The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure X: How Brunhilda Was Received at Worms explained
Brunhilda arrives at Worms and is warmly greeted by Kriemhilda, Queen Uté, and the Burgundian court.
What happens
Brunhilda arrives at Worms and is warmly greeted by Kriemhilda, Queen Uté, and the Burgundian court. Amid the festivities, Siegfried and Kriemhilda are betrothed and married, while Gunther weds Brunhilda. However, Brunhilda is distressed to see Kriemhilda wed to Siegfried, whom she believes to be a vassal. That night, Siegfried secretly aids Gunther by overpowering Brunhilda in the bridal chamber, taking her ring and girdle as tokens, which he later gives to Kriemhilda.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The double wedding of Siegfried and Kriemhilda, and Gunther and Brunhilda, highlights both romantic union and political alliance.
Power and Wealth
Brunhilda's distress over Kriemhilda's marriage to Siegfried stems from perceptions of social rank and vassalage.
Betrayal and Deception
Siegfried deceives Brunhilda by impersonating Gunther in the bridal chamber, taking her ring and girdle.
Gender and Power
Brunhilda's physical strength is overcome by Siegfried, reinforcing male dominance and the subjugation of a powerful woman.
Characters to notice
- Kriemhilda
Betrothed and married to Siegfried; warmly greets Brunhilda upon arrival.
- Siegfried
Marries Kriemhilda; secretly overpowers Brunhilda in the bridal chamber to help Gunther.
- King Gunther
Marries Brunhilda; relies on Siegfried's help to consummate the marriage.
- Brunhilda
Arrives as Gunther's bride; weeps upon seeing Kriemhilda wed to Siegfried; is overpowered in the bridal chamber.
- Dame Uté
Queen mother who rides out to greet Brunhilda and warmly welcomes her.
- Hagen
Lord of Tronjé, attends the reception and assists the host.
- Gere
Leads Kriemhilda's palfrey during the arrival procession.
- Ortwein
Rides alongside Lady Uté during the reception.
Key passages
“So he to her was plighted, and unto him the maid. And now the loving damsel no longer was afraid Within the arms of Siegfried in sweet embrace to rest.”
Siegfried and Kriemhilda were betrothed, and she no longer feared to embrace him lovingly.
Describes the formal betrothal and Kriemhilda's trust in Siegfried.
“But when she saw Kriemhilda (she ne'er had been so sad!) By noble Siegfried sitting, a-weeping she began: Her many hot tears falling adown her bright cheeks ran.”
Brunhilda wept bitterly upon seeing Kriemhilda seated beside Siegfried, whom she considered a vassal.
Highlights Brunhilda's distress and sense of social impropriety.
“She spake: 'O noble sovran, now let my life go free, And all shall be atoned for that I have done to thee. Ne'er more I'll do despite to the love of thy true heart: Right surely have I proved that thou women'st master art.'”
Brunhilda surrendered to Gunther, acknowledging his mastery over her after being overpowered.
Shows Brunhilda's submission and the theme of gender power dynamics.
“Sir Siegfried stepp'd aside then— whilst there the maiden lay— As though he had bethought him his clothes to put away; But first, from off her finger a golden ring he drew, So that the noble maiden naught of it ever knew.”
Siegfried secretly took Brunhilda's ring while pretending to dress, without her knowledge.
Foreshadows future conflict as the ring becomes a token of deception.
