# How Sweetly Horant Sang explained — Gudrun

> Chapter companion for Gudrun by Anonymous.

## What happens

Horant, a Danish knight, uses his extraordinary singing to charm the court of King Hagen in Ireland. His songs captivate everyone, including the young princess Hilda, who becomes favorably disposed toward King Hettel's suit. With the help of a chamberlain, Horant and Morunc secretly meet Hilda in her bower, where she pledges her love to Hettel. They then plan to lure Hilda and her parents to their ship, setting the stage for her eventual departure.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Horant's singing serves as a tool to win Hilda's heart for King Hettel, highlighting the intersection of courtly love and political marriage.

### Hospitality and Generosity

King Hagen offers gifts and hospitality to the Hegeling guests, reflecting the medieval ideal of generous lordship.

## Character check-ins

### Horant

The Danish knight whose enchanting singing wins the favor of Hilda and the Irish court, advancing Hettel's suit.

### Hilda

The young princess of Ireland, deeply moved by Horant's songs, she secretly pledges her love to King Hettel.

### Hagen

King of Ireland, initially pleased by Horant's singing but grows wary of the guests' influence.

### Morunc

Horant's companion, who assists in the secret negotiations with Hilda.

### Wâ-te

The aged Hegeling advisor, who learns of the plan and pledges to help bring Hilda away.

### Hettel

The Hegeling king, whose suit for Hilda is advanced by Horant's mission.

## Key lines

> His singing was so wondrous that all who listened near him Found his song well-pleasing; the little birds all hushed their notes to hear him.

Horant's singing was so beautiful that even the birds stopped singing to listen.

_Emphasizes the supernatural quality of Horant's music, which captivates all of nature._

> Then spake the fair young Hilda: 'What is it that I hear? Just now a song the sweetest was thrilling on mine ear, That e'er from any singer I heard until this hour.'

Hilda exclaims that she has never heard such a sweet song before.

_Shows Hilda's immediate enchantment by Horant's singing, setting the stage for her favor toward Hettel._

> She drew a ring from her finger, nought of gold were fairer, And said: 'I give it gladly; be this of my goodwill to you the bearer.'

Hilda gives Horant a ring as a token of her goodwill.

_The ring symbolizes Hilda's pledge and her acceptance of Hettel's suit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-vi-how-sweetly-horant-sang
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters