The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms explained
As the party returns from Iceland, Hagen suggests that Siegfried be sent ahead as a herald to Worms.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Siegfried's willingness to serve as herald is motivated by his love for Kriemhilda; the chapter sets the stage for the wedding of Gunther and Brunhilda.
Loyalty and Friendship
Siegfried agrees to Gunther's request out of loyalty; the court and kinsmen work together to prepare a grand welcome.
Power and Wealth
The lavish preparations, rich garments, and golden trappings display the wealth and power of the Burgundian court.
Characters to notice
- Siegfried
Sent as herald to Worms; delivers news of Gunther's success and Brunhilda's arrival; receives a warm welcome from Kriemhilda.
- King Gunther
Requests Siegfried to ride ahead as envoy; instructs him to convey greetings and orders for the welcome festivities.
- Hagen
Advises Gunther to send Siegfried as herald instead of going himself; stays to attend the women on the journey.
- Kriemhilda
Anxiously awaits news of her brother; weeps with relief upon hearing Siegfried's tidings; rewards him with buckles and shows her favor.
- Dame Uté
Receives Siegfried's message from Gunther; gives kind greeting and is informed of the king's request for a welcome.
- Giselher
Hastens to greet Siegfried; escorts him to the queen and Kriemhilda; acts as messenger between Siegfried and the ladies.
- Gernot
Greets Siegfried and inquires anxiously about Gunther's fate.
- Ortwein
Charged with erecting seats by the Rhine for the upcoming festivities.
Key passages
“Bid Siegfried rather do it, and him your envoy make;— His mighty strength will aid him, the task to overtake.”
Hagen suggests that Siegfried should be the one to ride ahead as a messenger, because his strength will help him complete the task quickly.
Hagen manipulates Gunther into sending Siegfried, setting up future events.
“For love of that fair maiden I'll do what thou dost say. How could I aught deny her, who owns my heart alone?”
Siegfried agrees to go because of his love for Kriemhilda, saying he cannot refuse anything asked for her sake.
Siegfried's devotion to Kriemhilda is the driving force behind his actions.
“Then with her snow-white kerchief she wiped her lovely eyes That were all wet with weeping; and in her gracious wise Began to thank the bearer for the good news he brought.”
Kriemhilda dried her tears with a white handkerchief and gratefully thanked Siegfried for the joyful tidings.
Kriemhilda's relief and gratitude highlight her emotional investment in the news.
