The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure XXIX: How He Stood Not Up Before Her explained
Kriemhilda spots Hagen and Volker from a window, is overcome with grief, and incites her Hunnish warriors to avenge Siegfried's murder.
What happens
Kriemhilda spots Hagen and Volker from a window, is overcome with grief, and incites her Hunnish warriors to avenge Siegfried's murder. She gathers a band of four hundred men, but when she confronts Hagen, he does not deny his guilt. The Huns, intimidated by Volker's fierce demeanor and Hagen's reputation, refuse to attack. The Burgundian guests then proceed to court, where King Etzel warmly welcomes them.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Vengeance
Kriemhilda's grief drives her to seek vengeance against Hagen, rallying warriors to attack him despite the risk.
Betrayal and Deception
Kriemhilda accuses Hagen of betraying Siegfried, and the Huns' initial willingness to attack reflects the lingering deceit.
Loyalty and Friendship
Volker and Hagen stand together, unwavering in their loyalty to each other and to their kings, even in the face of a hostile court.
Characters to notice
- Hagen
Sits with Volker in the courtyard; confronts Kriemhilda and does not deny his role in Siegfried's death; his reputation intimidates the Huns.
- Volker
The fiddler-warrior sits beside Hagen; his fierce gaze and reputation deter the Huns from attacking; he advises Hagen and later leads the group to court.
- Kriemhilda
Spies Hagen from a window, weeps, and incites her warriors to avenge Siegfried; confronts Hagen directly but fails to provoke an attack.
- King Gunther
Leads the Burgundian retinue to court; greeted warmly by Etzel.
- Gernot
Accompanies Gunther to court; welcomed by Etzel.
- Giselher
Walks to court with Rüdeger; welcomed by Etzel.
- Etzel
Welcomes the Burgundian guests warmly, rising from his seat to greet Gunther and his men.
- Rüdeger
Escorts Giselher to court and speaks to Etzel of the guests' loyalty.
Key passages
“It brought to mind her sorrow; she fell to weeping then, Whereat was mickle marvel among King Etzel’s men: What could have thus so quickly troubled their lady’s mood? She answer’d: “That hath Hagen, ye heroes bold and good.””
Seeing Hagen reminded Kriemhilda of her grief, and she began to weep, astonishing Etzel's men. When asked what was wrong, she blamed Hagen.
Kriemhilda's sorrow is rekindled by the sight of Hagen, and she openly accuses him.
““For ever would I serve him who would my wrongs repay, To give him all he ask’d for I would be ready aye. Upon my knees I beg you,” so spake the royal wife, “Avenge me now on Hagen, that he may lose his life.””
Kriemhilda promised great rewards to anyone who would avenge her by killing Hagen, begging on her knees.
Her desperation for revenge leads her to offer lavish rewards to her warriors.
“Hagen of Tronjé answered: “So heard I, more than once! And had I for my masters not come unto the Huns, Yet would I you to honour have ridden to this land.””
Hagen replied that he had heard of Etzel's invitation many times and would have come to honor him even if not accompanying his lords.
Hagen acknowledges Etzel's hospitality but remains defiant and unapologetic.
