The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure XXVI: How Gelfrat Was Slain by Dankwart explained
After crossing the river, Hagen warns the Burgundians that mermaids have prophesied their doom, and that only the priest will return home.
What happens
After crossing the river, Hagen warns the Burgundians that mermaids have prophesied their doom, and that only the priest will return home. The ferryman's murder reaches Gelfrat and Else of Bavaria, who gather a force to attack. In the ensuing battle, Hagen is knocked from his horse by Gelfrat, but Dankwart kills Gelfrat. Else is wounded and flees with his men. The Burgundians lose four men but kill over a hundred Bavarians. They continue riding through the night, and Eckewart is sent ahead to request hospitality from Rüdeger at Bechelaren, who gladly agrees.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Hagen's admission of killing the ferryman and the subsequent ambush by Gelfrat highlight the cycle of deceit and retaliation.
Fate and Foreboding
The mermaids' prophecy that none but the priest will return home sets a tone of inevitable doom for the Burgundians.
Loyalty and Friendship
Dankwart's swift aid to Hagen in battle and the mutual support among the Burgundian warriors underscore bonds of loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Hagen
Warns the company of the mermaids' prophecy, admits to killing the ferryman, fights Gelfrat and is knocked down, then calls for Dankwart's help.
- Dankwart
Kills Gelfrat with a blow, advises turning back after the rout, and later acts as marshal requesting lodging from Rüdeger.
- Volker
Offers to guide the company through the land, carries a red pennon as signal, and helps provide for the people.
- Giselher
Agrees with Hagen's counsel to let the horses go quietly to avoid appearing to flee.
- King Gunther
Asks who will show the way, and later sends Eckewart as messenger to Rüdeger requesting hospitality.
- Gernot
Included among the kings sending greetings to Rüdeger.
- Count Eckewart
Sent as envoy to Rüdeger to request shelter for the Burgundian host, delivers the message faithfully.
- Rüdeger
Receives the request for hospitality with joy, orders his men to prepare to meet the guests.
Key passages
“I have unwelcome tidings to make known unto ye: No more shall we return to the land of Burgundy!”
Hagen announces that they will never see Burgundy again.
Hagen reveals the mermaids' prophecy to the company.
“I offer'd him for guerdon good gold and raiment fine To ferry us, O hero! unto this land of thine, Which anger'd him so sorely that he at me a blow Aim'd with a sturdy barge-pole; then I grew fierce enow,”
Hagen explains that he offered the ferryman gold and clothing for passage, but the man attacked him with a pole, provoking Hagen to kill him.
Hagen justifies the killing of the ferryman to Gelfrat.
“Dear brother, help me quickly! for, lo, a mighty man Hath got me at his mercy; he'll make an end of me!”
Hagen calls to Dankwart for aid, saying a strong opponent has him at a disadvantage.
Hagen, knocked down by Gelfrat, cries out to his brother for help.
“Then nearer sprang the hero and struck so fell a blow With keen edge of his weapon, that dead he laid him low.”
Dankwart rushed forward and struck Gelfrat dead with a powerful sword blow.
Dankwart kills Gelfrat, avenging Hagen's fall.
