Gudrun · Chapter
Tale XVIII: How Ludwig Slew Hettel, and Stole Away in the Night explained
Ludwig, king of the Normans, slays Hettel in battle on the Wulpensand.
What happens
Ludwig, king of the Normans, slays Hettel in battle on the Wulpensand. Under cover of night, Ludwig and his army stealthily depart with the maidens, including Gudrun. The Hegelings discover the loss, bury their dead, and establish a hospital and cloister in their memory.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Warfare
The battle on the Wulpensand results in Hettel's death and the Normans' cunning retreat, highlighting the brutal and strategic nature of medieval conflict.
Suffering and Endurance
The Hegelings endure the loss of their king and the abduction of their maidens, yet they bury their dead and build a cloister, showing resilience in grief.
Honor and Reputation
Wâ-te's rage and Ortwin's desire to avenge Hettel underscore the importance of honor and vengeance in the warrior code.
Characters to notice
- Hettel
Slain by Ludwig in battle.
- Ludwig
King of the Normans; slays Hettel and orchestrates the night escape.
- Gudrun
Mourns her father Hettel and is carried away by the Normans.
- Wâ-te
Rages at Hettel's death and leads the pursuit, but is unable to overtake the Normans.
- Ortwin
Aims to avenge his father Hettel and later proposes building a church for the dead.
- Herwic
Calls for a halt to the night fighting to prevent further friendly fire.
- Horant
Accidentally kills a Danish follower in the dark.
- Fru-te
Advises against pursuit, noting the Normans' head start and the Hegelings' insufficient forces.
Key passages
“Ludwig slew King Hettel; and out of this our mournful tale is growing.”
Ludwig killed King Hettel, and from this act the sorrowful story unfolds.
The pivotal event of the chapter.
“Loudly called out Herwic: 'Murder here is done! Since we can see no longer, and daylight now is gone, We all shall kill each other, friends and foes together.'”
Herwic shouted that in the darkness, they risk killing their own men by mistake.
Highlights the danger of night combat.
“Thus unbeknown and slyly, sailed away o'er the main The men of the land of Normandy; great was the women's pain From kinsfolk to be sundered, and yet to hush their weeping.”
The Normans secretly sailed away, causing great anguish among the captured women, who were forced to suppress their tears.
Describes the stealthy departure and the maidens' suffering.