The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure XXX: How They Kept Watch and Ward explained
As night falls, the Burgundian guests prepare for rest amid growing tension.
What happens
As night falls, the Burgundian guests prepare for rest amid growing tension. Hagen and Volker volunteer to keep watch, with Volker playing his fiddle to soothe the warriors. During the night, Volker spots armed men approaching—Kriemhild's agents—but Hagen advises caution, and Volker shouts a challenge that drives them off. The queen learns of the failed attempt and plots further treachery.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Friendship
Hagen and Volker's mutual trust and willingness to stand guard together exemplify steadfast loyalty.
Betrayal and Deception
Kriemhild's secret plot to attack the sleeping guests underscores the theme of betrayal.
Fate and Foreboding
Giselher's ominous words and the tense night watch foreshadow impending doom.
Characters to notice
- Hagen
Takes charge of the watch, advises caution, and vows to guard the guests until morning.
- Volker
The gallant minstrel keeps watch with Hagen, plays soothing music, and boldly challenges Kriemhild's men.
- King Gunther
Asks the host for leave to sleep and is given a roomy hall.
- Giselher
Expresses foreboding about his sister Kriemhild's intentions.
- Kriemhilda
Plots against the guests and is informed of her men's failed attack.
Key passages
“The sweet clang of his viol made all the house resound. His strength and skill together right excellent were found. More softly and more sweetly to fiddle he began, And lull'd upon their couches full many a troubled man.”
Volker's fiddle playing filled the hall with beautiful music, soothing the anxious warriors to sleep.
Volker uses his musical talent to calm the guests.
“Then spake the fiddle-player: 'My friend, Sir Hagen, there, Together it is fitting that we this trouble share. I've seen some folk in armour before the house but now, Else I am much mistaken, they'll set on us, I trow.'”
Volker alerts Hagen that he has spotted armed men approaching the house, suggesting they are about to attack.
Volker's vigilance reveals the imminent threat.
“Unto the queen right truly was told how lucklessly Her messengers had prosper'd. Good cause for grief had she. Then otherwise contrived she: so cruel was her mood; By which ere long to perish were heroes bold and good.”
Kriemhild was informed that her men had failed, which made her sorrowful and angry, so she devised a new, crueler plan that would soon lead to the heroes' deaths.
Kriemhild's relentless vengeance drives the plot forward.