# Names of Persons explained — Gudrun

> Chapter companion for Gudrun by Anonymous.

## What happens

This chapter lists the principal characters of the epic, providing their names, familial relationships, and roles in the narrative. It introduces the royal lineages of Ireland, the Hegelings, Normandy, and Moorland, establishing the key figures who will drive the story of Gudrun.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Kinship

The chapter is a genealogical catalog, emphasizing the importance of family ties and royal lineage in shaping the characters' identities and destinies.

### Power and Warfare

The listing of kings, queens, and vassals establishes the political and martial hierarchies that underpin the epic's conflicts.

## Character check-ins

### Gudrun

Daughter of Hettel and Hilda, central figure of the epic.

### Hartmut

Son of Ludwig and Gerlind, a suitor for Gudrun.

### Hettel

King of the Hegelings, husband of Hilda, father of Gudrun and Ortwin.

### Hilda

Daughter of Hagen, wife of Hettel, mother of Gudrun and Ortwin.

### Hagen

Son of Sigeband and U-te, grandfather of Gudrun.

### Herwic

King of Sealand, betrothed to Gudrun.

## Key lines

> Ger —an early king of Ireland, grandfather of Hagen.

Ger was an early king of Ireland and the grandfather of Hagen.

_Introduces the first generation of the Irish royal line._

> Gudrun —daughter of Hettel and Hilda.

Gudrun is the daughter of Hettel and Hilda.

_Identifies the epic's heroine and her parents._

> Hartmut —son of Ludwig and Gerlind, a suitor for Gudrun.

Hartmut, the son of Ludwig and Gerlind, is one of Gudrun's suitors.

_Establishes Hartmut's role as a key romantic rival._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/names-of-persons
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters