Gudrun · Chapter
Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor explained
King Hettel of the Hegelings, seeking a worthy wife, is advised by Morunc to woo Hilda, daughter of King Hagen of Ireland.
What happens
King Hettel of the Hegelings, seeking a worthy wife, is advised by Morunc to woo Hilda, daughter of King Hagen of Ireland. Hettel sends his vassals Wâ-te, Horant, and Fru-te as suitors, who travel disguised as merchants with hidden warriors. They arrive in Ireland, present rich gifts to Hagen, and are welcomed at court, where Hilda and her mother entertain them. Wâ-te's stern demeanor amuses the ladies, while Horant wins their favor. Hagen offers to teach Wâ-te sword-play, but Wâ-te scoffs at the local fighting style.
Themes in this chapter
Hospitality and Generosity
King Hagen and his court generously welcome the disguised suitors, offering food, drink, and entertainment.
Gender Roles and Agency
Hilda and her mother actively engage the guests, questioning Wâ-te and influencing the court's reception.
Honor and Reputation
Wâ-te and his men maintain their pride and honor, refusing gifts and asserting their martial prowess.
Characters to notice
- Hettel
King of the Hegelings, orphaned, seeks a wife and sends Wâ-te, Horant, and Fru-te to woo Hilda.
- Wâ-te
Aged vassal of Hettel, sent as chief suitor; stern and warrior-like, he amuses the ladies with his bluntness.
- Horant
Wâ-te's nephew, a brave and upright knight from Denmark, joins the mission and wins favor with the ladies.
- Hilda
Daughter of King Hagen, the sought-after maiden; she welcomes the guests and engages them in conversation.
- Hagen
King of Ireland, father of Hilda; he receives the suitors and offers to teach Wâ-te sword-play.
- Morunc
Youthful knight of Nifland who advises Hettel to woo Hilda and participates in the mission.
- Fru-te
Danish knight and vassal of Hettel, accompanies Wâ-te and Horant as a wise and daring companion.
- Irold
Daring champion who tells the queen about Wâ-te's bravery and lands.
Key passages
“Hettel was lord in Daneland; to be its king he rose; ’Twas in the Sturmisch marches, as many a one well knows; There abode his kindred, who ways of honor taught him.”
Hettel became king of Daneland, located in the Sturmisch region, where his family instilled in him a sense of honor.
Establishes Hettel's background and the setting of the story.
“Then spake a knight of Nifland, Morunc, a youthful lord: 'I know of a lovely maiden, of whom I oft have heard; She in truth is fairer than all on earth now living.'”
Morunc, a young knight from Nifland, tells Hettel about Hilda, the fairest maiden alive.
Morunc introduces the idea of wooing Hilda.
“The aged Wâ-te answered: 'To me the last seems best; Altho’ among fair ladies glad am I to rest, Never am I happier than when with knights most daring, Upon the stormy field the fight I am sharing.'”
Wâ-te prefers the thrill of battle over the comfort of ladies' company.
Highlights Wâ-te's warrior nature and contrasts with courtly expectations.