# The Nibelungenlied explained — The Nibelungenlied

> Chapter companion for The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous.

## What happens

The Nibelungenlied is a medieval epic poem that recounts the heroic and tragic tales of Siegfried, Kriemhilda, Gunther, Brunhilda, and Hagen, weaving themes of love, honor, betrayal, and revenge against a backdrop of courtly intrigue and violent conflict.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Deception

Hagen's betrayal of Siegfried and the deception surrounding Brunhilda's wooing are central to the plot.

### Revenge and Vengeance

Kriemhilda's relentless pursuit of revenge for Siegfried's murder drives the epic's tragic conclusion.

## Character check-ins

### Siegfried

Central hero of the epic, known for his strength and tragic fate.

### Kriemhilda

Siegfried's wife, whose quest for vengeance drives much of the later narrative.

### Hagen

Antagonist and key figure in Siegfried's betrayal and murder.

### King Gunther

King of Burgundy, involved in the wooing of Brunhilda and the conflict with Kriemhilda.

### Brunhilda

Queen of Iceland, whose quarrel with Kriemhilda sparks the central conflict.

## Key lines

> The Nibelungenlied

The epic poem known as the Nibelungenlied.

_This is the title of the work, not a direct quote from the text._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/the-nibelungenlied
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters