The Nibelungenlied · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous.
Chapter 1
Editor's Preface
The preface explains the translator's approach to rendering the Nibelungenlied into English verse, balancing literal accuracy with metrical form. It reviews previous translations, discusses the challenges of translating medieval epic poetry, and outlines the manuscript tradition (A, B, C) with MS. B (the St. Gall manuscript) as the basis. The preface also touches on the poem's legendary origins, historical anachronisms, and connections to Scandinavian sagas.
Chapter 2
The Nibelungenlied
The Nibelungenlied is a medieval epic poem that recounts the heroic and tragic tales of Siegfried, Kriemhilda, Gunther, Brunhilda, and Hagen, weaving themes of love, honor, betrayal, and revenge against a backdrop of courtly intrigue and violent conflict.
Chapter 3
Adventure I: Kriemhilda
The first adventure introduces Kriemhilda, a noble maiden of Burgundy, and her three royal brothers—Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher—who rule at Worms. The court is served by many valiant knights, including Hagen of Tronjé and his brother Dankwart. Kriemhilda has a prophetic dream of a falcon torn by two eagles, which her mother Uté interprets as a warning about a future husband who will be killed. Despite her resolve to avoid love to escape sorrow, the dream foreshadows her eventual marriage and the tragic vengeance she will exact for her husband's death.
Chapter 4
Adventure II: Siegfried
This chapter introduces Siegfried, the young prince of Netherland, son of King Siegmund and Queen Sieglind. It describes his upbringing, his knighting ceremony, and the grand festivities held in his honor. Siegfried is portrayed as a gallant and strong knight, beloved by all, who refrains from taking the crown while his parents live, instead aspiring to defend the land against tyrants.
Chapter 5
How Siegfried Came to Worms
Siegfried, son of King Siegmund and Queen Sieglind, resolves to woo Kriemhilda of Burgundy despite his parents' fears. He rides with only eleven companions to Worms, where he challenges King Gunther for his lands and people. Hagen warns Gunther of Siegfried's immense strength and deeds, including his conquest of the Nibelung hoard and dragon-slaying, advising a friendly reception. Gunther and his court welcome Siegfried courteously.
Chapter 6
Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons
King Gunther receives a declaration of war from Kings Ludegast of Denmark and Ludeger of Saxony. Siegfried pledges his support and leads a Burgundian army, including Hagen, Gernot, Dankwart, Volker, and others, into battle. Siegfried captures Ludegast and later forces Ludeger to surrender, securing a decisive victory. The wounded are tended, prisoners are taken, and a messenger brings news of the triumph to Worms, where Kriemhilda secretly learns of the outcome.
Chapter 7
How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhilda
During a grand Whitsun festival at Worms, Siegfried first sees Kriemhilda and is immediately captivated by her beauty. The Burgundian court celebrates with feasts and games, and Kriemhilda appears before the guests, dazzling Siegfried. They exchange words, and Siegfried vows to serve her forever. The festival concludes with the release of the defeated Saxon and Danish kings without ransom, and Siegfried, persuaded by Giselher, remains at court to be near Kriemhilda.
Chapter 8
How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda
King Gunther decides to woo the formidable Queen Brunhilda of Iceland, who challenges suitors to three contests with death as the penalty for failure. Siegfried agrees to help Gunther in exchange for the hand of Kriemhilda. They swear an oath, and Siegfried reveals his Tarnhelm, a cloak of invisibility that grants him the strength of twelve men. They plan a small expedition of four: Gunther, Siegfried, Hagen, and Dankwart. Kriemhilda prepares fine garments for the journey, and they sail down the Rhine to Isenstein.
Chapter 9
How Gunther Won Brunhilda
Gunther, Siegfried, Hagen, and Dankwart arrive at Brunhilda's castle. Gunther chooses Brunhilda as his desired bride, and Siegfried identifies her. The queen orders her maidens to prepare for the strangers. The heroes ride to the castle in splendid attire, and upon arrival, they are disarmed according to custom. Brunhilda challenges Gunther to a series of athletic contests—throwing a javelin, hurling a stone, and leaping—with her hand in marriage as the prize. Siegfried secretly uses his Tarnhelm to become invisible and aids Gunther in the contests, ensuring his victory.
Chapter 10
How Siegfried Went to Fetch the Nibelungs
Siegfried, using his cloak of invisibility, sails alone to the Nibelung land, where he defeats a giant gatekeeper and the dwarf Alberich. After binding them, he reveals his identity and commands Alberich to summon a thousand Nibelung warriors. Siegfried selects the best knights and returns with them to Brunhilda's land, where they are welcomed. Brunhilda, suspicious of the lavish gifts distributed by Dankwart, expresses concern over her wealth. Eventually, she prepares to leave for the Rhineland with a large retinue, including her own chosen warriors and maidens, to marry Gunther.
Chapter 11
How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms
As the party returns from Iceland, Hagen suggests that Siegfried be sent ahead as a herald to Worms. Gunther persuades Siegfried by invoking Kriemhilda's name, and Siegfried agrees. He delivers the joyful news of Gunther and Brunhilda's safe return to Queen Uté, Kriemhilda, and the court. Preparations for a grand welcome and wedding festivities begin, with the ladies adorning themselves in splendid attire.
Chapter 12
Adventure X: How Brunhilda Was Received at Worms
Brunhilda arrives at Worms and is warmly greeted by Kriemhilda, Queen Uté, and the Burgundian court. Amid the festivities, Siegfried and Kriemhilda are betrothed and married, while Gunther weds Brunhilda. However, Brunhilda is distressed to see Kriemhilda wed to Siegfried, whom she believes to be a vassal. That night, Siegfried secretly aids Gunther by overpowering Brunhilda in the bridal chamber, taking her ring and girdle as tokens, which he later gives to Kriemhilda.
Chapter 13
Adventure XI: How Siegfried Went Home with His Wife
Siegfried and Kriemhilda prepare to leave Worms for Siegmund's kingdom. Kriemhilda wishes to take Burgundian retainers, but Hagen refuses to serve her. She departs with a retinue including Margrave Eckewart. Siegmund and Sieglind welcome them joyfully in Santen. Siegmund abdicates in favor of Siegfried, who becomes king. Kriemhilda bears a son named Gunther, and Sieglind dies. Meanwhile, Gunther and Brunhilda have a son named Siegfried. Siegfried rules the Nibelung kingdom and possesses the great treasure.
Chapter 14
How Gunther Bade Siegfried to the Festival
Brunhilda, brooding over Kriemhild's pride, persuades Gunther to invite Siegfried and Kriemhilda to a festival in Worms. Gunther sends Gere and thirty men as messengers. Siegfried and Kriemhilda receive the invitation warmly, and after deliberation, Siegfried agrees to attend with a large retinue, including his father Siegmund. The heralds return with gifts and news of the impending visit, causing great preparation and rejoicing in Burgundy.
Chapter 15
How They Journeyed to the Festival
Siegfried and Kriemhilda journey from Niblung-land to Worms for a grand festival, leaving their infant son behind. They are warmly welcomed by King Gunther, Queen Brunhilda, and the Burgundian court. The arrival is marked by tilting, feasting, and festivities that last eleven days, though the narrator foreshadows the sorrow to come.
Chapter 16
Adventure XIV: How the Queens Railed at One Another
The public quarrel between Kriemhilda and Brunhilda escalates from a dispute over the status of their husbands to a bitter exchange of insults and accusations. Kriemhilda claims Siegfried is superior to Gunther, while Brunhilda insists Siegfried is Gunther's vassal. The conflict culminates in a confrontation at the minster, where Kriemhilda accuses Brunhilda of being a wanton and claims Siegfried took her maidenhead. She produces a ring and girdle as proof, deepening the enmity. Hagen seizes on the quarrel to plot Siegfried's murder, persuading Gunther to feign a war to lure Siegfried into a trap.
Chapter 17
Adventure XV: How Siegfried Was Betrayed
King Gunther feigns a war threat from Ludegast and Ludeger to lure Siegfried into a trap. Hagen manipulates Kriemhilda into revealing Siegfried's vulnerable spot—a linden-leaf-shaped patch on his back where dragon blood did not cover him. Kriemhilda, believing she is helping, sews a small cross on Siegfried's garment to mark the spot. The false war is called off, and Gunther proposes a hunting trip, setting the stage for Siegfried's murder.
Chapter 18
Adventure XVI: How Siegfried Was Slain
King Gunther and Hagen treacherously organize a hunt in the forest, intending to murder Siegfried. Despite Kriemhilda's ominous dream and pleas, Siegfried joins the hunt. After a day of exceptional hunting, the party rests near a spring. Hagen tricks Siegfried into a race to the spring, and while Siegfried drinks, Hagen stabs him through the cross-mark on his back, killing him.
Chapter 19
Adventure XVII: How Kriemhilda Mourn'd for Her Husband, and How He Was Buried
Kriemhilda discovers Siegfried's murdered body and mourns deeply. She identifies Hagen as the killer and prevents Siegfried's men from attacking Gunther's court. Siegfried is buried with great ceremony and almsgiving after three days of mourning.
Chapter 20
Adventure XVIII: How Siegmund Went Back to His Own Land
King Siegmund, Siegfried's father, urges Kriemhilda to return with him to the Nibelung land, offering her power and protection. However, Kriemhilda's brothers Giselher and Gernot, along with her mother Uté, persuade her to stay in Worms. Despite Siegmund's pleas and the sorrow of his men, Kriemhilda decides to remain, entrusting her son to Siegmund. The Nibelungs depart with a safe-conduct from Giselher, mourning their loss. Kriemhilda continues to grieve, finding comfort only in Giselher, while Brunhilda remains aloof and hostile.
Chapter 21
How the Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms
Kriemhilda mourns Siegfried for years, refusing reconciliation with Gunther and Hagen. Eventually, she is persuaded to forgive Gunther, and the Nibelung hoard is brought to Worms as her rightful dowry. Hagen, fearing her growing influence through generosity, seizes the treasure and sinks it in the Rhine, deepening Kriemhilda's grief and hatred.
Chapter 22
Adventure XX: How King Etzel Sent to Burgundy After Kriemhilda
After the death of Queen Helka, King Etzel is persuaded by his advisors to woo Kriemhilda, the widowed queen of Siegfried. He sends the margrave Rüdeger as his envoy to Burgundy. Rüdeger arrives at Worms and delivers Etzel's proposal to King Gunther and his brothers. Despite Hagen's strong opposition and warnings that Kriemhilda might seek revenge, Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher agree to support the match if Kriemhilda consents. Rüdeger then gains permission to speak with Kriemhilda directly.
Chapter 23
How Kriemhilda Went to the Huns
Kriemhilda journeys to the land of the Huns to marry King Etzel, accompanied by her retinue and escorted by Margrave Rüdeger. She is warmly welcomed by Bishop Pilgerin in Passau, and later by Rüdeger's wife Gotlinda and their daughter at Bechelaren. The chapter highlights the hospitality and honors bestowed upon Kriemhilda as she travels, and ends with her arrival in Hun territory, where she begins to assume the role once held by Queen Helka.
Chapter 24
Adventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused Kriemhilda
Kriemhilda travels to meet King Etzel, who woos and marries her in Vienna with great splendor. The wedding lasts seventeen days, with lavish gifts and feasting. Kriemhilda is welcomed by the Hunnish court and takes her place as queen, though she still remembers her former husband Siegfried.
Chapter 25
Adventure XXIII: How Kriemhilda Thought to Avenge Her Injury
Kriemhilda, now Queen of the Huns and mother to Etzel's son Ortlieb, spends years cultivating her reputation and power. Nursing her grief over Siegfried's murder, she secretly plots revenge against Hagen and Gunther. She persuades King Etzel to invite her Burgundian kinsmen to a midsummer feast, instructing the envoys to ensure Hagen accompanies them, unaware that this will lead to tragedy.
Chapter 26
Adventure XXIV: How Werbel and Schwemmel Did Their Errand
The Hunnish envoys Werbel and Schwemmel deliver King Etzel's invitation to the Burgundian court for a festival. Gunther and his brothers deliberate, with Hagen warning of Kriemhilda's potential vengeance. Despite Hagen's objections and Rumold's counsel to stay, the Burgundians decide to accept the invitation and begin preparing for the journey, gathering a thousand warriors.
Chapter 27
Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns
The Burgundian lords, led by King Gunther, begin their journey to King Etzel's court. Hagen, acting as guide, leads them to the Danube, where they find the river overflowing and no ferry. Hagen seeks a ferryman, encounters prophetic water-maidens who foretell doom for all except the king's chaplain, and eventually kills the ferryman to cross. He ferries the army across, then throws the chaplain overboard to test the prophecy.
Chapter 28
Adventure XXVI: How Gelfrat Was Slain by Dankwart
After crossing the river, Hagen warns the Burgundians that mermaids have prophesied their doom, and that only the priest will return home. The ferryman's murder reaches Gelfrat and Else of Bavaria, who gather a force to attack. In the ensuing battle, Hagen is knocked from his horse by Gelfrat, but Dankwart kills Gelfrat. Else is wounded and flees with his men. The Burgundians lose four men but kill over a hundred Bavarians. They continue riding through the night, and Eckewart is sent ahead to request hospitality from Rüdeger at Bechelaren, who gladly agrees.
Chapter 29
Adventure XXVII: How They Came to Bechelaren
The Burgundian kings and their retinue arrive at Bechelaren, where they are warmly welcomed by Margrave Rüdeger, his wife Gotlinda, and their daughter. The guests are lavishly entertained, and Rüdeger offers his daughter in marriage to Giselher. Generous gifts are exchanged, including a shield given to Hagen by Gotlinda. After a stay of several days, the party departs for Etzel's court, with foreboding signs of the tragedy to come.
Chapter 30
Adventure XXVIII: How the Burgundians Came to Etzel’s Stronghold
The Burgundians arrive at Etzel's court and are greeted by Dietrich and his warriors. Kriemhilda confronts Hagen about the Nibelung treasure, and tensions rise as she attempts to have the Burgundians' weapons taken from them. Dietrich warns Hagen of Kriemhilda's vengeful intentions, and Etzel recalls his past acquaintance with Hagen.
Chapter 31
Adventure XXIX: How He Stood Not Up Before Her
Kriemhilda spots Hagen and Volker from a window, is overcome with grief, and incites her Hunnish warriors to avenge Siegfried's murder. She gathers a band of four hundred men, but when she confronts Hagen, he does not deny his guilt. The Huns, intimidated by Volker's fierce demeanor and Hagen's reputation, refuse to attack. The Burgundian guests then proceed to court, where King Etzel warmly welcomes them.
Chapter 32
Adventure XXX: How They Kept Watch and Ward
As night falls, the Burgundian guests prepare for rest amid growing tension. Hagen and Volker volunteer to keep watch, with Volker playing his fiddle to soothe the warriors. During the night, Volker spots armed men approaching—Kriemhild's agents—but Hagen advises caution, and Volker shouts a challenge that drives them off. The queen learns of the failed attempt and plots further treachery.
Chapter 33
Adventure XXXI: How They Went to Church
As morning breaks, Hagen warns the Burgundians to arm themselves fully for church, anticipating Kriemhilda's treachery. At the Minster, Hagen and Volker stand defiantly, refusing to yield space to the queen's retinue. Later, at the feast, Kriemhilda persuades Bloedel to attack the Burgundians by promising him land and Nudung's betrothed. She then brings her young son Ortlieb to the table, where Hagen insults the child, foreshadowing the coming violence.
Chapter 34
Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain
Bloedel and his thousand Hunnish warriors confront Dankwart and his Burgundian yeomen at the table. Bloedel declares that the attack is vengeance for Siegfried's murder, orchestrated by Kriemhilda. Dankwart slays Bloedel with a single blow, sparking a brutal battle. The Burgundians fight desperately, killing many Huns, but are overwhelmed; nine thousand yeomen and all but a dozen knights are slain. Dankwart, alone, fights his way through the Huns, seeking to reach his brother Hagen and the court to report the massacre.
Chapter 35
Adventure XXXIII: How the Burgundians Fought with the Huns
Dankwart bursts into the hall covered in blood, reporting that Bloedel and his men have killed the Burgundian retainers, but that he himself slew Bloedel. Hagen then kills the young prince Ortlieb and the minstrel Werbel, sparking a massive battle. Volker joins in with his fiddle-bow, and the Burgundian kings Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher also fight. Dietrich of Bern negotiates safe passage for himself, Etzel, and Kriemhilda, and Rüdeger and his men are allowed to leave. The Huns in the hall are all slain.
Chapter 36
Adventure XXXIV: How They Cast Forth the Dead
After a fierce battle, the Burgundian knights, led by Giselher, Hagen, and Volker, clear the hall of seven thousand dead Huns, casting them outside. Volker taunts the Huns for their cowardice and kills a margrave attempting to rescue a wounded kinsman. Hagen and Volker then parley with King Etzel, with Hagen insulting Kriemhild by recalling her love for Siegfried. Enraged, Kriemhild offers a reward of gold and lands for Hagen's death, but Volker mocks the Huns for their hesitation.
Chapter 37
Adventure XXXV: How Iring Was Slain
Iring of Denmark challenges Hagen to single combat, but after a fierce exchange with Hagen, Volker, Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher, he is mortally wounded by Hagen's javelin. His death spurs the Danes and Thuringians to attack, but all are slain by the Burgundians, leaving the hall silent and blood-soaked.
Chapter 38
Adventure XXXVI: How the Queen Bade That the Hall Be Set on Fire
After a day-long battle, the Burgundian guests, led by Gunther, Gernot, Giselher, and Hagen, are trapped in a hall and refuse a truce. Kriemhilda, seeking vengeance for Siegfried's murder, orders the hall set on fire. The warriors endure the flames and quench their thirst with blood, surviving until dawn. Despite offers of gold, the Huns attack again, and the Burgundians fight on.
Chapter 39
Adventure XXXVII: How the Margrave Rüdeger Was Slain
Rüdeger is torn between his loyalty to King Etzel and Queen Kriemhilda and his bonds of friendship and kinship with the Burgundians, whom he himself led to the feast. After being taunted by a Hun, he kills the man, then is beseeched by Etzel and Kriemhilda to fight. Despite his anguish and offers to renounce his lands, he ultimately leads his men into battle against the Burgundians, resulting in the deaths of his entire company and his own slaying at the hands of his son-in-law Giselher's allies. The chapter ends with Etzel and Kriemhilda mourning Rüdeger's death.
Chapter 40
Adventure XXXVIII: How Lord Dietrich’s Warriors All Were Slain
The chapter recounts the aftermath of Rüdeger's death, as Dietrich's warriors, led by the aged Hildebrand and the fiery Wolfhart, confront the Burgundians in grief and anger. Despite Dietrich's attempts to maintain peace, his men arm themselves and demand Rüdeger's body, leading to verbal sparring with Volker and Hagen. The tension escalates as Hildebrand is wounded by Hagen, and Dietrich learns that all his liegemen except himself and Hildebrand have been slain, leaving him in despair.
Chapter 41
Adventure XXXIX: How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhilda Were Slain
Dietrich of Bern confronts Gunther and Hagen for the deaths of his men and Rüdeger, offering them safe passage if they surrender. They refuse, leading to a fierce battle where Dietrich defeats and binds both Gunther and Hagen, handing them over to Kriemhilda. Despite Dietrich's plea for mercy, Kriemhilda demands vengeance, first beheading Gunther and then, after Hagen refuses to reveal the Nibelung treasure, killing him with Siegfried's sword. Hildebrand, enraged by the murder of a noble warrior, slays Kriemhilda. The chapter ends with Etzel and Dietrich mourning the fallen, and the tragic conclusion of the Nibelungs' woe.
Chapter 42
Endnotes
The chapter provides endnotes clarifying references to the Hood of Darkness (or Invisibility) and the city of Verona.
