The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure XXIV: How Werbel and Schwemmel Did Their Errand explained
The Hunnish envoys Werbel and Schwemmel deliver King Etzel's invitation to the Burgundian court for a festival.
What happens
The Hunnish envoys Werbel and Schwemmel deliver King Etzel's invitation to the Burgundian court for a festival. Gunther and his brothers deliberate, with Hagen warning of Kriemhilda's potential vengeance. Despite Hagen's objections and Rumold's counsel to stay, the Burgundians decide to accept the invitation and begin preparing for the journey, gathering a thousand warriors.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Hagen's past betrayal of Siegfried casts a shadow over the invitation, and he suspects Kriemhilda's hidden motives.
Loyalty and Friendship
Hagen's loyalty to Gunther is evident in his warnings, while Rumold's counsel reflects his service to the kings.
Fate and Foreboding
Hagen's ominous warnings and the gathering of warriors foreshadow the tragic outcome of the journey.
Characters to notice
- King Gunther
Receives the envoys and deliberates with his men about accepting Etzel's invitation.
- Hagen
Warns against the journey, citing his killing of Siegfried and Kriemhilda's likely vengeance.
- Gernot
Supports the journey, arguing it would be wrong to avoid seeing their sister.
- Giselher
Welcomes the envoys and escorts them to his mother Uté.
- Rumold
Advises the kings to stay home for safety and comfort.
- Volker
Joins the company with thirty liegemen and prevents the envoys from seeing Brunhilda.
- Dankwart
Hagen's brother, ordered to lead four score knights to the Rhine.
- Dame Uté
Receives the envoys and sends gifts to Kriemhilda.
Key passages
“Thou know'st as well as I do what thing we wrought of yore: Needs must we of Kriemhilda be fearful evermore, Seeing I slew her husband, and that with mine own hand. How durst we take this journey and ride to Etzel's land?”
You remember what we did before: we must always fear Kriemhilda because I killed her husband with my own hand. How can we dare to go to Etzel's land?
Hagen reminds Gunther of Siegfried's murder and warns of Kriemhilda's likely revenge.
“Be not deceived," said Hagen, "whate'er the message be The envoys bring from Hunsland. Would you Kriemhilda see, Be well prepared to forfeit your honour and your life: Long-waiting in her vengeance is she, King Etzel's wife.”
Don't be fooled by the envoys' message. If you want to see Kriemhilda, be ready to lose your honor and your life: she has been waiting a long time for revenge.
Hagen insists that Kriemhilda's forgiveness is false and that she plans vengeance.
“Here friends and strangers can ye right easily maintain As ye yourselves are willing: your stores are full, I trow; And ne'er, I ween, hath Hagen betray'd you hitherto.”
You can easily keep friends and strangers here if you wish; your supplies are plentiful, and Hagen has never betrayed you before.
Rumold advises staying home, citing comfort and safety.
