# How Herwic Made War on Hettel, and How Gudrun Was Betrothed to Him explained — Gudrun

> Chapter companion for Gudrun by Anonymous.

## What happens

Herwic, forbidden by Hettel to woo Gudrun, invades Hettel's kingdom with a large force. After a fierce battle, Hettel and Herwic recognize each other's valor, and Gudrun, watching from the castle, intercedes for peace. She and Herwic exchange vows of love, and with Hettel's consent, they are betrothed. However, Queen Hilda insists that the marriage be delayed for a year, causing future sorrow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Herwic's love for Gudrun drives him to wage war, and the chapter culminates in their betrothal, highlighting the intertwining of love, conflict, and marital alliance.

### Power and Warfare

Herwic's invasion and the ensuing battle demonstrate how power and martial force are used to achieve personal and political goals.

### Gender Roles and Agency

Gudrun actively intercedes to stop the fighting and freely chooses Herwic as her husband, exercising agency within the constraints of her role.

## Character check-ins

### Herwic

Brave King Herwic, forbidden to woo Gudrun, invades Hettel's kingdom and fights valiantly. He wins Gudrun's love and is betrothed to her.

### Gudrun

The lovely maiden who watches the battle, intercedes for peace, and freely gives her love to Herwic, accepting his betrothal.

### Hettel

King Hettel, father of Gudrun, initially forbids Herwic's suit but later consents to the betrothal after recognizing Herwic's prowess in battle.

### Hilda

Queen Hilda, mother of Gudrun, advises caution and insists on a year's delay before the marriage, which leads to later troubles.

### Irold

Lord of Ortland, who hears of Herwic's invasion and is mentioned among those who learn of the conflict.

### Morunc

Mighty Morunc in Waleis, who knows of the men Herwic brought from Galeis.

## Key lines

> Herwic, being forbidden by Hettel to woo his daughter, invades his kingdom, and, after a battle, Gudrun, with Hettel’s consent, is betrothed to him.

Because Hettel refused to let Herwic court Gudrun, Herwic attacked his kingdom. After fighting, Hettel agreed to betroth Gudrun to Herwic.

_Opening summary of the chapter's main action._

> She said: 'I give you freely the love for which you pray; By all your toils and daring you well have earned to-day That you and all my kindred foes shall be no longer.'

Gudrun tells Herwic she willingly gives him her love, saying his efforts have earned it, and that he and her family will no longer be enemies.

_Gudrun's declaration of love and acceptance of Herwic._

## Links

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