# How Siegfried Made War Against Herwic explained — Gudrun

> Chapter companion for Gudrun by Anonymous.

## What happens

Siegfried, king of Moorland, invades Herwic's land in Sealand with a massive army. Herwic, overwhelmed, sends to Hettel for aid. Gudrun pleads with her father Hettel to help Herwic, and Hettel gathers a vast coalition including Wâ-te, Horant, Morunc, and Ortwin. After twelve days of fierce fighting, Siegfried is driven into a castle and besieged by Hettel's forces.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Warfare

The chapter centers on a large-scale military conflict driven by rivalry for Gudrun's hand, showcasing the mobilization of armies and the brutality of battle.

### Love and Marriage

Siegfried's invasion is motivated by his desire to win Gudrun, while Gudrun's plea to her father to aid Herwic highlights her romantic loyalty.

### Loyalty and Fidelity

Herwic's men fight bravely for him, and Hettel's allies rally to support Gudrun's cause, demonstrating bonds of loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Siegfried

Invades Herwic's land as a rival suitor for Gudrun, leading a massive army from Moorland.

### Herwic

Defends his land against Siegfried's invasion, sends to Hettel for help, and fights bravely before being forced to retreat.

### Hettel

Responds to Herwic's plea and Gudrun's request, gathering a large coalition to aid Herwic.

### Gudrun

Pleads with her father Hettel to help Herwic, showing her loyalty and concern for her lover.

### Hilda

Supports her daughter Gudrun and promises rewards to those who help in the war.

### Wâ-te

Brings a thousand warriors from Sturmland to join Hettel's forces.

### Horant

Brings four thousand warriors from Denmark to aid Herwic.

### Ortwin

Gudrun's brother, brings forty hundred warriors to help in the fight.

## Key lines

> Siegfried, king of Moorland, called for all his men; Ships were soon made ready, wherever they were seen; Then with food and weapons to load them it was bidden, For war against King Herwic: from all but faithful friends his thoughts were hidden.

Siegfried secretly prepared a fleet and army to attack Herwic.

_Siegfried's covert mobilization for war._

> Into the land of Herwic they cast the burning brand.

They set fire to Herwic's land.

_The devastation of Herwic's territory by Siegfried's forces._

> Then to them said Hettel: 'To my daughter make it known; Whatever she shall wish for at once shall that be done.'

Hettel promised to fulfill whatever Gudrun desired.

_Hettel's willingness to act on Gudrun's behalf._

> For twelve long days of fighting, earnestly they strove.

The battle raged fiercely for twelve days.

_The prolonged and intense combat between the armies._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xiii-how-siegfried-made-war-against-herwic
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gudrun_se
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