# How Gunther Won Brunhilda explained — The Nibelungenlied

> Chapter companion for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous.

## What happens

Gunther, Siegfried, Hagen, and Dankwart arrive at Brunhilda's castle. Gunther chooses Brunhilda as his desired bride, and Siegfried identifies her. The queen orders her maidens to prepare for the strangers. The heroes ride to the castle in splendid attire, and upon arrival, they are disarmed according to custom. Brunhilda challenges Gunther to a series of athletic contests—throwing a javelin, hurling a stone, and leaping—with her hand in marriage as the prize. Siegfried secretly uses his Tarnhelm to become invisible and aids Gunther in the contests, ensuring his victory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Wealth

Brunhilda's immense physical strength and her castle's opulence underscore the theme of power and wealth as central to courtship and status.

### Betrayal and Deception

Siegfried's secret use of the Tarnhelm to aid Gunther in the contests introduces deception as a means to achieve victory.

### Love and Marriage

Gunther's desire to wed Brunhilda drives the chapter's plot, highlighting love and marriage as a central goal.

## Character check-ins

### King Gunther

Arrives at Brunhilda's castle and selects Brunhilda as his desired bride; participates in the athletic contests with Siegfried's secret aid.

### Siegfried

Accompanies Gunther, identifies Brunhilda, and secretly uses the Tarnhelm to help Gunther win the contests.

### Brunhilda

The queen of the castle who challenges Gunther to athletic contests; displays immense strength and warlike gear.

### Hagen

One of Gunther's liegemen; expresses concern and anger at Brunhilda's strength and the danger to the king.

### Dankwart

Hagen's brother; voices frustration and readiness to fight if necessary.

## Key lines

> The judgment of thine eyesight hath done for thee right well! That is the noble Brunhild, the maiden beautiful, Whom all thine heart desireth, thy senses, and thy mood.

Siegfried confirms that the woman Gunther has chosen is indeed Brunhilda, the beautiful queen he desires.

_Siegfried identifies Brunhilda to Gunther, affirming his choice._

> I shall be there to shield you with all my craft,” quoth he.

Siegfried promises to protect Gunther using his cunning and magical abilities.

_Siegfried assures Gunther of his secret assistance during the contests._

> What was it that did touch me?” the bold man thought, and he Look’d round and sought on all sides, but not a soul could see. A voice said: “It is Siegfried, ’tis I, your trusty friend, As to this queen, I pray you, let fear be at an end.”

Gunther feels an unseen touch and hears Siegfried's voice, revealing that Siegfried is invisibly aiding him.

_Siegfried reveals his invisible presence to Gunther, calming his fears._

## Links

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