Gudrun · Chapter
How the Four Kings Were Wedded in Hilda's Land explained
A grand wedding festival is held in Hilda's kingdom, where the four kings—Herwic, Ortwin, Hartmut, and Siegfried—vie in generous giving.
What happens
A grand wedding festival is held in Hilda's kingdom, where the four kings—Herwic, Ortwin, Hartmut, and Siegfried—vie in generous giving. Hartmut marries Hildeburg and departs for Normandy. The celebrations include knightings, tournaments, and lavish gifts of gold, clothing, and horses. Gudrun shows kindness to Hildeburg, and peace is restored as Hartmut is forgiven. The guests depart joyfully, with Irold leading the Norman party home.
Themes in this chapter
Hospitality and Generosity
The four kings compete in generous giving of gold, clothing, and horses, while Hilda provides for all, embodying the ideal of lavish hospitality.
Love and Marriage
The chapter culminates in the weddings of Hartmut and Hildeburg, and Herwic and Gudrun, with peace and reconciliation following.
Suffering and Endurance
Gudrun and Hildeburg's past hardships (washing clothes on the beach) are recalled, and their friendship endures through trials.
Characters to notice
- Gudrun
Shows a friendly will toward Hildeburg, recalling their shared hardships; orders a hoard of goods to be given to those who shared her kindness.
- Hartmut
Marries Hildeburg; gives generously despite his kingdom having been wasted; gains peace and forgiveness through Gudrun's intercession.
- Hilda
Hosts the wedding festival; gives fine clothing to all; bids farewell with friendly love and provides a guard for the departing guests.
- Herwic
An open-handed giver, scattering gold and gifts; marries Gudrun; sets free those held in bondage.
- Ortwin
Gives finest clothes and is not outdone in generosity; accompanies the departing guests to the boats.
- Wâ-te
Rides before the ladies; gives clothing surpassing that of princes, with gold and gems; receives thanks from all.
- Irold
Shows willingness to give; leads the Norman party homeward as bidden by the king.
- Hildeburg
Marries Hartmut; receives Gudrun's friendship and kindness; departs with Hartmut for Normandy.
Key passages
“Hartmut with his bride, Hildeburg, leaves for Normandy.”
Hartmut departs for Normandy accompanied by his new wife, Hildeburg.
Marks the conclusion of Hartmut's storyline in this chapter.
“Gudrun, the lovely maiden, a friendly will e'er bore To Hildeburg of Ireland, with whom, in days of yore, To wash upon the sea-sands the clothes she oft was bearing.”
Gudrun always felt kindly toward Hildeburg, recalling how they once washed clothes together on the beach.
Highlights the enduring bond between Gudrun and Hildeburg despite past suffering.
“Then 'twas allowed to Hartmut, as well his worth bespake, His peace to gain forever; to this Gudrun had brought him.”
Hartmut was granted lasting peace, thanks to Gudrun's intercession.
Shows Gudrun's role in reconciling Hartmut and securing his forgiveness.