# Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor explained — Gudrun

> Chapter companion for Gudrun by Anonymous.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-v-how-w-te-was-sent-to-ireland-as-a-suitor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters