# How They Journeyed to the Festival explained — The Nibelungenlied

> Chapter companion for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous.

## What happens

Siegfried and Kriemhilda journey from Niblung-land to Worms for a grand festival, leaving their infant son behind. They are warmly welcomed by King Gunther, Queen Brunhilda, and the Burgundian court. The arrival is marked by tilting, feasting, and festivities that last eleven days, though the narrator foreshadows the sorrow to come.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Wealth

The lavish display of fine raiment, sumpter-coffers, and the grand scale of the festival underscore the wealth and power of the Burgundian court.

### Fate and Foreboding

The narrator repeatedly hints at future sorrow—Siegfried's baby son never sees his parents again, and the joy of the festival is overshadowed by impending tragedy.

## Character check-ins

### Kriemhilda

Travels with Siegfried to Worms, leaving her baby son behind; greeted warmly by Brunhilda and the court.

### Siegfried

Leads the journey to Worms with Kriemhilda; welcomed by Gunther and honored with tilting and feasting.

### King Gunther

Hosts the festival, personally greets Siegfried and Siegmund, and orders preparations for the guests.

### Brunhilda

Receives Kriemhilda with courtesy, though her gaze hints at jealousy; participates in the welcoming ceremonies.

### Hagen

Along with Ortwein, demonstrates his power and authority in serving the guests.

### Siegmund

Rides with Siegfried and Kriemhilda to Worms; expresses his joy at meeting Gunther.

## Key lines

> They left at home behind them Sir Siegfried’s baby son, The firstborn of Kriemhilda⁠— not elsewise could be done. From out of their state-journey arose much woe and pain: His father and his mother that babe saw ne’er again.

Siegfried and Kriemhilda left their infant son at home, and this journey ultimately led to tragedy, as the child never saw his parents again.

_Foreshadows the fatal outcome of the festival._

> When they to mass had listen’d they left the church, and so Rode off with many honours. One saw them later go All gaily to the banquet. Their pleasure knew no stay, And all was merry-making until the eleventh day.

After hearing mass, the company rode to a banquet, and the festivities continued joyfully for eleven days.

_Describes the extended celebration at Worms._

## Links

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