# How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhilda explained — The Nibelungenlied

> Chapter companion for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Siegfried's first sight of Kriemhilda sparks an immediate and profound love, setting the stage for their eventual marriage.

### Honor and Reputation

Gunther's generous hosting and the release of the Saxon and Danish kings without ransom highlight the importance of honor and reputation in courtly society.

### Fate and Foreboding

The chapter ends with a foreboding note that Siegfried's love for Kriemhilda will ultimately lead to his death.

## Character check-ins

### Siegfried

First sees Kriemhilda and is overwhelmed by her beauty; vows to serve her forever; remains at court at Giselher's urging.

### Kriemhilda

Appears before the guests at the festival; thanks Siegfried for his valor and accepts his service.

### King Gunther

Hosts the Whitsun festival; arranges for Kriemhilda to appear; seeks Siegfried's counsel on the peace treaty.

### Giselher

Busily welcomes guests; persuades Siegfried to stay at court.

### Gernot

Assists in receiving guests; advises Gunther on distributing treasure.

### Dame Uté

Accompanies Kriemhilda to court; bids farewell to departing guests.

### Ortwein

Suggests that Kriemhilda appear before the guests; participates in games.

### Hagen

Participates in games and feats during the festival.

## Key lines

> Then came the lovely maiden: even as morning-red From sombre clouds outbreaking.

Kriemhilda appeared like the dawn breaking through dark clouds.

_Siegfried's first sight of Kriemhilda is described with a simile comparing her to the morning sun._

> For ever will I serve you! Henceforth my head I'll never lay down to rest before Your least wish be accomplished, if life be granted me; All this, my lady Kriemhild, for your dear sake shall be.

Siegfried vows to serve Kriemhilda forever, promising to fulfill her every wish.

_Siegfried's declaration of eternal service to Kriemhilda._

> Although her love constrained him, it gave him grievous pain. Through it the brave knight, later, was miserably slain.

Though Siegfried's love for Kriemhilda brought him joy, it also caused him pain and ultimately led to his tragic death.

_The narrator foreshadows Siegfried's death as a consequence of his love for Kriemhilda._

## Links

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