# Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons explained — The Nibelungenlied > Chapter companion for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous. ## What happens 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. ## Themes in this chapter ### Loyalty and Friendship Siegfried's immediate and unconditional offer to aid Gunther, despite having only a dozen knights of his own, exemplifies the ideal of knightly loyalty and friendship. ### Honor and Reputation Gernot declares that fear of death will never make him forget his honor, and the warriors strive for honor in battle, with the victory bringing renown to all involved. ### Power and Wealth Gunther's wealth is demonstrated by the rich gifts given to the heralds, and the capture of enemy kings and the Nibelung hoard later underscore the link between military power and material wealth. ## Character check-ins ### Siegfried Offers his unwavering support to Gunther, leads the army, captures King Ludegast, and defeats King Ludeger in single combat, securing the victory. ### King Gunther Receives the war declaration, consults his vassals, and entrusts the campaign to Siegfried while remaining in Worms. ### Hagen Advises Gunther to consult Siegfried, then fights valiantly in the battle alongside the other knights. ### Gernot Urges defiance against the invaders, fights in the battle, and later sends a messenger to Worms with news of the victory. ### Kriemhilda Secretly receives a messenger to learn of the battle's outcome, showing her hidden concern for Siegfried. ### Volker Appointed to lead the van and fights bravely in the battle. ### Dankwart Fights alongside the other heroes, his strokes causing great damage to the enemy. ### Ludegast King of Denmark who declares war on Gunther and is captured by Siegfried during the battle. ## Key lines > I never have denied you, and shall not, in this trouble, my strong arm succour bring? If you for friends are seeking, lo, am I not your friend? I trust to be so ever— with honour, till mine end. Siegfried assures Gunther that he has never failed him and will not now; he declares himself a true friend and vows to remain so with honor until death. _Siegfried's pledge of loyalty and friendship to Gunther in the face of war._ > Our good swords shall defend us! None but the doomed die, ever— and they're as good as dead! For fear of death, I'll never forget mine honour dear. Let the foe come, and welcome! they'll find us ready here! Gernot boldly declares that their swords will protect them, that only those fated to die will fall, and that he will never sacrifice his honor out of fear; he welcomes the enemy attack. _Gernot's defiant and honorable response to the threat of invasion._ > Forego your fighting, warriors— my lieges, all is done! For here have I seen Siegfried, the royal Siegmund's son;— Siegfried the mighty hero mine eyes have seen, I trow— Sent by some evil devil to work us Saxons woe. King Ludeger orders his men to cease fighting, recognizing Siegfried as the son of King Siegmund and a mighty hero, whom he believes has been sent by a devil to bring disaster upon the Saxons. _Ludeger's surrender upon recognizing Siegfried's identity and prowess._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-iv-how-siegfried-fought-the-saxons - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters