Gudrun · Chapter
Tale XI: How Herwic Sent to Seek Gudrun and How Hartmut Came Himself explained
Herwic, king of Sealand, sends suitors for Gudrun's hand but is rejected by her father Hettel.
What happens
Herwic, king of Sealand, sends suitors for Gudrun's hand but is rejected by her father Hettel. Hartmut of Normandy then comes in person to woo Gudrun, who receives him kindly but warns him to leave for his own safety. Hartmut returns to Normandy, resolved to win her by force, spurred on by his mother Gerlind.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Herwic and Hartmut both seek Gudrun's hand, but their suits are complicated by parental rejection and political ambition.
Honor and Reputation
Hartmut feels scorned by Hettel's rejection and seeks to restore his honor through force.
Power and Warfare
Hartmut prepares for war against Hettel after being rejected, with Gerlind encouraging conflict.
Characters to notice
- Gudrun
The sought-after maiden; she receives Hartmut kindly but warns him to leave the court.
- Hartmut
Comes in person to woo Gudrun; is kindly received but warned away, and returns home resolved to win her by force.
- Herwic
King of Sealand who sends suitors for Gudrun but is rejected by Hettel.
- Hettel
Gudrun's father; rejects Herwic's suit and is wary of Hartmut's presence.
- Hilda
Queen and Gudrun's mother; observes Hartmut at court.
- Gerlind
Hartmut's mother; spurs him on with steady hatred toward war with Hettel.
Key passages
“He began his wooing, trusting the lovely maid Would take him for her lover; long his hopes he fed, And much he toiled to win her, both with love and riches: But though the maid was willing, her father, Hettel, he in vain beseeches.”
Herwic courted Gudrun with gifts and devotion, hoping she would accept him, but despite her willingness, her father Hettel refused his request.
Herwic's suit is rejected by Hettel despite Gudrun's favor.
“Then she told her wooer the pain to it gave; And though she wished he ever a happy life might have, Yet from her father's kingdom she begged him now to hasten, For in the land of Hettel was his life at risk, and this would never lessen.”
Gudrun warned Hartmut that his life was in danger in her father's kingdom and urged him to leave quickly, though she wished him well.
Gudrun kindly but firmly advises Hartmut to flee for his safety.
“Gerlind, the old she-devil, at all times spurred him on with hatred steady.”
Gerlind constantly encouraged Hartmut's hostility and desire for war.
Gerlind is portrayed as a malevolent influence pushing Hartmut toward conflict.