The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure XX: How King Etzel Sent to Burgundy After Kriemhilda explained
After the death of Queen Helka, King Etzel is persuaded by his advisors to woo Kriemhilda, the widowed queen of Siegfried.
What happens
After the death of Queen Helka, King Etzel is persuaded by his advisors to woo Kriemhilda, the widowed queen of Siegfried. He sends the margrave Rüdeger as his envoy to Burgundy. Rüdeger arrives at Worms and delivers Etzel's proposal to King Gunther and his brothers. Despite Hagen's strong opposition and warnings that Kriemhilda might seek revenge, Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher agree to support the match if Kriemhilda consents. Rüdeger then gains permission to speak with Kriemhilda directly.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Wealth
Etzel's proposal is driven by his desire for a noble wife and the political advantages of alliance with Burgundy.
Betrayal and Deception
Hagen warns that Kriemhilda's marriage to Etzel will lead to future betrayal and revenge against the Burgundians.
Loyalty and Friendship
Rüdeger's loyalty to Etzel and his diplomatic skill are central; Giselher and Gernot show loyalty to their sister.
Characters to notice
- Etzel
King Etzel, after Helka's death, is persuaded to woo Kriemhilda and sends Rüdeger as his envoy.
- Kriemhilda
The widowed queen of Siegfried, initially resistant to remarrying but eventually agrees to meet Rüdeger.
- Rüdeger
The margrave of Bechelaren, sent by Etzel as chief envoy to woo Kriemhilda on Etzel's behalf.
- King Gunther
King of Burgundy, initially cautious but ultimately agrees to support Kriemhilda's marriage to Etzel.
- Hagen
Hagen of Tronjé, strongly opposes the marriage, warning that Kriemhilda will use Etzel's power to seek revenge.
- Giselher
Youngest brother of Kriemhilda, argues in favor of the marriage and rebukes Hagen for his opposition.
- Gernot
Brother of Kriemhilda, supports the marriage and advises loyalty to their sister.
- Gere
The princely Gere, offers to advise Kriemhilda to accept Etzel's proposal.
Key passages
“Though thou perchance be one! If honour doth befall her, right joyful should we be, Whate'er thou sayest, Hagen, I'll serve her faithfully.”
Giselher angrily tells Hagen that even if Hagen is a traitor, he will faithfully serve Kriemhilda if she gains honor.
Giselher defends his sister and rebukes Hagen's opposition to the marriage.
“How might that be accomplish'd, then said the mighty king, Seeing I am a heathen and ne'er had christening? The lady is a Christian; she never would agree.”
Etzel questions how he can marry Kriemhilda since he is a pagan and she is a Christian.
Etzel's concern about religious differences highlights a cultural barrier.
“Indeed unto my lady in beauty likeneth she, To Helka, the most mighty; ay! in this world could be For any king whatever never a wife more fair.”
Rüdeger assures Etzel that Kriemhilda is as beautiful as the late Queen Helka and would make a worthy wife.
Rüdeger praises Kriemhilda's beauty to persuade Etzel.
“If you are rightly minded, so will you take good heed, That, even though she wish it, you will not do this deed.”
Hagen warns Gunther to be cautious and not allow Kriemhilda to marry Etzel, even if she desires it.
Hagen foresees danger from Kriemhilda's potential revenge.
