The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
How Siegfried Came to Worms explained
Siegfried, son of King Siegmund and Queen Sieglind, resolves to woo Kriemhilda of Burgundy despite his parents' fears.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Siegfried's determination to wed Kriemhilda, driven by her beauty and fame, sets the chapter's central quest.
Power and Wealth
Siegfried's challenge for Gunther's lands and the recounting of his conquest of the Nibelung hoard highlight themes of dominion and treasure.
Honor and Reputation
Siegfried seeks to prove his right to rule and win renown; Hagen's advice hinges on the honor of receiving a mighty warrior.
Characters to notice
- Siegfried
Resolves to woo Kriemhilda, rides to Worms with eleven companions, and challenges Gunther for his kingdom.
- Kriemhilda
The maiden of surpassing beauty and lofty mind, desired by Siegfried, though she feels no man can move her heart.
- King Gunther
Ruler of Burgundy, astonished by Siegfried's arrival and challenge, but advised by Hagen to receive him well.
- Hagen
Warns Gunther of Siegfried's might, recounts his deeds (Nibelung hoard, dragon-slaying), and advises a friendly reception.
- Siegmund
Siegfried's father, initially fearful of Gunther's court, but supports his son's journey.
- Sieglind
Siegfried's mother, weeps at his departure but provides rich apparel for the journey.
- Gernot
King Gunther's brother, speaks in opposition to Siegfried's challenge.
Key passages
“The beauty of this maiden was famèd far and wide; Her lofty mind, ’twas vaunted, excelled her beauty’s pride, And brought her many a wooer, riding to Gunther’s land, Who fain would see the damsel, and bid for that fair hand.”
Kriemhilda's beauty and noble character were so renowned that many suitors traveled to Gunther's court hoping to win her.
Establishes Kriemhilda's fame as the object of desire.
“I will not owe her winning to any other hand; I and eleven others will ride to Gunther's land.”
Siegfried insists on winning Kriemhilda by his own efforts, taking only a small retinue to Burgundy.
Highlights Siegfried's pride and self-reliance.
“How he did slay a dragon, with his own hand and sword, And in its blood he bathed him till horny grew his skin, And thus no sword can cut him, as hath been often seen.”
Hagen recounts that Siegfried killed a dragon and bathed in its blood, making his skin invulnerable to blades.
Reinforces Siegfried's legendary invincibility.
“I will now wrestle from thee whatever is thine to-day; I care not who gainsay it, or who may like, or hate: Thy broad lands and thy castles shall mine be, soon or late!”
Siegfried boldly declares he will take Gunther's kingdom by force, regardless of opposition.
Sets up the central conflict of the chapter.
