# Adventure II: Siegfried explained — The Nibelungenlied > Chapter companion for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Power and Wealth The chapter emphasizes the wealth and power of Siegmund's court, with lavish gifts, tournaments, and the transfer of lands and castles to Siegfried. ### Honor and Reputation Siegfried's knighting and the grand festival are designed to enhance his honor and reputation, as well as that of his family. ## Character check-ins ### Siegfried The young prince of Netherland, son of Siegmund and Sieglind, who is knighted during a grand festival and shows great strength and virtue. ### Siegmund King of Netherland and father of Siegfried, who hosts a lavish banquet and tournament for his son's knighting. ### Sieglind Queen of Netherland and mother of Siegfried, who distributes gold and gifts to win favor for her son. ## Key lines > In Netherland was growing a rich king’s son and heir, Whose father’s name was Siegmund, Sieglind his mother fair. A wealthy king's son named Siegfried was growing up in Netherland, with King Siegmund as his father and Queen Sieglind as his mother. _Introduces Siegfried's lineage and homeland._ > This prince’s name was Siegfried, a gallant knight and good, In many kingdoms proved he his brave and warlike mood; So great his strength of body, he rode from land to land. Siegfried was a brave and gallant knight who demonstrated his courage across many kingdoms, traveling widely due to his great physical strength. _Highlights Siegfried's reputation and prowess._ > He had a careful rearing, as did his birth befit, His virtues were his own, though, and nowise due to it! He was raised with care appropriate to his noble birth, but his virtues were innate and not merely a result of his upbringing. _Emphasizes Siegfried's inherent goodness._ > Four hundred squires receivèd their knightly gear that day. Together with young Siegfried; and maidens fair, they say, Toiled at the festal raiment, because they did him hold So dear, and many a jewel they broidered in the gold. On that day, four hundred squires, including Siegfried, were knighted, and maidens worked hard on festive garments, embroidering them with jewels out of affection for him. _Describes the scale of the knighting ceremony and the devotion of the maidens._ > While Siegmund and Sieglinda were living, their dear son Would never dream of wearing the crown for any one! He wished to be lord only the mighty to restrain, Who kept the land in terror⁠— the bold and gallant thane! As long as his parents were alive, Siegfried had no desire to wear the crown; he only wished to be a lord who would restrain the mighty tyrants terrorizing the land. _Shows Siegfried's humility and sense of justice._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-ii-siegfried - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters