Gudrun · Chapter
How Gudrun Was Sought by Siegfried explained
After Hettel and Hilda have a son, Ortwin, and a daughter, Gudrun, the maiden grows surpassingly fair.
What happens
After Hettel and Hilda have a son, Ortwin, and a daughter, Gudrun, the maiden grows surpassingly fair. Siegfried, king of Moorland, comes to woo her but is rejected by Hettel. Enraged, Siegfried threatens to burn Hettel's land and departs with his followers, nursing a lasting grudge.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Siegfried's wooing of Gudrun and his rejection highlight the political and personal stakes of royal marriage.
Honor and Reputation
Hettel's pride and Siegfried's wounded honor drive the conflict, as both kings are concerned with their standing.
Family and Kinship
The birth of Ortwin and Gudrun, and the care given by kinsmen like Wâ-te and Horant, emphasize the importance of family bonds.
Characters to notice
- Gudrun
The lovely daughter of Hettel and Hilda, praised for her beauty beyond all other women; she is sought by Siegfried but not given to him.
- Hettel
King of the Hegelings, happy on his throne with Hilda; he rejects Siegfried's suit out of pride and strengthens his kingdom.
- Hilda
Queen and wife of Hettel, mother of Ortwin and Gudrun; she passes with her daughter before the Moorish knights.
- Ortwin
Son of Hettel and Hilda, entrusted to Wâ-te for knightly training.
- Wâ-te
Wise vassal of Hettel, entrusted with the upbringing of young Ortwin and faithful in his duties.
- Horant
Lord of Denmark and vassal of Hettel, known for bringing costly gifts to court.
- Siegfried
King of Moorland, mighty and daring, who woos Gudrun but is rejected; he departs in anger and swears enmity.
- Irold
Vassal of Hettel holding sway in Ortland.
Key passages
“The very comely daughter of Hilda and the king Was called Gudrun the lovely: from the land of the Hegeling To Denmark she was carried, to be in her kinsmen’s wardship.”
Hettel and Hilda's beautiful daughter, named Gudrun, was sent to Denmark to be raised by her relatives.
Describes Gudrun's early fostering away from home.
“He, with his faithful liegemen from far Icaria’s strand, Won many costly prizes there in Hettel’s land: His strong and doughty warriors, in sight of ladies seated Before King Hettel’s castle, in games of knighthood often there were mated.”
Siegfried and his warriors from distant Icaria competed in knightly games before Hettel's castle, winning valuable prizes in view of the ladies.
Illustrates Siegfried's display of prowess during his courtship.
“From him was the maid withholden by Hettel’s lofty pride; And now their loving friendship was ended on either side.”
Because of Hettel's pride, Gudrun was kept from Siegfried, and the friendly relations between the two kings were broken.
Explains the rupture caused by the rejection.