, too, 
either was strong enow in strife. The blows that Gunther and Iring dealt 
each other drew no blood from wounds. This the harness hindered, the which 
was both strong and good.

He now let Gunther be, and ran at Gernot, and gan hew sparks of fire from 
his armor rings. Then had stalwart Gernot of Burgundy nigh done brave Iring 
unto death, but that he sprang away from the prince (nimble enow he was), 
and slew eftsoon four noble henchmen of the Burgundians from Worms across 
the Rhine. At this Giselher might never have waxed more wroth. "God wot, Sir 
Iring," spake Giselher, the youth, "ye must pay me weregild (1) for those 
who have fallen dead this hour before you."

Then at him he rushed and smote the Dane, so that he could not stir a step, 
but sank before his hands down in the blood, so that all did ween the good 
knight would never deal a blow again in strife. But Iring lay unwounded here 
before Sir Giselher. From the crashing of the helmet and the ringing of the 
sword, his wits had grown so weak that the brave knight no longer thought of 
life. Stalwart Giselher had done this with his might. When now the ringing 
gan leave his head, the which he had suffered from the mighty stroke, he 
thought: "I am still alive and nowhere wounded. Now first wot I of 
Giselher’s mighty strength." On either side he heard his foes. Wist they the 
tale, still more had happed him. Giselher, too, he marked hard by; he 
bethought him, how he might escape his foes. How madly he sprang up from the 
blood! Well might he thank his nimbleness for this. Out of the house he ran 
to where he again found Hagen, whom he dealt a furious blow with his 
powerful hand.

Hagen thought him: "Thou art doomed. Unless be that the foul fiend protect 
thee, thou canst not escape alive."

Yet Iring wounded Hagen through his crest. This the hero wrought with Waska, 
(2) a passing goodly sword. When Sir Hagen felt the wound, wildly he 
brandished his weapon in his hand. Soon Hawart’s liegeman was forced to 
yield his ground, and Hagen gan pursue him down the stairs. Brave Iring 
swung his shield above his head, but had the staircase been the length of 
three, Hagen would not have let him strike a blow the while. Ho, what red 
sparks did play above his helmet! 

Iring returned scatheless to his liegemen. Then the tidings were brought to 
Kriemhild, of that which he had wrought in strife with Hagen of Troneg. For 
this the queen gan thank him highly. "Now God requite thee, Iring, thou 
peerless hero and good. Thou hast comforted well my heart and mind. I see 
that Hagen’s weeds be wot with blood." For very joy Kriemhild herself 
relieved him of his shield.

"Be not too lavish of your thanks," spake Hagen. "’Twould well befit a 
knight to try again. A valiant man were he, if he then came back alive. 
Little shall the wound profit you, which I have at his bands; for that ye 
have seen the rings wot with blood from my wound doth urge me to the death 
of many a man. Now first am I enraged at Hawart’s liegeman. Small scathe 
hath Knight Iring done me yet."

Meanwhile Iring of Denmark stood in the breeze; he cooled his harness and 
doffed his casque. All the folk then praised his prowess, at which the 
margrave was in passing lofty mood. Again Sir Iring spake: "My friends, this 
know; arm me now quickly, for I would fain try again, if perchance I may not 
conquer this overweening man."

His shield was hewn to pieces, a better one he gained; full soon the 
champion was armed again. Through hate he seized a passing heavy spear with 
which he would encounter Hagen yonder. Meantime the death-grim man awaited 
him in hostile wise. But Knight Hagen would not abide his coming. Hurling 
the javelin and brandishing his sword, he ran to meet him to the very bottom 
of the stairs. Forsooth his rage was great. Little booted Iring then his 
strength; through the shields they smote, so that the flames rose high in 
fiery blasts. Hagen sorely wounded Hawart’s liegeman with his sword through 
shield and breastplate. Never waxed he well again. When now Knight Iring 
felt the wound, higher above his helmet bands he raised his shield. Great 
enow he thought the scathe he here received, but thereafter King Gunther’s 
liegeman did him more of harm. Hagen found a spear lying now before his 
feet. With this he shot Iring, the Danish hero, so that the shaft stood 
forth from his head. Champion Hagen had given him a bitter end. Iring must 
needs retreat to those of Denmark. Or ever they unbound his helmet and drew 
the spear-shaft from his head, death had already drawn nigh him. At this his 
kinsmen wept, as forsooth they had great need.

Then the queen came and bent above him. She gan bewail the stalwart Iring 
and bewept his wounds, indeed her grief was passing sharp. At this the bold 
and lusty warrior spake before his kinsmen: "Let be this wail, most royal 
queen. What availeth your weeping now? Certes, I must lose my life from 
these wounds I have received. Death will no longer let me serve you and 
Etzel." To the men of Thuringia and to those of Denmark he spake: "None of 
you must take from the queen her shining ruddy gold as meed, for if ye 
encounter Hagen, ye must gaze on death."

Pale grew his hue; brave Iring bare the mark of death. Dole enow it gave 
them, for no longer might Hawart’s liegeman live. Then the men of Denmark 
must needs renew the fray. Irnfried and Hawart with well a thousand 
champions leaped toward the hall. On every side one heard a monstrous 
uproar, mighty and strong. Ho, what sturdy javelins were cast at the 
Burgundian men! Bold Irnfried rushed at the minstrel, but gained great 
damage at his hands. Through his sturdy helmet the noble fiddler smote the 
landgrave. Certes, he was grim enow! Then Sir Irnfried dealt the valiant 
gleeman such a blow that his coat of mail burst open and his breastplate was 
enveloped with a bright red flame. Yet the landgrave fell dead at the 
minstrel’s hands. Hawart and Hagen, too, had come together. Wonders would he 
have seen, who beheld the fight. The swords fell thick and fast in the 
heroes’ hands. Through the knight from the Burgundian land Hawart needs must 
die. When the Thuringians and the Danes espied their lordings dead, there 
rose before the hall a fearful strife, before they gained the door with 
mighty hand. Many a helm and shield was hacked and cut thereby.

"Give way," spake Folker, "and let them in, for else what they have in mind 
will not be ended. They must die in here in full short time. With death 
they’ll gain what the queen would give them."

When these overweening men were come into the hall, the head of many a one 
sank down so low that he needs must die from their furious strokes. Well 
fought the valiant Gernot, and the same did Giselher, the knight . A 
thousand and four were come into the hall and many a whizzing stroke of the 
swords was seen flash forth, but soon all the warriors lay slain therein. 
Mickle wonders might one tell of the Burgundian men. The hall grew still, as 
the uproar died away. On every side the dead men’s blood poured through the 
openings down to the drain-pipes. This the men from the Rhine had wrought 
with their passing strength.

Those from the Burgundian land now sate them down to rest and laid aside 
their swords and shields. But still the valiant minstrel stood guard before 
the hall. He waited, if any would perchance draw near again in strife. 
Sorely the king made wail, as did the queen. Maids and ladies were 
distraught with grief. Death, I ween, had conspired against them, wherefore 
many of the warriors perished through the guests.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Weregild" (O.E. "wer", ‘a man’, "gild", ‘payment of money’), legal term 
for compensation paid for a man killed.

(2) "Waska". In "Biterolf" it is the name of the sword of Walther of 
Wasgenstein and is connected with the old German name, "Wasgenwald", for the 
Vosges.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXXVI

How The Queen Gave Orders To Burn the Hall.

"Now unbind your helmets," spake the good Knight Hagen. "I and my comrade 
will guard you well, and should Etzel’s men be minded to try again, I’ll 
warn my lords as soon as I ever can."

Then many a good knight bared his head. They sate them down upon the 
wounded, who had fallen in the blood, done to death at their hands. Evil 
looks were cast upon the noble strangers. Before the eventide the king and 
the queen brought it to pass that the Hunnish champions tried again. Men saw 
full twenty thousand warriors stand before them, who must perforce march to 
the fray. Straightway there rose a mighty storming towards the strangers. 
Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, the doughty knight, sprang from his lordings’ 
side to meet the foes without the door. All weened that he were dead, yet 
forth he stood again unscathed. The furious strife did last till nightfall 
brought it to a close. As befitted good knights, the strangers warded off 
King Etzel’s liegemen the livelong summer day. Ho, how many a bold knight 
fell doomed before them! This great slaughter happed upon midsummer’s day, 
when Lady Kriemhild avenged her sorrow of heart upon her nearest kin and 
upon many another man, so that King Etzel never again gained joy.

The day had passed away, but still they had good cause for fear. They 
thought, a short and speedy death were better for them, than to be longer 
racked with monstrous pain. A truce these proud and lusty knights now 
craved; they begged that men would bring the king to see them. Forth from 
the hall stepped the heroes, bloody of hue, and the three noble kings, 
stained from their armor. They wist not to whom they should make plaint of 
their mighty wounds. Thither both Etzel and Kriemhild went; the land was 
theirs and so their band waxed large. He spake to the strangers:

"Pray tell me, what ye will of me? Ye ween to gain here peace, but that may 
hardly be. For damage as great as ye have done me, in my son and in my many 
kinsmen, whom ye have slain, peace and pardon shall be denied you quite; it 
shall not boot you aught, an’ I remain alive."

To this King Gunther answered: "Dire need constrained us; all my men-at-arms 
lay dead before thy heroes in the hostel. How did I deserve such pay? I came 
to thee in trust, I weened thou wast my friend."

Young Giselher of Burgundy likewise spake: "Ye men of Etzel, who still do 
live, what do ye blame me with? What have I done to you, for I rode in 
friendly wise into this land of yours."

Quoth they: "From thy friendliness this castle is filled with grief and the 
land as well. We should not have taken it ill, in sooth, if thou hadst never 
come from Worms beyond the Rhine. Thou and thy brothers have filled this 
land with orphans."

Then spake Knight Giselher in angry mood: "And ye will lay aside this bitter 
hate and make your peace with us stranger knights, ‘twere best for either 
side. We have not merited at all what Etzel here doth do us."

Then spake the host to his guests: "Unlike are my wrongs and yours. The 
mickle grievance from the loss and then the shame, which I have taken here, 
are such that none of you shall e’er go hence alive."

At this mighty Gernot spake to the king: "May God then bid you act in 
merciful wise. Slay, if ye will, us homeless knights, but let us first 
descend to you into the open court. That will make to you for honor. Let be 
done quickly whatever shall hap to us. Ye have still many men unscathed, who 
dare well encounter us and bereave us storm-weary men of life. How long must 
we warriors undergo these toils?"

King Etzel’s champions had nigh granted this boon and let them leave the 
hall, but Kriemhild heard it and sorely it misliked her. Therefore the 
wanderers were speedily denied the truce. "Not so, ye Hunnish men. I counsel 
you in true fealty, that ye do not what ye have in mind, and let these 
murderers leave the hall, else must your kinsmen suffer a deadly fall. Did 
none of them still live, save Uta’s sons, my noble brothers, and they came 
forth into the breeze and cooled their armor rings, ye would all be lost. 
Bolder heroes were never born into the world."

Then spake young Giselher: "Fair sister mine, full evil was my trust, when 
thou didst invite me from across the Rhine hither to this land, to this dire 
need. How have I merited death here from the Huns? I was aye true to thee; 
never did I do thee wrong, and in the hope that thou wast still my friend, 
dear sister mine, rode I hither to thy court. It cannot be but that thou 
grant us mercy."

"I will not grant you mercy, merciless is my mood. Hagen of Troneg hath done 
me such great wrongs that it may never be amended, the while I live. Ye must 
all suffer for this deed," so spake King Etzel’s wife. "And ye will give me 
Hagen alone as hostage, I will not deny that I will let you live, for ye be 
my brothers and children of one mother, and will counsel peace with these 
heroes that be here."

"Now God in heaven forbid," spake Gernot; "were there here a thousand of us, 
the clansmen of thy kin, we’d rather all lie dead, than give thee a single 
man as hostage. Never shall this be done."

"We all must die," spake then Giselher, "but none shall hinder that we guard 
us in knightly wise. We be still here, if any list to fight us; for never 
have I failed a friend in fealty."

Then spake bold Dankwart (it had not beseemed him to have held his peace): 
"Forsooth my brother Hagen standeth not alone. It may yet rue those who here 
refuse the truce. I’ll tell you of a truth, we’ll make you ware of this."

Then spake the queen: "Ye full lusty heroes, now go nigher to the stairs and 
avenge my wrongs. For this I will ever serve you, as I should by right. I’ll 
pay Hagen well for his overweening pride. Let none at all escape from the 
house, and I will bid the hall be set on fire at all four ends. Thus all my 
wrongs shall be well avenged."

Soon were King Etzel’s champions ready still stood without into the hall 
with blows and shots. Mickle waxed the din, yet the lordings and their 
liegemen would not part. For very fealty they could not leave each other. 
Etzel’s queen then bade the hall be set on fire, and thus they racked the 
bodies of the knights with fire and flame. Fanned by the breeze, the whole 
house burst into flames full soon. I ween, no folk did ever gain such great 
distress. Enow within cried out: "Alack this plight! We would much rather 
die in stress of battle. It might move God to pity, how we all are lost! The 
queen now wreaketh monstrously on us her wrath."

Quoth one of them within: "We must all lie dead. What avail us now the 
greetings which the king did send us? Thirst from this great heat giveth me 
such dole, that soon, I ween, my life must ebb away in anguish."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and good, let him whom pangs 
of thirst constrain, drink here this blood. In such great heat, ‘tis better 
still than wine. We can purvey us at this time none better."

One of the warriors hied him then to where he found a corpse, and knelt him 
down beside the wound; then he unbound his helmet and began to drink the 
flowing blood. However little wont to such a drink, him thought it passing 
good: "Sir Hagen, now God requite you," spake the weary man, "that I have 
drunk so well at your advice; seldom hath better wine been proffered me. And 
I live yet a while, I shall ever be your friend."

When now the others heard this, it thought them good, and soon there were 
many more that drank the blood. From this the body of each gained much of 
strength; but many a stately dame paid dear for this through the loss of 
loving kin. Into the hall the fire fell thick and fast upon them, but with 
their shields they turned it from them to the ground. Both the heat and the 
smoke did hurt them sore; in sooth, I ween, that nevermore will such anguish 
hap to heroes.

Again Hagen of Troneg spake: "Stand by the sides of the hall. Let not the 
firebrands fall upon your helmet bands, but stamp them with your feet down 
deeper in the blood. Forsooth it is an evil feast which the queen doth give 
us here."

In such dire woes the night did wear away at last, and still the brave 
minstrel and his comrade Hagen stood before the hall, a-leaning on their 
shields. More scathe they awaited from those of Etzel’s band. Then spake the 
fiddler: "Now go we into the hall. Then the Huns will ween, that we all be 
dead from the torture that hath been done us here. They’ll yet see us go to 
meet them in the strife."

Now spake Giselher of Burgundy, the youth: "I trow the day dawneth, a 
cooling wind doth blow. May God in heaven let us live to see a liefer time, 
for my sister Kriemhild hath given us here an evil feast."

Again one spake: "I see the day . Sith we cannot hope for better things, so 
arm you, heroes, think on your life. Certes, King Etzel’s wife will come to 
meet us soon again."

The host weened well, that his guests were dead from their toil and the 
pangs of fire; but yet within the hall six hundred brave men, as good as any 
knight that king ever gained, were still alive. Those set to guard the 
strangers had well seen that the guests still lived, despite the damage and 
the dole that had been done both to the lordings and their men. In the hall 
one saw them stand full safe and sound. They then told Kriemhild that many 
were still alive, but the queen replied: "It could never be, that any should 
have lived through such stress of fire. Rather will I believe that all lie 
dead."

The lordings and their men would still fain have lived, had any listed to do 
them mercy, but they could find none among those of the Hunnish land. So 
with full willing hand they avenged their dying. On this same day, towards 
morning, men proffered them a fierce attack as greeting, which brought the 
champions in stress again. Many a stout spear was hurled upon them, but the 
bold and lordly warriors warded them in knightly wise. High rose the mood of 
Etzel’s men at the thought that they should earn Queen Kriemhild’s gold. 
Thereto they were minded to perform whatso the King did bid them. Many of 
them because of this must soon needs gaze on death. Of pledges and of gifts 
one might tell wonders. She bade the ruddy gold be carried forth on shields 
and gave it to whomsoever craved it and would take it. Certes, greater wage 
was nevermore given against foes. To the hall a mickle force of well-armed 
warriors marched.

Then cried bold Folker: "We’re here again, ye see. Never saw I heroes more 
gladly come to fight than these that have taken the king’s gold to do us 
scathe."

Then enow did call: "Nearer, heroes, nearer, that we may do betimes what we 
must bring to an end. Here dieth none that is not doomed to die."

Soon their shields were seen sticking full of darts that had been thrown. 
What more can I say? Full twelve hundred men tried hard to match them, 
surging back and forth. The strangers cooled well their mood with wounds. 
None might part the strife, and so blood was seen to flow from mortal 
wounds, many of which were dealt. Each one was heard to wail for friends. 
All the great king’s doughty warriors died, and loving kinsmen mourned them 
passing sore.

 

ADVENTURE XXXVII

How Margrave Rudeger Was Slain.

The strangers had done full well at dawn. Meanwhile Gotelind’s husband came 
to court. Bitterly faithful Rudeger wept when he saw the grievous wounds on 
either side. "Woe is me," quoth the champion, "that I was ever born, sith 
none may stay this mickle grief! However fain I would make for peace, the 
king will not consent, for he seeth ever more and more the sufferings of his 
men."

Then the good Knight Rudeger sent to Dietrich, if perchance they might turn 
the fate of the high-born kings. The king of Berne sent answer: "Who might 
now forfend? King Etzel will let none part the strife."

Then a Hunnish warrior, that saw Rudeger stand with weeping eyes, and many 
tears had he shed, spake to the queen: "Now behold how he doth stand, that 
hath the greatest power at Etzel’s court and whom both lands and people 
serve. Why have so many castles been given to Rudeger, of which he doth hold 
such store from the king in fief? Not one sturdy stroke hath he dealt in all 
this strife. Methinks, he recketh not how it fare here at court, sith he 
hath his will in full. Men say of him, he be bolder than any other wight. 
Little hath that been seen in these parlous (1) days."

Sad in heart the faithful vassal gazed at him whom he heard thus speak. Him-
thought: "Thou shalt pay for this. Thou sayest, I be a craven, and hast told 
thy tale too loud at court."

His fist he clenched, then ran he at him and smote the Hunnish man so 
mightily that he lay dead at his feet full soon. Through this King Etzel’s 
woe grew greater.

"Away, thou arrant coward," cried Rudeger, "forsooth I have enow of grief 
and pain, How dost thou taunt me, that I fight not here? Certes, I have good 
cause to hate the strangers, and would have done all in my power against 
them, had I not led the warriors hither. Of a truth I was their safeguard to 
my master’s land. Therefore the hand of me, wretched man, may not strive 
against them."

Then spake Etzel, the noble king, to the margrave: "How have ye helped us, 
most noble Rudeger! We have so many fey (2) in the land, that we have no 
need of more. Full evil have ye done."

At this the noble knight made answer: "Forsooth he grieved my mood and 
twitted me with the honors and the goods, such store of which I have 
received from thy hand. This hath cost the liar dear."

The queen, too, was come and had seen what fortuned to the Huns through the 
hero’s wrath. Passing sore she bewailed it; her eyes grew moist as she spake 
to Rudeger: "How have we deserved that ye should increase the sorrows of the 
king and me? Hitherto ye have told us, that for our sake ye would risk both 
life and honor. I heard full many warriors accord to you the palm. Let me 
mind you of your fealty and that ye swore, when that ye counseled me to 
Etzel, good knight and true, that ye would serve me till one of us should 
die. Never have I, poor woman, had such great need of this."

"There’s no denying that I swore to you, my lady, for your sake I’d risk 
both life and honor, but I did not swear that I would lose my soul. ‘Twas I 
that bade the high-born lordings to this feast."

Quoth she: "Bethink thee, Rudeger, of thy great fealty, of thy constancy, 
and of thine oaths, that thou wouldst ever avenge mine injuries and all my 
woes."

Said the margrave: "Seldom have I denied you aught."

Mighty Etzel, too, began implore; upon their knees they sank before the 
knight. Men saw the noble margrave stand full sad. Pitifully the faithful 
warrior spake: "Woe is me, most wretched man, that I have lived to see this 
day. I must give over all my honors, my fealty, and my courtesie, that God 
did bid me use. Alas, great God of heaven, that death will not turn this 
from me!

I shall act basely and full evil, whatever I do or leave undone. But if I 
give over both, then will all people blame me. Now may he advise me, who 
hath given me life."

Still the king and the queen, too, begged unceasingly. Through this warriors 
must needs thereafter lose their lives at Rudeger’s hands, when the hero 
also died. Ye may well hear it now, that he deported him full pitifully. He 
wist that it would bring him scathe and monstrous woe. Gladly would he have 
refused the king and queen. He feared full sore that if he slew but one of 
the strangers, the world would bear him hate.

Then the brave man addressed him to the king: "Sir King, take back again all 
that I have from you, my land with its castles, let not a whit remain to me. 
On foot will I wander into other lands."

At this King Etzel spake: "Who else should help me then? I’ll give thee the 
land and all its castles, as thine own, that thou mayst avenge me on my 
foes. Thou shalt be a mighty king at Etzel’s side."

Then answered Rudeger: "How shall I do this deed? I bade them to my house 
and home; in friendly wise I offered them both food and drink and gave them 
gifts. How may I counsel their death? People will lightly ween, that I be 
craven. No service of mine have I refused these noble lordings and their 
men. Now I rue the kinship I have gained with them. I gave my daughter to 
Giselher, the knight; to none in all the world could she have been better 
given, for courtesie and honor, for fealty and wealth. Never have I seen so 
young a prince of such right courteous mind."

Then Kriemhild spake again: "Most noble Rudeger, take pity on our griefs, on 
mine and on the king’s. Bethink thee well, that king did never gain such 
baneful guests."

To the noble dame the margrave spake: "Rudeger’s life must pay to-day for 
whatsoever favors ye and my lord have shown me. Therefore must I die; no 
longer may it be deferred. I know full well, that my castles and my lands 
will be voided for you to-day through the hand of one of these men. To your 
mercy I commend my wife and children and the strangers (3) who be at 
Bechelaren."

"Now God requite thee, Rudeger," spake the king, and both he and the queen 
grew glad. "Thy people shall be well commended to our care. For mine own 
weal I trust thou too shalt go unscathed."

Etzel’s bride began to weep. Then body and soul he staked upon the venture. 
He spake: "I must perform what I have vowed. Alas for my friends, whom I am 
loth to fight."

Men saw him go sadly from the presence of the king. Close at hand he found 
his warriors standing. He spake: "Ye must arm you all, my men, for, alas, I 
must needs encounter the bold Burgundians."

They bade the squires run nimbly to where lay their arms. Whether it were 
helm or buckler, ‘twas all brought forth to them by their meiny. Later the 
proud strangers heard told baleful tales. Rudeger was now armed, and with 
him five hundred men; thereto he gained twelve champions, who would fain win 
renown in the stress of battle. They wist not that death drew nigh them. 
Then Rudeger was seen to march with helmet donned. The margrave’s men bare 
keen-edged swords, and their bright shields and broad upon their arms. This 
the fiddler saw; greatly he rued the sight. When young Giselher beheld his 
lady’s father walk with his helm upon his head, how might he know what he 
meant thereby, save that it portended good? Therefore the noble prince waxed 
passing merry of mood.

"Now well is me of such kinsmen," spake Knight Giselher, "whom we have won 
upon this journey; from my wife we shall reap much profit here. Lief it is 
to me, that this betrothal hath taken place."

"I know not whence ye take your comfort," spake then the minstrel; "when 
have ye seen so many heroes walk with helmets donned and swords in hand, for 
the sake of peace? Rudeger doth think to win his castles and his lands in 
fight with us."

Or ever the fiddler had ended his speech, men saw the noble Rudeger before 
the house. At his feet he placed his trusty shield, and now both service and 
greeting he must needs refuse his friends. Into the hall the noble margrave 
called: "Ye doughty Nibelungs, now guard you well on every side. Ye were to 
profit by me, now I shall bring you scathe. Aforetime we were friends, but 
of this troth I now would fain be rid."

The hard-pressed men were startled at this tale, for none gained aught of 
joy, that he whom they did love would now fain fight them. From their foes 
they had already suffered mickle stress of war. "Now God of heaven forbid," 
spake Gunther, the knight, "that ye should give over your love of us and 
your great fealty, on which we counted of a truth. Better things I trow of 
you, than that ye should ever do this deed."

"Alas, I cannot give it over, but must fight you, for I have vowed it. Now 
ward you, brave heroes, and ye love your life. King Etzel’s wife would not 
release me from mine oath."

"Ye declare this feud too late," spake the highborn king. "Now may God 
requite you, most noble Rudeger, for all the love and fealty that ye have 
shown us, if ye would only act more kindly at the end. I and my kinsmen, we 
ought ever to serve you for the noble gifts ye gave us, when ye brought us 
hither faithfully to Etzel’s land. Now, noble Rudeger, think on this."

"How gladly would I grant you," spake Knight Rudeger, "that I might weigh 
out my gifts for you with full measure, as willingly as I had hoped, if I 
never should be blamed on that account."

"Turn back, noble Rudeger," spake then Gernot, "for host did never give his 
guests such loving cheer as ye did us. This shall profit you well, and we 
remain alive."

"Would to God," spake Rudeger, "most noble Gernot, that ye were on the Rhine 
and I were dead with passing honor, sith I must now encounter you! Never did 
friends act worse to heroes."

"Now God requite you, Sir Rudeger," answered Gernot, "for your passing rich 
gifts. Your death doth rue me, if such knightly virtues shall be lost with 
you. Here I bear your sword that ye gave me, good knight and true. It hath 
never failed me in all this need. Many a knight fell dead beneath its edges. 
It is bright and steady, glorious and good; nevermore, I ween, will warrior 
give so rich a gift. And will ye not turn back, but come to meet us, and 
slay aught of the friends I still have here, with your own sword will I take 
your life. Then will ye rue me, Rudeger, ye and your high-born wife."

"Would to God, Sir Gernot, that this might come to pass, that all your will 
might here be done, and that your kinsmen escaped unscathed! Then both my 
daughter and my wife may trust you well, forsooth."

Then of the Burgundians there spake fair Uta’s son: "Why do ye so, Sir 
Rudeger? Those that be come with us, do all like you well. Ye encounter us 
in evil wise; ye wish to make your fair daughter a widow far too soon. If ye 
and your warriors match me now with strife, how right unkindly do ye let it 
appear, that I trust you well above all other men and therefore won me your 
daughter to wife."

"Think on your fealty, most noble and high-born king. And God let you 
escape," so spake Rudeger, "let the maiden suffer not for me. For your own 
virtue’s sake, vouchsafe her mercy."

"That I should do by right," spake the youthful Giselher, "but if my noble 
kinsmen here within must die through you, then my steadfast friendship for 
you and for your daughter must be parted."

"Now may God have mercy on us," answered the valiant man. Then they raised 
their shields, as though they would hence to fight the guests in Kriemhild’s 
hall, but Hagen cried full loud adown the steps. "Pray tarry awhile, most 
noble Rudeger," so spake Hagen; "I and my lords would fain have further 
parley, as doth befit our need. What can the death of us wanderers avail 
King Etzel? I stand here in a fearful plight; the shield that Lady Gotelind 
gave me to bear hath been cut to pieces by the Huns. I brought it with 
friendly purpose into Etzel’s land. O that God in heaven would grant, that I 
might bear so good a shield as that thou hast in thy hand, most noble 
Rudeger! Then I should no longer need a hauberk in the fray."

"Gladly would I serve thee with my shield, durst I offer it before 
Kriemhild. Yet take it, Hagen, and bear it on thine arm. Ho, if thou couldst 
only wield it in the Burgundian land!"

When he so willingly offered to give the shield, enow of eyes grew red with 
scalding tears. ‘T was the last gift that ever Rudeger of Bechelaren gave to 
any knight. However fierce Hagen, and however stern of mood, the gift did 
touch him, which the good hero, so near to death, had given. Many a noble 
knight gan mourn with him.

"Now God in heaven requite you, most noble Rudeger. Your like will nevermore 
be found, who giveth homeless warriors such lordly gifts. God grant that 
your courtesie may ever live." Again Hagen spake: "Woe is me of these tales, 
we had so many other griefs to bear. Let complaint be made to heaven, if we 
must fight with friends."

Quoth the margrave: "Inly doth this grieve me."

"Now God requite you, for the gift, most noble Rudeger. Howso these high-
born warriors deport them toward you, my hand shall never touch you in the 
fight, and ye slew them all from the Burgundian land."

Courteously the good Sir Rudeger bowed him low. On every side they wept, 
that none might soothe this pain of heart. That was a mighty grief. In 
Rudeger would die the father of all knightly virtues.

Then Folker, the minstrel, spake from out the hall: "Sith my comrade Hagen 
hath made his peace with you, ye shall have it just as steadfastly from my 
hand, for well ye earned it, when we came into this land. Most noble 
margrave, ye shall be mine envoy, too. The margravine gave me these ruddy 
arm rings, that I should wear them here at the feasting. These ye may 
yourself behold, that ye may later be my witness."

"Now God of heaven grant," spake Rudeger, "that the margravine may give you 
more! I’ll gladly tell these tales to my dear love, if I see her in health 
again. Of this ye shall not doubt."

When he had vowed him this, Rudeger raised high his shield. No longer he 
bided, but with raging mood, like a berserker, he rushed upon the guests. 
Many a furious blow the noble margrave struck. The twain, Folker and Hagen, 
stepped further back, as they had vowed to him afore. Still he found 
standing by the tower such valiant men, that Rudeger began the fight with 
anxious doubts. With murderous intent Gunther and Gernot let him in, good 
heroes they! Giselher stood further back, which irked him sore, in truth. He 
voided Rudeger, for still he had hope of life. Then the margrave’s men 
rushed at their foes; in knightly wise one saw them follow their lord. In 
their hands they bare their keen-edged swords, the which cleft there many a 
helm and lordly shield. The tired warriors dealt the men of Bechelaren many 
a mighty blow, that cut smooth and deep through the shining mail, down to 
the very quick.

Rudeger’s noble fellowship was now come quite within. Into the fight Folker 
and Hagen sprang anon. They gave no quarter, save to one man alone. Through 
the hands of the twain the blood streamed down from the helmets. How grimly 
rang the many swords within! The shield plates sprang from their fastenings, 
and the precious stones, cut from the shields, fell down into the gore. So 
grimly they fought, that men will never do the like again. The lord of 
Bechelaren raged to and fro, as one who wotteth how to use great prowess in 
the fray. Passing like to a worshipful champion and a bold did Rudeger bear 
him on that day. Here stood the warriors, Gunther and Gernot, and smote many 
a hero dead in the fray. Giselher and Dankwart, the twain, recked so little, 
that they brought full many a knight to his last day of life. Full well did 
Rudeger make appear that he was strong enow, brave and well-armed. Ho, what 
knights he slew! This a Burgundian espied; perforce it angered him, and thus 
Sir Rudeger’s death drew near.

The stalwart Gernot accosted the hero; to the margrave he spake:

"It appeareth, ye will not leave my men alive, most noble Rudeger. That 
irketh me beyond all measure, no longer can I bear the sight. So may your 
present work you harm, sith ye have taken from me such store of friends. 
Pray address you unto me, most noble man and brave, your gift shall be paid 
for as best I can."

Or ever the margrave could reach his foe, bright armor rings must needs grow 
dull with blood. Then at each other sprang these honor-seeking men. Either 
gan guard him against mighty wounds. So sharp were their swords, that naught 
might avail against them. Then Rudeger, the knight, smote Gernot a buffet 
through his helmet, the which was as hard as flint, so that the blood gushed 
forth. But this the bold knight and good repaid eftsoon. High in his hand he 
now poised Rudeger’s gift, and though wounded unto death, he smote him a 
stroke through his good and trusty shield down to his helmet band. And so 
fair Gotelind’s husband was done to death. Certes, so rich a gift was never 
worse repaid. So fell alike both Gernot and Rudeger, slain in the fray, 
through each other’s hand.

Then first waxed Hagen wroth, when he saw the monstrous scathe. Quoth the 
hero of Troneg: "Evil hath it fared with us. In these two men we have taken 
a loss so great that neither their land nor people will e’er recover from 
the blow. Rudeger’s champions must answer to us homeless men."

"Alas for my brother, who hath here been done to death. What evil tales I 
hear all time! Noble Rudeger, too, must ever rue me. The loss and the 
grievous wounds are felt on either side."

When Lord Giselher saw his betrothed’s father dead, those within the hall 
were forced to suffer need. Fiercely death sought his fellowship; not one of 
those of Bechelaren escaped with life. Gunther and Giselher and Hagen, too, 
Dankwart and Folker, the right good knights, went to where they found the 
two men lying. Then by these heroes tears of grief were shed.

"Death doth sorely rob us," spake Giselher, the youth. "Now give over your 
weeping and go we bite the breeze, that the mailed armor of us storm-weary 
men may cool. Certes, I ween, that God in heaven vouchsafeth us no more to 
live."

This champion was seen to sit and that to lean against the wall, but all 
again were idle. Rudeger’s heroes lay still in death. The din had died away; 
the hush endured so long, it vexed King Etzel.

"Alack for such services," spake the queen. "They be not so true, that our 
foes must pay with their life at Rudeger’s hands. I trow, he doth wish to 
lead them back to the Burgundian land. What booteth it, King Etzel, that we 
have given him whatso he would? The knight hath done amiss, he who should 
avenge us, doth make his peace."

To this Folker, the full dapper knight, made answer: "This is not true, 
alas, most noble queen. Durst I give the lie to such a high-born dame, then 
had ye most foully lied against Rudeger. He and his champions be cozened in 
this peace. So eagerly he did what the king commanded, that he and all his 
fellowship lie here in death. Now look around you, Kriemhild, to see whom ye 
may now command. The good Knight Rudeger hath served you to his end. And ye 
will not believe the tale, we’ll let you see."

To their great grief ‘twas done; they bare the slain hero to where the king 
might see him. Never had there happed to Etzel’s men a grief so great. When 
they saw the margrave borne forth dead, no scribe might write or tell the 
frantic grief of men and women, which there gan show itself from dole of 
heart. King Etzel’s sorrow waxed so great that the mighty king did voice his 
woe of heart, as with a lion’s roar. Likewise did his queen. Beyond all 
measure they bewailed the good Knight Rudeger’s death.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Parlous", older English for ‘perilous’.

(2) "Fey", ‘doomed to death’, here in the sense of ‘already slain’. See 
Adventure V, note 2.

(3) "Strangers", i.e., those who are sojourning there far from home.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXXVIII

How All Sir Dietrich’s Warriors Were Slain.

On every side one heard a grief so great, that the palace and the towers 
rang with the wailing. Then a liegeman of Dietrich heard it, too. how 
quickly he gan haste him with the fearful tales! To the lording he spake: 
"Hear, my lord, Sir Dietrich, however much I’ve lived to see till now, yet 
heard I never such a monstrous wail, as now hath reached mine ears. I ween, 
King Etzel himself hath come to grief. How else might all be so distressed? 
One of the twain, the king or Kriemhild, hath sorely been laid low by the 
brave strangers in their wrath. Full many a dapper warrior weepeth passing 
sore."

Then spake the Knight of Borne: "My faithful men, now haste ye not too fast. 
Whatever the homeless warriors may have done, they be now in mickle need. 
Let it profit them, that I did offer them my peace."

At this brave Wolfhart spake: "I will hie me hence and ask for tidings of 
what they have done, and will tell you then, my most dear lord, just as I 
find it, what the wail may be."

Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Where one awaiteth wrath, and rude questions then 
are put, this doth lightly sadden the lofty mood of warriors. In truth, I 
will not, Wolfhart, that ye ask these questions of them."

Then he told Helfrich (1) to hasten thither speedily, and bade him find from 
Etzel’s men or from the guests themselves, what there had fortuned, for men 
had never seen from folks so great a grief. The messenger gan ask: "What 
hath here been done?"

At this one among them spake: "Whatever of joy we had in the Hunnish land 
hath passed away. Here lieth Rudeger, slain by the Burgundians’ hands; and 
of those who were come with him, not one hatch ‘scaped alive."

Sir Helfrich could never have had a greater dole. Sorely weeping, the envoy 
went to Dietrich. Never was he so loth to tell a tale. "What have ye found 
for us?" quoth Dietrich. "Why weep ye so sore, Knight Helfrich?"

Then spake the noble champion: "I have good cause for wail. The Burgundians 
have slain the good Sir Rudeger."

At this the hero of Berne made answer: "Now God forbid. That were a fearful 
vengeance, over which the foul fiend would gloat. Wherewith hath Rudeger 
deserved this at their hands? I know full well, forsooth, he is the 
strangers’ friend."

To this Wolfhart answered: "And have they done this deed, ‘twill cost them 
all their lives. ‘Twould be our shame, should we let this pass, for of a 
truth the hand of the good knight Rudeger hath served us much and oft."

The lord of the Amelungs bade learn it better. In bitter grief he sate him 
at a window and begged Hildebrand to hie him to the strangers, that he might 
find from them what had been done. The storm-brave warrior, Master 
Hildebrand, (2) bare neither shield nor weapon in his hand. In courtly wise 
he would hie him to the strangers; for this he was chided by his sister’s 
son. Grim Wolfhart spake: "And ye will go thither so bare, ye will never 
fare without upbraiding; ye must return with shame. But if ye go there 
armed, each will guard against that well."

Then the wise man armed him, through the counsel of youth. Or ever he was 
ware, all Dietrich’s warriors had donned their war-weeds and held in their 
hands their swords. Loth it was to the hero, and he would have gladly turned 
their mind. He asked whither they would go.

"We will hence with you. Perchance Hagen of Troneg then will dare the less 
to address him to you with scorn, which full well he knoweth how to use." 
When he heard this, the knight vouchsafed them for to go.

Soon brave Folker saw the champions of Berne, the liegemen of Dietrich, 
march along, well armed, begirt with swords, while in their hands they bare 
their shields. He told it to his lords from out the Burgundian land. The 
fiddler spake: "Yonder I see the men of Dietrich march along in right 
hostile wise, armed cap-a-pie. They would encounter us; I ween ‘twill go 
full ill with us strangers."

Meanwhile Sir Hildebrand was come. Before his feet he placed his shield, and 
gan ask Gunther’s men: "Alas, good heroes, what had Rudeger done you? My 
Lord Dietrich hath sent me hither to you to say, that if the hand of any 
among you hath slain the noble margrave, as we are told, we could never 
stand such mighty dole."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "The tale is true. How gladly could I wish, that 
the messenger had told you false, for Rudeger’s sake, and that he still did 
live, for whom both man and wife may well ever weep."

When they heard aright that he was dead, the warriors made wail for him, as 
their fealty bade them. Over the beards and chins of Dietrich’s champions 
the tears were seen to run. Great grief had happened to them.

Siegstab, (3) the Duke of Berne, then spake: "Now hath come to an end the 
cheer, that Rudeger did give us after our days of dole. The joy of all 
wayfaring folk lieth slain by you, sir knights."

Then spake the Knight Wolfwin (4) of the Amelungs: "And I saw mine own 
father dead to-day, I should not make greater dole, than for his death. 
Alas, who shall now comfort the good margrave’s wife?"

Angry of mood Knight Wolfhart spake: "Who shall now lead the warriors to so 
many a fight, as the margrave so oft hath done? Alas, most noble Rudeger, 
that we should lose thee thus!"

Wolfbrand (5) and Helfrich and Helmnot, too, with all their men bewailed his 
death. For sighing Hildebrand might no longer ask a whit. He spake: "Sir 
knights, now do what my lord hath sent you here to do. Give us the corse of 
Rudeger from out the hall, in whom our joy hath turned to grief, and let us 
repay to him the great fealty he hath shown to us and to many another man. 
We, too, be exiles, just as Rudeger, the knight. Why do ye let us wait thus? 
Let us bear him away, that we may yet requite the knight in death. More 
justly had we done it, when he was still alive."

Then spake King Gunther: "Never was there so good a service as that, which a 
friend doth do to a friend after his death. When any doeth that, I call it 
faithful friendship. Ye repay him but rightly, for much love hath he ever 
shown you."

"How long shall we still beseech?" spake Knight Wolfhart. "Sith our best 
hope hath been laid low in death by you, and we may no longer have him with 
us, let us bear him hence to where the warrior may be buried."

To this Folker made answer: "None will give him to you. Fetch ye him from 
the hall where the warrior lieth, fallen in the blood, with mortal wounds. 
‘Twill then be a perfect service, which ye render Rudeger."

Quoth brave Wolfhart: "God wot, sir minstrel, ye have given us great dole 
and should not rouse our ire. But that I durst not for fear of my lord, ye 
should all fare ill. We must perforce abstain, sith he forbade us strife."

Then spake the fiddler: "He hath a deal too much fear who doth abstain from 
all that one forbiddeth him. That I call not a real hero’s mood." This 
speech of his war comrade thought Hagen good.

"Long not for that," answered Wolfhart, "or I’ll play such havoc with your 
fiddle strings, that ye’ll have cause to tell the tale, when ye ride 
homeward to the Rhine. I cannot brook in honor your overweening pride."

Quoth the fiddler: "If ye put out of tune my strings, then must the gleam of 
your helmet grow dim from this hand of mine, however I ride to the 
Burgundian land."

Then would he leap at him, but his uncle Hildebrand grasped him firmly. "I 
ween, thou wouldst rage in thy silly anger. Then hadst thou lost forever the 
favor of my lord."

"Let go the lion, master, he is so fierce of mood," quoth the good knight 
Folker. "Had he slain the whole world with his one hand, I’ll smite him, and 
he come within my reach, so that he may never sing the answer to my song."

At this the men of Berne waxed passing wroth of mood. Wolfhart, a doughty 
knight and a good, snatched up his shield. Like a wild lion he ran to meet 
him, swiftly followed by all his friends. But howsoever great the strides he 
took towards the hall, yet did old Hildebrand overtake him at the steps. He 
would not let him reach the fray before him. At the hands of the homeless 
knights they later found the strife they sought. Master Hildebrand then 
sprang at Hagen. In the hands of both one heard the swords ring out. That 
both were angry, might be plainly seen; from the swords of the twain 
streamed forth a blast of fire-red sparks. Then they were parted in the 
stress of battle by the men of Berne, as their strength did bid them. At 
once Hildebrand turned him away from Hagen, but stout Wolfhart addressed him 
to Folker the bold. Such a blow he smote the fiddler upon his good helmet, 
that the sword’s edge pierced to the very helmet bands. This the bold 
gleeman repaid with might; he smote Wolfhart, so that the sparks flew wide. 
Enow of fire they struck from the armor rings, for each bare hatred to the 
other. Then Knight Wolfwin of Berne did part them—an’ he be not a hero, 
never was there one.

With willing hand Gunther, the champion, greeted the heroes of the Amelung 
land. Lord Giselher made many a gleaming helmet red and wot with blood. 
Dankwart, Hagen’s brother, a fierce man was he; whatever he had done before 
to Etzel’s warriors in strife was as a wind to the fury with which bold 
Aldrian’s son now fought. Ritschart (6) and Gerbart, Helfrich and Wichart 
had spared themselves full seldom in many battle storms; this they now made 
Gunther’s liegemen note full well. Wolfbrand, too, was seen in the strife 
bearing him in lordly wise. Old Hildebrand fought as though he raged. At 
Wolfhart’s hands many good knights, struck by the sword, must needs fall 
dead down into the blood. Thus the bold champions and good avenged Knight 
Rudeger.

Then Lord Siegstab fought as his prowess bade him. Ho, what good helmets of 
his foes this son of Dietrich’s sister clove in the strife! Nor might he 
ever do better in the fray. When sturdy Folker espied that bold Siegstab 
hewed a bloody stream from the hard armor rings, wroth of mood the hero 
grew. He sprang to meet him, and Siegstab lost his life full soon at the 
fiddler’s hands, for Folker gave him such a sample of his art, that he soon 
lay dead, slain by his sword. This old Hildebrand avenged, as his might did 
bid him.

"Alas for my dear lord," spake Master Hildebrand, "who lieth here dead at 
Folker’s hands. Now shall the fiddler no longer live."

How might bold Hildebrand ever be fiercer? Folker he smote, so that on all 
sides the clasps flew to the walls of the hall from helmet and shield of the 
doughty gleeman. Thus stout Folker was done to death. At this the men of 
Dietrich pressed forward to the strife. They smote so that the armor rings 
whirled far and wide, and high through the air the sword-points wore seen to 
fly. From the helmets they drew the warm gushing stream of blood. When Hagen 
of Troneg saw Folker dead, that was the greatest sorrow, that he had gained 
at the feasting in kinsman or in liegeman. Alas, how fiercely Hagen gan 
venge the knight! "Now old Hildebrand shall not profit by this deed. My 
helpmate lieth slain by the hero’s hand, the best war comrade that I did 
ever win." Higher he raised his helmet, and ran, slashing as he went.

Stout Helfrich slew Dankwart. Loth enow it was to Gunther and Giselher, when 
they saw him fall in cruel need, but with his own hands he himself had well 
avenged his death. Meanwhile Wolfhart raged back and forth, hewing alway 
King Gunther’s men. For the third time he was come through the hall, and 
many a warrior fell, struck by his hands.

Then Lord Giselher cried out to Wolfhart: "Alas, that I have ever gained so 
grim a foe! Noble knight and brave, now address you unto me. I’ll help to 
make an end; this may be no longer."

At this Wolfhart turned him in strife to Giselher, and each smote other many 
a gaping wound. He pressed so mightily toward the king, that the blood 
beneath his feet spurted high above his head. With grim and fearful blows 
the son of fair Uta then greeted the brave knight Wolfhart. However strong 
the warrior, he might not save his life. Never could so young a king have 
been more brave; Wolfhart he smote through his stout hauberk, that his blood 
streamed down from the wound. Unto death he wounded Dietrich’s liegeman. 
None save a champion had done such deed. When brave Wolfhart felt the wound, 
he let fall his shield and lifted higher in his hand his mighty sword (sharp 
enow it was); through both helmet and armor rings the hero smote Giselher. 
Thus each did other fiercely unto death.

Now was none left of Dietrich’s men. Old Hildebrand saw Wolfhart fall; never 
before his death, I ween, did such dole happen to him. The men of Gunther 
all lay dead, and those of Dietrich, too. Hildebrand hied him to where 
Wolfhart had fallen in the gore, and clasped in his arms the brave knight 
and good. He would fain bear him from the hall, but he was a deal too heavy, 
and so he must needs let him lie. Then the dying warrior looked upward from 
the blood in which he lay; well he saw, that his uncle would fain help him 
hence. Though wounded unto death, he spake: "Dear uncle mine, ye may not aid 
me now. ‘Tis well, methinks, that ye should guard you against Hagen. A 
fierce mood he beareth in his heart. And if perchance my kinsmen would mourn 
me after I am dead; pray tell the nearest and the best, that they weep not 
for me; there is no need of that. At the hands of a king I have met a 
glorious death and have also avenged me, so that the wives of the good 
knights may well bewail it. If any ask you of this, ye may boldly say, that 
full a hundred lie slain by my hand alone."

Then Hagen, too, bethought him of the gleeman, whom bold Hildebrand had 
robbed of life. To the knight he spake: "Ye’ll requite me now my sorrows. 
Through your hatred ye have bereft us of many a lusty knight."

He dealt Hildebrand such a blow, that men heard Balmung ring, the which bold 
Hagen had taken from Siegfried, when he slew the knight. Then the old man 
warded him; in sooth he was brave enow. Dietrich’s champion struck with a 
broad sword, that cut full sore, at the hero of Troneg, but could not wound 
King Gunther’s liegeman. Hagen, however, smote him through his well-wrought 
hauberk. When old Hildebrand felt the wound, he feared more scathe at 
Hagen’s hand; his shield he slung across his back and thus Sir Dietrich’s 
man escaped from Hagen, though sorely wounded.

Now of all the knights none was alive save the twain, Gunther and Hagen 
alone. Dripping with blood old Hildebrand went to where he found Dietrich, 
and told him the baleful tale. He saw him sitting sadly, but much more of 
dole the prince now gained. He spied Hildebrand in his blood-red hauberk, 
and asked him tidings, as his fears did prompt him.

"Now tell me, Master Hildebrand, how be ye so wot with your lifeblood? Pray 
who hath done you this? I ween, ye have fought with the strangers in the 
hall. I forbade it you so sorely, that ye should justly have avoided it."

Then said he to his lord: "’Twas Hagen that did it. He dealt me this wound 
in the hall, when I would fain have turned me from the knight. I scarce 
escaped the devil with my life."

Then spake the Lord of Berne: "Rightly hath it happed you, for that ye have 
broken the peace, which I had sworn them, sith ye did hear me vow friendship 
to the knights. Were it not mine everlasting shame, ye should lose your 
life."

"My Lord Dietrich, now be ye not so wroth; the damage to my friends and me 
is all too great. Fain would we have carried Rudeger’s corse away, but King 
Gunther’s liegemen would not grant it us."

"Woe is me of these sorrows! If Rudeger then be dead, ‘twill bring me 
greater dole, than all my woe. Noble Gotelind is the child of my father’s 
sister; alas for the poor orphans, that be now in Bechelaren."

Rudeger’s death now minded him of ruth and dole. Mightily the hero gan weep; 
in sooth he had good cause. "Alas for this faithful comrade whom I have 
lost! In truth I shall ever mourn for King Etzel’s liegeman. Can ye tell me, 
Master Hildebrand, true tidings, who be the knight, that hath slain him 
there?"

Quoth he: "That stout Gernot did, with might and main, but the hero, too, 
fell dead at Rudeger’s hands."

Again he spake to Hildebrand: "Pray say to my men, that they arm them 
quickly, for I will hie me hither, and bid them make ready my shining battle 
weeds. I myself will question the heroes of the Burgundian land."

Then spake Master Hildebrand: "Who then shall join you? Whatso of living men 
ye have, ye see stand by you. ‘Tis I alone; the others, they be dead."

He started at this tale; forsooth, he had good cause, for never in his life 
had he gained so great a grief. He spake: "And are my men all dead, then 
hath God forgotten me, poor Dietrich. Once I was a lordly king, mighty, 
high, and rich." Again Sir Dietrich spake: "How could it hap, that all the 
worshipful heroes died at the hands of the battle-weary, who were themselves 
hard pressed? Were it not for mine ill-luck, death were still a stranger to 
them. Sith then mine evil fortune would have it so, pray tell me, are any of 
the strangers still alive?"

Then spake Master Hildebrand: "God wet, none other save only Hagen and 
Gunther, the high-born king."

"Alas, dear Wolfhart, and I have lost thee too, then may it well rue me, 
that ever I was born. Siegstab and Wolfwin and Wolfbrand, too! Who then 
shall help me to the Amelung land? Bold Helfrich, hath he, too, been slain, 
and Gerbart and Wiehart? How shall I ever mourn for them in fitting wise? 
This day doth forever end my joys. Alas, that none may die for very grief!"

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Helfrich" appears also in the "Thidreksaga", chap. 330, where we are 
told that he was the bravest and courtliest of all knights.

(2) "Master Hildebrand", see Adventure XXVIII, note 1.

(3) "Siegstab" is Dietrich’s nephew. He also appears in the "Thidreksaga", 
but in a different role.

(4) "Wolfwin" is mentioned in the "Klage", 1541, as Dietrich’s nephew.

(5) "Wolfbrand" and "Helmnot" appear only here.

(6) "Ritschart". With the exception of Helfrich (see Above note 1), these 
names do not occur elsewhere, though one of the sons of Haimon was called 
Wichart.

 

 

ADVENTURE XXXIX

How Gunther And Hagen And Kriemhild Were Slain.

Then Sir Dietrich fetched himself his coat of mail, and Master Hildebrand 
helped him arm. The mighty man made wail so sore, that the whole house 
resounded with his voice. But then he gained again a real hero’s mood. The 
good knight was now armed and grim of mind; a stout shield he hung upon his 
arm. Thus he and Master Hildebrand went boldly hence.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Yonder I see Sir Dietrich coming hither; he 
would fain encounter us, after the great sorrow, that hath here befallen 
him. To-day we shall see, to whom one must give the palm. however strong of 
body and grim of mood the lord of Berne thinketh him to be, right well dare 
I match him," so spake Hagen, "an’ he will avenge on us that which hath been 
done him."

Dietrich and Hildebrand heard this speech, for Hagen came to where he found 
the champion stand before the house, leaning against the wall. Dietrich set 
his good shield upon the ground, and spake in grievous dole: "Gunther, 
mighty king, why have ye so acted against me, banished man? What have I done 
to you? I stand alone, bereft of all my comfort. Ye thought it not enow of 
bitter need, when ye did kill Knight Rudeger, our friend. Now ye have robbed 
me of all my men. Forsooth I never had wrought you heroes sorrow such as 
this. Think on yourselves and on your wrongs. Doth not the death of your 
kinsmen and all the hardship grieve the minds of you good knights? Alas, 
what great dole Rudeger’s death doth give me! Never in all the world hath 
more of sorrow happed to any man. Ye thought but little on me and on your 
pain. Whatsoever joy I had, that lieth slain by you. Certes, I never can 
bewail my kin enow."

"Forsooth we be not so guilty," answered Hagen. "Your warriors came to this 
hall in a large band, armed with care. Methinks the tale hath not been told 
you rightly."

"What else should I believe? Hildebrand told me, that when my knights from 
the Amelung land asked that ye should give up Rudeger’s corse from out the 
hall, ye did naught but mock the valiant heroes from above the steps."

Then spake the king from the Rhine: "They said, that they would fain bear 
Rudeger hence, and I bade this be denied them to vex King Etzel, and not thy 
men, until then Wolfhart began to rail about it."

Then the hero of Berne made answer: "Fate would have it so. Gunther, most 
noble king, now through thy courtesie requite me of the wrongs, that have 
happed to me from thee, and make such amends, brave knight, that I may give 
thee credit for the deed. Give thyself and thy men to me as hostages, and I 
will guard you, as best I may, that none here do thee aught among the Huns. 
Thou shalt find me naught but good and true."

"Now God forbid," quoth Hagen, "that two knights give themselves up to thee, 
that still do stand opposed to thee so doughtily and walk so unfettered 
before their foes."

"Gunther and Hagen, ye should not deny me this," spake Dietrich. "Ye have 
grieved my heart and mind so sore, that it were but right, and ye would 
requite me. I give you my hand and troth as pledge, that I will ride with 
you, home to your land. I’ll lead you in all honor, or else lie dead, and 
for your sakes I will forget my grievous wrongs."

"Crave this no longer," answered Hagen. "’Twere fitting, that the tale be 
told of us, that two men so brave had given themselves up to you. We see 
none standing by you, save Hildebrand alone."

Then up spake Master Hildebrand: "God wot, Sir Hagen, the hour will come, 
when ye will gladly take the peace, if so be any offer to keep it with you. 
Ye might well content you with the truce my lord doth offer."

"Forsooth I’d take the truce," quoth Hagen, "or ever I’d flee from out a 
hall so shamefully as ye did, Master Hildebrand. I weened, ye could stand 
better against a foe."

To this Hildebrand made answer: "Why twit ye me with that? Who was it sate 
upon a shield hard by the Waskstone, (1) when Walter of Spain slew so many 
of his kin? Ye, too, have faults enow of your own to show."

Then spake Sir Dietrich: "Ill doth it beseem heroes, that they should scold 
like aged beldams. I forbid you, Hildebrand, to speak aught more. Grievous 
wrongs constrain me, homeless warrior. Let’s hear, Knight Hagen, what ye 
twain did speak, ye doughty men, when ye saw me coming toward you armed? Ye 
said, that ye alone would fain encounter me in strife."

"Certes, none doth deny," Knight Hagen spake, "that I will essay it here 
with mighty blows, unless be, that the sword of Nibelung break in my hand. 
Wroth am I, that we twain have here been craved as hostages."

When Dietrich noted Hagen’s raging mood, quickly the doughty knight and good 
snatched up his shield. How swiftly Hagen sprang toward him from the steps! 
Loudly the good sword of Nibelung rang on Dietrich’s head. Then wist 
Dietrich well, that the bold knight was grim of mood. The lord of Berne gan 
guard him against the fearful blows, for well he knew Hagen, the stately 
knight. Balmung he also feared, a weapon stout enow. Dietrich returned the 
blows at times in cunning wise, until at last he conquered Hagen in the 
strife. A wound he dealt him, the which was deep and long. Then Lord 
Dietrich thought him: "Thou art worn out with strife; little honor shall I 
have, and thou liest dead before me. I will try, if perchance I can force 
thee to be my hostage."

This he wrought with danger. His shield he let fall, great was his strength, 
and clasped Hagen of Troneg in his arms. Thus the brave knight was overcome 
by Dietrich. Noble Gunther gan wail thereat. Dietrich now bound Hagen and 
led him to where he found the highborn queen; into her hand he gave the 
bravest warrior that ever bare a sword. Then merry enow she grew after her 
great dole. For very joy King Etzel’s wife bowed low before the knight. "May 
thy heart and body be ever blest. Thou hast well requited me of all my woes. 
For this will I ever serve thee, unless be, that death doth hinder me 
therefrom."

Then spake Lord Dietrich: "Pray let him live, most noble queen. And if this 
still may be, how well will I requite you of that which he hath done you! 
Let him not suffer, because ye see him stand here bound."

She bade Hagen then be led away to duress, where he lay locked in and where 
none did see him. Gunther, the high-born king, began to call: "Whither went 
the knight of Berne? He hath done me wrong."

At this Lord Dietrich went to meet him. Gunther’s might was worthy of 
praise; no more he bided, but ran outside the hall, and from the clashing of 
the swords of the twain a mighty din arose. However much and long Lord 
Dietrich’s prowess had been praised, yet Gunther was so sorely angered and 
enraged, for because of the grievous dole, he was his deadly foe, that men 
still tell it as a wonder, that Sir Dietrich did not fall. Great were both 
their prowess and their strength. The palace and the towers resounded with 
the blows, when with the swords they hewed at the sturdy helmets. King 
Gunther was of lordly mood, but the knight of Berne overcame him, as happed 
to Hagen afore. The hero’s blood was seen to ooze through the armor rings, 
drawn forth by a keen-edged sword, the which Sir Dietrich bare. Though 
weary, Sir Gunther had guarded him most valiantly. The lord was now bound by 
Dietrich’s hands. Though kings should not endure such bonds, yet Dietrich 
thought, if he set free the king and his liegeman, that all they met must 
needs fall dead at their hands.

Dietrich of Berne now took him by the hand and led him bound to where he 
found Kriemhild. At sight of his sorrow much of her fear took flight. She 
spake: "Welcome, Gunther, from the Burgundian land."

Quoth he: "I would bow before you, dear sister mine, if your greetings were 
but kinder. I know you, queen, to be so wroth of mood that ye do give me and 
Hagen meagre greetings."

Up spake the knight of Berne: "Most noble queen, never were such good 
knights made hostages, as I have given you in them, exalted lady. For my 
sake, I pray you, spare these homeless men."

She vowed she’d do it gladly. Then Sir Dietrich left the worshipful knights 
with weeping eyes. Later Etzel’s wife avenged her grimly; she took the life 
of both the chosen heroes. To make their duress worse she let them lie 
apart, so that neither saw the other, till she bare her brother’s head to 
Hagen. Kriemhild’s vengeance on both was great enow.

Then the queen went to Hagen. In what right hostile wise she spake to the 
knight: "If ye will give me back what ye have taken from me, then ye may 
still go home alive to Burgundy."

Grim Hagen answered: "Thou dost waste thy words, most noble queen. Forsooth 
I have sworn an oath, that I would not show the hoard, the while and any of 
my lords still live; so I shall give it to none."

"I’ll make an end of this," quoth the high-born wife. Then she bade her 
brother’s life be taken. His head they struck off, and by the hair she bare 
it to the knight of Troneg. Loth enow it was to him. When sad of mind the 
warrior gazed upon his master’s head, he spake to Kriemhild: "Thou hast 
brought it to an end after thy will, and it hath happed, as I had thought 
me. The noble king of Burgundy now lieth dead, and Giselher, the youth, and 
Sir Gernot, too. None knoweth of the treasure now save God and me, and it 
shall ever be hid from thee, thou fiend."

Quoth she: "Ye have requited me full ill, so I will keep the sword of 
Siegfried, the which my sweetheart bare, when last I saw him, in whom dole 
of heart hath happed to me through you."

From the sheath she drew it, nor could he hinder her a whit. She planned to 
rob the knight of life. With her hands she raised it and struck off his 
head. This King Etzel saw, and sore enow it rued him. "Alack!" cried the 
lording, "how lieth now dead at a woman’s hands the very best of knights, 
that ever came to battle or bare a shield! However much I was his foe, yet 
it doth grieve me sorely."

Then spake old Hildebrand: "Forsooth it shall not boot her aught, that she 
durst slay him. Whatso hap to me, and however much it may bring me to a 
dangerous pass, yet will I avenge bold Troneg’s death."

Hildebrand sprang in wrath towards Kriemhild. For fear of him she suffered 
pain; but what might it avail her, that she shrieked so frightfully? He 
dealt the queen a grievous sword-blow, the which did cut the high-born dame 
in twain. Now all lay low in death whom fate had doomed. Dietrich and Etzel 
then began to weep; sorely they mourned both kin and liegemen. Their mickle 
honors lay there low in death; the courtiers all had grief and drearihead. 
The king’s high feast had ended now in woe, as joy doth ever end in sorrow 
at the last. I cannot tell you, that which happed thereafter, save that 
knights and ladies and noble squires were seen to weep for the death of 
loving kinsmen. The tale hath here an end. This is the Nibelungs’ fall. (2) 
(3)

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Waskstone", see Adventure XXXV, note 2.

(2) "Fall". The word "not", translated here "fall", means really ‘disaster’, 
but as this word is not in keeping with the style, "fall" has been chosen as 
preferable to ‘need’, used by some translators. The MS. C has here "liet" 
instead of "not" of A and B.

(3) The "Nibelungenlied" is continued by the so-called "Klage", a poem 
written in short rhyming couplets. As the name indicates, it describes the 
lamentations of the survivors over the dead. The praises of each warrior are 
sung and a messenger dispatched to acquaint Gorelind, Uta, and Brunhild with 
the sad end of their kinsmen. It closes with Dietrich’s departure from 
Etzel’s court and his return home. Although in one sense a continuation of 
our poem, the "Klage" is an independent work of no great merit, being 
excessively tedious with its constant repetitions. A reprint and a full 
account of it will be found in Piper’s edition of our poem, vol. I.