lw the ring of the nibelungs

7/30/2019 LW the Ring of the Nibelungs

1/17


2/17

It began with Kriemhild having a dream. Kriemhild was the beautiful daughter of King Dancrat(Guiki) of Burgundy and Uote (Grimhild). She had three brothers, Gunther (Gunnar), Gernot andGiselher, who ruled and shared the kingdom between them.Kriemhild dreamt of a beautiful falcon but was torn apart by two eagles. The dream upset her andshe told her mother Uote. Uote interpreted that the falcon represented her husband. However,

Kriemhild was still young, and was not interested in falling love with any man.While at Xanten, a city within the kingdom of the Netherlands, Siegfried was newly knighted.There was great celebration because Siegfried was the son of King Siegmund and Sieglind(Hjordis). Siegfried hearing of Kriemhild's great beauty, the young hero decided to woo her.Siegfried's parents were happy with their choice, because they did not trust Kriemhild's threebrothers, particularly Hagen, Gunther's powerful vassal. Siegfried won to win the girl through hisprowess and deeds.Siegfried arrived with his twelve companions to the Burgundy's capital on the Rhine, calledWorms. Only Hagen recognised the young hero.Hagen told Gunther how Siegfried won treasure from the Nibelungs, two brothers and mightyprinces named Schilbung and Nibelung. Siegfried killed Schilbung and Nibelung, and captured

seven hundred men of Nibelungland. Then the hero wrested the cloak of darkness from Alberich,the treasurer of the Nibelungs. This cloak was called Tarnkappe, would make the wearerinvisible. Siegfried became the lord of the Nibelungs' land (Nibelungland).Hagen also told of how Siegfried had killed a dragon and bathed in its blood. His body becameinvulnerable because of the dragon's blood. Siegfried had only one vulnerable spot in his body,like the Greek heroAchilles. As was soaked from the dragon's blood, a large leaf fell and landedbetween Siegfried's shoulder blades. Only this area was untouched by the dragon's blood. Thiswas the only vulnerable spot of his skin.Hagen told Gunnar that he would gain a great and powerful ally if he befriended Siegfried. SoGunther and his brothers set about winning Siegfried's friendship.Siegfried stayed with Gunther in Worms. The young hero attended the functions and festivals inBurgundy, with Gunther and his brothers. Kriemhild had only seen the brave warrior from adistance. She had fallen in love Siegfried, but the two had not yet been properly introduced until ayear later.When news broke out that the Saxons and the Danes were making war against Burgundy,Siegfried decided to aid Gunther. Liudeger was the king of Saxony, while his brother namedLiudegast was the king of Denmark. The combined Saxons and Danish armies had the strengthof sixty thousand men, while Gunther's force was no more than a thousand strong. Siegfriedadvised that Gunther should stay in Worms, while the young guest lead the Burgundian army.Siegfried was the best warrior in the war. In the reconnaissance, Siegfried captured Liudegastand killed twenty-nine Danish knights. Siegfried allowed one survivor to return to the Danish

camp with the news of their king's capture.In the battle that followed, fought his way through enemy ranks until he reached King Liudeger ofSaxony. They fought until Liudeger recognised the image on Siegfried's shield. Thereupon,Liudeger surrendered himself to Siegfried.Liudeger and Liudegast became prisoners of war, and were shipped to Worms as hostages.Gunther treated his enemy kings magnanimously. A large celebration was held for their victory.After a period, Gunther released Liudeger and Liudegast when they became his vassals.
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Hjordishttp://www.timelessmyths.com/classical/heroes2.html#Achilleshttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Hjordishttp://www.timelessmyths.com/classical/heroes2.html#Achilles


3/17

Wooing of Brunhild

During the victory celebration, Siegfried for the first time met Kriemhild. It was Gernot who

thought that they would benefit from the marriage between Siegfried and Kriemhild.Siegfried would enjoy Kriemhild's company for days. The hero and the maiden had fallendeeply in love. Siegfried would do anything for Kriemhild's brothers to win her favour.When Gunther heard of the great beauty of Brunhild, Queen of Iceland, the Burgundian kingwished to set out to win her. Siegfried advised Gunther against this, because he was aware ofqueen's great strength. All her suitors, who had wooed Brunhild, met their death when shedefeated them in a contest.Hagen advised Gunther to take Siegfried with him. Siegfried agreed to help Gunther winBrunhild, in return that the hero was allowed to marry Kriemhild.Siegfried advised Gunther and everyone else to pretend that Siegfried was a vassal to Guntherwhen they were in the presence of Brunhild.When they arrived at Isenstein, Brunhild's stronghold in Iceland, the warrior queen immediatelyrecognised Siegfried. She thought that Siegfried had come to woo her. Brunhild seemed willingto marry Siegfried, because he was the most strongest and bravest warrior in the world. Shethought that Siegfried would be a worthy husband than any of the other men who had wooedher.Brunhild was terribly disappointed when Siegfried proclaimed that he was Gunther's vassal andthat it was Gunther here, who came to woo her. Brunhild only agreed to marry him if Gunthercould defeat her in a contest. Brunhild's words angered Gunther and Hagen. Siegfried toldGunther that he would help him through his ordeal.Gunther had to face a Brunhild's spear. Then the Rhenish king must throw a boulder as far as

he could, but he must also jump further than the boulder that he would throw.Gunther and his followers were quite dismayed at the size of her spear and the boulder hemust throw. The poet informed the readers that even twelve ordinary men could barely lift thestone.When the contest began, Siegfried worn his cloak of invisibility and fought for Gunther. Brunhildthrew her large, heavy spear at Gunther. Siegfried holding the shield for Gunther caught thespear. The king and hero would have been skewered had they were not protected bySiegfried's magical cloak. Yet blood spurt from his mouth, where the spear had struckSiegfried.Siegfried hurled Brunhild's spear back at the queen, but with the spear-point reversed, so thatonly the blunt end of spear struck Brunhild. Brunhild was knocked down to the ground, but was

uninjured. She immediately leaped to her feet. Not knowing of the deception, she praisedGunther for his strength.Then Brunhild easily lifted the large rock and hurled the boulder as far as she could. At thesame time she released the boulder she leaped after the stone. The stone landed at a greatdistance, but she easily leapt further than the stone. Gunther and his followers were amazedand afraid of her great strength.Gunther then pretended to lift and throw the stone. It was Siegfried who threw the stone, evenat a great distance than Brunhild. Siegfried then leap after the stone, carrying Gunther withhim. They flew past the stone.Brunhild was angry that she lost the contest, but conceded that she will marry Gunther.However she refused to leave until she had gathered her vassals and and gave out some of

her wealth.Hagen and the other fearing that she would betray them, since they would be heavilyoutnumbered. Siegfried promised Gunther to gather his men from Nibelungland. Using his


4/17

magic cloak, Siegfried left Isenstein, found a bark (boat) and rowed across the sea toNibelungland.Siegfried had to fight and overcome the gatekeeper and Alberich, the dwarf and treasurer ofNibelungland. Then, Siegfried gathered a thousand of the best warriors, and returned toIsenstein.

Brunhild reluctantly left her home for a new home in Worms, with her future husband. A doublemarriage was arranged, because Siegfried and Kriemhild were to be married on the same day,with Brunhild and Kriemhild's brother. Only Brunhild was unhappy at the wedding, because shewas still in love Siegfried.Siegfried and Kriemhild enjoyed their wedding night, but the same could not be said forGunther and Brunhild. Not only did Brunhild resist her new husband trying to make love to her;Brunhild easily overpowered Gunther. The new queen bound him with her girdle andsuspended him high on the wall peg, while she slept on their bed. Gunther was totallyembarrassed how his wife had easily manhandled him.In the morning, Brunhild released him and threatened to do the same each night, if he tried tomake love to her. Gunther regretted that he had ever married her.When Siegfried found out Gunther's problem with his new wife, he again promised to help the

king.


5/17

Death of Siegfried

In Burgundy, Brunhild was still unhappy with her marriage with Gunther. Brunhild also thought thatit was strange that Gunther had allowed Kriemhild to marry Siegfried, whom she believed was avassal to her husband. She still did not realise the deception of how Siegfried won her for Gunther.Brunhild wanted to know the truth about Siegfried's status and persuaded Gunther to invite his

sister and Siegfried for the coming festival.Siegfried returned to Burgundy with his wife and son. His father also attended the festival withthem.In the festival, Gunther had treated Siegfried as an equal, which surprised Brunhild. Still thinkingthat Siegfried was only her husband's vassal; she treated Kriemhild as inferior to her.This led to quarrels between the two queens. When Brunhild confronted Kriemhild that Siegfriedwas her husband's vassal, the other queen claimed that Siegfried was not only her brother's equal,but a hero who was stronger and braver than her own brother. Neither queen would back awayfrom their claims.This finally led to Kriemhild revealing that it was her husband overcame Brunhild. Kriemhild also(falsely) believed that her husband had taken Brunhild's virginity. Brunhild was not only angry at her

sister-in-law's claim; she was also humiliated and embarrassed. Especially when Kriemhild foolishlyrevealed the ring and girdle she had received from Siegfried.Her quarrel with Kriemhild, had distressed and shocked the queen, that she demanded the truthfrom Gunther. She demanded that Gunther to punish Siegfried and Kriemhild. Gunther had nochoice but to confront Siegfried.Siegfried swore that he had never boasted of being Brunhild's first man. Gunther immediatelydropped charges against his brother-in-law.But this did not satisfy Brunhild's demands for vengeance. Hagen, who did not like Brunhild whenthey first met, now promised the queen that he willing to plot against Siegfried's downfall.At first, Gunther was reluctant to turn against Siegfried, since the hero had helped him win his war

and his wife for him. But Hagen managed to persuade his king that it was best for Siegfried to die.It seemed Hagen envied Siegfried's great wealth, power and prowess. Though Hagen wasGunther's best warrior, Hagen was really no match for Siegfried.First, Gunther would announce false news that Liudeger and Liudegast was going to invade hisland again, and was to ask Siegfried for aid. Which Siegfried had readily agreed.Hagen then went to Kriemhild, to find out if Siegfried had any weakness. Kriemhild, unaware of herbrother's henchman of treachery, she disclosed that Siegfried's only weakness was small area onthe hero's back, between the shoulder blades. Hagen lied to her, saying that he would protect herhusband back in battle. Kriemhild, who was reassured by Hagen's words, told the villain that shewould sew a patch on Siegfried's tunic, so that Hagen knows what area to protect.The day Siegfried was about to set out with the army, Gunther gave another false news that

Liudeger and Liudegast had withdrawn all claims to his land. Instead, Gunther invited Siegfried ona hunting trip.Remembering her dream Kriemhild had a feeling of foreboding. She failed to persuade Siegfried tostay with her, rather than go hunting with her brother. Kriemhild began to suspect treachery fromHagen and her brother.During the long day of hunting in the woods, Siegfried killed a bear with a sword. During lunchHagen had secretly salted the food, to make Siegfried thirsty. Hagen also ensured that the servantsleft behind the wine.Hagen challenged Siegfried to a race to a spring beyond the hills. Here, they may drink to quenchtheir thirsts. Siegfried eagerly agreed and told them he would give them a chance by carrying all hisequipment and weapons, while Gunther and Hagen can run in their tunics.

Siegfried easily outran his brother-in-law and Hagen, and reached the spring before the two.However, he let Gunther drink first. Siegfried stood his spear and sword against his tree, beforetaking off his armour.


6/17

While Siegfried took a drink from the spring, Hagen quickly hid Siegfried's sword (Balmung) andpicked up the hero's javelin. With patch on the hero's tunic, which revealed his vulnerable area,Hagen was able to drive the spear unerringly into Siegfried's back, between the shoulder blades.The spear reached Siegfried's heart.Though, Hagen had treacherously stabbed him in the back, Gunther's henchman fled in terror fromthe mortally wounded hero. In anger, Siegfried leaped to his feet to avenge himself, but could notfind his sword. Taking his shield with him, he pursued and caught up with his enemy. Siegfriedbashed Hagen with his shield. Without his sword, Siegfried could not kill his Hagen.Soon, Siegfried collapsed from blood loss, apparently dying from his wound. Some of those people,who were loyal to the hero, mourned for him. Gunther also arrived, wept and mourned for Siegfried.Siegfried rebuked Gunther for his tears, because he knows that his brother-in-law was treacherous.Hagen did not care if Kriemhild knew of his treachery, took Siegfried's body back to the palace andset it at the threshold. When Kriemhild woke up before dawn, one of her servants discovered thebody. Kriemhild knew immediately that the body was her husband's.According to an older manuscript of the Nibelungenlied, Brunhild laughed when she heardKriemhild's laments, which this poem had left out.Kriemhild was inconsolable over Siegfried's death, and knew that Hagen and Brunhild were

responsible for the murder. News soon reached Siegmund of his son's death, who becamedistraught. The men of Nibelungland swore vengeance.Kriemhild knew that her father-in-law could not hope to defeat her brothers, dissuaded him from


7/17

Attila (Etzel)

Attila or Etzel was king of the Huns, in Hungary, where he ruled a large empire that included Austriaand Germany. Attila was known in the Norse myths asAtli, but he was historically derived from Attilathe Huns.

In the German legend, Attila (Etzel) was the son of Osid, the king of Frisia. Attila was the brother ofOrtnid. When Milias, the king of the Huns, had died, Attila won Hunland through ruthless conquest.Attila then moved the Hunnish capital from Valterborg to Susa.Attila had many powerful advisers. Among his vassals were the hero Dietrich and Rudiger. It hasbeen mentioned several times in the Nibelungenlied, Etzel (Attila) had once held Hagen andWaltharius of Aquitaine as hostages. This is how Hagen met Dietrich and became his friend.Attila was first married to Helche, who called Erka in Thirekssaga.According to Thirekssaga, Erka (Helche) was the daughter of Osantrix, king of Vilkinaland, and ofOda, daughter of King Milias of Hunland. Attila had won Erka through trickery. His ambassador toOsantrix, named Duke Rudolf, but used the name Sigifred or Sigurd when he offered services toOsantrix for two years. Osantrix not realising Rudolf/Sigurd was Attila's agent, infiltrated his court.Then Rudolf won audience with Erka, who secretly agreed to marry Attila. When the time was ripe,Rudolf spirited Erka away to Hunland, where she married Attila. A long feud between Attila andOsantrix erupted.In the Nibelungenlied, Helche had a niece named Herrat, and Herrat was betrothed to Dietrich. WhenHelche died, Helche had warned her husband not to marry Kriemhild (Gudrun or Grimhild), but hisadvisers forgotten her warning and told him that Burgundian princess was also widow; theysuggested that Etzel should marry Kriemhild. Attila agreed and sent his vassal Rudiger as adviser.Etzel did not realised that Kriemhild had only marry him to get her revenge upon Hagen and Gunther,as well recover the Nibelung treasure that belong to her first husband.Only the death of his son Ortlieb and some of his faithful vassals, had turned the king against

Burgundian guests. Though, Rudiger tried to remain neutral between the conflict, Kriemhilddemanded that he avenge her, while Etzel called upon Rudiger's oath of fealty, to fight against theBurgundians.When Dietrich had captured Gunther and Hagen, he asked Kriemhild to spare their lives. ButKriemhild had her brother and her enemy killed when Dietrich went to fetch the king (Etzel). SeeingKriemhild decapitating Hagen, upsetted Etzel and Dietrich. They didn't believe that a warrior ofcalibre deserved to die at the hand of a woman. With Etzel's consent, Hildebrand cut downKriemhild, which ended the epic with her death.In the Nibelungenlied and other German epics, Etzel was portrayed as a noble and generous king,unlike his Norse and historical counterparts. This was because the German poets see Etzel and theHuns as German people, not the barbarians from steppe of Central Asia.

In the Volsunga Saga and the Thirekssaga, it was Atli (or Attila) who wanted Sigurd's treasure, nothis wife Gudrun (Kriemhild or Grimhild). Gudrun was more loyal to her brothers than to her husbandAtli in these sagas. In the Volsunga saga, Atli had Hogni's heart cut out and Gunnar thrown into asnake pit (the same as in Thirekssaga), when they refused to disclose the location of the treasure.Gudrun avenged her brothers' death, by killing a wine-intoxicated Atli, with a sword, before settingfire to the palace. (In the Thirekssaga, Atli allowed Thireks (Dietrich) execute his wife Grimhild(Gudrun or Kriemhild) for causing so many deaths.)The Volsunga Saga and the heroic poems in the Poetic Edda, were probably more closer to thehistorical Attila (died in AD 453) than the Etzel in the Nibelungenlied. Atli was more like Attila,because the real Hunnish king was known for his brutality and greed, especially for gold. Though, thereal Gunther ("Guntharius") was contemporary to Attila, Guntharius was not killed by Attila's Huns,

but by the Hunnish mercenaries led by the Roman general, Aetius (AD 437).SeeAtli in Norse Heroes andAbout Norse Myths for the real Attila. See also Gudrunin the VolsungaSaga.
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Atlihttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dietrich%23Dietrichhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Rudiger%23Rudigerhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Atlihttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/aboutnorse.html#Connectionhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Atlihttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dietrich%23Dietrichhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Rudiger%23Rudigerhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Atlihttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/aboutnorse.html#Connectionhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrun


8/17

According to Thirekssaga, Attila's death was different to that of Atli in the Volsunga saga.After the hero Thidrek (Dietrich) returned to his own kingdom, Aldrian (Niflung), the son of Hogni(Hagen) decided to lure Attila to his death, because the king had married Aldrian's vengeful auntGrimhild (Kriemhild or Gudrun), who was largely responsible for his father's death. Since Grimhildwas already dead, the boy decided that he would avenge his father's death with Attila's.

Aldrian was only twelve. He became Attila's foster son, after Hogni's death. Attila, on the other hand,was an aged ruler of Hunland.Aldrian told the king where the treasure of Sigurd (Niflung treasure) was hidden. Aldrian promised totake Attila to the treasure, if the king would come alone with him and not disclose where they weregoing. Attila unsuspecting of treachery, followed his foster son through the forest to the cave.This cave was in the mountain, with strong doors. The cave contained treasures of Gunnar and

Brunhild

Brunhild (Brynhild) was the warrior-queen of Iceland. Brunhild dwelled in the fortress calledIsenstein.Brunhild was a queen of superhuman strength. Her strength comes from her maidenhood. If she

were to lose her virginity, then she would lose her superhuman strength. Her prodigious strengthhad even surprised Siegfried. She was able to lift and throw a large boulder that twelve men wouldhave difficulty in lifting.Unlike the Volsunga Saga, Siegfried was not in love with Brunhild, nor did he promise to marry theAmazonian queen. Siegfried was only in love with Kriemhild, Gunther's sister.Her beauty had won her many suitors, but she didn't want a husband, so she challenged each suitorto a contest of strength. Any man, who loses the contest, would lose his life. Such was the situation,when Gunther pressed his claim.However Siegfried and his companion arrived in her kingdom, she thought her suitor was Siegfried.She seemed interested in being Siegfried's wife, and was disappointed when he did not come asher suitor.

Siegfried and Gunther deceived her several times, in the story. She was told that Siegfried wasGunther's vassal. It was Siegfried who overcame her for Gunther in a contest. Siegfried had thecloak of invisibility, to defeat Brunhild. Brunhild had no choice but to marry Gunther. Brunhild had to
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Brynhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Gudrunhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Brynhild


9/17

give up her kingdom, and moved to Worms, Gunther's capital in Burgundy.Brunhild would not allow Gunther to take her virginity, so he bound her husband with her girdle, andhang Gunther on the peg on the wall. Brunhild only released him at dawn. So Gunther asked for hisbrother-in-law's aid. Gunther switched place with Siegfried in the dark bedroom. Siegfried againovercame her with his own strength, to allow Gunther to take her virginity. Brunhild lost hersuperhuman strength from her being deflowered by Gunther. When Siegfried had overcome her,Siegfried had foolishly stole her ring and her girdle, and had given them to Kriemhild.(Note that in the Thirekssaga, after three humiliating nights of hanging on the wall, Gunnar(Gunther) ask for Sigurd's help (Siegfried's). Sigurd overpowered Brynhild. It was actually Sigurd,who deflowered Brynild (Brunhild) for Gunnar (Gunther), so that she would lose her superhumanstrength.)After Siegfried returned home to the Netherlands with Kriemhild, Brunhild was curious to know whyher husband allowed his sister to marry Siegfried. Unaware of the deception, Brunhild thought thatKriemhild was marrying beneath her station, that her sister-in-law was married to a vassal, insteadof a king. Brunhild was becoming suspicion of Kriemhild's marriage.Ten years after their marriage, she persuaded her husband to invite Siegfried and Kriemhild to afestival, because she was still curious about Siegfried's true status.Conflicts arose from the two queens. Brunhild was surprised that Kriemhild treated her as an equal,

Dietrich von Bern (Thirek)

Dietrich of Verona was a popular German hero, also known as the Dietrich von Bern. Dietrichappeared in a number of medieval German heroic poems, known collectively as Dietrichsage.The Dietrichsage became entwined with Nibelungen legend, such as in the German epic


10/17

Nibelungenlied and in the Norwegian saga called Thirekssaga (Thidrekssaga). Dietrichappeared in poems called Dietrichs Flucht ("Dietrich's Flight"), Die Rabenschlacht ("The Battle ofRavenna"), Alpharts Tod ("Alphart's Death"). Dietrich also appeared in the Waltharius.In the Thirekssaga, he was known as the hero, Thirek (Thidrek), the son of King Thetmar ofBern and of Odila. The Thirekssaga by far gives the fullest account of Dietrich/Thidrek, fromchildhood to his death, portraying him as a greater hero than even Sigurd(Siegfried). In a way,Thirek was like King Arthur, who was leader of the Round Table. Thirek had similarly becamefriend of many great warriors, like Hildebrand, Vidga (Witege), Heimir, Sigurd, Gunnar, Hogni and

many others. But unlike Arthur, Thirek remained in the forefront of the battles and adventures;whereas Arthur's role had reduced as a passive king, while his knights goes off on perilousquests.However, Dietrich was derived from the historical figure, named Theodoric the Great, theOstrogoth king of Italy. Theodoric ruled after Odoacer (AD 493), another Ostrogoth king. It wasOdoacer who ended the Roman Empire in the West in AD 476, and was the first to establish thekingdom of Italy. Odoacer was Theodoric's true enemy, not Ermanaric as in the German legend,because Ermanaric had died a century earlier, in c. AD 376. Theodoric died in AD 526, a yearbefore Justinian the Great began his reign in Byzantine. The kingdom of Italy didn't last afterTheodoric's death.In the Dietrichsage, Theodoric was evolved into a romanticised German hero. According to the

Ermanaric

Ermanaric was another historical figure, who was later shrouded in legend. As a historical figure,Ermanaric was an Ostrogoth king whose kingdom was located in present day Ukraine. Ermanaricwas killed in AD 375, when the Huns invaded and overan his kingdom.According to the Icelandic legend that can be found in the Volsunga Saga, where Ermanaric wasknown as Jormunrek, the king of the Goths. The Norse legend was almost identical to thehistorical account in the historical account written by Jordanes, titled The Origin and Deeds of theGoths (mid-6th cenutry AD).According to Jordanes, the tribe of the Rosomoni had betrayed Ermanaric when the Huns first

invaded his kingdom. Ermanaric in reteliation, captured the Rosomoni chieftain's wife, Sunilda,where her limbs were torn apart by wild horses. Sunilda's brothers, Sarus and Ammius, attemptedto assassinate Ermanaric, receiving a serious sword wound to the side. Though, Ermanaric had
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/dietrich.html#Walthariushttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/heroes1.html#Sigurdhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/heroes1.html#Sigurdhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Siegfried%23Siegfriedhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Witege%23Witegehttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Heimir%23Heimirhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Ermanarichttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Jormunrekhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/dietrich.html#Walthariushttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/heroes1.html#Sigurdhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Siegfried%23Siegfriedhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Witege%23Witegehttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Heimir%23Heimirhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Ermanarichttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Jormunrek


11/17

survived, the Gothic king couldn't prevent Balamber, the king of the Huns, from conquering hiskingdom. Ermanaric died at the age of 110.What is similar to the Volsunga Saga, was how Jormunrek (Ermanaric) put to death Swanhild(Sunilda), the daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun, and how Swanhild's brothers tried unsuccessfullyto avenge her death. See the Volsunga Saga, Jormunrekand Swanhild.In German oral tradition and legend, it was a different story about Ermanaric. Ermanaric had

Gernot

Gernot was the second son of Dancrat and Uote. Gernot was the co-ruler of Burgundy, sharing thekingdom with his brothers, Guntherand Giselher. Gernot was also the brother ofKriemhild. In theNorwegian epic, Thirek Saga, he was called Gernoz.Gernot and his brothers befriended Siegfried when he came to their kingdom. After the war againstthe Saxons, it was Gernot who advised Gunther that a marriage between Siegfried and their sisterwould benefit their prestige and kingdom.Though, Gernot and Giselher protest against Hagen's plot to murder Siegfried, they did nothing towarn the hero. After Siegfried's funeral, like Gunther, Gernot did not protect his sister from Hagen'smachination, when Hagen stole the Nibelung treasure.Gernot joined his brothers and Hagen to visit Kriemhild in Hungary. Despite the portent of doom in

the visit, they went to Hungary, knowing that their sister was plotting against them. During their stopat Pochlarn, Rudiger gave Gernot a magnificant sword, as a gift before they continue their journeyto Hungary.Gernot and his brothers tried to unsuccessfully to the fighting between the Hagen and the Hunnishwarriors, but when they saw that the Hunnish knights might overwhelm their warriors, so they setabout rescuing Hagen and Burgundians.Gernot and Rudiger killed one another on the last day of fighting. Rudiger was killed by the swordthat he had given Gernot as a gift before their departure from Pochlarn to Hungary.

Giselher

Giselher was the youngest son of Dancrat and Uote. In the Thirek Saga, he was called Gislher.Giselher was the co-ruler of Burgundy, sharing the kingdom with his brothers, GuntherandGernot.Giselher was also the brother ofKriemhild. Of the three brothers, Kriemhild loved him the most.Though, Giselher was opposed to Hagen's plan of murdering Siegfried, he also did not do anythingto prevent it. Giselher thought that Siegfried had done a great deal for Gunther and Burgundy, suchas helping them win the war against the Saxons and win Brunhild for Gunther, so that Siegfried didnot deserve this betrayal.Upon Siegfried's death, Giselher wanted his sister to stay in his own palace, rather than that shelived in the Netherlands with her father-in-law, Siegmund. Uote and her sons tried to comfort theinconsolable widow.Giselher had also promised Kriemhild to become her protector. Yet he had failed to protect herproperty, when Hagen stole her Nibelung treasure. If anything, he and his brothers were moreinterested in protecting Hagen than their own sister.When Etzel (Atli) wish to take a new wife, Giselher along with his mother and brothers, had also
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Swanhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Jormunrekhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Jormunrekhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Swanhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gunther%23Guntherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gunther%23Guntherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html#Swanhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/norseminor.html#Jormunrekhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Swanhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gunther%23Guntherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gunther%23Guntherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhild


12/17

tried to marry her off to the powerful heathen king from Hungary. Reluctantly, Kriemhild agreed tothe marriage proposal only because she saw that she could gain her revenge, since her brothersfailed to protect her from Hagen.

When Etzel invited Giselher and his brothers to a festival, Hagen was against the visit. Giselherand his brothers refused to listen to Hagen.During their stop in Pochlarn, Giselher married Rudiger's unnamed daughter. Giselher left his newwife behind, while he went to Hungary with his brother. Giselher was supposed to take his wifeback to Burgundy after visiting his sister at the midsummer festival. Rudiger accompany his newson-in-law to Hungary; neither would return home. Nor would Giselher ever consummate hismarriage with his new wife.Upon their arrival at Etzel's palace, Kriemhild would only welcomed Giselher with a warm kiss.However, he would die from his sister's machination and revenge.During the battle between the Nibelungs and the Huns, Giselher had distinguished himself in the

Gunther

Gunther (Gunnar) was the son of Dancrat and Uote (Uta). Gunther ruled as the king of Burgundywith his two brothers, Gernot andGiselher. Gunther was also the brother ofKriemhild (Gudrun orGrimhild).His loyal henchman was his uncle, Hagen of Troneck (though, in the Thirekssaga, Hogni was hishalf-brother, while in the Volsunga Saga, Hogni was his brother).At Hagen's advice, Gunther befriended Siegfried, the hero from the Netherlands, who helped himin the war against the Saxons and Danes. Gunther agreed to marriage between his sister andSiegfried, in return that Siegfried would help him win Brunhild, the warrior-queen of Isenstein, in

Iceland.Though, Gunther showed himself as a great warrior in the second half of the poem, his strengthwas no match for Brunhild. The only way Gunther could marry her, if he could defeat Brunhild in acontest of strength. Gunther and his followers would die if he were to lose. Gunther only defeatedBrunhild, because of Siegfried's strength, and that the hero was also invisible. Brunhild had nochoice but to marry her.The marriage to Brunhild proved to be unhappy and would sealed the doom for him and his family.On the wedding night, Brunhild humiliated Gunther by tying her husband with her girdle andhanging him in the wall, until dawn. Again, Gunther gained Siegfried's help and the heropretending to be her husband, overcame the warrior-queen with his own strength, until she hadsurrendered to her husband (Siegfried in disguise). Before he let Gunther make love to his wife,

Siegfried took Brunhild's ring and girdle (as trophy?), and gave them to Kriemhild. Gunther tookBrunhild's virginity, thereby reducing her strength to that of an ordinary mortal woman.When Brunhild found out the secret from his sister that it was Siegfried who won her with his
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/heroes1.html#Gunnarhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/heroes1.html#Gunnarhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.html


13/17

strength for Gunther, she demanded revenge from her husband. Hagen agreed to assassinateSiegfried. At first, Gunther was reluctant, but finally agreed to Hagen's plan.When Siegfried lied dying in the forest, Gunther wept for his brother-in-law, but Siegfried accusedhim of treachery and hypocrisy. The hero foretold Gunther's death and the destruction of hiskingdom.Kriemhild knew that his brother was involved in her husband's death, but they were reconciled atHagen's advice, only because Hagen wanted the fable Nibelung treasure brought to Worms. When

Kriemhild started giving away the treasure, this irritated Hagen, who was determined to steal hertreasure. Gunther knew of Hagen's plan, but look the other way. To ensure that Kriemhild couldnot use the treasure, Hagen sank the treasure into in the Rhine River. But later in the poem, allthree brothers knew of the treasure location, and they had sworn not to reveal its location whileone of the kings was still alive.Hagen was against the marriage between Kriemhild and Etzel, the king of Hungary. Hagen fearedthat Kriemhild would have powerful allies that will destroy him and the brothers. Gunther and hisbrothers dismiss Hagen's claim and approved with marriage.When Etzel invited Gunther and his brothers to a midsummer festival, Hagen was against the visit.They would not be persuaded from visiting their sister. So Hagen decided to accompany thebrothers with armed escort.

Upon arrival to Etzel's capital, Gunther realised that his sister was plotting to kill Hagen, even bringdestruction upon her brothers and people. Hagen inflamed the situation, when Hagen killed

Hagen

Hagen was lord of Troneck. Hagen was the son of Aldrian, and his brother was Dancwart. Hagenwas also a kinsman (uncle) of Burgundian kings and Kriemhild.Hagen was renown as a loyal vassal and henchman of Gunther (Gunnar) in the Nibelungenlied.Hagen often advised Gunther in many issues or policies.In the Nibelungenlied (as well as in the Thirekssaga), the poem allude to the time when Hagenserved as hostage to Etzel with the hero Waltharius (Walter) of Aquitaine. This is told in full in the

heroic poem of Waltharius.It was Hagen who advised Gunther to befriend Siegfried. It was his advice would be tragedy anddestruction upon the Burgundian royal house. When the Queen Brunhild demanded revenge, it
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dancwart%23Dancwarthttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dancwart%23Dancwarthttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Kriemhild%23Kriemhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/nibelungs.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.html


14/17

was Hagen who first plotted against Siegfried, while the brothers looked away. Hagen discoveredSiegfried's weakness from Siegfried's wife, Kriemhild. Hagen plunged Siegfried's spear in thehero's back.Though, Kriemhild accused him of her husband's death, he did not care, and Kriemhild waspowerless to act against Hagen. Her brothers' failure to punish Hagen, she would wreakdestruction and death upon her brothers and their warriors.Hagen had further antagonised Kriemhild, when he stole her Nibelung treasure, which she hadinherited from her husband. Her brothers again failed to protect her, which Kriemhild bitter andmore vengeful.Kriemhild reluctantly accepted marriage proposal from Etzel, a powerful, heathen king fromHungary. Hagen opposed this marriage, since he knew that Kriemhild would gain powerful alliesin Hungary.Thirteen years after her marriage to Etzel, Kriemhild contrived her brothers to visit her, hoping toavenge Siegfried's death. Hagen once again, opposed the kings' decision, but was powerless toprevent them. Hagen and many of Burgundian most powerful vassals joined the kings' visit toHungary. None of them would ever return.Upon their arrival in Etzel's capital, Dietrichimmediately warned Hagen of Kriemhild's treachery.Hagen inflamed the situation in Kriemhild from his refusal to pay any respect to the queen. The

situation grew, when Kriemhild encouraged her son Ortlieb, to slap Hagen's face. Hagen

Kriemhild

Krimehild was the wife ofSiegfried (Sigurd) and Etzel (Atli). Kriemhild (Grimhild or Gudrun) wasthe beautiful daughter of King Dancrat (Guiki) of Burgundy and Uote (Grimhild). She was thesister ofGunther, Gernotand Giselher. (In the Volsunga Saga, Hogni (Hagen) was her brother,while the Thirekssaga say that Hogni was her half-brother.)The story began with her vision of her future husband in a form of a falcon, but two eagles(Gunther and Hagen) destroyed her falcon.When Siegfried arrived at Worms, Kriemhild only saw the young hero from a distance. She had

fallen in love Siegfried. It was only after the war against the Saxons (a year later) that Kriemhildwas introduced to Siegfried.Gunther allowed Siegfried to marry Kriemhild if the hero help him to win Brunhild's hand in
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dietrich%23Dietrichhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dietrich%23Dietrichhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Siegfried%23Siegfriedhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gunther%23Guntherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Dietrich%23Dietrichhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Siegfried%23Siegfriedhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gunther%23Guntherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Gernot%23Gernothttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Giselher%23Giselherhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/thidrek.html


15/17

marriage. Brunhild was the warrior queen from Isenstein.The tragedy was that Siegfried had foolishly allowed his pride to take a ring and girdle thatbelonged to Brunhild. Kriemhild had allowed her to be drawn into argument over precedence,and had mistakenly believed that Siegfried had taken Brunhild's virginity, not her brother. SinceKriemhild had Brunhild's ring and girdle in her possession, then everyone else would alsobelieved Kriemhild's claim over who took Brunhild's virginity.This led to Hagen and Gunther conspiring to murder Siegfried. Hagen had managed to deceiveKriemhild into disclosing Siegfried's weakness. Then Hagen had plunged the spear intoSiegfried's back, as the unsuspecting hero drank water from the river.Kriemhild was inconsolable over Siegfried's death and knew Hagen and her brother Guntherwere responsible for her husband's murder. To further antagonised Kriemhild, Hagen stole herinheritance, the Nibelung treasure. Hagen sank the treasure into the Rhine. Neither Gunther norher younger brothers had bothered to punish Hagen for Siegfried's death, or stealing their sister'streasure.Her family insisted that she marryEtzel, a heathen king, while she was a Christian. Seeing thather younger brothers, Kriemhild decided to win allies away from her home, so she agreed tomarry Etzel. Rudiger of Pochlarn, Etzel's ambassador had given his promise to protect andavenge her from any wrongdoings against her.

Among the stops, Kriemhild visited Rudiger's wife and unnamed daughter. Kriemhild gave her
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Brunhild%23Brunhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Rudiger%23Rudigerhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Brunhild%23Brunhildhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Attila%23Attilahttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Rudiger%23Rudiger


16/17

Siegfried

The hero of the Nibelungenlied. Siegfried was the son ofSiegmund (Sigmund), the king of theNetherlands, and Sieglind (Sisibe orHjordis). His counterpart was the hero Sigurd, who appearedin many of the Icelandic and Scandinavian sagas, such as the Volsunga Saga.

Siegfried was knighted at the age of eighteen. Siegfried hearing of Kriemhild's great beauty, thehero decided to woo Kriemhild. Siegfried also hoped to win fame and glory through his ownprowess in warfare.Siegfried became lord of Nibelungland, after killing the two brothers, Schilbung and Nibelung.Siegfried gained the Nibelungs' treasure and the cloak of darkness (Tarnkappe) from Alberich,the dwarf and Nibelungs' treasurer. Siegfried also possessed the sword Balemung and the horse.Siegfried skin became invulnerable when he killed a dragon and was bathed in the dragon'sblood. The only vulnerable spot on his body was on his back where a large leave covered fell onhis back between his shoulders. Only Kriemhild knew of her husband's weakness. Hagen wouldlater tricked Kriemhild to reveal this weakness to him.

When Siegfried arrived in Worms, a city in Burgundy, Gunther won his friendship. Though hesought to woo Gunther's sister, he did not see her until a year later. They were only formerlyintroduced, after helping the king to win the war against the Saxons and the Danes, whenSiegfried captured the two kings.Siegfried fell in love with Kriemhild, and her brothers approved of the marriage, if the hero wouldhelp Gunther win Brunhild in marriage. Siegfried does so by defeating the warrior-queen, usinghis magic cloak, Tarnkappe. Brunhild thought she was contesting Gunther.There was a double wedding. Whereas Siegfried's marriage was happy, Gunther was humiliating.When Gunther had tried to make love to his new wife, Brunhild fought him, bound the king, andhanged the king up on the wall. Gunther was no match for Brunhild's superhuman strength.Again, Siegfried had to secretly overcome Brunhild for Gunther. When Brunhild finally submitted

to husband, Siegfried stole her ring and girdle, gave them to Kriemhild. The ring and girdlebecame symbols of their deception over Brunhild.Siegfried returned home in Xanten (Netherlands) with his new wife, when Siegmund share thekingdom with his son. Siegmund and his wife treated Kriemhild like their own daughter. Siegfriedand Kriemhild had a son, which they named after Gunther (Gunther II).Ten years later, Gunther invited them to festivity in Worms. Brunhild was curious of Siegfried'sstatus, because when she had first met Siegfried and Gunther they had told her Siegfried was herhusband's vassal. Yet, Gunther and his brothers treated Siegfried as an equal. Not realising ofthis deception, she became involved in argument with Kriemhild over precedence.The quarrel climaxed with total humiliation for Brunhild. Kriemhild told Brunhild that Siegfried wasthe man who overcame her strength in the contest, not Gunther, and that Siegfried had taken her

virginity (not true). Kriemhild proved this, by revealing the ring and the girdle that Siegfried hadtaken from Brunhild.Outraged and humiliated, Brunhild demanded punishment for Siegfried and Kriemhild. Hagen
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Siegmund%23Siegmundhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Hjordishttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.htmlhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/german.html#Siegmund%23Siegmundhttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Hjordishttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/volsunga.html


17/17

agreed. Hagen believed that Siegfried earned death for the deception and betrayal.Together with Gunther, they plotted Siegfried's assassination. Hagen tricked Kriemhild intorevealing Siegfried's weakness, and then they lured the hero into woods, on the pretence of ahunting trip.As Siegfried drank water from the spring, Hagen hid the hero's sword, before plunging a javelininto Siegfried's back. Even though mortally wounded, Siegfried pursued and attacked Hagen,until his strength gave out and he died. Siegfried prophesied Gunther's own death.

Kriemhild was inconsolable, and knew that Gunther and Hagen were responsible over herhusband's death. At the funeral, Siegfried's wound bled again, revealing his killer, when Hagenstood before Siegfried's bier.

Siegmund

Siegmund was the king of the Netherlands. Siegmund was the husband of Sieglind (Sisibe orHjordis), and the father of Siegfired. Siegmund ruled in the city of Xanten, as his capital.Siegmund did not like his son's plan to woo Kriemhild of Burgundy, but the old king was resignedto his son's desire. Yet, when Siegfried married her, Siegmund loved Kriemhild as if she was hisown daughter, when she was living in Xanten. Siegmund became the grandfather of Gunther II.

Siegmund mourned his son's death. Kriemhild prevented fighting between Siegmund and herbrothers. Kriemhild promised to her father-in-law that she would avenge Siegfried's death.Siegmund tried to persuade Kriemhild to return with him, rather than stayed with very people, whoplotted and murdered his son and her husband, but she refused, on the ground that she has noblood relatives in the Netherlands. However, she gave her son to Siegmund, to raise and rule afterthe old king.

In Norse myths, he was called Sigmund and he was the son of Volsung. Signy was his twin sister,and they appeared in the first part of the saga. Sigmund became the father of Sinfjotli by his sisterSigny; Helgi and Hamund by Borghild; and Sigurd by Hjordis.Sigmund played a significant role in the Volsunga Saga. Sigmund drew the sword from the tree,Branstock; avenging his father and brothers' death in Gothland; banishing his wife Borghild for the

death of Sinfjotli; and his death in the war against Hundings (sons of Hunding).Sigmund (Siegmund) had died before Sigurd (Siegfried) was born, but in the Nibelungenlied, hehad outlived his son.
http://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Hjordishttp://www.timelessmyths.com/norse/valkyries.html#Hjordis

lw the ring of the nibelungs

Documents