The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
How Kriemhilda Went to the Huns explained
Kriemhilda journeys to the land of the Huns to marry King Etzel, accompanied by her retinue and escorted by Margrave Rüdeger.
What happens
Kriemhilda journeys to the land of the Huns to marry King Etzel, accompanied by her retinue and escorted by Margrave Rüdeger. She is warmly welcomed by Bishop Pilgerin in Passau, and later by Rüdeger's wife Gotlinda and their daughter at Bechelaren. The chapter highlights the hospitality and honors bestowed upon Kriemhilda as she travels, and ends with her arrival in Hun territory, where she begins to assume the role once held by Queen Helka.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Wealth
Kriemhilda's journey is marked by displays of wealth and generosity, including gifts of gold and fine clothing, underscoring the political and material power she wields as Etzel's bride.
Loyalty and Friendship
The loyalty of Rüdeger, his family, and the retainers is emphasized through their devoted service and warm hospitality to Kriemhilda.
Fate and Foreboding
The narrator hints at future tragedy, noting that Kriemhilda and Gotlinda were 'both all unknowing of what must come to pass,' foreshadowing the doom to come.
Characters to notice
- Kriemhilda
The queen journeys to the Huns, receiving honors and gifts along the way, and is welcomed by Rüdeger's family.
- Giselher
Takes leave of his sister Kriemhilda at Pfoering, promising to come to her aid if needed.
- Gernot
Accompanies Kriemhilda part of the way and then departs with Giselher back to the Rhine.
- Rüdeger
The margrave escorts Kriemhilda, arranges hospitality, and is reunited with his wife Gotlinda.
- Gotlinda
Rüdeger's wife, who rides out to meet Kriemhilda and welcomes her warmly at Bechelaren.
- Pilgerin
The bishop of Passau, who welcomes his niece Kriemhilda and later bids her farewell.
- Count Eckewart
Accompanies Kriemhilda and informs the bishop that they must continue to Rüdeger's lands.
- Etzel
King of the Huns, whose sovereignty and court are described as welcoming to all warriors, Christian and heathen.
Key passages
“If ever thou, fair lady, shouldst stand in need of aid, If e'er thou art in danger, fail not to let me know. To Etzel's land to serve thee I presently will go.”
Giselher promises his sister that he will come to her aid in Etzel's land if she ever needs help.
Giselher's vow of loyalty to Kriemhilda at their parting.
“Now well is me, dear lady, that I thy presence fair Within my country's borders and with mine eyes have seen. To me could at this season no greater joy have been.”
Gotlinda expresses her joy at meeting Kriemhilda in person within her own lands.
Gotlinda's warm welcome to Kriemhilda upon their meeting.
“They both were all unknowing of what must come to pass.”
Neither Kriemhilda nor Gotlinda foresaw the tragic events that would later unfold.
Narrator's foreboding hint at future disaster.