Gudrun · Chapter
How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner explained
The Hegelings storm and capture the Norman castle, slaughtering many and taking Hartmut and Ortrun captive.
What happens
The Hegelings storm and capture the Norman castle, slaughtering many and taking Hartmut and Ortrun captive. Gerlind seeks Gudrun's protection but is recognized and killed by Wâ-te. The Hegelings plunder the land, burn castles, and prepare to return home with their prisoners, including Hartmut and Ortrun, while Horant and Morunc remain to hold the kingdom.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Endurance
The chapter depicts the suffering of the Normans as their castle is sacked, their people slaughtered, and their leaders taken captive.
Power and Warfare
The Hegelings' military victory and subsequent plundering illustrate the brutal realities of medieval power struggles.
Honor and Reputation
Gudrun's decision to protect Ortrun and Ortwin's choice to spare Hartmut reflect concerns for honor and noble conduct.
Characters to notice
- Gudrun
Gudrun is sought by Ortrun and Gerlind for protection; she agrees to shield Ortrun but refuses Gerlind, recalling past hatred.
- Hartmut
Hartmut is captured and taken prisoner, later brought before the Hegelings; he pleads for freedom but is denied.
- Ortwin
Ortwin speaks in favor of sparing Hartmut and bringing him to Queen Hilda rather than killing him.
- Wâ-te
Wâ-te leads the storming of the castle, orders the slaughter of children, and later argues against releasing Hartmut.
- Ortrun
Ortrun seeks refuge with Gudrun, who promises to protect her and her maidens.
- Gerlind
Gerlind begs Gudrun for protection but is recognized and killed by Wâ-te.
- Horant
Horant is entrusted with guarding the captured foes and is left behind with Morunc to hold the Norman kingdom.
- Irold
Irold pleads with Wâ-te to spare the innocent children, but Wâ-te refuses.
Key passages
“The aged Wâ-te answered: 'Thou hast the mind of a child; Though now in the cradle wailing, say, wouldst thou have willed That I should leave them living? As soon as they are older, They never can be trusted; to trust a Saxon wild would be no bolder.'”
Wâ-te dismisses Irold's plea for mercy, arguing that sparing enemy children would only lead to future betrayal.
Highlights Wâ-te's ruthless pragmatism and the theme of vengeance.
“To her said Hilda's daughter: 'I hear you asking now That I to you be friendly; how should I kindness show? Nought that e'er I wished for to grant me were you willing: To me you showed but hatred; and now my heart with hate for you is swelling.'”
Gudrun refuses Gerlind's plea for protection, recalling Gerlind's past cruelty and expressing her own resentment.
Illustrates Gudrun's justified anger and the theme of retribution.