The Nibelungenlied

THE NIBELUNGENLIED

By An Unknown Author

Translated by Daniel B. Shumway

Originally written in Middle High German (M.H.G.), sometime around 1200

A.D., although this dating is by no means certain. Author unknown.

The text of this edition is based on that published as "The

Nibelungenlied", translated by Daniel B. Shumway (Houghton-Mifflin Co.,

New York, 1909).

PREPARER'S NOTE: In order to make this electronic edition easier to use,

the preparer has found it necessary to re-arrange the endnotes of Mr.

Shumway's edition, collating them with the chapters themselves and

substituting page references with footnote references. The preparer

takes full responsibility for these changes.--DBK.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

OTHER TRANSLATIONS--

Hatto, A.T. (Trans.): "Nibelungenlied" (Penguin Classics, London, 1962).

Prose translation.

Ryder, Frank G. (Trans.): "The Song of the Nibelungs" (Wayne State

University Press, Detroit, 1962). Verse translation.

RECOMMENDED READING--

Anonymous: "Kudrun", Translated by Marion E. Gibbs & Sidney Johnson

(Garland Pub., New York, 1992).

Anonymous: "Volsungasaga", Translated by William Morris and Eirikr

Magnusson (Walter Scott Press, London, 1888; Reissued by the Online

Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text #29, 1997).

Saxo Grammaticus: "The First Nine Books of the Danish History",

Translated by Oliver Elton (London, 1894; Reissued by the Online

Medieval and Classical Library as E-Text OMACL #28, 1997).

PREFACE

This work has been undertaken in the belief that a literal translation

of as famous an epic as the "Nibelungenlied" would be acceptable to the

general reading public whose interest in the story of Siegfried has

been stimulated by Wagner's operas and by the reading of such poems as

William Morris' "Sigurd the Volsung". Prose has been selected as the

medium of translation, since it is hardly possible to give an accurate

rendering and at the same time to meet the demands imposed by rhyme

and metre; at least, none of the verse translations made thus far have

succeeded in doing this. The prose translations, on the other hand,

mostly err in being too continuous and in condensing too much, so that

they retell the story instead of translating it. The present translator

has tried to avoid these two extremes. He has endeavored to translate

literally and accurately, and to reproduce the spirit of the original,

as far as a prose translation will permit. To this end the language has

been made as simple and as Saxon in character as possible. An exception

has been made, however, in the case of such Romance words as were in use

in England during the age of the romances of chivalry, and which would

help to land a Romance coloring; these have been frequently employed.

Very few obsolete words have been used, and these are explained in the

notes, but the language has been made to some extent archaic, especially

in dialogue, in order to give the impression of age. At the request of

the publishers the Introduction Sketch has been shorn of the apparatus

of scholarship and made as popular as a study of the poem and its

sources would allow. The advanced student who may be interested in

consulting authorities will find them given in the introduction to the

parallel edition in the Riverside Literature Series. A short list of

English works on the subject had, however, been added.

In conclusion the translator would like to thank his colleagues, C.G.

Child and Cornelius Weygandt, for their helpful suggestions in starting

the work, and also to acknowledge his indebtedness to the German edition

of Paul Piper, especially in preparing the notes.

--DANIEL BUSSIER SHUMWAY.

Philadelphia, February 15, 1909.

INTRODUCTORY SKETCH

There is probably no poem of German literature that has excited such

universal interest, or that has been so much studied and discussed, as

the "Nibelungenlied". In its present form it is a product of the age

of chivalry, but it reaches back to the earliest epochs of German

antiquity, and embraces not only the pageantry of courtly chivalry,

but also traits of ancient Germanic folklore and probably of Teutonic

mythology. One of its earliest critics fitly called it a German "Iliad",

for, like this great Greek epic, it goes back to the remotest times and

unites the monumental fragments of half-forgotten myths and historical

personages into a poem that is essentially national in character, and

the embodiment of all that is great in the antiquity of the race. Though

lacking to some extent the dignity of the "Iliad", the "Nibelungenlied"

surpasses the former in the deep tragedy which pervades it, the tragedy

of fate, the inevitable retribution for crime, the never-dying struggle

between the powers of good and evil, between light and darkness.

That the poem must have been exceedingly popular during the Middle Ages

is evinced by the great number of Manuscripts that have come down to us.

We possess in all twenty-eight more or less complete MSS., preserved

in thirty-one fragments, fifteen of which date from the thirteenth and

fourteenth centuries. Of all these MSS., but nine are so well preserved

that, in spite of some minor breaks, they can be considered complete. Of

this number three, designated respectively as A, B, C, are looked upon

as the most important for purposes of textual criticism, and around them

a fierce battle has been waged, which is not even yet settled. (1) It

is now generally conceded that the longest MS., C, is a later redaction

with many additional strophes, but opinions are divided as to whether

the priority should be given to A or B, the probabilities being that B

is the more original, A merely a careless copy of B.

In spite of the great popularity of the "Nibelungenlied", the poem was

soon forgotten by the mass of the people. With the decay of courtly

chivalry and the rise of the prosperous citizen class, whose ideals and

tastes lay in a different direction, this epic shared the fate of many

others of its kind, and was relegated to the dusty shelves of monastery

or ducal libraries, there to wait till a more cultured age, curious

as to the literature of its ancestors, should bring it forth from

its hiding places. However, the figures of the old legend were not

forgotten, but lived on among the people, and were finally embodied in a

popular ballad, "Das Lied vom Hürnen Seyfrid", which has been preserved

in a print of the sixteenth century, although the poem itself is thought

to go back at least to the thirteenth. The legend was also dramatized by

Hans Sachs, the shoemaker poet of Nuremberg, and related in prose form

in a chap book which still exists in prints of the eighteenth century.

The story and the characters gradually became so vague and distorted,

that only a trained eye could detect in the burlesque figures of the

popular account the heroes of the ancient Germanic Legend.

The honor of rediscovering the "Nibelungenlied" and of restoring it to

the world of literature belongs to a young physician by the name of J.H.

Obereit, who found the manuscript C at the castle of Hohenems in the

Tirol on June 29, 1755; but the scientific study of the poem begins with

Karl Lachmann, one of the keenest philological critics that Germany

has ever produced. In 1816 he read before the University of Berlin

his epoch-making essay upon the original form of the "Nibelungenlied".

Believing that the poem was made up of a number of distinct ballads

or lays, he sought by means of certain criteria to eliminate all parts

which were, as he thought, later interpolations or emendations. As a

result of this sifting and discarding process, he reduced the poem

to what he considered to have been its original form, namely, twenty

separate lays, which he thought had come down to us in practically the

same form in which they had been sung by various minstrels.

This view is no longer held in its original form. Though we have every

reason to believe that ballads of Siegfried the dragon killer, of

Siegfried and Kriemhild, and of the destruction of the Nibelungs existed

in Germany, yet these ballads are no longer to be seen in our poem. They

formed merely the basis or source for some poet who thought to revive

the old heroic legends of the German past which were familiar to his

hearers and to adapt them to the tastes of his time. In all probability

we must assume two, three, or even more steps in the genesis of the

poem. There appear to have been two different sources, one a Low German

account, quite simple and brief, the other a tradition of the Lower

Rhine. The legend was perhaps developed by minstrels along the Rhine,

until it was taken and worked up into its present form by some Austrian

poet. Who this poet was we do not know, but we do know that he was

perfectly familiar with all the details of courtly etiquette. He seems

also to have been acquainted with the courtly epics of Heinrich von

Veldeke and Hartman von Ouwe, but his poem is free from the tedious and

often exaggerated descriptions of pomp, dress, and court ceremonies,

that mar the beauty of even the best of the courtly epics. Many

painstaking attempts have been made to discover the identity of the

writer of our poem, but even the most plausible of all these theories

which considers Kurenberg, one of the earliest of the "Minnesingers",

to be the author, because of the similarity of the strophic form of our

poem to that used by him, is not capable of absolute proof, and

recent investigations go to show that Kurenberg was indebted to

the "Nibelungen" strophe for the form of his lyric, and not the

"Nibelungenlied" to him. The "Nibelungen" strophe is presumably much

older, and, having become popular in Austria through the poem, was

adopted by Kurenberg for his purposes. As to the date of the poem, in

its present form it cannot go back further than about 1190, because of

the exactness of the rhymes, nor could it have been written later

than 1204, because of certain allusions to it in the sixth book of

"Parzival", which we know to have been written at this date. The two

Low German poems which probably form the basis of our epic may have been

united about 1150. It was revised and translated into High German and

circulated at South German courts about 1170, and then received its

present courtly form about 1190, this last version being the immediate

source of our manuscripts.

The story of Siegfried, his tragic death, and the dire vengeance visited

upon his slayers, which lies at the basis of our poem, antedates the

latter by many centuries, and was known to all nations whose languages

prove by their resemblance to the German tongue their original identity

with the German people. Not only along the banks of the Rhine and the

Danube and upon the upland plains of Southern Germany, but also along

the rocky fjords of Norway, among the Angles and Saxons in their new

home across the channel, even in the distant Shetland Islands and on the

snow-covered wastes of Iceland, this story was told around the fires at

night and sung to the harp in the banqueting halls of kings and nobles,

each people and each generation telling it in its own fashion and adding

new elements of its own invention. This great geographical distribution

of the legend, and the variety of forms in which it appears, make it

difficult to know where we must seek its origin. The northern version is

in many respects older and simpler in form than the German, but still it

is probable that Norway was not the home of the saga, but that it took

its rise in Germany along the banks of the Rhine among the ancient

tribe of the Franks, as is shown by the many geographical names that are

reminiscent of the characters of the story, such as a Siegfried "spring"

in the Odenwald, a Hagen "well" at Lorsch, a Brunhild "bed" near

Frankfort, and the well-known "Drachenfels", or Dragon's Rock, on the

Rhine. It is to Norway, however, that we must go for our knowledge

of the story, for, singularly enough, with the exception of the

"Nibelungenlied" and the popular ballad, German literature has preserved

almost no trace of the legend, and such as exist are too late and too

corrupt to be of much use in determining the original features of the

story.

Just when the legend emigrated to Skandinavia we do not know, but

certainly at an early date, perhaps during the opening years of the

sixth century. It may have been introduced by German traders, by slaves

captured by the Northmen on their frequent marauding expeditions, or,

as Mogk believes, may have been taken by the Heruli on their return

to Norway after their defeat by the Langobardi. By whatever channel,

however, the story reached the North, it became part and parcel of

Skandinavian folklore, only certain names still pointing to the original

home of the legend. In the ninth century, when Harald Harfagr changed

the ancient free constitution of the land, many Norwegians emigrated

to Iceland, taking with them these acquired legends, which were better

preserved in this remote island because of the peaceful introduction

of Christianity, than on the Continent, where the Church was more

antagonistic to the customs and legends of the heathen period.

The Skandinavian version of the Siegfried legend has been handed down

to us in five different forms. The first of these is the poetic or

older "Edda", also called Saemund's "Edda", as it was assigned to the

celebrated Icelandic scholar Saemundr Sigfusson. The "Codex Regius", in

which it is preserved, dates from the middle of the thirteenth century,

but is probably a copy of an older manuscript. The songs it contains

were written at various times, the oldest probably in the first half of

the ninth century, the latest not much before the date of the earliest

manuscript. Most of them, however, belong to the Viking period, when

Christianity was already beginning to influence the Norwegians, that

is, between the years 800 and 1000. They are partly heroic, partly

mythological in character, and are written in alliterative strophes

interspersed with prose, and have the form of dialogues. Though the

legends on which these songs are based were brought from Norway, most of

them were probably composed in Iceland. Among these songs, now, we find

a number which deal with the adventures of Siegfried and his tragic end.

The second source of the Siegfried story is the so-called

"Volsungasaga", a prose paraphrase of the "Edda" songs. The MS. dates

from the beginning of the thirteenth century, but the account was

probably written a century earlier. The adventures of Siegfried and his

ancestors are here related in great detail and his ancestry traced back

to Wodan. Although a secondary source, as it is based on the "Edda", the

"Volsungasaga" is nevertheless of great importance, since it supplies a

portion of the "Codex Regius" which has been lost, and thus furnishes us

with the contents of the missing songs.

The third source is the prose "Edda", sometimes called the "Snorra

Edda", after the famous Icelander Snorri Sturluson (1178-1241), to whom

it was ascribed. The author was acquainted with both the poetic "Edda"

and the "Volsungasaga", and follows these accounts closely. The younger

"Edda" is not really a tale, but a book of poetics; it relates, however,

the Siegfried saga briefly. It is considered an original source, since

it evidently made use of songs that have not come down to us, especially

in the account of the origin of the treasure, which is here told more

in detail and with considerable differences. The "Nornagestsaga" or

"Nornageststhattr", the story of "Nornagest", forms the fourth source of

the Siegfried story. It is really a part of the Olaf saga, but contains

the story of Sigurd and Gunnar (the Norse forms of Siegfried and

Gunther), which an old man Nornagest relates to King Olaf Tryggvason,

who converted the Norwegians to Christianity. The story was written

about 1250 to illustrate the transition from heathendom to the Christian

faith. It is based on the "Edda" and the "Volsungasaga", and is

therefore of minor importance as a source.

These four sources represent the early introduction of the Siegfried

legend into Skandinavia. A second introduction took place about the

middle of the thirteenth century, at the time of the flourishing of

the Hanseatic League, when the story was introduced together with other

popular German epics. These poems are products of the age of chivalry,

and are characterized by the romantic and courtly features of this

movement. The one which concerns us here, as the fifth source of the

Siegfried story, is the so-called "Thidreksaga", which celebrates

the adventures of the famous legendary hero, Dietrich of Berne,

the historical Theodorich of Ravenna. In as far as it contains the

adventures of the Nibelungs, it is also called the "Niflungasaga". The

"Thidreksaga" was written about 1250 by a Norwegian who, as he himself

tells us, heard the story from Germans in the neighborhood of Bremen

and Munster. Since it is thus based on Saxon traditions, it can be

considered an independent source of the legend, and, in fact, differs

from the earlier Norse versions in many important details. The author

was acquainted, however, with the older versions, and sought to

compromise between them, but mostly followed his German authorities.

The story, as given in the older Norse versions, is in most respects

more original than in the "Nibelungenlied". It relates the history of

the treasure of the Nibelungs, tracing it back to a giant by the name of

"Hreithmar", who received it from the god "Loki" as a compensation for

the killing of the former's son "Otur", whom Loki had slain in the form

of an otter. Loki obtained the ransom from a dwarf named "Andwari",

who in turn had stolen it from the river gods of the Rhine. Andwari

pronounces a terrible curse upon the treasure and its possessors, and

this curse passes from Loki to the Giant Hreithmar, who is murdered when

asleep by his two sons "Fafnir" and "Regin". The latter, however, is

cheated out of the coveted prize by Fafnir, who carries it away to the

"Gnita" heath, where he guards it in the form of a dragon.

This treasure, with its accompanying curse, next passes into the hands

of a human being named Sigurd (the Norse form of Siegfried, as we have

seen), a descendant of the race of the Volsungs, who trace their history

back to Wodan and are especially favored by him. The full story of

Siegfried's ancestry is far too long to relate here, and does not

especially concern us, as it has little or no influence on the later

development of the story. It is sufficient for our purpose to know that

Siegfried was the son of Siegmund, who was slain in battle before the

birth of his son. Sigurd was carefully reared by his mother "Hjordis"

and the wise dwarf Regin, who taught him the knowledge of runes and

of many languages. (2) At the suggestion of Regin, Sigurd asks for and

receives the steed "Grani" from the king, and is then urged by his tutor

to help him obtain the treasure guarded by the latter's brother Fafnir.

Sigurd promises, but first demands a sword. Two, that are given him by

Regin, prove worthless, and he forges a new one from the pieces of his

father's sword, which his mother had preserved. With this he easily

splits the anvil and cuts in two a flake of wool, floating down the

Rhine. He first avenges the death of his father, and then sets off with

Regin to attack the dragon Fafnir. At the advice of the former Sigurd

digs a ditch across the dragon's peth and pierces him from below with

his sword, as the latter comes down to drink. In dying the dragon warns

Sigurd against the treasure and its curse, and against Regin, who, he

says, is planning Sigurd's death, intending to obtain the treasure for

himself.

When Regin sees the dragon safely dead, he creeps from his place of

concealment, drinks of the blood, and, cutting out the heart, begs

Sigurd to roast it for him. While doing so, Sigurd burns his fingers,

and, putting them in his mouth, understands at once the language of the

birds and hears them say that Sigurd himself should eat the heart and

then he would be wiser than all other men. They also betray Regin's evil

designs, and counsel the lad to kill his tutor. This Sigurd then does,

cutting off Regin's head, drinking the blood of both brothers, and

eating Fafnir's heart. (3) On the further advice of the birds Sigurd

first fetches the treasure from the cave, and then journeys to the

mountain "Hindarfjall", where he rescues the sleeping Valkyrie,

"Sigrdrifa" ("Brynhild", "Brunhild"), who, stung by the sleep thorn

of Wodan, and clad in full armor, lies asleep within a castle that is

surrounded by a wall of flame. With the help of his steed Grani, Sigurd

succeeds in penetrating through the fire to the castle. The sleeping

maiden awakes when he cuts the armor from her with his sword, for it

was as tight as if grown fast to the flesh. She hails her deliverer

with great joy, for she had vowed never to marry a man who knew fear. At

Sigurd's request she teaches him many wise precepts, and finally pledges

her troth to him. He then departs, after promising to be faithful to her

and to remember her teachings.

On his journeyings Sigurd soon arrives at the court of "Giuki" (the

Norse form of the German "Gibicho", "Gibich"), a king whose court lay on

the lower Rhine. Giuki has three sons, "Gunnar", "Hogni", and "Gutthorm",

and a daughter "Gudrun", endowed with great beauty. The queen bears

the name of Grimhild, and is versed in magic, but possessed of an evil

heart. (4) Sigurd is received with great honor, for his coming had been

announced to Gudrun in dreams, which had in part been interpreted to her

by Brynhild. The mother, knowing of Sigurd's relations to the latter,

gives him a potion which produces forgetfulness, so that he no longer

remembers his betrothed, and accepts the hand of Gudrun, which the king

offers him at the queen's request. The marriage is celebrated with

great pomp, and Sigurd remains permanently attached to Giuki's court,

performing with the others many deeds of valor.

Meanwhile Grimhild urges her son Gunnar to sue for the hand of Brynhild.

Taking with him Sigurd and a few others, Gunnar visits first Brynhild's

father "Budli", and then her brother-in-law "Heimir", from both of whom

he learns that she is free to choose whom she will, but that she will

marry no one who has not ridden through the wall of flame. With this

answer they proceed to Brynhild's castle, where Gunnar is unable to

pierce the flames, even when seated on Sigurd's steed. Finally Sigurd

and Gunnar change forms, and Sigurd, disguised as Gunnar, rides through

the wall of fire, announces himself to Brynhild as Gunnar, the son of

Giuki, and reminds her of her promise to marry the one who penetrated

the fire. Brynhild consents with great reluctance, for she is busy

carrying on a war with a neighboring king. Sigurd then passes three

nights at her side, placing, however, his sword Gram between them, as

a bar of separation. At parting he draws from her finger the ring, with

which he had originally pledged his troth to her, and replaces it with

another, taken from Fafnir's hoard. Soon after this the marriage of

Gunnar and Brynhild is celebrated with great splendor, and all return to

Giuki's court, where they live happily for some time.

One day, however, when the ladies go down to the river to take a bath,

Brynhild will not bathe further down stream than Gudrun, that is, in the

water which flows from Gudrun to her, (5) giving as the reason, that her

father was mightier and her husband braver, since he had ridden through

the fire, while Sigurd had been a menial. Stung at this, Gudrun retorts

that not Gunnar but Sigurd had penetrated the flames and had taken from

her the fateful ring "Andvaranaut", which she then shows to her rival in

proof of her assertion. Brynhild turns deathly pale, but answers not

a word. After a second conversation on the subject had increased the

hatred of the queens, Brynhild plans vengeance. Pretending to be ill,

she takes to her bed, and when Gunnar inquires what ails her, she asks

him if he remembers the circumstances of the wooing and that not he but

Sigurd had penetrated the flames. She attempts to take Gunnar's life, as

she had pledged her troth to Sigurd, and is thereupon placed in chains

by Hogni. Seven days she sleeps, and no one dares to wake her. Finally

Sigurd succeeds in making her talk, and she tells him how cruelly she

has been deceived, that the better man had been destined for her, but

that she had received the poorer one. This Sigurd denies, for Giuki's

son had killed the king of the Danes and also Budli's brother, a great

warrior. Moreover, although he, Sigurd, had ridden through the flames,

he had not become her husband. He begs her therefore not to harbor a

grudge against Gunnar.

Brynhild remains unconvinced, and plans Sigurd's death, and threatens

Gunnar with the loss of dominion and life, if he will not kill Sigurd.

After some hesitation, Gunnar consents, and, calling Hogni, informs

him that he must kill Sigurd, in order to obtain the treasure of the

Rhinegold. Hogni warns him against breaking his oath to Sigurd, when it

occurs to Gunnar, that his brother Gutthorm had sworn no oath and might

do the deed. Both now proceed to excite the latter's greed, and give him

wolf's and snake meat to eat to make him savage. Twice Gutthorm makes

the attempt, as Sigurd lies in bed, but is deterred by the latter's

penetrating glance. The third time he finds Sigurd asleep, and pierces

him with his sword. Sigurd, awakening at the pain, hurls his own sword

after his murderer, fairly cutting him in two. He then dies, protesting

his innocence and designating Brynhild as the instigator of his murder.

Brynhild at first laughs aloud at Gudrun's frantic grief, but later her

joy turns into sorrow, and she determines to share Sigurd's death. In

vain they try to dissuade her; donning her gold corselet, she pierces

herself with a sword and begs to be burned on Sigurd's funeral pyre. In

dying she prophesies the future, telling of Gudrun's marriage to "Atli"

and of the death of the many men which will be caused thereby.

After Brynhild's death Gudrun in her sorrow flees to the court of King

"Half" of Denmark, where she remains seven years. Finally Grimhild

learns of the place of her daughter's concealment, and tries to bring

about a reconciliation with Gunnar and Hogni. They offer her much

treasure, if she will marry Atli. At first she refuses and thinks only

of revenge, but finally she consents and the marriage is celebrated in

Atli's land. After a time Atli, who is envious of Gunnar's riches, for

the latter had taken possession of Sigurd's hoard, invites him to his

court. A man named "Vingi", who was sent with the invitation, changes

the runes of warning, which Gudrun had given him, so that they, too,

read as an invitation. The brothers determine to accept the invitation,

and, though warned by many dreams, they set out for Atli's court, which

they reach in due time. Vingi now breaks forth into exultations, that he

has lured them into a snare, and is slain by Hogni with a battle axe.

As they ride to the king's hall, Atli and his sons arm themselves for

battle, and demand Sigurd's treasure, which belongs by right to Gudrun.

Gunnar refuses to surrender it, and the fight begins, after some

exchange of taunting words. Gudrun tries at first to reconcile the

combatants, but, failing, arms herself and fights on the side of her

brothers. The battle rages furiously with great loss on both sides,

until nearly all of the Nibelungs are killed, when Gunnar and Hogni

are forced to yield to the power of numbers and are captured and bound.

Gunnar is asked, if he will purchase his life with the treasure. He

replies that he first wishes to see Hogni's bleeding heart. At first the

heart of a slave is cut out and brought to him, but Gunnar recognizes it

at once as that of a coward. Then they cut out Hogni's heart, who laughs

at the pain. This Gunnar sees is the right one, and is jubilant, for now

Atli shall never obtain the treasure, as Gunnar alone knows where it is

hid. In a rage Atli orders Gunnar to be thrown to the snakes. Though

his hands are bound, Gunnar plays so sweetly with his toes on the harp,

which Gudrun has sent him, that all the snakes are lulled to sleep, with

the exception of an adder, which stings him to the heart, so that he

dies.

Atli now walks triumphantly over the dead bodies, and remarks to Gudrun

that she alone is to blame for what has happened. She refuses his offers

of peace and reconciliation, and towards evening kills her two sons

"Erp" and "Eitil", and serves them at the banquet, which the king gives

for his retainers. When Atli asks for his sons, he is told that he had

drunk their blood mixed with wine and had eaten their hearts. That night

when Atli is asleep, Gudrun takes Hogni's son "Hniflung", who desires

to avenge his father, and together they enter Atli's room and thrust a

sword through his breast. Atli awakes from the pain, only to be told

by Gudrun that she is his murderess. When he reproaches her with thus

killing her husband, she answers that she cared only for Sigurd. Atli

now asks for a fitting burial, and on receiving the promise of this,

expires. Gudrun carries out her promise, and burns the castle with

Atli and all his dead retainers. Other Edda songs relate the further

adventures of Gudrun, but they do not concern us here, as the

"Nibelungenlied" stops with the death of the Nibelungs.

This in brief is the story of Siegfried, as it has been handed down to

us in the Skandinavian sources. It is universally acknowledged that

this version, though more original than the German tradition, does not

represent the simplest and most original form of the tale; but what the

original form was, has long been and still is a matter of dispute. Two

distinctly opposite views are held, the one seeing in the story the

personification of the forces of nature, the other, scouting the

possibility of a mythological interpretation, seeks a purely human

origin for the tale, namely, a quarrel among relatives for the

possession of treasure. The former view is the older, and obtained

almost exclusively at one time. The latter has been gaining ground of

recent years, and is held by many of the younger students of the legend.

According to the mythological view, the maiden slumbering upon the

lonely heights is the sun, the wall of flames surrounding her the

morning red ("Morgenrote"). Siegfried is the youthful day who is

destined to rouse the sun from her slumber. At the appointed time he

ascends, and before his splendor the morning red disappears. He awakens

the maiden; radiantly the sun rises from its couch and joyously greets

the world of nature. But light and shade are indissolubly connected; day

changes of itself into night. When at evening the sun sinks to rest

and surrounds herself once more with a wall of flames, the day again

approaches, but no longer in the youthful form of the morning to arouse

her from her slumber, but in the sombre shape of Gunther, to rest at her

side. Day has turned into night; this is the meaning of the change of

forms. The wall of flame vanishes, day and sun descend into the realm of

darkness. Under this aspect the Siegfried story is a day myth; but under

another it is a myth of the year. The dragon is the symbol of winter,

the dwarfs of darkness. Siegfried denotes the bright summer, his sword

the sunbeams. The youthful year grows up in the dark days of winder.

When its time has come, it goes forth triumphantly and destroys

the darkness and the cold of winter. Through the symbolization the

abstractions gain form and become persons; the saga is thus not a mere

allegory, but a personification of nature's forces. The treasure may

have entered the saga through the widespread idea of the dragon as the

guardian of treasure, or it may represent the beauty of nature which

unfolds when the season has conquered. In the last act of the saga,

Siegfried's death, Wilmanns, the best exponent of this view, sees again

a symbolic representation of a process of nature. According to him it

signifies the death of the god of the year in winter. In the spring he

kills the dragon, in the winter he goes weary to his rest and is foully

slain by the hostile powers of darkness. Later, when this act was

connected with the story of Gunther's wooing Brunhild, the real meaning

was forgotten, and Siegfried's death was attributed to the grief and

jealousy of the insulted queen.

Opposed now to the mythological interpretation is the other view already

spoken of, which denies the possibility of mythological features, and

does not seek to trace the legend beyond the heroic stage. The best

exponent of this view is R. C. Boer, who has made a remarkable attempt

to resolve the story into its simplest constituents. According to him

the nucleus of the legend is an old story of the murder of relatives

("Verwandienmord"), the original form being perhaps as follows. Attila

(i.e., the enemy of Hagen under any name) is married to Hagen's sister

Grimhild or Gudrun. He invites his brother-in-law to his house, attacks

him in the hope of obtaining his treasure, and kills him. According

to this view Hagen was originally the king, but later sinks to a

subordinate position through the subsequent connection of the story with

the Burgundians. It is of course useless to hunt for the date of such

an episode in history. Such a murder could have frequently occurred, and

can be localized anywhere. Very early we find this Hagen story united

with the Siegfried legend. If the latter is mythological, then we have

a heterogeneous combination, a mythical legend grafted on a purely human

one. This Boer thinks unlikely, and presents a number of arguments to

disprove the mythical character of the Siegfried story, into which

we cannot enter here. He comes, however, to the conclusion, that the

Siegfried tale is likewise purely human, and consisted originally of the

murder of relatives, that is, a repetition of the Hagen title. Siegfried

is married to Hagen's sister, and is killed by his brother-in-law

because of his treasure. The kernel of the legend is, therefore, the

enmity between relatives, which exists in two forms, the one in which

the son-in-law kills his father-in-law, as in the "Helgi" saga, the

other in which Hagen kills his son-in-law and is killed by him, too, as

in the "Hilde" saga. The German tradition tries to combine the two by

introducing the new feature, that Kriemhild causes the death of her

relatives, in order to avenge her first husband. Boer is of the opinion

that both the Norse and the German versions have forgotten the original

connection between the two stories, and that this connection was nothing

more nor less than the common motive of the treasure. The same treasure,

which causes Hagen to murder Siegfried, causes his own death in turn

through the greed of Attila. There was originally, according to Boer, no

question of revenge, except the revenge of fate, the retribution which

overtakes the criminal. This feeling for the irony of fate was lost

when the motive, that Hagen kills Siegfried because of his treasure,

was replaced by the one that he does it at the request of Brunhild. This

leads Boer to the conclusion, that Brunhild did not originally belong to

the Siegfried story, but to the well-known fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty

("Erlosungsmurchen"), which occurs in a variety of forms. The type is

that of a hero who rescues a maiden from a magic charm, which may take

the form of a deep sleep, as in the case of Sleeping Beauty, or of being

sewed into a garment, as in No. 111 of Grimm's fairy tales. By the union

of the two stories, i.e., the Hagen-Siegfried saga with the Sleeping

Beauty tale, Siegfried stands in relation to two women; on the one hand

his relation to Sigrdrifa-Brynhild, the maiden whom he rescues on the

rock, on the other his marriage with Grimhild-Gudrun and his consequent

death. This twofold relation had to be disposed of, and since his

connection with Grimhild was decisive for his fate, his relation to

Brunhild had to be changed. It could not be entirely ignored, for it

was too well known, therefore it was given a different interpretation.

Siegfried still rescues a maiden from the rock, not for himself,

however, but for another. The exchange of forms on the part of

Siegfried and Gunther is a reminiscence of the older form. It gives the

impression, that Siegfried, and yet not Siegfried, won the bride. This

alteration probably took place when the Burgundians were introduced into

the legend. With this introduction an unlocalized saga of unknown heroes

of ancient times became one of events of world-wide importance; the fall

of a mighty race was depicted as the result of Siegfried's death. To

render this plausible, it was necessary on the one hand to idealize

the hero, so that his death should appear as a deed of horror demanding

fearful vengeance, and on the other, to make the king of the Burgundians

an active participator in Siegfried's death, for otherwise it would not

seem natural, that the whole race should be exterminated for a crime

committed by the king's brother or vassal. As the role of Brunhild's

husband had become vacant, and as Gunther had no special role, it was

natural that it should be given to him. Boer traces very ingeniously

the gradual development of this exchange of roles through the various

sources.

Another method of explaining away Siegfried's relation to two women is

to identify them, and this has been done by the Seyfrid ballad. Here the

hero rescues Kriemhild from the power of the dragon, marries her,

and then is later killed by her brothers through envy and hatred. As

Brunhild and Kriemhild are here united in one person, there is no need

of a wooing for the king, nor of vengeance on the part of Brunhild,

accordingly the old motive of greed (here envy) reappears.

As to the fight with the dragon, Boer believes that it did not

originally belong to the saga, for in none of the sources except the

popular ballad is the fight with the dragon connected with the release

of Brunhild. If the Siegfried-Hagen story is purely human, then the

dragon cannot have originally belonged to it, but was later introduced,

because of the widespread belief in the dragon as the guardian of

treasure, and in order to answer the question as to the provenience of

the hoard. This is, however, only one answer to the question. Another,

widespread in German legends, is that the treasure comes from the

Nibelungs, that is, from the dwarfs. Many identify the dwarfs and the

dragon, but this finds no support in the sources, for here the dwarfs

and Fafnir are never confused. The "Nibelungenlied" describes an

adventure with each, but the treasure is only connected with the dwarfs.

The "Thidreksaga" knows only the dragon fight but not the dwarfs, as is

likewise the case with the Seyfrid ballad. Only in the Norse sources

do we find a contamination. The story of Hreithmar and his sons, who

quarrel about the treasure, resembles that of Schilbung and Nibelung in

the "Nibelungenlied", and probably has the same source. One of the sons,

because of his guarding the treasure, is identified with the dragon,

and so we read that Fafnir becomes a dragon, after gaining the treasure.

Originally, however, he was not a dragon, but a dwarf. These two

independent forms can be geographically localized. The dwarf legend is

the more southern; it is told in detail in the "Nibelungenlied". The

dragon legend probably originated in the Cimbrian peninsula, where the

"Beowulf" saga, in which the dragon fight plays such an important part,

likewise arose.

There thus stand sharply opposed to each other two theories, one seeing

in the Siegfried saga a personification of natural forces, the other

tracing it back to a purely human story of murder through greed. It may

be, that the true form of the original saga lies half way between

these two views. The story of the fall of the Nibelungs, that is, their

killing at Etzel's court, may go back to the tale of the murder of

relatives for money. On the other hand it is hard to believe that the

Siegfried saga is nothing but a repetition of the Attila motive, for

this is too brief a formula to which to reduce the long legend of

Siegfried, with its many deeds. Even if we discard the mythological

interpretation, it is the tale of a daring hero, who is brought up in

the woods by a cunning dwarf. He kills a dragon and takes possession of

his hoard, then rescues a maiden, imprisoned upon a mountain, as in the

older Norse version and the popular ballad, or in a tower, as in the

"Thidreksaga", and surrounded either by a wall of fire, as in the

Norse, or by a large body of water, as in the "Nibelungenlied". After

betrothing himself to the maiden, he sets forth in search of further

adventures, and falls into the power of an evil race, who by their

magic arts lure him to them, cause his destruction, and then obtain

his treasure and the maiden for themselves. By her very name Sigrdrifa

belongs to Siegfried, just as Gunther and Gudrun-Grimhild belong

together, and it seems hardly possible that she should have entered the

story later, as Boer would have us believe. After all, it is largely a

matter of belief, for it is impossible to prove positively that mythical

elements did or did not exist in the original.

To the combined Siegfried-Nibelung story various historical elements

were added during the fifth century. At the beginning of this period the

Franks were located on the left bank of the Rhine from Coblenz downward.

Further up the river, that is, to the south, the Burgundians had

established a kingdom in what is now the Rhenish Palatinate, their

capital being Worms and their king "Gundahar", or "Gundicarius", as the

Romans called him. For twenty years the Burgundians lived on good terms

with the surrounding nations. Then, growing bolder, they suddenly

rose against the Romans in the year 436, but the rebellion was quietly

suppressed by the Roman general Aetius. Though defeated, the Burgundians

were not subdued, and the very next year they broke their oaths and

again sought to throw off the Roman yoke. This time the Romans called to

their aid the hordes of Huns, who had been growing rapidly in power and

were already pressing hard upon the German nations from the east. Only

too glad for an excuse, the Huns poured into the land in great numbers

and practically swept the Burgundian people from the face of the earth.

According to the Roman historians, twenty thousand Burgundians were

slain in this great battle of the Catalaunian Fields. Naturally this

catastrophe, in which a whole German nation fell before the hordes of

invading barbarians, produced a profound impression upon the Teutonic

world. The King Gundahar, the Gunther of the "Nibelungenlied", who also

fell in the battle, became the central figure of a new legend, namely,

the story of the fall of the Burgundians.

Attila is not thought to have taken part in the invasion, still, after

his death in 454, his name gradually came to be associated with the

slaughter of the Burgundians, for a legend operates mainly with types,

and as Attila was a Hun and throughout the Middle Ages was looked upon

as the type of a cruel tyrant, greedy for conquest, it was but natural

for him to play the rôle assigned to him in the legend. Quite plausible

is Boer's explanation of the entrance of Attila into the legend. The

"Thidreksaga" locates him in Seest in Westphalia. Now this province once

bore the name of "Hunaland", and by a natural confusion, because of

the similarity of the names, "Huna" and "Huns", Attila, who is the

chief representative of Hunnish power, was connected with the legend

and located at Seest. This would show that the original extension of the

legend was slight, as Xanten, the home of Hagen, is but seventy miles

from Seest. The original form would then be that Hagen was slain by a

king of "Hunaland", then because history relates that the Burgundians

were slain by the Huns, the similarity of the names led to the

introduction of Attila and the identification of the Nibelungs with the

Burgundians. The fact, too, that the Franks rapidly took possession

of the district depopulated by the crushing defeat of the Burgundians

likewise aided the confusion, and thus the Franks became the natural

heirs of the legend concerning the death of Gunther, and so we read of

the fall of the Nibelungs, a name that is wholly Frankish in character.

This identification led also to Attila's being considered the avenger of

Siegfried's death. Poetic justice, however, demands that the slaughter

of the Burgundians at the hands of Attila be also avenged. The rumor,

that Attila's death was not natural, but that he had been murdered by

his wife Ildico ("Hildiko"), gave the necessary features to round out

the story. As Kriemhild was the sister of the Burgundian kings, it was

but natural to explain her killing of Attila, as described in the Norse

versions, by her desire to avenge her brothers.

In our "Nibelungenlied", however, it is no longer Attila, but Kriemhild,

who is the central figure of the tragedy. Etzel, as he is called here,

has sunk to the insignificant role of a stage king, a perfectly passive

observer of the fight raging around him. This change was brought about

perhaps by the introduction of Dietrich of Berne, the most imposing

figure of all Germanic heroic lore. The necessity of providing him

with a role corresponding to his importance, coupled with a growing

repugnance on the part of the proud Franks to acknowledge defeat at the

hands of the Huns, caused the person of Attila to dwindle in importance.

Gradually, too, the role played by Kriemhild was totally changed.

Instead of being the avenger of her brothers, as depicted in the Norse

versions, she herself becomes the cause of their destruction. Etzel

is not only innocent of any desire to harm the Nibelungs, but is even

ignorant of the revenge planned by his wife. This change in her role was

probably due to the feeling that it was incumbent upon her to avenge the

murder of Siegfried.

Our "Nibelungenlied" knows but little of the adventures of Siegfried's

youth as depicted in the Norse versions. The theme of the poem is no

longer the love of Sigurd, the homeless wanderer, for the majestic

Valkyrie Brunhild, but the love idyll of Siegfried, the son of the king

of the Netherlands, and the dainty Burgundian princess Kriemhild.

The poem has forgotten Siegfried's connection with Brunhild; it knows

nothing of his penetrating the wall of flames to awake and rescue her,

nothing of the betrothal of the two. In our poem Siegfried is carefully

reared at his father's court in the Netherlands, and sets out with great

pomp for the court of the Burgundians. In the Norse version he naturally

remains at Gunther's court after his marriage, but in our poem he

returns to the Netherlands with his bride. This necessitates the

introduction of several new scenes to depict his arrival home, the

invitation to the feast at Worms, and the reception of the guests on the

part of the Burgundians.

In the "Nibelungenlied" the athletic sports, as an obstacle to the

winning of Brunhild, take the place of the wall of flames of the older

Norse versions. Siegfried and Gunther no longer change forms, but

Siegfried dons the "Tarnkappe", which renders him invisible, so that

while Gunther makes the motions, Siegfried really does the work, a thing

which is rather difficult to imagine. The quarrel of the two queens is

likewise very differently depicted in the "Nibelungenlied" from what it

is in the Norse version. In the latter it takes place while the

ladies are bathing in the river, and is brought on by the arrogance of

Brunhild, who refuses to stand lower down the stream and bathe in the

water flowing from Gudrun to her. In the "Thidreksaga" it occurs in the

seclusion of the ladies' apartments, but in our poem it culminates in

front of the cathedral before the assembled court, and requires as its

background all the pomp and splendor of medieval chivalry. With a master

hand and a wonderful knowledge of female character, the author depicts

the gradual progress of the quarrel until it terminates in a magnificent

scene of wounded pride and malignant hatred. Kriemhild, as usual, plays

the more important part, and, while standing up for her rights, tries in

every way to conciliate Brunhild and not to hurt her feelings. At

last, however, stung by the taunts of the latter, she in turn loses her

patience, bursts out with the whole story of the twofold deception to

which Brunhild has been subjected, and then triumphantly sweeps into

the church, leaving her rival stunned and humiliated by the news she

has heard. In the Norse tradition the scene serves merely to enlighten

Brunhild as to the deception played upon her. In the "Nibelungenlied" it

becomes the real cause of Siegfried's death, for Brunhild plans to kill

Siegfried to avenge the public slight done to her. She has no other

reason, as Siegfried swears that there had been no deception. Brunhild

appeals to us much less in the "Nibelungenlied" than in the Norse

version. In the latter she feels herself deeply wronged by Siegfried's

faithlessness, and resolves on his death because she will not be the

wife of two men. In our poem she has no reason for wishing his death

except her wounded pride. In the "Nibelungenlied", too, she disappears

from view after Siegfried's death, whereas in the Norse tradition she

ascends his funeral pyre and dies at his side.

The circumstances of Siegfried's death are likewise totally different

in the two versions. In the Norse, as we have seen, he is murdered while

asleep in bed, by Gunnar's younger brother Gutthorm. In our poem he is

killed by Hagen, while bending over a spring to drink. This is preceded

by a scene in which Hagen treacherously induces Kriemhild to mark the

one vulnerable spot on Siegfried's body, on the plea of protecting

him. This deepens the tragedy, and renders Kriemhild's misery and

self-reproaches the greater. After Siegfried's burial his father,

who had also come to Worms with his son, vainly endeavors to persuade

Kriemhild to return with him to the Netherlands. Her refusal is

unnatural in the extreme, for she had reigned there ten years or

more with Siegfried, and had left her little son behind, and yet she

relinquishes all this and remains with her brothers, whom she knows to

be the murderers of her husband. This is evidently a reminiscence of

an earlier form in which Siegfried was a homeless adventurer, as in the

"Thidreksaga".

The second half of the tale, the destruction of the Nibelungs,

is treated of very briefly in the early Norse versions, but the

"Nibelungenlied", which knows so little of Siegfried's youth, has

developed and enlarged upon the story, until it overshadows the first

part in length and importance and gives the name to the whole poem.

The main difference between the two versions is that in the older

Norse tradition it is Attila who invites the Nibelungs to his court and

attacks them in order to gain possession of the treasure, while Gudrun

(Kriemhild) first tries to reconcile the warring parties, and, not

succeeding in this, snatches up a sword and fights on the side of

her brothers and later kills her husband as an act of revenge. In the

"Thidreksaga" and the "Nibelungenlied", however, she is the instigator

of the fight and the cause of her brothers' death, and finally suffers

death herself at the hands of Master Hildebrand, who is furious that

such noble heroes should fall at a woman's hand. The second part of

the poem is grewsome reading at best, with its weltering corpses and

torrents of blood. The horror is relieved only by the grim humor of

Hagen and by the charming scene at Rudeger's court, where the young

prince Giselher is betrothed to Rudeger's daughter. Rudeger is without

doubt the most tragic figure of this part. He is bound on the one hand

by his oath of allegiance to Kriemhild and on the other by ties of

friendship to the Burgundians. His agony of mind at the dilemma in which

Kriemhild's command to attack the Burgundians places him is pitiful.

Divided between love and duty, the conviction that he must fulfill his

vow, cost what it may, gradually forces itself upon him and he rushes to

his death in combat with his dearest friends.

Towering above all others in its gloomy grandeur stands the figure of

Hagen, the real hero of the second half of the poem. Fully aware that

he is going to his death, he nevertheless scorns to desert his

companions-in-arms, and awaits the fate in store for him with a stoicism

that would do honor to a Spartan. He calmly accepts the consequences of

his crime, and to the last mocks and scoffs at Kriemhild, until her fury

knows no bounds. No character shows so little the refining influences of

Christianity as does his. In all essential respects he is still the same

old gigantic Teuton, who meets us in the earliest forms of the legend.

As to the various minor characters, many of which appear only in the

"Nibelungenlied", space will not permit of their discussion here,

although they will be treated of briefly in the notes. Suffice it to

say, that the "Nibelungenlied" has introduced a number of effective

scenes for the purpose of bringing some of them, especially Folker and

Dankwart, into prominence. Among the best of these are, first, the night

watch, when Folker first plays the Burgundians to sleep with his violin,

and then stands guard with Hagen, thus preventing the surprise planned

by Kriemhild; further, the visit to the church on the following morning,

when the men of both parties clash; and lastly the tournament between

the Huns and the Burgundians, which gives the author an excellent chance

to show the prowess of the various heroes.

Let us pass now to the consideration of the strophic form of the

"Nibelungenlied". The two Danish ballads of "Grimhild's Revenge"

("Grimhild's Haevn"), which are based upon the first combination of

the Low German, i.e., Saxon, and the Rhenish traditions, prove that the

strophe is considerably older than the preserved redactions of our poem,

and that it was probably of Saxon origin. The metrical form goes back

most probably to the four-accented verse of the poet Otfrid of the ninth

century, although some have thought that Latin hymns, others that the

French epic verse, may have been of influence. The direct derivation

from Otfrid seems, however, the most plausible, as it accounts for the

importance of the caesura, which generally marks a pause in the

sense, as well as in the verse, and also for its masculine ending. The

"Nibelungen" strophe consists of four long lines separated by a caesura

into two distinct halves. The first half of each line contains four

accents, the fourth falling upon the last syllable. This last stress,

however, is not, as a rule as strong as the others, the effect being

somewhat like that of a feminine ending. On this account some speak of

three accents in the first half line, with a feminine ending. The fourth

stress is, however, too strong to be thus disregarded, but because of

its lighter character is best marked with a grave accent. The second

half of each line ends in a masculine rhyme. The first three lines have

each three stresses in the second half, while the second half of the

fourth line has four accents to mark the end of the strophe. This

longer fourth line is one of the most marked characteristics of the

"Nibelungen" strophe. The rhymes are arranged in the order of "a", "a",

"b", "b", though in a few isolated cases near the end of the poem but

one rhyme is used throughout the strophe.

The opening lines of the poem may serve to illustrate the strophic form

and scansion, and at the same time will give the reader an idea of the

Middle High German language in which the poem is written:

Uns ist in alten maeren wunders vil geseit

von heleden lobebaeron, von grozer arebeit,

von froude und hochgeziten, von weinen und von klagen,

von kuener recken striten muget ir nu wunder hoeren sagen.

Ez wuochs in Burgonden ein edel magedin,

daz in allen landen niht schoeners mohte sin,

Kriemhild geheizen; si wart ein scoene wip,

darambe muosen degene vil verliesen den lip.

Der minneclichen meide triuten wol gezam,

ir muotten kuene recken, niemen was ir gram,

ane ma zen schoene so was ir edel lip;

der iunevrouwen tugende zierten anderiu wip.

Ir pflagen drie künege edel unde rich,

Gunther unde Gernot, die recken lobelich,

und Giselher der iunge, ein uz erwelter degen,

diu frouwe was ir swester, die fu'rsten hetens in ir

pflegen.

Die herren waren milte, von arde hohe erborn,

mit kraft unmazen kuene, die recken uz erkorn,

dazen Burgonden so was ir lant genant,

si framden starkiu wunder sit in Etzelen lant.

Ze Wormze bidem Rine si wenden mit ir kraft,

in diende von ir landen stolziu ritterscaft

mit lobelichen eren unz an ir endes zit,

sit sturben si inemerliche von zweier edelen frouwen nit.

Some of the final rhymes with proper names, such as "Hagene": "degene"

(str. 84) or "Hagene": "tragene" (str. 300) appear to be feminine, but

it is really the final "e" that rhymes, and a scansion of the line in

question shows that the three accents are not complete without this

final "e". In this respect our poem differs from most of the Middle High

German poems, as this practice of using the final "e" in rhyme began to

die out in the twelfth century, though occasionally found throughout the

period. The rhymes are, as a rule, quite exact, the few cases of impure

rhymes being mainly those in which short and long vowels are rhymed

together, e.g. "mich": "rich" or "man": "han". Caesural rhymes are

frequently met with, and were considered by Lachmann to be the marks of

interpolated strophes, a view no longer held. A further peculiarity

of the "Nibelungen" strophe is the frequent omission of the unaccented

syllable in the second half of the last line of the strophe between the

second and third stresses. Examples of this will be found in the second,

third, and fifth strophes of the passage given above.

The language of the "Nibelungenlied" is the so-called Middle High

German, that is, the High German written and spoken in the period

between 1100 and 1500, the language of the great romances of chivalry

and of the "Minnesingers". More exactly, the poem is written in the

Austrian dialect of the close of the twelfth century, but contains many

archaisms, which point to the fact of its having undergone a number of

revisions.

In closing this brief study of the "Nibelungenlied", just a word or

two further with reference to the poem, its character, and its place in

German literature. Its theme is the ancient Teutonic ideal of "Treue"

(faithfulness or fidelity), which has found here its most magnificent

portrayal; faithfulness unto death, the loyalty of the vassal for his

lord, as depicted in Hagen, the fidelity of the wife for her husband,

as shown by Kriemhild, carried out with unhesitating consistency to the

bitter end. This is not the gallantry of medieval chivalry, which colors

so largely the opening scenes of the poem, but the heroic valor, the

death-despising stoicism of the ancient Germans, before which the

masters of the world, the all-conquering Romans, were compelled to bow.

In so far as the "Nibelungenlied" has forgotten most of the history of

the youthful Siegfried, and knows nothing of his love for Brunhild, it

is a torso, but so grand withal, that one hardly regrets the loss of

these integral elements of the old saga. As it is a working over of

originally separate lays, it is not entirely homogeneous, and contains

not a few contradictions. In spite of these faults, however, which a

close study reveals, it is nevertheless the grandest product of Middle

High German epic poetry, and deservedly the most popular poem of older

German literature. It lacks, to be sure, the grace of diction found in

Gottfried von Strassburg's "Tristan und Isolde", the detailed and often

magnificent descriptions of armor and dress to be met with in the epics

of Hartman von Ouwe; it is wanting in the lofty philosophy of Wolfram

von Eschenbach's "Parzival", and does not, as this latter, lead the

reader into the realms of religious doubts and struggles. It is imposing

through its very simplicity, through the grandeur of the story, which

it does not seek to adorn and decorate. It nowhere pauses to analyze

motives nor to give us a picture of inner conflict as modern authors are

fond of doing. Its characters are impulsive and prompt in action, and

when they have once acted, waste no time in useless regret or remorse.

It resembles the older "Spielmannsdichtung", or minstrel poetry, in the

terseness and vigor of its language and in the lack of poetic imagery,

but it is free from the coarseness and vulgar and grotesque humor of the

latter. It approaches the courtly epic in its introduction of the pomp

of courtly ceremonial, but this veneer of chivalry is very thin, and

beneath the outward polish of form the heart beats as passionately and

wildly as in the days of Herman, the Cheruscan chief. There are perhaps

greater poems in literature than the "Nibelungenlied", but few so

majestic in conception, so sublime in their tragedy, so simple in their

execution, and so national in their character, as this great popular

epic of German literature.

ENDNOTES:

(1) A is a parchment MS. of the second half of the thirteenth

century, now found in Munich. It forms the basis of

Lachmann's edition. It is a parchment MS. of the middle of

the thirteenth century, belonging to the monastery of St.

Gall. It has been edited by Bartsch, "Deutsche Klassiker

des Mittelalters", vol. 3, and by Piper, "Deutsche National-

Literatur", vol. 6. C is a parchment MS., of the thirteenth

century, now in the ducal library of Donauesehingen. It is

the best written of all the MSS., and has been edited by

Zarncke.

(2) The "Thidreksaga" differs from the other Norse versions in

having "Sigfrod", as he is called here, brought up in

ignorance of his parents, a trait which was probably

borrowed from the widespread "Genoveva" story, although

thought by some to have been an original feature of our

legend.

(3) The "Thidreksaga", which has forgotten the enmity of the

brothers, and calls Sigurd's tutor "Mimr", tells the episode

in somewhat different fashion. The brothers plan to kill

Sigurd, and the latter is attacked by the dragon, while

burning charcoal in the forest. After killing the monster

with a firebrand, Sigurd bathes himself in the blood and

thus become covered with a horny skin, which renders him

invulnerable, save in one place between the shoulder blades,

which he could not reach. This bathing in the blood is also

related in the Seyfrid ballad and in the "Nibelungenlied",

with the difference, that the vulnerable spot is caused by a

linden leaf falling upon him.

(4) The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows

that the Norse version is here more original. Gunnar is the

same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm

(Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot. In this

latter the father is called Dancrat, the mother Uote, and

the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the

daughter.

(5) In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's

hair.

THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)

ADVENTURE I (2)

Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of

praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold

warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.

In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer

might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,

for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the

loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her

hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues

of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.

Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and

Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a

chosen knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their

care. The lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold

of strength were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy.

Great marvels they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8)

upon the Rhine they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out

their lands served them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter

they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.

Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,

Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a

mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full

great. These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed

allegiance the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong

and brave, fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg,

thereto his brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13);

Gere (14) and Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16)

endued with fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen,

a chosen knight; the lords Sindolt and Hunolt, liegemen of these three

kings, had rule of the court and of its honors. Thereto had they many

a warrior whose name I cannot tell. Dankwart was marshal; his nephew,

Ortwin, seneschal unto the king; Sindolt was cupbearer, a chosen knight;

Hunolt served as chamberlain; well they wot how to fill these lofty

stations. Of the forces of the court and its far-reaching might, of

the high worship (18) and of the chivalry these lords did ply with joy

throughout their life, of this forsooth none might relate to you the

end.

In the midst of these high honors Kriemhild dreamed a dream, of how she

trained a falcon, strong, fair, and wild, which, before her very eyes,

two eagles rent to pieces. No greater sorrow might chance to her in all

this world. This dream then she told to Uta her mother, who could not

unfold it to the dutiful maid in better wise than this: "The falcon

which thou trainest, that is a noble man, but thou must needs lose him

soon, unless so be that God preserve him."

"Why speakest thou to me of men, dear brother mine? I would fain ever be

without a warrior's love. So fair will I remain until my death, that I

shall never gain woe from love of man."

"Now forswear this not too roundly," spake the mother in reply. "If ever

thou shalt wax glad of heart in this world, that will chance through the

love of man. Passing fair wilt thou become, if God grant thee a right

worthy knight."

"I pray you leave this speech," spake she, "my lady. Full oft hath it

been seen in many a wife, how joy may at last end in sorrow. I shall

avoid them both, then can it ne'er go ill with me."

Thus in her heart Kriemhild forsware all love. Many a happy day

thereafter the maiden lived without that she wist any whom she would

care to love. In after days she became with worship a valiant here's

bride. He was the selfsame falcon which she beheld in her dream that her

mother unfolded to her. How sorely did she avenge this upon her nearest

kin, who slew him after! Through his dying alone there fell full many a

mother's son.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Nibelungenlied", the lay of the Nibelungs. The ordinary

etymology of this name is 'children of the mist'

("Nebelkinder", O.N. "Niflungar"), and it is thought to have

belonged originally to the dwarfs. Piper, I, 50, interprets

it as 'the sons of Nibul'; Boer, II, 198, considers

"Hniflungar" to be the correct Norse form and interprets it

as 'the descendants of Hnaef' (O.E. "Hnaef", O.H.G.

"Hnabi"), whose death is related in the "Finnsaga".

(2) "Adventure" (M.H.G. "aventiure", from O.F. "aventure", Lat.

"adventura"). The word meant originally a happening,

especially some great event, then the report of such an

event. Here it is used in the sense of the different cantos

or "fitts" of the poem, as in the "Gudrun" and other M.H.G.

epics. Among the courtly poets it also frequently denotes

the source, or is the personification of the muse of poetry.

(3) "Kriemhild" is the Upper German form of the Frankish

"Grimhild". In the MSS., the name generally appears with a

further shifting as "Chriemhilt", as if the initial

consonant were Germanic "k". On the various forms of the

name, which have never yet been satisfactorily explained,

see Mullenhoff, ZsfdA. xii, 299, 413; xv, 313; and

Bohnenberger, PB. Beit. xxiv, 221-231.

(4) "Gunther" is the historical "Gundahari", king of the

Burgundians in the fifth century.

(5) "Gernot" was probably introduced by some minstrel in place

of the historical "Godomar", who appears in the Norse

version as "Gutthormr", though the names are not

etymologically the same, as "Godomar" would be "Guthmarr" in

Old Norse.

(6) "Giselher" is the historical "Gislaharius". Although

mentioned by the "Lex Burgundionum" as one of the Burgundian

kings, he does not appear in the early Norse version, or in

other poems dealing with these persons, such as the

"Waltharius", the "Rabenschlacht", the "Rosengarten", etc.,

and was probably introduced at a late date into the saga.

Originally no role was ascribed to him, and not even his

death is told. He probably came from some independent

source.

(7) "Etzel" is the German form for the historical "Attila"

(Norse "Atli"). A discussion of his connection with the

saga will be found in the introduction.

(8) "Worms" is the ancient "Borbetomagus", which in the first

century B.C. was the chief city of the German tribe of the

"Vangioni". In the fifth century it was the capital of the

Burgundian kingdom, but was destroyed by the Huns. The

Merovingians rebuilt it, and in the seventh century it

became a bishopric where Charlemagne at times held his

court. It was later noted as the meeting-place of many

imperial diets. It remained a free city till 1801. In the

"Thidreksaga" the name is corrupted into "Wernize".

(9) "Uta" (M.H.G. "Uote"). The name means ancestress, and is

frequently used for the mother of heroes. The modern German

form is "Ute", but in order to insure its being pronounced

with two syllables, the form "Uta" was chosen.

(10) "Dankrat" (M.H.G. "Dancrat") appears as the father only in

the "Nibelungenlied" and poems dependent on it, e.g., the

"Klage" and "Biterolf", elsewhere as "Gibiche" (Norse

"Giuki").

(11) "Hagen of Troneg". Troneg is probably a corruption of the

name of the Latin colony, "colonia Trajana", on the Lower

Rhine, which as early as the fifth century was written as

"Troja", giving rise to the legend that the Franks were

descended from the ancient Trojans. "Troja" was then

further corrupted to "Tronje" and "Tronege". Hagen was

therefore originally a Frank and had no connection with the

Burgundian kings, as the lack of alliteration also goes to

show. Boer thinks that not Siegfried but Hagen originally

lived at Xanten (see note 3 to Adventure II), as this was

often called Troja Francorum. When the Hagen story was

connected with the Burgundians and Hagen became either their

brother or their vassal, his home was transferred to Worms

and Siegfried was located at Xanten, as he had no especial

localization. Thus Siegfried is never called Siegfried of

Troneg, as is Hagen. Other attempts to explain Troneg will

be found in Piper, I, 48.

(12) "Dankwart" is not an historical character nor one that

belonged to the early form of the legend. He may have come

from another saga, where he played the principal role as

Droege (ZsfdA. 48, 499) thinks. Boer considers him to be

Hagen's double, invented to play a part that would naturally

fall to Hagen's share, were he not otherwise engaged at the

moment. In our poem he is called "Dancwart der snelle", a

word that has proved a stumbling-block to translators,

because in modern German it means 'speedy', 'swift'. Its

original meaning was, however, 'brave', 'warlike', although

the later meaning is already found in M.H.G. In all such

doubtful cases the older meaning has been preferred, unless

the context forbids, and the word 'doughty' has been chosen

to translate it.

(13) "Ortwin of Metz" appears also in the "Eckenlied",

"Waltharius", and in "Biterolf". He is most likely a late

introduction (but see Piper, I, 44). Rieger thinks that he

belonged to a wealthy family "De Metis". Though the "i" is

long in the original, and Simrock uses the form "Ortewein"

in his translation, the spelling with short "i" has been

chosen, as the lack of accent tends to shorten the vowel in

such names.

(14) "Gere" is likewise a late introduction. He is perhaps the

historical Margrave Gere (965) of East Saxony, whom Otto the

Great appointed as a leader against the Slavs. See O. von

Heinemann, "Markgraf Gero", Braunschweig, 1860, and Piper, L

43.

(15) "Eckewart" is also a late accession. He is perhaps the

historical margrave of Meissen (1002), the first of the

name. He, too, won fame in battle against the Slavs.

(16) "Folker of Alzei" (M.H.G. "Volker von Alzeije"), the

knightly minstrel, is hardly an historical personage, in

spite of the fact that Alzey is a well-known town in Rhine

Hesse on the Selz, eighteen miles southwest of Mainz. The

town has, to be sure, a violin in its coat of arms, as also

the noble family of the same name. It is most likely,

however, that this fact caused Folker to be connected with

Alzei. In the "Thidreksaga" Folker did not play the role of

minstrel, and it is probable that some minstrel reviser of

our poem developed the character and made it the

personification of himself.

(17) "Rumolt", "Sindolt", and "Hunolt" have no historical basis

and merely help to swell the retinue of the Burgundians.

(18) "Worship". This word has been frequently used here in its

older meaning of 'worth', 'reverence', 'respect', to

translate the M.H.G. "eren", 'honors'.

ADVENTURE II. Of Siegfried.

In the Netherlands there grew the child of a noble king (his father had

for name Siegmund, (1) his mother Siegelind), (2) in a mighty castle,

known far and wide, in the lowlands of the Rhine: Xanten, (3) men called

it. Of this hero I sing, how fair he grew. Free he was of every blemish.

Strong and famous he later became, this valiant man. Ho! What great

worship he won in this world! Siegfried hight this good and doughty

knight. Full many kingdoms did he put to the test through his warlike

mood. Through his strength of body he rode into many lands. Ho! What

bold warriors he after found in the Burgundian land! Mickle wonders

might one tell of Siegfried in his prime, in youthful days; what honors

he received and how fair of body he. The most stately women held him

in their love; with the zeal which was his due men trained him. But of

himself what virtues he attained! Truly his father's lands were honored,

that he was found in all things of such right lordly mind. Now was he

become of the age that he might ride to court. Gladly the people saw

him, many a maid wished that his desire might ever bear him hither. Enow

gazed on him with favor; of this the prince was well aware. Full seldom

was the youth allowed to ride without a guard of knights. Siegmund and

Siegelind bade deck him out in brave attire. The older knights who were

acquaint with courtly custom, had him in their care. Well therefore

might he win both folk and land.

Now he was of the strength that he bare weapons well. Whatever he needed

thereto, of this he had enow. With purpose he began to woo fair ladies;

these bold Siegfried courted well in proper wise. Then bade Siegmund

have cried to all his men, that he would hold a feasting with his loving

kindred. The tidings thereof men brought into the lands of other kings.

To the strangers and the home-folk he gave steeds and armor. Wheresoever

any was found who, because of his birth, should become a knight, these

noble youths were summoned to the land for the feasting. Here with the

youthful prince they gained the knightly sword. Wonders might one tell

of this great feast; Siegmund and Siegelind wist well how to gain great

worship with their gifts, of which their hands dealt out great store.

Wherefore one beheld many strangers riding to their realm. Four hundred

sword-thanes (4) were to put on knightly garb with Siegfried. Many a

fair maid was aught but idle with the work, for he was beloved of them

all. Many precious stones the ladies inlaid on the gold, which together

with the edging they would work upon the dress of the proud young

warriors, for this must needs be done.

The host bade make benches for the many valiant men, for the midsummer

festival, (5) at which Siegfried should gain the name of knight. Then

full many a noble knight and many a high-born squire did hie them to

the minster. Right were the elders in that they served the young, as had

been done to them afore. Pastimes they had and hope of much good cheer.

To the honor of God a mass was sung; then there rose from the people

full great a press, as the youths were made knights in courtly wise,

with such great honors as might not ever lightly be again. Then they

ran to where they found saddled many a steed. In Siegmund's court the

hurtling (6) waxed so fierce that both palace (7) and hall were heard

to ring; the high-mettled warriors clashed with mighty sound. From young

and old one heard many a shock, so that the splintering of the shafts

reechoed to the clouds. Truncheons (8) were seen flying out before

the palace from the hand of many a knight. This was done with zeal. At

length the host bade cease the tourney and the steeds were led away.

Upon the turf one saw all to-shivered (9) many a mighty buckler and

great store of precious stones from the bright spangles (10) of the

shields. Through the hurtling this did hap.

Then the guests of the host betook them to where men bade them sit. With

good cheer they refreshed them and with the very best of wine, of which

one bare frill plenty. To the strangers and the home-folk was shown

worship enow. Though much pastime they had throughout the day, many of

the strolling folk forsware all rest. They served for the largess, which

men found there richly, whereby Siegmund's whole land was decked with

praise. Then bade the king enfeoff Siegfried, the youth, with land

and castles, as he himself had done. Much his hand bestowed upon the

sword-companions. The journey liked them well, that to this land they

were come. The feasting lasted until the seventh day. Siegelind,

the noble queen, for the love of her son, dealt out ruddy gold in

time-honored wise. Full well she wot how to make him beloved of the

folk. Scarce could a poor man be found among the strolling mimes. Steeds

and raiment were scattered by their hand, as if they were to live not

one more day. I trow that never did serving folk use such great bounty.

With worshipful honors the company departed hence. Of the mighty barons

the tale doth tell that they desired the youth unto their lord, but of

this the stately knight, Sir Siegfried, listed naught. Forasmuch as both

Siegmund and Siegelind were still alive, the dear child of them twain

wished not to wear a crown, but fain would he become a lord against all

the deeds of force within his lands, whereof the bold and daring knight

was sore adread.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Siegmund" (M.H.G. "Sigemunt") was originally the hero of an

independent saga. See "Volsungasaga", chaps. 3-8.

(2) "Siegelind" (M.H.G. "Sigelint") is the correct name of

Siegfried's mother, as the alliteration shows. The Early

Norse version has "Hjordis", which has come from the "Helgi

saga".

(3) "Xanten" (M.H.G. "Santen" from the Latin "ad sanctos") is at

present a town in the Rhenish Prussian district of

Dusseldorf. It does not now lie on the Rhine, but did in

the Middle Ages.

(4) "Sword-thanes" (M.H.G. "swertdegene") were the young squires

who were to be made knights. It was the custom for a

youthful prince to receive the accolade with a number of

others.

(5) "Midsummer festival". The M.H.G. "sunewende" means

literally the 'sun's turning', i.e., the summer solstice.

This was one of the great Germanic festivals, which the

church later turned into St. John's Eve. The bonfires still

burnt in Germany on this day are survivals of the old

heathen custom.

(6) "Hurtling" translates here M.H.G. "buhurt", a word borrowed

from the French to denote a knightly sport in which many

knights clashed together. Hurtling was used in older

English in the same significance.

(7) "Palace" (M.H.G. "palas", Lat. "palatium") is a large

building standing alone and largely used as a reception

hall.

(8) "Truncheons" (M.H.G. "trunzûne", O.F. "tronçon)", 'lance

splinters', 'fragments of spears'.

(9) "To-shivered", 'broken to pieces', in imitation of the older

English to-beat, to-break, etc.

(10) "Spangles" (M.H.G. "spangen"), strips of metal radiating

from the raised centre of the shield and often set, as here,

with precious stones.

ADVENTURE III. How Siegfried Came to Worms.

It was seldom that sorrow of heart perturbed the prince. He heard tales

told of how there lived in Burgundy a comely maid, fashioned wondrous

fair, from whom he thereafter gained much of joy, but suffering, too.

Her beauty out of measure was known far and wide. So many a here heard

of her noble mind, that it alone brought many a guest (1) to Gunther's

land. But however many were seen wooing for her love, Kriemhild never

confessed within her heart that she listed any for a lover. He was

still a stranger to her, whose rule she later owned. Then did the son of

Siegelind aspire to lofty love; the wooing of all others was to his but

as the wind, for well he wot how to gain a lady fair. In later days the

noble Kriemhild became bold Siegfried's bride. Kinsmen and liegemen enow

advised him, since he would have hope of constant love, that he woo

one who was his peer. At this bold Siegfried spake: "Then will I choose

Kriemhild, the fair maid of Burgundy, for her beauty beyond measure.

This I know full well, never was emperor so mighty, and he would have a

wife, that it would not beseem him to love this noble queen."

Tidings of this reached Siegmund's ear; through the talk of the

courtiers he was made ware of the wish of his son. Full loth it was to

the king, that his child would woo the glorious maid. Siegelind heard it

too, the wife of the noble king. Greatly she feared for her child, for

full well she knew Gunther and his men. Therefore they sought to turn

the hero from this venture. Up spake then the daring Siegfried: "Dear

father mine, I would fain ever be without the love of noble dames, if I

may not woo her in whom my heart hath great delight; whatsoever any may

aver, it will avail but naught."

"And thou wilt not turn back," spake the king, "then am I in sooth glad

of thy will and will help thee bring it to pass, as best I may. Yet hath

this King Gunther full many a haughty man. If there were none else but

Hagen, the doughty knight, he can use such arrogance that I fear me it

will repent us sore, if we woo this high-born maid."

Then Siegfried made reply: "Wherefore need that hinder us? What I may

not obtain from them in friendly wise, that my hand and its strength can

gain. I trow that 1 can wrest from him both folk and land."

To this Prince Siegmund replied: "Thy speech liketh me not, for if this

tale were told upon the Rhine, then durst thou never ride unto that

land. Long time have Gunther and Gernot been known to me. By force may

none win the maid, of this have I been well assured; but wilt thou ride

with warriors unto this land, and we still have aught of friends, they

shall be summoned soon."

"It is not to my mind," spake again Siegfried, "that warriors should

follow me to the Rhine, as if for battle, that I constrain thereby the

noble maid. My single hand can win her well--with eleven (2) comrades

I will fare to Gunther's land; thereto shalt thou help me, Father

Siegmund." Then to his knights they gave for garments furs both gray and

vair. (3)

Now his mother Siegelind also heard the tale. She began to make dole for

her loved child, whom she feared to lose through Gunther's men. Sorely

the noble queen gan weep. Lord Siegfried hied him straightway to where

he saw her; to his mother he spake in gentle wise: "Lady, ye must not

weep for me; naught have I to fear from all his fighting men. I pray

you, speed me on my journey to the Burgundian land, that I and my

warriors may have array such as proud heroes can wear with honor; for

this I will say you gramercy i' faith."

"Since naught will turn thee," spake then the Lady Siegelind, "so will I

speed thee on thy journey, mine only child, with the best of weeds that

ever knight did wear, thee and thy comrades. Ye shall have enow."

Siegfried, the youth, then made low obeisance to the queen. He spake:

"None but twelve warriors will I have upon the way. Let raiment be

made ready for them, I pray, for I would fain see how it standeth with

Kriemhild."

Then sate fair ladies night and day. Few enow of them, I trow, did ease

them, till Siegfried's weeds had all been wrought. Nor would he desist

from faring forth. His father bade adorn the knightly garb in which his

son should ride forth from Siegmund's land. The shining breastplates,

too, were put in trim, also the stanch helmets and their shields both

fair and broad. Now their journey to the Burgundian land drew near;

man and wife began to fear lest they never should come home again. The

heroes bade lade their sumpters with weapons and with harness. Their

steeds were fair and their trappings red with gold. No need were there

to live more proudly than Siegfried and his men. Then he asked for leave

to journey to the land of Burgundy; this the king and queen sorrowfully

vouchsafed. Lovingly he comforted them twain. "For my sake," spake he,

"must ye not weep, nor have fear for me or for my life."

The warriors, too, were sad and many a maiden wept; I ween, their hearts

did tell them rightly that many of their kinsmen would come to death

because of this. Just cause had they for wailing; need enow they had in

sooth.

Upon the seventh morning, forth upon the river sand at Worms the brave

warriors pricked. Their armor was of ruddy gold and their trappings

fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men.

Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as

Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such

princely attire been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down

to their spurs. Sharp javelins were borne by these chosen knights.

Siegfried wielded one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut

most dangerously. In their hands they held gold-colored bridles; their

martingales were silken: so they came into the land. Everywhere the folk

began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's men fared forth to meet them.

High-mettled warriors, both knight and squire, betook them to the lords

(as was but right), and received into the land of their lords these

guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which bore the

shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How

boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of

my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever

knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of

Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."

Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,

that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see

him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly

man."

To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,

who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the

Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly

warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and

broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then

Ortwin of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king:

"Since we know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let

him see them. To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so

be he knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."

Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with

his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.

"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.

"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If

ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."

"That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the

guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings and their

array, but full strange were they to him in the Burgundian land. He

spake: "From wheresoever these warriors be come unto the Rhine, they may

well be princes or envoys of kings, for their steeds are fair and

their garments passing good. Whencesoever they bear these, forsooth

high-mettled warriors be they."

"I dare well say," so spake Hagen, "though I never have seen Siegfried,

yet can I well believe, however this may be, that he is the warrior that

strideth yonder in such lordly wise. He bringeth new tidings hither to

this land. By this here's hand were slain the bold Nibelungs, Schilbung

and Nibelung, (5) sons of a mighty king. Since then he hath wrought

great marvels with his huge strength. Once as the hero rode alone

without all aid, he found before a mountain, as I have in sooth been

told, by Nibelung's hoard full many a daring man. Strangers they were to

him, till he gained knowledge of them there.

"The hoard of Nibelung was borne entire from out a hollow hill. Now hear

a wondrous tale, of how the liegemen of Nibelung wished to divide it

there. This the hero Siegfried saw and much it gan wonder him. So near

was he now come to them, that he beheld the heroes, and the knights

espied him, too. One among them spake: 'Here cometh the mighty

Siegfried, the hero of Netherland.' Passing strange were the tidings

that, he found among the Nibelungs. Schilbung and Nibelung greeted well

the knight; with one accord these young and noble lordings bade the

stately man divide the hoard. Eagerly they asked it, and the lord in

turn gan vow it to them.

"He beheld such store of gems, as we have heard said, that a hundred

wains might not bear the lead; still more was there of ruddy gold from

the Nibelung land. All this the hand of the daring Siegfried should

divide. As a guerdon they gave him the sword of Nibelung, but they were

served full ill by the service which the good knight Siegfried should

render them. Nor could he end it for them; angry of mood (6) they grew.

Twelve bold men of their kith were there, mighty giants these. What

might that avail them! Siegfried's hand slew them soon in wrath, and

seven hundred warriors from the Nibelung land he vanquished with the

good sword Balmung. (7) Because of the great fear that, many a young

warrior had of the sword and of the valiant man, they made the land and

its castles subject to his hand. Likewise both the mighty kings he

slew, but soon he himself was sorely pressed by Alberich. (8) The

latter weened to venge straightway his masters, till he then discovered

Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match for him was the sturdy dwarf.

Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where from Alberich he won the

Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, become master

of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there slain. Soon

bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the men of

Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the strong, warden of the

hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his knave; and fit he

was for work of every sort."

So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win

such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the

hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became

like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been

seen. All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the

youthful warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a

friend, for he hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."

Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how

valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring

man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."

"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son

of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that

it can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."

"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both

noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good

stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried

stood.

The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full

little was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they

had greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,

"whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at

Worms upon the Rhine."

Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from

you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the

boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and

that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear

boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This

the folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not turn

back, till it be known to me. I also am a warrior and was to wear a

crown. Fain would I bring it to pass that it may be said of me: Rightly

doth he rule both folk and land. Of this shall my head and honor be a

pledge. Now be ye so bold, as hath been told me, I reck not be it

lief or loth to any man, I will gain from you whatso ye have--land and

castles shall be subject to my hand."

The king had likewise his men had marvel at the tidings they here heard,

that he was willed to take from them their land. The knights waxed

wroth, as they heard this word. "How have I earned this," spake Gunther,

the knight, "that we should lose by the force of any man that which my

father hath rules so long with honor? We should let it ill appear that

we, too, are used in knightly ways."

"In no wise will I desist," spake again the valiant man. "Unless it be

that through thy strength thy land have peace, I will rule it all. And

shouldst thou gain, by thy strength, my ancestral lands, they shall

be subject to thy sway. Thy lands, and mine as well, shall lie alike;

whether of us twain can triumph over the other, him shall both land and

people serve."

Hagen and Gernot, too, straightway gainsaid this. "We have no wish,"

spake Gernot, "that we should conquer aught of lands, or that any man

lie dead at hero's hands. We have rich lands, which serve us, as is

meet, nor hath any a better claim to them than we."

There stood his kinsmen, grim of mood; among them, too, Ortwin of Metz.

"It doth irk me much to hear these words of peace," spake he; "the

mighty Siegfried hath defied you for no just cause. Had ye and your

brothers no meet defense, and even if he led a kingly troop, I trow well

so to fight that the daring man have good cause to leave this haughty

mien."

At this the hero of Netherland grew wonderly wroth. He spake: "Thy hand

shall not presume against me. I am a mighty king, a king's vassal thou.

Twelve of thy ilk durst not match me in strife."

Then Ortwin of Metz called loudly for swords. Well was he fit to be

Hagen of Troneg's sister's son. It rued the king that he had held his

peace so long. Then Gernot, the bold and lusty knight, came in between.

He spake to Ortwin: "Now give over thy anger. Lord Siegfried hath done

us no such wrong, but that we may still part the strife in courteous

wise. Be advised of me and hold him still as friend; far better will

this beseem us."

Then spake the doughty Hagen: "It may well grieve us and all thy knights

that he ever rode for battle to the Rhine. He should have given it over;

my lordings never would have done such ill to him."

To this Siegfried, the mighty man, made answer: "Doth this irk you, Sir

Hagen, which I spake, then will I let you see that my hands shall have

dominion here in the Burgundian land."

"I alone will hinder this," answered Gernot, and he forbade his knights

speak aught with haughtiness that might cause rue. Siegfried, too, then

bethought him of the noble maid.

"How might it beseem us to fight with you?" spake Gernot anew. "However

really heroes should lie dead because of this, we should have scant

honor therefrom and ye but little gain."

To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, made reply: "Why waiteth Hagen,

and Ortwin, too, that he hasteth not to fight with his kin, of whom he

hath so many here in Burgundy?"

At this all held their peace; such was Gernot's counsel. Then spake

Queen Uta's son: "Ye shall be welcome to us with all your war-mates, who

are come with you. We shall gladly serve you, I and all my kin."

Then for the guests they bade pour out King Gunther's wine. The master

of the land then spake: "All that we have, if ye desire it in honorable

wise, shall owe fealty to you; with you shall both life and goods be

shared."

At this Lord Siegfried grew of somewhat gentler mood. Then they bade

that care be taken of the armor of the guests. The best of hostels that

men might find were sought for Siegfried's squires; great easement they

gave them. Thereafter they gladly saw the guest in Burgundy. Many a day

they offered him great worship, a thousand fold more than I can tell

you. This his prowess wrought; ye may well believe, full scant a one he

saw who was his foe.

Whenever the lordings and their liegemen did play at knightly games,

Siegfried was aye the best, whatever they began. Herein could no one

match him, so mighty was his strength, whether they threw the stone or

hurled the shaft. When through courtesie the full lusty knights

made merry with the ladies, there were they glad to see the hero of

Netherland, for upon high love his heart was bent. He was aye ready for

whatso they undertook, but in his heart he bare a lovely maid, whom he

had never seen. She too, who in secret spake full well of him, cherished

him alone. Whenever the pages, squires, and knights would play their

games within the court, Kriemhild, the noble queen, watched them from

the windows, for no other pastime she needed on such days. Had he known

that she gazed on him thus, whom he bare within his heart, then had he

had pastime enough, I trow, for well I wot that no greater joy in all

this world could chance to him.

Whenever he stood by the heroes in the court, as men still are wont to

do, for pastime's sake, so winsome was the posture of Siegelind's son,

that many a lady loved him for very joy of heart. But he bethought him

many a day: "How shall that hap, that I with mine own eyes may see the

noble maid, whom I do love with all my heart and so have done long time.

Sadly must I stand, sith she be still a stranger to me."

Whenever the mighty kings fared forth into their land, the warriors all

must needs accompany them at hand, and Siegfried, too. This the lady

rued, and he, too, suffered many pangs for love of her. Thus he dwelt

with the lordings, of a truth, full a year in Gunther's land, and in all

this time he saw not once the lovely maid, from whom in later days there

happed to him much joy and eke much woe.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Guest" translates here the M.H.G. "gest", a word which may

mean either 'guest' or 'stranger,' and it is often

difficult, as here, to tell to which meaning the preference

should be given.

(2) "Eleven" translates the M.H.G. "selbe zwelfte", which means

one of twelve. The accounts are, however, contradictory, as

a few lines below mention is made of twelve companions of

Siegfried.

(3) "Vair" (O.F. "vair", Lat. "varius"), 'variegated', like the

fur of the squirrel.

(4) "Known". It was a mark of the experienced warrior, that he

was acquainted with the customs and dress of various

countries and with the names and lineage of all important

personages. Thus in the "Hildebrandslied" Hildebrand asks

Hadubrand to tell him his father's name, and adds: "If thou

tellest me the one, I shall know the other."

(5) "Schilbung" and "Nibelung", here spoken of as the sons of a

mighty king, were originally dwarfs, and, according to some

authorities, the original owners of the treasure. Boer, ix,

199, thinks, however, that the name Nibelungs was

transferred from Hagen to these dwarfs at a late stage in

the formation of the saga.

(6) "Angry of mood". The reason of this anger is apparent from

the more detailed account in "Biterolf", 7801. The quarrel

arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,

Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first

born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.

(7) "Balmung". In the older Norse version and in the

"Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.

(8) "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of

legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".

Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an

important role in modern literature.

(9) "Cloak of Darkness". This translates the M.H.G.

"tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators. It is

formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and

"kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'. It rendered the

wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.

ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)

Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent

them from afar--tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When they

heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will

I name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly

prince, and then from Denmark Liudegast, the king. For their journey

they had gathered many a lordly stranger.

To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked

the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court

unto King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be

ye welcome. I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be

told." So spake the right good king. But they feared full sore King

Gunther's warlike mood.

"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall

not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us

hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye

have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal

hate. They would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of

many a knight; that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the

journey must befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help

guard your castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be

carved by them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let

messengers be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will

not ride so near you, to give you pain of heart, from which full many a

lusty knight and a good must die."

"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me better; then

ye shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men, I will not withhold

from them these startling tales, but will make complaint thereof unto my

friends."

To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart he bare

the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and others of his

men, and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then came the very best of

men that could be found. The king spake: "Men would seek us here in this

our land with mighty armies, now make ye wail for that."

To this Gernot, a brave and lusty knight, made answer: "That will we

fend indeed with swords. Only the fey (2) will fall. So let them die;

for their sake I will not forget my honor. Let these foes of ours be

welcome to us."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "This thinketh me not good. Liudegast and

Liudeger bear great arrogance; nor can we summon all our men in such

short time. Why tell ye not Siegfried of the thing?" So spake the

valiant knight.

To the messengers they bade give lodging in the town. Whatever hate they

bore them, yet Gunther, the mighty, bade purvey them well, as was but

right, till he discovered of his friends who there was who would lend

him aid. Yet in his fears the king was ill at ease. Just then full

blithe a knight, who wot not what had happed, saw him thus sad and

prayed King Gunther to tell him of the matter. "Much it wondereth me,"

spake Siegfried, for he it was, "that ye thus have changed your merry

wont, which ye have used thus far with us."

To this Gunther, the stately knight, replied: "It liketh me not to tell

all folk the grievance which I must bear within my heart in secret wise.

Only to trusty friends should one confide his woe of heart."

At this Siegfried's color waxed both pale and red. To the king he spake:

"I have denied you naught and will gladly help you turn aside your

woes. And ye seek friends, I will be one of them and trow well to deport

myself with honor until mine end."

"Now God reward you, Sir Siegfried, your speech thinketh me good, and

though your prowess help me not, yet do I rejoice to hear that ye are

friend to me, and live I yet a while, I shall repay you well. I will

let you hear why I stand thus sad; from the messengers of my foes I

have heard that they would visit me with war, a thing which knights have

never done to us in all these lands."

"Regard this lightly," spake then Siegfried, "and calm your mood. Do

as I pray you. Let me gain for you both worship and advantage and do ye

command your knights, that they gather to your aid. Should your mighty

foes be helped by thirty thousand (3) men, yet could I withstand them,

had I but a thousand; for that rely on me."

Then spake King Gunther: "For this I'll serve you ever."

"So bid me call a thousand of your men, since of mine own I have

but twelve, and I will guard your land. Faithfully shall the hand of

Siegfried serve you. Hagen shall help us and also Ortwin, Dankwart,

and Sindolt, your trusty men. Folker, the valiant man, shall also ride

along; he shall bear the banner, for to none would I liefer grant it.

Let now the envoys ride home to their masters' lands. Give them to

understand they soon shall see us, that our castles may rest in peace."

Then the king bade summon both his kinsmen and his men. The messengers

of Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were that they should

journey home again. Gunther, the good king, made offrance of rich gifts

and gave them safe-convoy. At this their spirits mounted high. "Now say

unto my foes," spake then Gunther, "that they may well give over their

journey and stay at home; but if they will seek me here within my lands,

hardships shall they know, and my friends play me not false."

Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had Gunther to

bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them. When at last they

took their leave, they parted hence in merry mood.

Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast had

heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much he rued, in

sooth, their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said that Gunther had full

many a valiant man-at-arms and among them they saw a warrior stand,

whose name was Siegfried, a hero from Netherland. Little liked it

Liudegast when he heard aright this tale. When the men of Denmark

had heard these tidings told, they hasted all the more to call their

friends; till Sir Liudegast had gathered for his journey full twenty

thousand knights from among his valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also,

of Saxon land, sent forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men

and more, with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.

Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin and the

liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom they wished to lead

thence for battle. Much need of this the heroes had, but warriors soon

must suffer death from this. Thus they made them ready for the journey.

When they would hence, Folker, the daring, must bear the flag. In such

wise they thought to ride from Worms across the Rhine. Hagen of Troneg

was master of the troop; with them rode Sindolt and Hunolt, too, who

wist well how to merit Gunther's gold. Dankwart, Hagen's brother, and

Ortwin, too, well could they serve with honor in this war.

"Sir King," spake then Siegfried, "stay ye at home; since that your

warriors are willed to follow me, remain ye with the ladies and keep

your spirits high. I trow well to guard for you both honor and estate.

Well will I bring it to pass that those who thought to seek you out at

Worms upon the Rhine, had better far have stayed at home. We shall ride

so nigh unto their land that their proud defiance shall be turned to

fear."

From the Rhine they rode through Hesse with their warriors towards Saxon

land, where they later fought. With fire and pillage, too, they harried

all the countryside, so that the two kings did learn of it in dire

distress. Then came they to the border; the warriors marched along.

Siegfried, the strong, gan ask: "Who shall now guard here the troop?"

Forsooth never did men ride more scathfully to the Saxons. They spake:

"Let the valiant Dankwart guard the young upon the way, he is a doughty

knight. Thus shall we lose the less through Liudeger's men. Let him and

Ortwin guard the rear."

"Then I myself will ride," spake Siegfried, the knight, "and play the

outlook toward the foe, until I discover aright where these warriors

be." Quickly the son of fair Siegelind donned his harness. The troop

he gave in charge to Hagen, when he would depart, and to Gernot, the

valiant man. Thus he rode hence into the Saxon land alone and many a

helmet band he cut to pieces on that day. Soon he spied the mighty host

that lay encamped upon the plain and far outweighed the forces of his

men. Forty thousand or better still there were. Full blithely Siegfried

saw this in lofty mood. Meantime a warrior full well arrayed had mounted

to the outlook 'gainst the foe. Him Sir Siegfried spied, and the bold

man saw him, too. Each began to watch the other in hostile wise. Who it

was, who stood on guard, I'll tell you now; a gleaming shield of gold

lay by his hand. It was the good King Liudegast, who was guarding here

his band. The noble stranger pricked along in lordly wise.

Now had Sir Liudegast espied him with hostile eye. Into the flanks of

their horses they plunged the spurs; with all their might they couched

the spears against the shields. At this great fear befell the mighty

king. After the thrust the horses carried past each other the royal

knights, as though borne upon the wind. With the bridles they wheeled

in knightly wise and the two fierce champions encountered with their

swords. Then smote Sir Siegfried, so that the whole field did ring.

Through the hero's hand from out the helmets, as from firebrands, flew

the bright red sparks. Each in the other found his match. Sir Liudegast,

too, struck many a savage blow; the might of each broke full upon the

shields. Thirty of Liudegast's men stood there on guard, but ere they

could come to his aid, Siegfried had won the fight, with three groat

wounds which he dealt the king through his gleaming breastplate, the

which was passing good. The blood from the wounds gushed forth along

the edges of the sword, whereat King Liudegast stood in sorry mood. He

begged for life and made offrance of his lands and said that his name

was Liudegast. Then came his warrior's, who had witnessed what there had

happed upon the lookout. As Siegfried would lead his captive thence, he

was set upon by thirty of these men. With mighty blows the hero's hand

guarded his noble prize. The stately knight then wrought worse scathe.

In self-defense he did thirty unto death; only one he left alive,

who rode full fast to tell the tale of what here had chanced. By his

reddened helmet one might see the truth. It sorely grieved the men of

Denmark, when the tale was told them that their king was taken captive.

Men told it to his brother, who at the news began to rage with monstrous

wrath, for great woe it brought him.

Liudegast, the warrior, then was led away by Siegfried's might to

Gunther's men and given to Hagen in charge. When that they heard it was

the king, full moderate was their dole. The Burgundians now were bidden

raise their banner. "Up, men," cried Siegfried, "here shall more be

done, ere the day end, and I lose not my life. Full many a stately dame

in Saxon land shall rue this fight. Ye heroes from the Rhine, give heed

to me, for I can guide you well to Liudeger's band. So shall ye see

helmets carved by the hands of goodly knights; ere we turn again, they

shall become acquaint with fear."

To their horses Gernot and all his men now hasted, and soon the stalwart

minstrel, Sir Folker, grasped the battle-flag and rode before the band.

Then were all the comrades arrayed in lordly wise for strife; nor

had they more than a thousand men, and thereto Siegfried's twelve

men-at-arms. Now from the road gan rise the dust, as across the land

they rode; many a lordly shield was seen to gleam from out their midst.

There, too, were come the Saxons with their troops and well-sharpened

swords, as I since have heard. Sore cut these weapons in the heroes'

hands, for they would fain guard both their castles and their land

against the strangers. The lordings' marshals led on the troop.

Siegfried, too, was come with his men-at-arms, whom he had brought from

Netherland. In the storm of battle many a hand this day grew red with

blood. Sindolt and Hunolt and Gernot, too, slew many a knight in the

strife, ere these rightly knew the boldness of their foes. This many a

stately dame must needs bewail. Folker and Hagen and Ortwin, too,

dimmed in the battle the gleam of many a helm with flowing blood, these

storm-bold men. By Dankwart, too, great deeds were done.

The men of Denmark proved well their hands; one heard many a shield

resounding from the hurtling and from the sharp swords as well, many of

which were wielded there. The battle-bold Saxons did scathe enow, but

when the men of Burgundy pressed to the fight, by them was really a wide

wound carved. Then down across the saddles the blood was seen to flow.

Thus they fought for honors, these knights both bold and good. Loud rang

the sharp weapons in the heroes' hands, as those of Netherland followed

their lording through the sturdy host. Valiantly they forced their way

in Siegfried's wake, but not a knight from the Rhine was seen to follow.

Through the shining helmets one could see flow the bloody stream, drawn

forth by Siegfried's hand, till at last he found Liudeger before his

men-at-arms. Thrice had he pierced the host from end to end. Now was

Hagen come, who helped him achieve in the battle all his mind. Before

them many a good knight must needs die this day.

When the mighty Liudeger espied Siegfried and saw that he bore high in

hand the good sword Balmung and did slay so many a man, then waxed the

lording wroth and fierce enow. A mighty surging and a mighty clang of

swords arose, as their comrades pressed against each other. The two

champions tried their prowess all the more. The troops began to yield;

fierce grew the hate. To the ruler of the Saxons the tale was told that

his brother had been captured; great dole this gave him. Well he knew it

was the son of Siegelind who had done the deed. Men blamed Sir Gernot,

but later he learned the truth.

So mighty were the blows of Liudeger that Siegfried's charger reeled

beneath the saddle. When the steed recovered, bold Siegfried took on a

frightful usance in the fray. In this Hagen helped him well, likewise

Gernot, Dankwart, and Folker, too. Through them lay many dead. Likewise

Sindolt and Hunolt and Ortwin, the knight, laid many low in strife; side

by side in the fray the noble princes stood. One saw above the helmets

many a spear, thrown by here's hand, hurtling through the gleaming

shields. Blood-red was colored many a lordly buckler; many a man in the

fierce conflict was unhorsed. At each other ran Siegfried, the brave,

and Liudeger; shafts were seen to fly and many a keen-edged spear. Then

off flew the shield-plates, struck by Siegfried's hand; the hero of

Netherland thought to win the battle from the valiant Saxons, wondrous

many of whom one saw. Ho! How many shining armor-rings the daring

Dankwart broke!

Then Sir Liudeger espied a crown painted on the shield in Siegfried's

hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty man. To his friends

the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the strife, my men, here I have

seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried, the strong, and recognized him

well. The foul fiend himself hath sent him hither to the Saxon land."

The banners bade he lower in the fight. Peace he craved, and this was

later granted him, but he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land.

This was wrung from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord

they then gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets

and the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore the

hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom they would,

for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the full bold warriors,

bade bear away the wounded; five hundred stately men they led forth

captive to the Rhine. The worsted knights rode back to Denmark, nor had

the Saxons fought so well that one could give them aught of praise, and

this the heroes rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by

friends.

Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine. Siegfried,

the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as Gunther's men must

needs confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers homeward to Worms in his

native land, and bade tell his kin what great success had happed to him

and to his men, and how these daring knights had striven well for

honor. The squirelings ran and told the tale. Then those who afore had

sorrowed, were blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come.

Much questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with

the liegemen of the mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go to

Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not), for she,

too, had amongst them her own true love. When she saw the messenger

coming to her bower, fair Kriemhild spake in kindly wise: "Now tell me

glad news, I pray. And thou dost so without deceit, I will give thee of

my gold and will ever be thy friend. How fared forth from the battle my

brother Gernot and others of my kin? Are many of them dead perchance? Or

who wrought there the best? This thou must tell me."

Quickly then the envoy spake: "Ne'er a coward did we have, but, to tell

the truth, O noble queen, none rode so well to the strife and fray,

as did the noble stranger from Netherland. Mickle wonders the hand of

valiant Siegfried wrought. Whate'er the knights have done in strife,

Dankwart and Hagen and other men of the king, however much they strove

for honor, 'tis but as the wind compared with Siegfried, the son of

Siegmund, the king. They slew full many a hero in the fray, but none

might tell you of the wonders which Siegfried wrought, whenever he rode

into the fight. Great woe he did the ladies through their kin; upon the

field the love of many a dame lay dead. His blows were heard to ring so

loud upon the helmets, that from the wounds they drew forth the blood

in streams. In every knightly art he is a worthy knight and a brave.

Whatever Ortwin of Metz achieved (and he whom he could reach with his

good sword, fell sorely wounded, but mostly dead), yet your brother

wrought the direst woe that could ever chance in battle. One must say of

the chosen knights in truth, that these proud Burgundians acquitted

them so well that they can well preserve their honor from every taint

of shame. Through their hands we saw many a saddle bare, while the field

resounded with the flashing swords. So well rode the warriors from

the Rhine, that it were better for their foes had it been avoided. The

valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when in great numbers the

armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a one to death; of this full many

stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt,

Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well

ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The

very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,

was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to

Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this

King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon

land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried

the twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this

land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing

to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly

wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men

were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty

pride sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of

Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."

Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair

face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,

had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings

could not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in

duty bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;

therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have

thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are

gladly told to noble dames.

They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a

fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many

high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There

came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard

the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his

guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he

his vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty

king in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,

because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.

Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but

sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes.

Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed warriors brought to

Gunther's land. The men alighted from their steeds before the palace

of the king. Loud was heard the joyous sound of the merry welcome;

then order was given to lodge the warriors in the town. The king bade

minister well unto his guests, attend the wounded and give them good

easement. His courtesie was cleverly seen upon his foes. He spake to

Liudegast: "Now be ye welcome. Much damage have I ta'en because of you;

for this I shall now be repaid, if fortune favor. God reward my kinsmen,

for they have given me joy."

"Well may ye thank them," answered Liudeger; "such noble hostages hath

king never gained afore. For fair treatment we offer great store of

wealth, that ye may act with mercy towards your foes."

"I will let you both go free," spake Gunther, "but I must have surety

that my foes remain here with me, that they do not leave the land

against my will." To that Liudeger pledged his hand.

Men brought them to their lodgings and gave them easement. The wounded

were bedded well, and for the sound were poured out good mead and wine.

Never could the comrades have been more merry. Their battered shields

were borne away for keeping, and enow there was of bloody saddles which

one bade hide away, that the ladies might not weep. Many a good knight

returned aweary from the fray. The king did make his guests great cheer.

His lands were full of strangers and of home-folk. He bade ease the

sorely wounded in kindly wise; their haughty pride was now laid low. Men

offered to the leeches rich rewards, silver without weight and thereto

shining gold, if they would heal the heroes from the stress of war. To

his guests the king likewise gave great gifts. Those that were minded to

set out for home, were asked to stay, as one doth to friends. The king

bethought him how he might requite his men, for they had brought to pass

his wish for fame and honor.

Then spake Lord Gernot: "Let them ride away, but be it made known to

them that in six weeks they must come again for a mighty feast. By then

will many a one be healed who now lieth sorely wounded."

Then Siegfried of Netherland also asked for leave, but when King Gunther

learned his wish, lovingly he bade him stay erstwhile. Were it not for

the king's sister, this were never done. He was too rich to take reward,

though he well deserved it and the king liked him well, as also did the

kinsmen, who had seen what happed in battle through his strength. For

the sake of one fair lady he thought to stay, if perchance he might espy

her. Later it was done, and according to his wish he met the maid. He

rode thereafter joyfully to Siegmund's land.

At all times the host bade practice knighthood, and many a youthful

knight did this right gladly. Meanwhile he ordered seats prepared upon

the sand before the town of Worms for those who were to visit him in the

Burgundian land. At the time when they should come, fair Kriemhild heard

it said that the king would hold a feasting for the sake of his dear

friends. Then comely women hasted apace with robes and headgear which

they were to don. The noble Uta heard tales told of the proud warriors

who were to come. Then many rich dresses were taken from the press. To

please her children she bade make garments ready, that many ladies and

many maids might therewith be decked and many youthful knights of the

Burgundian land. Also for many of the strangers she bade fashion lordly

robes.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Saxons". This war with the Saxons does not appear in the

poetic "Edda", but was probably introduced into the story

later to provide the heroes with a suitable activity in the

period elapsing between Siegfried's marriage and the journey

to Brunhild's land. (In our poem it is placed before the

marriage.) It reflects the ancient feuds between the Franks

on the one hand and the Saxons and Danes on the other.

Originally Siegfried probably did not take part in it, but

was later introduced and made the leader of the expedition

in place of the king, in accordance with the tendency to

idealize him and to give him everywhere the most important

role. The two opposing leaders are "Liudeger", lord of the

Saxons, and "Liudegast", king of Denmark. In "Biterolf"

Liudeger rules over both Saxons and Danes, and Liudegast is

his brother.

(2) "Fey". This Scotch and older English word has been chosen

to translate the M.H.G. "veige", 'fated', 'doomed', as it is

etymologically the same word. The ancient Germans were

fatalists and believed only those would die in battle whom

fate had so predestined.

(3) "Thirty thousand". The M.H.G. epics are fond of round

numbers and especially of thirty and its multiples. They

will be found to occur very frequently in our poem. See

Lachmann, "Anmerkungen zu den Nibelungen", 474 1.

(4) "Their". The original is obscure here; the meaning is,

'when he heard with what message they were come, he rued the

haughtiness of the Burgundians'.

(5) "Marks of gold". A mark (Lat. "mares") was half a pound of

gold or silver.

ADVENTURE V. How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhild.

One saw daily riding to the Rhine those who would fain be at the

feasting. Full many of these who for the king's sake were come into the

land, were given steeds and lordly harness. Seats were prepared for all,

for the highest and the best, as we are told, for two and thirty princes

at the feast. For this, too, the fair ladies vied in their attire.

Giselher, the youth, was aught but idle; he and Gernot and all their

men received the friends and strangers. In truth, they gave the knights

right courtly greetings. These brought into the land many a saddle

of golden red, dainty shields and lordly armor to the feasting on the

Rhine. Many a wounded man was seen full merry since. Even those who lay

abed in stress of wounds, must needs forget the bitterness of death.

Men ceased to mourn for the weak and sick and joyed in prospect of the

festal day, and how well they would fare at the feasting of the king.

Pleasure without stint and overabundance of joy pervaded all the folk

which there were seen. Therefore great rejoicing arose throughout the

whole of Gunther's land.

Upon a Whitsun morning five thousand or more brave men, clad in glad

attire, were seen going forth to the high festal tide. On all sides they

vied with each other in knightly sports. The host marked well, what he

already wet, how from his very heart the hero of Netherland did love his

sister, albeit he had never seen her, whose comeliness men praised above

all maids. Then spake the knight Ortwin to the king: "Would ye have full

honor at your feast, so should ye let be seen the charming maids, who

live in such high honors here in Burgundy. What were the joy of man,

what else could give him pleasure, but pretty maids and noble dames?

Pray let your sister go forth before the guests." To the joy of many a

hero was this counsel given.

"This will I gladly do," spake then the king, and all who heard it were

merry at the thought. Then bade he say to the Lady Uta and her comely

daughter, that with their maidens they should come to court. From the

presses they took fair raiment and whatso of rich attire was laid away.

Of rings and ribbons, too, enow they had. Thus each stately maiden

decked herself with zeal. Full many a youthful knight upon that day was

of the mind that he was so fair to look upon for ladies, that he would

not exchange this chance for the lands of any mighty king. Gladly they

gazed on those whom till now they had not known. Then bade the mighty

king full a hundred of his men, who were his kin and hers, escort

his sister and serve her thus. These were the court retainers of the

Burgundian land and carried swords in hand. Soon one saw the noble Uta

coming with her child. Full hundred or more fair ladies had she taken

for her train, who wore rich robes. Likewise there followed her daughter

many a stately maid. When from out a bower men saw them come, there rose

a mighty press of knights who had the hope, if that might be, to gaze

with joy upon the noble maid. Now came she forth, the lovely fair, as

doth the red of dawn from out the lowering clouds. He then was reft

of many woes who bore her in his heart so long a time, when he saw the

lovely maid stand forth so glorious. How shone full many a precious

stone upon her robes! In lovely wise her rose-red hue appeared. Whatever

one might wish, he could not but confess that never in the world had

he beheld a fairer maid. As the radiant moon, whose sheen is thrown so

brightly on the clouds, doth stand before the stars, so stood she now

before full many a stately dame. Therefore higher rose the spirits of

the comely knights. Richly appareled chamberlains marched on in front,

while the high-mettled warriors forsooth must press where they might

see the lovely maid. At this Lord Siegfried felt both joy and dole. To

himself he thought: "How could that chance, that I should love thee?

That is a foolish dream. But if I now must lose thee, then were I better

dead." At thought of this his color came and went. There stood the son

of Siegmund in such dainty grace, as he were limned on parchment by

skillful master's art. Indeed 'twas said of him that never had so fair a

knight been seen. The escort of the ladies now bade everywhere give

way and many a man obeyed. These high-born hearts rejoiced full many a

wight, as thus so many a noble dame appeared in courtly bearing.

Then spake Lord Gernot of Burgundy: "Dear brother Gunther, him who

offered service in such kindly wise, ye should in like manner requite

before these knights; nor shall I ever rue this counsel. Bid Siegfried

now approach my sister, that the maid may greet him; this will ever be

our gain. She who never greeted warrior shall greet him fair, that by

this means we now may win the stately knight."

Then went the kinsmen of the host to fetch the hero. To the champion

from Netherland they spake: "You hath the king permitted to go to court;

his sister is to greet you. This hath he decreed to do you honor."

At this the lord grew blithe of mood, for in his heart he bare joy

without alloy, that he thus should see fair Uta's child. With lovely

grace she greeted Siegfried then, but when she saw the haughty knight

stand thus before her, her cheeks flamed bright. "Be welcome, Sir

Siegfried, most good and noble knight," the fair maid spake, and at this

greeting his spirits mounted high. Courteously he made obeisance; she

took him by the hand. How gallantly he walked by the lady's side! Upon

each other this lord and lady gazed with kindling eyes. Full secretly

this happed. Was perchance a white hand there fervently pressed by

heart-felt love? That know I not; yet I cannot believe that this was

left undone, for soon had she betrayed to him her love. Nevermore in

summertide nor in the days of May bare he within his heart such lofty

joy as now he gained, when hand in hand he walked with her whom he fain

would call his love.

Then thought full many a knight: "Had that but happed to me, to walk

thus with her hand in hand, as now I see him do, or to lie beside her,

I'd bear it willingly."

Never has warrior better served to gain a queen. From whatever land the

guests were come, all gazed alike upon this pair alone. She then was

bidden kiss the stately man, to whom no such delight had ever happened

in this world.

Then spake the king of Denmark: "Because of this high greeting many a

warrior lieth wounded (this wot I well), through Siegfried's hand. God

grant that he may never come again to my kingly lands."

On all sides they bade make way for Kriemhild, as thus to church one saw

her go with many a valiant knight in courtly wise. Then soon the stately

knight was parted from her side. Thus went she to the minster, followed

by many a dame. So full of graces was this queenly maid that many a

daring wish must needs be lost. Born she was to be the eyes' delight

of many a knight. Siegfried scarce could wait till mass was sung. Well

might he think his fortune that she did favor him, whom thus he bare in

heart. Cause enow he had to love the fair.

When she came forth from out the minster, they begged the gallant knight

again to bear her company, as he had done afore. Then first the lovely

maid began to thank him that he had fought so gloriously before so many

knights. "Now God requite you, Sir Siegfried," spake the comely maid,

"that ye have brought to pass with your service, that the warriors do

love you with such fealty as I hear them say."

Then upon Dame Kriemhild he began to gaze in loving wise. "I will serve

them ever," spake then the knight, "and while life shall last, never

will I lay my head to rest till I have done their will; and this I do,

my Lady Kriemhild, to win your love."

A twelfth-night long, on each and every day, one saw the winsome maid

beside the knight, when she should go to court to meet her kin. This

service was done from sheer delight. A great rout of joy and pleasure

was daily seen in front of Gunther's hall, without and eke within, from

many a daring man. Ortwin and Hagen began to do great marvels. Whatever

any wished to play, these lusty knights were fully ready; thus they

became well known to all the guests and so the whole of Gunther's land

was decked with honor. Those who had lain wounded were now seen coming

forth; they, too, would fain have pastime with the troop and guard

themselves with bucklers and hurl the shaft. Enow there were to help

them, for there was great store of men.

At the feasting the host bade purvey them with the best of cheer. He

kept him free from every form of blame that might befall a king; men

saw him move in friendly wise among his guests. He spake: "Ye worthy

knights, ere ye go hence, pray take my gifts. I am minded to deserve it

of you ever. Do not disdain my goods, the which I'll share with you, as

I have great desire."

Then up spake they of Denmark: "Ere we ride homeward to our land, we

crave a lasting peace; we knights have need thereof, for many a one of

our kinsmen lieth dead at the hands of your men-at-arms."

Liudegast, the Saxon chief, was now cured of his wounds and had

recovered from the fray, though many dead they left within this land.

Then King Gunther went to find Sir Siegfried; to the knight he spake:

"Now tell me what to do. Our foes would fain ride early and beg for

lasting peace of me and of my men. Advise me now, Knight Siegfried, what

thinketh thee good to do? What the lordings offer me will I tell thee;

what of gold five hundred steeds can bear, that would they gladly give

me, and I set them free again."

Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "That were done but ill. Let them ride

hence unhindered, but make each of the lordings give surety with his

hand, that their noble knights henceforth forbear all hostile riding

hither to your land."

"This counsel will I follow." Herewith they parted, and to the king's

foes was told that no one craved the gold they proffered. For their

loved friends at home the battle-weary warriors longed. Many a shield

full of treasure was then brought forth which the king dealt out

unweighed to his many friends, to each five hundred marks of gold, and

to a few, still more. Gernot, the brave, had counseled Gunther this.

Then they all took leave, sith they would hence. One saw the guests

draw nigh to Kriemhild and also to where Dame Uta sate. Never yet were

knights dismissed in better wise. Lodgings grew empty as they rode away,

but still there stayed at home the king and all his kin and many a noble

liegeman. Daily they were seen as they went to Lady Kriemhild. The good

knight Siegfried now would likewise take his leave; he weened not to win

that on which his mind was set. The king heard said that he would hence,

but Giselher, the youth, quite won him from the journey.

"Whither would ye ride now, noble Siegfried? Pray tarry with the

knights, I beg you, with Gunther the king and with his men. Here, too,

are many comely dames whom we shall gladly let you see."

Then spake the mighty Siegfried: "Let stand the steeds. I listed to ride

hence, but now will I desist. The shields, too, bear away. To my land I

craved to go, in truth, but Giselher with his great love hath turned me

from it."

So the valiant knight stayed on to please his friends, nor could he

have fared more gentilly in any land. This happed because he daily saw

Kriemhild, the fair; for the sake of her unmeasured beauty the lording

stayed. With many a pastime they whiled the hours away, but still her

love constrained him and often gave him dole. Because of this same love

in later days the valiant knight lay pitiful in death.

ADVENTURE VI. How Gunther Fared To Isenland (1) for Brunhild.

New tidings came across the Rhine. 'Twas said that yonder many a fair

maid dwelt. The good king Gunther thought to win him one of these; high

therefore rose the warrior's spirits. There lived a queen beyond the

sea, whose like men knew not anywhere. Peerless was her beauty and great

her strength. With doughty knights she shot the shaft for love. The

stone she hurled afar and sprang far after it. He who craved her love

must win without fail three games from this high-born dame. When the

noble maid had done this passing oft, a stately knight did hear it by

the Rhine. He turned his thoughts upon this comely dame, and so heroes

must needs later lose their lives.

One day when the king and his vassals sate and pondered to and fro in

many a wise, whom their lord might take to wife, who would be fit to be

their lady and beseem the land, up spake the lord of the Rhinelands: "I

will go down to the sea and hence to Brunhild, however it may go with

me. For her love I'll risk my life. I will gladly lose it and she become

not my wife."

"Against that do I counsel you," spake then Siegfried, "if, as ye say,

the queen doth have so fierce a wont, he who wooeth for her love will

pay full dear. Therefore should ye give over the journey."

Then spake King Gunther: "Never was woman born so strong and bold that I

might not vanquish her with mine own hand."

"Be still," spake Siegfried, "ye little know her strength."

"So will I advise you," spake Hagen then, "that ye beg Siegfried to

share with you this heavy task. This is my rede, sith he doth know so

well how matters stand with Brunhild."

The king spake: "Wilt thou help me, noble Siegfried, to woo this lovely

maid? And thou doest what I pray thee and this comely dame become my

love, for thy sake will I risk both life and honor."

To this Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, answered: "I will do it, and

thou give me thy sister Kriemhild, the noble queen. For my pains I ask

no other meed."

"I'll pledge that, Siegfried, in thy hand," spake then Gunther, "and if

fair Brunhild come hither to this land, I'll give thee my sister unto

wife. Then canst thou live ever merrily with the fair."

This the noble warriors swore oaths to do, and so the greater grew their

hardships, till they brought the lady to the Rhine. On this account

these brave men must later be in passing danger. Siegfried had to take

with him hence the cloak which he, the bold hero, had won 'mid dangers

from a dwarf, Alberich he hight. These bold and mighty knights now made

them ready for the journey. When Siegfried wore the Cloak of Darkness

he had strength enow: the force of full twelve men beside his own. With

cunning arts he won the royal maid. This cloak was fashioned so, that

whatsoever any wrought within it, none saw him. Thus he won Brunhild,

which brought him dole.

"Now tell me, good Knight Siegfried, before our trip begin, shall we

not take warriors with us into Brunhild's land, that we may come with

passing honors to the sea? Thirty thousand men-at-arms can soon be

called."

"However many men we take," quoth Siegfried, "the queen doth use so

fierce a wont that they must perish through her haughty pride. I'll give

thee better counsel, O brave and worthy king. Let us fare as wandering

knights adown the Rhine, and I will tell thee those that shall be of the

band. In all four knights, we'll journey to the sea and thus we'll woo

the lady, whatever be our fate thereafter. I shall be one of the four

comrades, the second thou shalt be. Let Hagen be the third (then have

we hope of life), Dankwart then the fourth, the valiant man. A thousand

others durst not match us in the fight."

"Gladly would I know," spake then the king, "ere we go hence ('t would

please me much), what garments we should wear before Brunhild, which

would beseem us there. Pray tell this now to Gunther."

"Weeds of the very best which can be found are worn all times in

Brunhild's land. We must wear rich clothes before the lady, that we feel

no shame when men shall hear the tidings told."

The good knight spake: "Then will I go myself to my dear mother, if

perchance I can bring it to pass that her fair maids purvey us garments

which we may wear with honor before the high-born maid."

Hagen of Troneg spake then in lordly wise: "Wherefore will ye pray your

mother of such service? Let your sister hear what ye have in mind, and

she'll purvey you well for your journey to Brunhild's court."

Then sent he word to his sister, that he would fain see her, and Knight

Siegfried, too, sent word. Ere this happed the fair had clad her passing

well. That these brave men were coming, gave her little grief. Now were

her attendants, too, arrayed in seemly wise. The lordings came, and when

she heard the tale, from her seat she rose and walked in courtly wise to

greet the noble stranger and her brother, too.

"Welcome be my brother and his comrade. I'd gladly know," so spake the

maid, "what ye lords desire, sith ye be thus come to court. Pray let me

hear how it standeth with you noble knights."

Then spake king Gunther: "My lady, I'll tell you now. Maugre our lofty

mood, yet have we mickle care. We would ride a-wooing far into foreign

lands, and for this journey we have need of costly robes."

"Now sit you down, dear brother," spake the royal maid, "and let me hear

aright who these ladies be whom ye fain would woo in the lands of other

kings."

By the hand the lady took the chosen knights and with the twain she

walked to where she sate afore upon a couch, worked, as well I wot, with

dainty figures embossed in gold. There might they have fair pastime

with the ladies. Friendly glances and kindly looks passed now full oft

between the twain. In his heart he bare her, she was dear to him as

life. In after days fair Kriemhild became strong Siegfried's wife.

Then spake the mighty king: "Dear sister mine, without thy help it may

not be. We would go for knightly pastime to Brunhild's land, and have

need of princely garb to wear before the dames."

Then the noble maiden answered: "Dear brother mine, I do you now to wit,

that whatever need ye have of help of mine, that stand I ready to give.

Should any deny you aught, 't would please Kriemhild but ill. Most noble

knights, beseech me not with such concern, but order me with lordly

air to do whatso ye list. I stand at your bidding and will do it with a

will." So spake the winsome maid.

"We would fain, dear sister, wear good attire, and this your noble hand

shall help to choose. Your maidens then must make it fit us, for there

be no help against this journey." Then spake the princess: "Now mark ye

what I say. Silks I have myself; see ye that men do bring us jewels upon

the shields and thus we'll work the clothes. Gunther and Siegfried, too,

gave glad assent.

"Who are the comrades," spake the queen, "who shall fare with you thus

clad to court?"

He spake: "I shall be one of four. My liegemen twain, Dankwart and

Hagen, shall go with me to court. Now mark ye well, my lady, what I say.

Each of us four must have to wear for four whole days three changes

of apparel and such goodly trappings that without shame we may quit

Brunhild's land."

In fitting wise the lords took leave and parted hence. Kriemhild, the

queen, bade thirty of her maidens who were skillful in such work, come

forth from out their bowers. Silks of Araby, white as snow, and the

fair silk of Zazamanc, (2) green as is the clover, they overlaid with

precious stones; that gave garments passing fair. Kriemhild herself, the

high-born maiden, cut them out. Whatso they had at hand of well-wrought

linings from the skin of foreign fish, but rarely seen of folk, they

covered now with silk, as was the wont to wear. (3) Now hear great

marvels of these shining weeds. From the kingdom of Morocco and from

Libya, too, they had great store of the fairest silks which the kith of

any king did ever win. Kriemhild made it well appear what love she bore

the twain. Sith upon the proud journey they had set their minds, they

deemed ermine to be well fit. (4) Upon this lay fine silk as black as

coal. This would still beseem all doughty knights at high festal tides.

From out a setting of Arabian gold there shone forth many a stone. The

ladies' zeal, it was not small, forsooth; in seven weeks they wrought

the robes. Ready, too, were the weapons for the right good knights.

When now they all stood dight, (5) there was built for them in haste

upon the Rhine a sturdy little skiff, that should bear them downward

to the sea. Weary were the noble maids from all their cares. Then the

warriors were told that the brave vestures they should wear were now

prepared; as they had craved it, so it now was done. Then no

longer would they tarry on the Rhine; they sent a message to their

war-companions, if perchance they should care to view their new attire,

to see if it be too long or short. All was found in fitting measure,

and for this they gave the ladies thanks. All who saw them could not but

aver that never in the world had they seen attire more fair. Therefore

they wore it gladly at the court. None wist how to tell of better

knightly weeds. Nor did they fail to give great thanks. Then the lusty

knights craved leave to go, and this the lordings did in courtly wise.

Bright eyes grew dim and moist thereat from weeping.

Kriemhild spake: "Dear brother, ye might better tarry here a while and

pay court to other dames, where ye would not so risk your life; then

would I say well done. Ye might find nearer home a wife of as high a

birth."

I ween their hearts did tell them what would hap. All wept alike, no

matter what men said. The gold upon their breasts was tarnished by their

tears, which thick and fast coursed downward from their eyes.

She spake: "Sir Siegfried, let this dear brother of mine be commended

to your fealty and troth, that naught may harm him in Brunhild's land."

This the full brave knight vowed in Lady Kriemhild's hand.

The mighty warrior spake: "If I lose not my life, ye may be free from

every care, my lady. I'll bring him to you sound again hither to the

Rhine; that know of a surety." The fair maid bowed her thanks.

Men bare their gold-hued shields out to them upon the sands and brought

them all their harness. One bade lead up the steeds, for they would

ride away. Much weeping then was done by comely dames. The winsome maids

stood at the easements. A high wind stirred the ship and sails; the

proud war fellowship embarked upon the Rhine.

Then spake King Gunther: "Who shall be the captain of the ship?"

"That will I," quoth Siegfried, "I wot well how to steer you on the

flood. That know, good knights, the right water ways be well known to

me."

So they parted merrily from out the Burgundian land. Siegfried quickly

grasped an oar and from the shore the stalwart man gan push. Bold

Gunther took the helm himself, and thus the worshipful and speedy

knights set forth from land. With them they took rich food and eke good

wine, the best that could be found along the Rhine. Their steeds stood

fair; they had good easement. Their ship rode well; scant harm did hap

them. Their stout sheet-rope was tightened by the breeze. Twenty leagues

they sailed, or ever came the night, with a good wind, downward toward

the sea. These hard toils later brought the high-mettled warriors pain.

Upon the twelfth-day morning, as we hear say, the winds had borne them

far away to Isenstein in Brunhild's land. To none save Siegfried was

this known; but when King Gunther spied so many castles and broad

marches, too, how soon he spake: "Pray tell me, friend Siegfried, is it

known to you whose are these castles and this lordly land?"

Siegfried answered: "I know it well. It is the land and folk of Brunhild

and the fortress Isenstein, as ye heard me say. Fair ladies ye may still

see there to-day. Methinketh good to advise you heroes that ye be of

one single mind, and that ye tell the selfsame tale. For if we go to-day

before Brunhild, in much jeopardy must we stand before the queen. When

we behold the lovely maiden with her train, then, ye far-famed heroes,

must ye tell but this single tale: that Gunther be my master and I his

man; then what he craveth will come to pass." Full ready they were for

whatever he bade them vow, nor because of pride did any one abstain.

They promised what he would; wherefrom they all fared well, when King

Gunther saw fair Brunhild. (6)

"Forsooth I vow it less for thy sake than for thy sister's, the comely

maid, who is to me as mine own soul and body. Gladly will I bring it to

pass, that she become my wife."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Isenland" translates here M.H.G. "Islant", which has,

however, no connection with Iceland in spite of the

agreement of the names in German. "Isen lant", the reading

of the MSS. BJh, has been chosen, partly to avoid confusion,

and partly to indicate its probable derivation from

"Isenstein", the name of Brunhild's castle. Boer's

interpretation of "Isen" as 'ice' finds corroboration in

Otfrid's form "isine steina" ('ice stones', i.e. crystals)

I, 1. 70. Isenstein would then mean Ice Castle. In the

"Thidreksaga" Brunhild's castle is called "Saegarthr" ('Sea

Garden'), and in a fairy tale (No. 93 of Grimm) "Stromberg",

referring to the fact that it was surrounded by the sea.

Here, too, in our poem it stands directly on the shore.

(2) "Zazamanc", a fictitious kingdom mentioned only here and a

few times in Parzival, Wolfram probably having obtained the

name from this passage. (See Bartsch, "Germanistische

Studien", ii, 129.)

(3) "Wont to wear". In the Middle Ages costly furs and

fish-skins were used as linings and covered, as here

described, with silk or cloth. By fish such amphibious

animals as otter and beaver were often meant.

(4) "Well fit". In this passage "wert", the reading of A and D,

has been followed, instead of unwert of B and C, as it seems

more appropriate to the sense.

(5) "Dight", 'arrayed'; used by Milton.

(6) "Brunhild". The following words are evidently a late

interpolation, and weaken the ending, but have been

translated for the sake of completeness. They are spoken by

Siegfried.

ADVENTURE VII. How Gunther Won Brunhild.

Meanwhile their bark had come so near the castle that the king saw many

a comely maiden standing at the casements. Much it irked King Gunther

that he knew them not. He asked his comrade Siegfried: "Hast thou no

knowledge of these maidens, who yonder are gazing downward towards us on

the flood? Whoever be their lord, they are of lofty mood."

At this Sir Siegfried spake: "I pray you, spy secretly among the

high-born maids and tell me then whom ye would choose, and ye had the

power."

"That will I," spake Gunther, the bold and valiant knight. "In yonder

window do I see one stand in snow-white weeds. She is fashioned so fair

that mine eyes would choose her for her comeliness. Had I power, she

should become my wife."

"Right well thine eyes have chosen for thee. It is the noble Brunhild,

the comely maid, for whom thy heart doth strive and eke thy mind and

mood." All her bearing seemed to Gunther good.

When bade the queen her high-born maids go from the windows, for it

behooved them not to be the mark of strangers' eyes. Each one obeyed.

What next the ladies did, hath been told us since. They decked their

persons out to meet the unknown knights, a way fair maids have ever

had. To the narrow casements they came again, where they had seen the

knights. Through love of gazing this was done.

But four there were that were come to land. Through the windows the

stately women saw how Siegfried led a horse out on the sand, whereby

King Gunther felt himself much honored. By the bridle he held the steed,

so stately, good and fair, and large and strong, until King Gunther had

sat him in the saddle. Thus Siegfried served him, the which he later

quite forgot. Such service he had seldom done afore, that he should

stand at any here's stirrup. Then he led his own steed from the ship.

All this the comely dames of noble birth saw through the casements. The

steeds and garments, too, of the lusty knights, of snow-white hue, were

right well matched and all alike; the bucklers, fashioned well, gleamed

in the hands of the stately men. In lordly wise they rode to Brunhild's

hall, their saddles set with precious stones, with narrow martingales,

from which hung bells of bright and ruddy gold. So they came to the

land, as well befit their prowess, with newly sharpened spears, with

well-wrought swords, the which hung down to the spurs of these stately

men. The swords the bold men bore were sharp and broad. All this

Brunhild, the high-born maid, espied.

With the king came Dankwart and Hagen, too. We have heard tales told of

how the knights wore costly raiment, raven black of hue. Fair were their

bucklers, mickle, good and broad. Jewels they wore from the land of

India, the which gleamed gloriously upon their weeds. By the flood they

left their skiff without a guard. Thus the brave knights and good

rode to the castle. Six and eighty towers they saw within, three broad

palaces, (1) and one hall well wrought of costly marble, green as

grass, wherein Brunhild herself sate with her courtiers. The castle was

unlocked and the gates flung wide. Then ran Brunhild's men to meet them

and welcomed the strangers into their mistress' land. One bade relieve

them of their steeds and shields.

Then spake a chamberlain: "Pray give us now your swords and your shining

breastplates, too."

"That we may not grant you," said Hagen of Troneg; "we ourselves will

bear them."

Then gan Siegfried tell aright the tale. "The usage of the castle, let

me say, is such that no guests may here bear arms. Let them now be taken

hence, then will all be well."

Unwillingly Hagen, Gunther's man, obeyed. For the strangers men bade

pour out wine and make their lodgings ready. Many doughty knights were

seen walking everywhere at court in lordly weeds. Mickle and oft were

these heroes gazed upon.

Then the tidings were told to Lady Brunhild, that unknown warriors were

come in lordly raiment, sailing on the flood. The fair and worthy maid

gan ask concerning this. "Pray let me hear," spake the queen, "who be

these unknown knights, who stand so lordly in my castle, and for whose

sake the heroes have journeyed hither?"

Then spake one of the courtiers: "My lady, I can well say that never

have I set eyes on any of them, but one like Siegfried doth stand among

them. Him ye should give fair greetings; that is my rede, in truth. The

second of their fellowship is so worthy of praise that he were easily

a mighty king over broad and princely lands, and he had the power and

might possess them. One doth see him stand by the rest in such right

lordly wise. The third of the fellowship is so fierce and yet withal

so fair of body, most noble queen. By the fierce glances he so oft doth

east, I ween he be grim of thought and mood. The youngest among them

is worshipful indeed. I see the noble knight stand so charmingly, with

courtly bearing, in almost maiden modesty. We might all have cause

for fear, had any done him aught. However blithely he doth practice

chivalry, and howso fair of body he be, yet might he well make many a

comely woman weep, should he e'er grow angry. He is so fashioned that in

all knightly virtues he must be a bold knight and a brave."

Then spake the queen: "Now bring me my attire. If the mighty Siegfried

be come unto this land through love of mine, he doth risk his life. I

fear him not so sore, that I should become his wife."

Brunhild, the fair, was soon well clad. Then went there with her many a

comely maid, full hundred or more, decked out in gay attire. The stately

dames would gaze upon the strangers. With them there walked good knights

from Isenland, Brunhild's men-at-arms, five hundred or more, who bore

swords in hand. This the strangers rued. From their seats then the brave

and lusty heroes rose. When that the queen spied Siegfried, now hear

what the maid did speak.

"Be ye welcome, Siegfried, here in this our land! What doth your journey

mean? That I fain would know."

"Gramercy, my Lady Brunhild, that ye have deigned to greet me, most

generous queen, in the presence of this noble knight who standeth here

before me, for he is my liege lord. This honor I must needs forswear. By

birth he's from the Rhine; what more need I to say? For thy sake are we

come hither. Fain would he woo thee, however he fare. Methink thee now

betimes, my lord will not let thee go. He is hight Gunther and is a

lordly king. An' he win thy love, he doth crave naught more. Forsooth

this knight, so well beseen, did bid me journey hither. I would fain

have given it over, could I have said him nay."

She spake: "Is he thy liege and thou his man, dare he assay the games

which I mete out and gain the mastery, then I'll become his wife; but

should I win, 't will cost you all your lives."

Then up spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, let us see your mighty games.

It must indeed go hard, or ever Gunther, my lord, give you the palm. He

troweth well to win so fair a maid."

"He must hurl the stone and after spring and cast the spear with me. Be

ye not too hasty. Ye are like to lose here your honor and your life as

well. Bethink you therefore rightly," spake the lovely maid.

Siegfried, the bold, went to the king and bade him tell the queen

all that he had in mind, he should have no fear. "I'll guard you well

against her with my arts."

Then spake King Gunther: "Most noble queen, now mete out whatso ye list,

and were it more, that would I all endure for your sweet sake. I'll

gladly lose my head, and ye become not my wife."

When the queen heard this speech, she begged them hasten to the games,

as was but meet. She bade purvey her with good armor for the strife: a

breastplate of ruddy gold and a right good shield. A silken surcoat, (2)

too, the maid put on, which sword had never cut in any fray, of silken

cloth of Libya. Well was it wrought. Bright embroidered edging was seen

to shine thereon.

Meanwhile the knights were threatened much with battle cries. Dankwart

and Hagen stood ill at ease; their minds were troubled at the thought of

how the king would speed. Thought they: "Our journey will not bring us

warriors aught of good."

Meanwhile Siegfried, the stately man, or ever any marked it, had hied

him to the ship, where he found his magic cloak concealed. Into it he

quickly slipped and so was seen of none. He hurried back and there he

found a great press of knights, where the queen dealt out her lofty

games. Thither he went in secret wise (by his arts it happed), nor was

he seen of any that were there. The ring had been marked out, where

the games should be, afore many valiant warriors, who were to view them

there. More than seven hundred were seen bearing arms, who were to say

who won the game.

Then was come Brunhild, armed as though she would battle for all royal

lands. Above her silken coat she wore many a bar of gold; gloriously her

lovely color shone beneath the armor. Then came her courtiers, who bare

along a shield of ruddy gold with large broad strips as hard as steel,

beneath the which the lovely maid would fight. As shield-thong there

served a costly band upon which lay jewels green as grass. It shone and

gleamed against the gold. He must needs be passing bold, to whom the

maid would show her love. The shield the maid should bear was three

spans thick beneath the studs, as we are told. Rich enow it was, of

steel and eke of gold, the which four chamberlains could scarcely carry.

When the stalwart Hagen saw the shield borne forth, the knight of Troneg

spake full grim of mood: "How now, King Gunther? How we shall lose our

lives! She you would make your love is the devil's bride, in truth."

Hear now about her weeds; enow of these she had; she wore a surcoat

of silk of Azagouc, (3) noble and costly. Many a lordly stone shone in

contrast to its color on the person of the queen.

Then was brought forth for the lady a spear, sharp, heavy, and large,

the which she cast all time, stout and unwieldy, mickle and broad,

which on its edges cut most fearfully. Of the spear's great weight

hear wonders told. Three and one half weights (4) of iron were wrought

therein, the which scarce three of Brunhild's men could bear. The noble

Gunther gan be sore afraid. Within his heart he thought: "What doth this

mean? How could the devil from hell himself escape alive? Were I safe

and sound in Burgundy, long might she live here free of any love of

mine."

Then spake Hagen's brother, the valiant Dankwart: "The journey to this

court doth rue me sore. We who have ever borne the name of knights, how

must we lose our lives! Shall we now perish at the hands of women in

these lands? It doth irk me much, that ever I came unto this country.

Had but my brother Hagen his sword in hand, and I mine, too, then should

Brunhild's men go softly in their overweening pride. This know for sure,

they'd guard against it well. And had I sworn a peace with a thousand

oaths, before I'd see my dear lord die, the comely maid herself should

lose her life."

"We might leave this land unscathed," spake then his brother Hagen, "had

we the harness which we sorely need and our good swords as well; then

would the pride of this strong dame become a deal more soft."

What the warrior spake the noble maid heard well. Over her shoulders she

gazed with smiling mouth. "Now sith he thinketh himself so brave,

bring them forth their coats-of-mail; put in the warriors' hands their

sharp-edged swords."

When they received their weapons as the maiden bade, bold Dankwart

blushed for very joy. "Now let them play whatso they list," spake the

doughty man. "Gunther is unconquered, since now we have our arms."

Mightily now did Brunhild's strength appear. Into the ring men bare a

heavy stone, huge and great, mickle and round. Twelve brave and valiant

men-at-arms could scarcely bear it. This she threw at all times, when

she had shot the spear. The Burgundians' fear now grew amain.

"Woe is me," cried Hagen. "Whom hath King Gunther chosen for a love?

Certes she should be the foul fiend's bride in hell."

Upon her fair white arm the maid turned back her sleeves; with her hands

she grasped the shield and poised the spear on high. Thus the strife

began. Gunther and Siegfried feared Brunhild's hate, and had Siegfried

not come to Gunther's aid, she would have bereft the king of life.

Secretly Siegfried went and touched his hand; with great fear Gunther

marked his wiles. "Who hath touched me?" thought the valiant man. Then

he gazed around on every side, but saw none standing there.

"'Tis I, Siegfried, the dear friend of thine. Thou must not fear the

queen. Give me the shield from off thy hand and let me bear it and mark

aright what thou dost hear me say. Make thou the motions, I will do the

deeds."

When Gunther knew that it was Siegfried, he was overjoyed.

Quoth Siegfried: "Now hide thou my arts; tell them not to any man; then

can the queen win from thee little fame, albeit she doth desire it. See

how fearlessly the lady standeth now before thee."

Then with might and main the noble maiden hurled the spear at a shield,

mickle, new, and broad, which the son of Siegelind bore upon his arm.

The sparks sprang from the steel, as if the wind did blow. The edge of

the mighty spear broke fully through the shield, so that men saw the

fire flame forth from the armor rings. The stalwart men both staggered

at the blow; but for the Cloak of Darkness they had lain there dead.

From the mouth of Siegfried, the brave, gushed forth the blood. Quickly

the good knight sprang back again and snatched the spear that she had

driven through his shield. Stout Siegfried's hand now sent it back

again. He thought: "I will not pierce the comely maid." So he reversed

the point and cast it at her armor with the butt, that it rang out

loudly from his mighty hand. The sparks flew from the armor rings, as

though driven by the wind. Siegmund's son had made the throw with might.

With all her strength she could not stand before the blow. In faith King

Gunther never could have done the deed.

Brunhild, the fair, how quickly up she sprang! "Gunther, noble knight,

I cry you mercy for the shot." She weened that he had done it with

his strength. To her had crept a far more powerful man. Then went she

quickly, angry was her mood. The noble maid and good raised high the

stone and hurled it mightily far from her hand. After the cast she

sprang, that all her armor rang, in truth. The stone had fallen twelve

fathoms hence, but with her leap the comely maid out-sprang the throw.

Then went Sir Siegfried to where lay the stone. Gunther poised it, while

the hero made the throw. Siegfried was bold, strong, and tall; he threw

the stone still further and made a broader jump. Through his fair arts

he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him as he sprang. The

leap was made, the stone lay on the ground; men saw none other save

Gunther, the knight, alone. Siegfried had banished the fear of King

Gunther's death. Brunhild, the fair, waxed red with wrath. To her

courtiers she spake a deal too loud, when she spied the hero safe and

sound at the border of the ring: "Come nearer quickly, ye kinsmen and

liegemen of mine, ye must now be subject to Gunther, the king."

Then the brave knights laid aside their arms and paid their homage at

the feet of mighty Gunther from the Burgundian land. They weened that he

had won the games by his own strength alone. He greeted them in loving

wise; in sooth he was most rich in virtues.

Then the lovely maiden took him by the hand; full power she granted him

within the land. At this Hagen, the bold and doughty knight, rejoiced

him. She bade the noble knight go with her hence to the spacious palace.

When this was done, they gave the warriors with their service better

cheer. With good grace Hagen and Dankwart now must needs submit. The

doughty Siegfried was wise enow and bare away his magic cloak. Then he

repaired to where the ladies sate. To the king he spake and shrewdly

did he this: "Why wait ye, good my lord? Why begin ye not the games, of

which the queen doth deal so great a store? Let us soon see how they be

played." The crafty man did not as though he wist not a whit thereof.

Then spake the Queen: "How hath it chanced that ye, Sir Siegfried, have

seen naught of the games which the hand of Gunther here hath won?"

To this Hagen of the Burgundian land made answer. He spake: "Ye have

made us sad of mind, my lady. Siegfried, the good knight, was by the

ship when the lord of the Rhineland won from you the games. He knoweth

naught thereof."

"Well is me of this tale," spake Siegfried, the knight, "that your pride

hath been brought thus low, and that there doth live a wight who hath

the power to be your master. Now, O noble maiden, must ye follow us

hence to the Rhine."

Then spake the fair-fashioned maid: "That may not be. First must my kith

and liegemen learn of this. Certes, I may not so lightly void my lands;

my dearest friends must first be fetched."

Then bade she messengers ride on every side. She called her friends,

her kinsmen, and her men-at-arms and begged them come without delay to

Isenstein, and bade them all be given lordly and rich apparel. Daily,

early and late, they rode in troops to Brunhild's castle.

"Welaway," cried Hagen, "what have we done! We may ill abide the coming

of fair Brunhild's men. If now they come into this land in force, then

hath the noble maid been born to our great rue. The will of the queen is

unknown to us; what if she be so wroth that we be lost?"

Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "Of that I'll have care. I'll not let

hap that which ye fear. I'll bring you help hither to this land, from

chosen knights the which till now ye have not known. Ye must not ask

about me; I will fare hence. Meanwhile may God preserve your honor. I'll

return eftsoon and bring you a thousand men, the very best of knights

that I have ever known."

"Pray tarry not too long," spake then the king; "of your help we be

justly glad."

He answered: "In a few short days I'll come again. Tell ye to Brunhild,

that ye've sent me hence."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Palaces". See Adventure III, note 7.

(2) "Surcoat", which here translates the M.H.G. "wafenhemde", is

a light garment of cloth or silk worn above the armor.

(3) "Azagouc". See Zazamanc, Adventure VI, note 2. This

strophe is evidently a late interpolation, as it contradicts

the description given above.

(4) Weights. The M.H.G. "messe" (Lat. "massa") is just as

indefinite as the English expression. It was a mass or lump

of any metal, probably determined by the size of the

melting-pot.

ADVENTURE VIII. How Siegfried Fared To His Men-At-Arms, the Nibelungs.

(1)

Through the gate Siegfried hied him in his Cloak of Darkness down to the

sand, where he found a skiff. Secretly the son of Siegmund embarked and

drove it quickly hence, as though the wind did blow it on. None saw the

steersman; the bark fared fast, impelled by Siegfried's mighty strength.

They weened a seldom strong wind did drive it on. Nay, it was rowed

by Siegfried, the son of Siegelind, the fair. In the time of a day and

night with might and main he reached a land full hundred rests (2) away,

or more. The people hight Nibelungs, where he owned the mighty hoard.

The hero rowed alone to a broad isle, where the lusty knight now beached

the boat and made it fast full soon. To a hill he hied him, upon which

stood a castle, and sought here lodgment, as way-worn travelers do. He

came first to a gateway that stood fast locked. In sooth they guarded

well their honor, as men still do. The stranger now gan knock upon

the door, the which was closely guarded. There within he saw a giant

standing, who kept the castle and at whose side lay at all times his

arms. He spake: "Who is it who doth knock so rudely on the gate?"

Then bold Siegfried changed his voice and spake: "I am a knight; do up

the door, else will I enrage many a one outside to-day, who would liefer

lie soft and take his ease."

When Siegfried thus spake, it irked the warder. Meanwhile the giant had

donned his armor and placed his helm upon his head. Quickly the mighty

man snatched up his shield and opened wide the gate. How fiercely he

ran at Siegfried and asked, how he durst wake so many valiant men? Huge

blows were dealt out by his hand. Then the lordly stranger gan defend

him, but with an iron bar the warder shattered his shield-plates. Then

was the hero in dire need. Siegfried gan fear a deal his death, when the

warder struck such mighty blows. Enow his master Siegfried loved him for

this cause. They strove so sore that all the castle rang and the sound

was heard in Nibelung's hall. He overcame the warder and bound him, too.

The tale was noised abroad in all the Nibelungs' land. Alberich, the

bold, a savage dwarf, heard the fierce struggle through the mountain.

He armed him quick and ran to where he found the noble stranger, as he

bound the mighty giant. Full wroth was Alberich and strong enow. On his

body he bare helmet and rings of mail and in his hand a heavy scourge of

gold. Swift and hard he ran to where Siegfried stood. Seven heavy knobs

(3) hung down in front, with which he smote so fiercely the shield upon

the bold man's arm, that it brake in parts. The stately stranger came in

danger of his life. From his hand he flung the broken shield and thrust

into the sheath a sword, the which was long. He would not strike his

servant dead, but showed his courtly breeding as his knightly virtue

bade him. He rushed at Alberich and with his powerful hands he seized

the gray-haired man by the beard. So roughly he pulled his beard, that

he screamed aloud. The tugging of the youthful knight hurt Alberich

sore.

Loud cried the valiant dwarf: "Now spare my life. And might I be the

vassal of any save one knight, to whom I swore an oath that I would own

him as my lord, I'd serve you till my death." So spake the cunning (4)

man.

He then bound Alberich as he had the giant afore. Full sore the strength

of Siegfried hurt him. The dwarf gan ask: "How are ye named?"

"My name is Siegfried," he replied; "I deemed ye knew me well."

"Well is me of these tidings," spake Alberich, the dwarf. "Now have I

noted well the knightly deeds, through which ye be by right the sovran

of the land. I'll do whatso ye bid, and ye let me live."

Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Go quickly now and bring me the best of

knights we have, a thousand Nibelungs, that they may see me here."

Why he wanted this, none heard him say. He loosed the bonds of Alberich

and the giant. Then ran Alberich swift to where he found the knights. In

fear he waked the Nibelung men. He spake: "Up now, ye heroes, ye must go

to Siegfried."

From their beds they sprang and were ready in a trice. A thousand

doughty knights soon stood well clad. They hied them to where they saw

Sir Siegfried stand. Then was done a fair greeting, in part by deeds.

Great store of tapers were now lit up; they proffered him mulled wine.

(5) He gave them thanks that they were come so soon. He spake: "Ye must

away with me across the flood."

Full ready for this he found the heroes brave and good. Well thirty

hundred men were come eftsoon, from whom he chose a thousand of the

best. Men brought them their helmets and other arms, for he would lead

them to Brunhild's land. He spake: "Ye good knights, this will I tell

you, ye must wear full costly garments there at court, for many lovely

dames shall gaze upon us. Therefore must ye deck yourselves with goodly

weeds."

Early on a morn they started on their way. What a speedy journey

Siegfried won! They took with them good steeds and lordly harness, and

thus they came in knightly wise to Brunhild's land. The fair maids stood

upon the battlements. Then spake the queen: "Knoweth any, who they be

whom I see sailing yonder far out upon the sea? They have rich sails

e'en whiter than the snow."

Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "They're men of mine, the which I left

hard by here on the way. I had them sent for, and now they be come, my

lady." All eyes were fixed upon the lordly strangers.

Then one spied Siegfried standing at his vessel's prow in lordly weeds

and many other men. The queen spake: "Sir King, pray tell me, shall I

receive the strangers or shall I deny them greetings?"

He spake: "Ye must go to meet them out before the palace, that they may

well perceive how fain we be to see them here."

Then the queen did as the king advised her. She marked out Siegfried

with her greetings from the rest. Men purveyed them lodgings and took

in charge their trappings. So many strangers were now come to the land,

that everywhere they jostled Brunhild's bands. Now would the valiant men

fare home to Burgundy.

Then spake the queen: "My favor would I bestow on him who could deal out

to the king's guests and mine my silver and gold, of which I have such

store."

To this Dankwart, King Giselher's liegeman, answered: "Most noble

queen," spake the brave knight, "let me but wield the keys. I trow to

deal it out in fitting wise; whatso of blame I gain, let be mine own."

That he was bountiful, he made appear full well.

When now Sir Hagen's brother took the keys in charge, the hero's hand

did proffer many a costly gift. He who craved a mark (6) received such

store that all the poor might lead a merry life. Full hundred pounds

he gave, nor did he stop to count. Enow walked before the hall in rich

attire, who never had worn afore such lordly dress. Full sore it rued

the queen when this she heard. She spake: "Sir King, I fain would have

your aid, lest your chamberlain leave naught of all my store of dress;

he squandereth eke my gold. If any would forfend this, I'd be his friend

for aye. He giveth such royal gifts, the knight must ween, forsooth,

that I have sent for death. I would fain use it longer and trow well

myself to waste that which my father left me." No queen as yet hath ever

had so bounteous a chamberlain.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "My lady, be it told you that the king of

the Rhineland hath such great store of gold and robes to give, that we

have no need to carry hence aught of Brunhild's weeds."

"Nay, and ye love me," spake the queen, "let me fill twenty traveling

chests with gold and silk as well, the which my hand shall give, when we

are come across to Gunther's land."

Men filled her chests with precious stones, the while her chamberlains

stood by. She would not trust the duty to Giselher's men. Gunther and

Hagen began to laugh thereat.

Then spake the queen: "With whom shall I leave my lands? This my hand

and yours must first decree."

Quoth the noble king: "Now bid draw near whom ye deem fit and we will

make him steward."

The lady spied near by one of her highest kin (it was her mother's

brother); to him the maiden spake: "Now let be commended to your care my

castles and my lands, till that King Gunther's hand rule here."

Then twenty hundred of her men she chose, who should fare with her hence

to Burgundy, together with those thousand warriors from the Nibelung

land. They dressed their journey; one saw them riding forth upon the

sand. Six and eighty dames they took along and thereto a hundred maids,

their bodies passing fair. No longer now they tarried, for they were

fain to get them hence. Ho, what great wail was made by those they

left at home! In courtly wise she voided thus her land. She kissed her

nearest kinsmen who were found at court. After a fair leave-taking they

journeyed to the sea. To her fatherland the lady nevermore returned.

Many kinds of games were seen upon the way; pastimes they had galore.

A real sea breeze did help them on their voyage. Thus they fared forth

from the land fully merrily. She would not let her husband court her

on the way; this pleasure was deferred until their wedding-tide in

the castle, their home, at Worms, to which in good time she came right

joyfully with all her knights.

ENDNOTES:

(1) Adventure VIII. This whole episode, in which Siegfried

fetches men to aid Gunther in case of attempted treachery on

Brunhild's part, is of late origin and has no counterpart in

the older versions. It is a further development of

Siegfried's fight in which he slew Schilbung and Nibelung

and became the ruler of the Nibelung land. The fight with

Alberich is simply a repetition of the one in the former

episode.

(2) "Rest" (M.H.G. "rast"), originally 'repose', then used as a

measure of distance, as here.

(3) "Knobs", round pieces of metal fastened to the scourge.

(4) "Cunning" is to be taken here in the Biblical sense of

'knowing'. The M.H.G. "listig" which it here translates,

denotes 'skilled' or 'learned' in various arts and is a

standing epithet of dwarfs.

(5) "Mulled wine" translates M.H.G. "lutertranc", a claret

mulled with herbs and spice and left to stand until clear.

(6) "Mark". See Adventure V, note 5.

ADVENTURE IX. How Siegfried Was Sent To Worms.

When they had thus fared on their way full nine days, Hagen of Troneg

spake: "Now mark ye what I say. We wait too long with the tidings for

Worms upon the Rhine. Our messengers should be e'en now in Burgundy."

Then spake King Gunther: "Ye have told me true, and none be more fitting

for this trip than ye, friend Hagen; now ride ye to my land. None can

acquaint them better with our journey home to court."

To this Hagen made answer: "I am no fit envoy. Let me play chamberlain,

I'll stay with the ladies upon the flood and guard their robes, until

we bring them to the Burgundian land. Bid Siegfried bear the message, he

knoweth how to do it well with his mighty strength. If he refuse you the

journey, then must ye in courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon

for your sister's sake."

Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He spake:

"Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me to send a

messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother, too, that we draw

near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried; now do my will, that I may

requite it to you ever," spake the good knight.

Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till Gunther

gan beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my sake and for

Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it,

as well as I."

When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me

what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair

maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye

command for love of her, shall all be done."

"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this

voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye

let our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her

mine and Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men.

How well I have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And

tell Ortwin, the dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at

Worms along the Rhine. Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to

hold with Brunhild a mighty wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she

hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she give fair

greeting to my bride. For that I will ever render Kriemhild service."

The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed

him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might

there be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty

men-at-arms to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised

about, the courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been

slain.

Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,

the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother,

too. How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's

side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the

king my brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from

us. Great scathe had her haughty love then brought us."

"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his

kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his

messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however

that may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must

let them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are

in high estate."

Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have

brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll

answer that the maid will see you gladly."

Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may serve her, that shall be

gladly done, in faith. Who now will tell the ladies that I would hie me

thither?"

Giselher then became the messenger, the stately man. The doughty knight

spake to his mother and his sister too, when that he saw them both: "To

us is come Siegfried, the hero from Netherland; him my brother Gunther

hath sent hither to the Rhine. He bringeth the news of how it standeth

with the king. Pray let him therefore come to court. He'll tell you the

right tidings straight from Isenland."

As yet the noble ladies were acquaint with fear, but now for their weeds

they sprang and dressed them and bade Sir Siegfried come to court. This

he did full gladly, for he was fain to see them. Kriemhild, the noble

maid, addressed him fair: "Be welcome, Sir Siegfried, most worshipful

knight. Where is my brother Gunther, the noble and mighty king? We ween

that we have lost him through Brunhild's strength. Woe is me, poor maid,

that ever I was born."

Then spake the daring knight: "Now give me an envoy's guerdon, ye

passing fair ladies, ye do weep without a cause. I do you to wit, I left

him safe and sound. They have sent me with the tidings to you both. He

and his bride do send you kindly greetings and a kinsman's love, O noble

queen. Now leave off your weeping, they'll come full soon."

In many a day she had not heard a tale so glad. With her snow-white

hem she wiped the tears from her pretty eyes and began to thank the

messenger for the tidings, which now were come. Thus her great sorrow

and her weeping were taken away. She bade the messenger be seated; full

ready he was for this. Then spake the winsome maid: "I should not rue

it, should I give you as an envoy's meed my gold. For that ye are too

rich, but I will be your friend in other ways."

"And had I alone," spake he, "thirty lands, yet would I gladly receive

gifts from your fair hand."

Then spake the courtly maid: "It shall be done." She bade her

chamberlain go fetch the meed for tidings. Four and twenty arm-rings,

set with goodly gold, she gave him as his meed. So stood the hero's mood

that he would not retain them, but gave them straightway to her nearest

maidens, he found within the bower. Full kindly her mother offered him

her service. "I am to tell you the tale," then spake the valiant man,

"of what the king doth pray you, when he cometh to the Rhine. If ye

perform that, my lady, he'll ever hold you in his love. I heard him

crave that ye should give fair greetings to his noble guests and grant

him the boon, that ye ride to meet him out in front of Worms upon the

strand. This ye are right truly admonished by the king to do."

Then spake the winsome maid: "For this am I full ready. In whatsoever

wise I can serve the king, that will I not refuse; with a kinsman's

love it shall be done." Her color heightened for very joy. Never was the

messenger of any prince received more fair. The lady would have kissed

him, had she but dared. How lovingly he parted from the dames!

The men of Burgundy then did as Siegfried counseled. Sindolt and Hunolt

and Rumolt, the knight, must needs be busy with the work of putting up

the seats outside of Worms upon the strand. The royal stewards, too,

were found at work. Ortwin and Gere would not desist, but sent to fetch

their friends on every side, and made known to them the feasting that

was to be. The many comely maids arrayed themselves against the feast.

Everywhere the palace and the walls were decked out for the guests.

Gunther's hall was passing well purveyed for the many strangers. Thus

began full merrily this splendid feast.

From every side along the highways of the land pricked now the kinsmen

of these three kings, who had been called that they might wait upon

those who were coming home. Then from the presses great store of costly

weeds was taken. Soon tidings were brought that men saw Brunhild's

kinsmen ride along. Great jostling then arose from the press of folk in

the Burgundian land. Ho, what bold knights were found on either side!

Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ye maids of mine, who would be with me at

the greeting, seek out from the guests the very best of robes; then will

praise and honor be given us by the guests." Then came the warriors,

too, and bade the lordly saddles of pure red gold be carried forth,

on which the ladies should ride from Worms down to the Rhine. Better

trappings might there never be. Ho, what bright gold did sparkle on

the jet-black palfreys! From their bridles there gleamed forth many a

precious stone. The golden stepping-blocks were brought and placed on

shining carpets for the ladies, who were gay of mood. As I have said,

the palfreys now stood ready in the courtyard for the noble maids. One

saw the steeds wear narrow martingales of the best of silk, of which

tale might be told. Six and eighty ladies who wore fillets (1) in their

hair were seen come forth. The fair ones came to Kriemhild wearing

glittering robes. Then followed many a comely maid in brave attire,

fifty and four from the Burgundian land. They were eke the best that

might anywhere be found. Men saw them walking with their flaxen hair and

shining ribbons. That which the king desired was done with zeal. They

wore before the stranger knights rich cloth of silk, the best that

could be found, and so many a goodly robe, which well befit their ample

beauty. One found there many clothes of sable and ermine fur. Many an

arm and hand was well adorned with bracelets over the silken sleeves,

which they should wear. None might tell the story of this tiring to the

end. Many a hand played with well-wrought girdles, rich and long, above

gay colored robes, over costly ferran (2) skirts of silken cloth of

Araby. In high spirits were these maids of noble birth. Clasps (3) were

sewed in lovely wise upon the dress of many a comely maid. She had good

cause to rue it, whose bright color did not shine in contrast to her

weeds. No kingly race hath now such fair retainers. When now the lovely

maids had donned the garments they should wear, there then drew near a

mickle band of high-mettled champions. Together with their shields they

carried many an ashen spear.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Fillets" were worn only by married women.

(2) "Ferran", a gray colored cloth of silk and wool; from O.F.

"ferrandine".

(3) "Clasps" or "brooches" were used to fasten the dresses in

front.

ADVENTURE X. How Brunhild Was Received At Worms.

Across the Rhine men saw the king with his guests in many bands pricking

to the shore. One saw the horse of many a maiden, too, led by the

bridle. All those who should give them welcome were ready now. When

those of Isenland and Siegfried's Nibelung men were come across in

boats, they hasted to the shore (not idle were their hands), where the

kindred of the king were seen upon the other bank. Now hear this tale,

too, of the queen, the noble Uta, how she herself rode hither with the

maidens from the castle. Then many a knight and maid became acquaint.

Duke Gere led Kriemhild's palfrey by the bridle till just outside

the castle gate. Siegfried, the valiant knight, must needs attend her

further. A fair maid was she! Later the noble dame requited well this

deed. Ortwin, the bold, rode by Lady Uta's side, and many knights and

maidens rode in pairs. Well may we aver that so many dames were never

seen together at such stately greeting. Many a splendid joust was

ridden by worshipful knights (not well might it be left undone) afore

Kriemhild, the fair, down to the ships. Then the fair-fashioned ladies

were lifted from the palfreys. The king was come across and many a

worthy guest. Ho, what stout lances brake before the ladies' eyes! One

heard the clash of many hurtling shields. Ho, what costly bucklers rang

loudly as they closed! The lovely fair stood by the shore as Gunther and

his guests alighted from the boats; he himself led Brunhild by the hand.

Bright gems and gleaming armor shone forth in rivalry. Lady Kriemhild

walked with courtly breeding to meet Dame Brunhild and her train.

White hands removed the chaplets, (1) as these twain kissed each other;

through deference this was done.

Then in courteous wise the maiden Kriemhild spake: "Be ye welcome in

these lands of ours, to me and to my mother and to all the loyal kin we

have."

Low bows were made and the ladies now embraced full oft. Such loving

greeting hath one never heard, as the two ladies, Dame Uta and her

daughter, gave the bride; upon her sweet mouth they kissed her oft. When

now Brunhild's ladies all were come to land, stately knights took many

a comely woman by the hand in loving wise. The fair-fashioned maids were

seen to stand before the lady Brunhild. Long time elasped or ever the

greetings all were done; many a rose-red mouth was kissed, in sooth.

Still side by side the noble princesses stood, which liked full well

the doughty warriors for to see. They who had heard men boast afore that

such beauty had ne'er been seen as these two dames possessed, spied now

with all their eyes and must confess the truth. Nor did one see upon

their persons cheats of any kind. Those who wot how to judge of women

and lovely charms, praised Gunther's bride for beauty; but the wise had

seen more clear and spake, that one must give Kriemhild the palm before

Brunhild.

Maids and ladies now drew near each other. Many a comely dame was seen

arrayed full well. Silken tents and many rich pavilions stood hard by,

the which quite filled the plain of Worms. The kinsmen of the king came

crowding around, when Brunhild and Kriemhild and with them all the dames

were bidden go to where shade was found. Thither the knights from the

Burgundian land escorted them.

Now were the strangers come to horse, and shields were pierced in many

royal jousts. From the plain the dust gan rise, as though the whole land

had burst forth into flames. There many a knight became well known as

champion. Many a maiden saw what there the warriors plied. Methinks,

Sir Siegfried and his knights rode many a turn afore the tents. He led a

thousand stately Nibelungs.

Then Hagen of Troneg came, as the king had counseled, and parted in

gentle wise the jousting, that the fair maids be not covered with the

dust, the which the strangers willingly obeyed. Then spake Sir Gernot:

"Let stand the steeds till the air grow cooler, for ye must be full

ready when that the king will ride. Meanwhile let us serve the comely

dames before the spacious hall."

When now over all the plain the jousts had ceased, the knights, on

pastime bent, hied them to the ladies under many a high pavilion in the

hope of lofty joys. There they passed the hours until they were minded

to ride away.

Just at eventide, when the sun was setting and the air grew chill, no

longer they delayed, but man and woman hasted toward the castle. Many a

comely maiden was caressed with loving glances. In jousting great store

of clothes were torn by good knights, by the high-mettled warriors,

after the custom of the land, until the king dismounted by the hall.

Valiant heroes helped the ladies, as is their wont. The noble queens

then parted; Lady Uta and her daughter went with their train to a

spacious hall, where great noise of merriment was heard on every side.

The seats were now made ready, for the king would go to table with his

guests. At his side men saw fair Brunhild stand, wearing the crown in

the king's domain. Royal enow she was in sooth. Good broad tables, with

full many benches for the men, were set with vitaille, as we are told.

Little they lacked that they should have! At the king's table many a

lordly guest was seen. The chamberlains of the host bare water forth in

basins of ruddy gold. It were but in vain, if any told you that men were

ever better served at princes' feasts: I would not believe you that.

Before the lord of the Rhineland took the water to wash his hands,

Siegfried did as was but meet, he minded him by his troth of what he had

promised, or ever he had seen Brunhild at home in Isenland. He spake:

"Ye must remember how ye swore me by your hand, that when Lady Brunhild

came to this land, ye would give me your sister to wife. Where be now

these oaths? I have suffered mickle hardship on our trip."

Then spake the king to his guest: "Rightly have ye minded me. Certes my

hand shall not be perjured. I'll bring it to pass as best I can."

Then they bade Kriemhild go to court before the king. She came with her

fair maidens to the entrance of the hall. At this Sir Giselher sprang

down the steps. "Now bid these maidens turn again. None save my sister

alone shall be here by the king."

Then they brought Kriemhild to where the king was found. There stood

noble knights from many princes' lands; throughout the broad hall one

bade them stand quite still. By this time Lady Brunhild had stepped

to the table, too. Then spake King Gunther: "Sweet sister mine, by thy

courtesie redeem my oath. I swore to give thee to a knight, and if he

become thy husband, then hast thou done my will most loyally."

Quoth the noble maid: "Dear brother mine, ye must not thus entreat me.

Certes I'll be ever so, that whatever ye command, that shall be done.

I'll gladly pledge my troth to him whom ye, my lord, do give me to

husband."

Siegfried here grew red at the glance of friendly eyes. The knight then

proffered his service to Lady Kriemhild. Men bade them take their stand

at each other's side within the ring and asked if she would take the

stately man. In maidenly modesty she was a deal abashed, yet such was

Siegfried's luck and fortune, that she would not refuse him out of hand.

The noble king of Netherland vowed to take her, too, to wife. When he

and the maid had pledged their troths, Siegfried's arm embraced eftsoon

the winsome maid. Then the fair queen was kissed before the knights. The

courtiers parted, when that had happed; on the bench over against the

king Siegfried was seen to take his scat with Kriemhild. Thither many

a man accompanied him as servitor; men saw the Nibelungs walk at

Siegfried's side.

The king had seated him with Brunhild, the maid, when she espied

Kriemhild (naught had ever irked her so) sitting at Siegfried's side.

She began to weep and hot tears coursed down fair cheeks. Quoth the lord

of the land: "What aileth you, my lady, that ye let bright eyes grow

dim? Ye may well rejoice; my castles and my land and many a stately

vassal own your sway."

"I have good cause to weep," spake the comely maid; "my heart is sore

because of thy sister, whom I see sitting so near thy vassal's side. I

must ever weep that she be so demeaned."

Then spake the King Gunther: "Ye would do well to hold your peace. At

another time I will tell you the tale of why I gave Siegfried my sister

unto wife. Certes she may well live ever happily with the knight."

She spake: "I sorrow ever for her beauty and her courtesie. I fain would

flee, and I wist whither I might; go, for never will I lie close by

your side, unless ye tell me through what cause Kriemhild be Siegfried's

bride."

Then spake the noble king: "I'll do it you to wit; he hath castles

and broad domains, as well as I. Know of a truth, he is a mighty king,

therefore did I give him the peerless maid to love."

But whatsoever the king might say, she remained full sad of mood.

Now many a good knight hastened from the board. Their hurtling waxed so

passing hard, that the whole castle rang. But the host was weary of his

guests. Him-thought that he might lie more soft at his fair lady's side.

As yet he had not lost at all the hope that much of joy might hap to him

through her. Lovingly he began to gaze on Lady Brunhild. Men bade the

guests leave off their knightly games, for the king and his wife would

go to bed. Brunhild and Kriemhild then met before the stairway of the

hall, as yet without the hate of either. Then came their retinue. Noble

chamberlains delayed not, but brought them lights. The warriors, the

liegemen of the two kings, then parted on either side and many of the

knights were seen to walk with Siegfried.

The lords were now come to the rooms where they should lie. Each of the

twain thought to conquer by love his winsome dame. This made them blithe

of mood. Siegfried's pleasure on that night was passing great. When Lord

Siegfried lay at Kriemhild's side and with his noble love caressed the

high-born maid so tenderly, she grew as dear to him as life, so that not

for a thousand other women would he have given her alone. No more I'll

tell how Siegfried wooed his wife; hear now the tale of how King Gunther

lay by Lady Brunhild's side. The stately knight had often lain more

soft by other dames. The courtiers now had left, both maid and man. The

chamber soon was locked; he thought to caress the lovely maid. Forsooth

the time was still far off, ere she became his wife. In a smock of snowy

linen she went to bed. Then thought the noble knight: "Now have I here

all that I have ever craved in all my days." By rights she must needs

please him through her comeliness. The noble king gan shroud the lights

and then the bold knight hied him to where the lady lay. He laid him at

her side, and great was his joy when in his arms he clasped the lovely

fair. Many loving caresses he might have given, had but the noble dame

allowed it. She waxed so wroth that he was sore a-troubled; he weened

that they were lovers, but he found here hostile hate. She spake: "Sir

Knight, pray give this over, which now ye hope. Forsooth this may not

hap, for I will still remain a maid, until I hear the tale; now mark ye

that."

Then Gunther grew wroth; he struggled for her love and rumpled all her

clothes. The high-born maid then seized her girdle, the which was a

stout band she wore around her waist, and with it she wrought the king

great wrong enow. She bound him hand and foot and bare him to a nail and

hung him on the wall. She forbade him love, sith he disturbed her sleep.

Of a truth he came full nigh to death through her great strength.

Then he who had weened to be the master, began to plead. "Now loose my

bands, most noble queen. I no longer trow to conquer you, fair lady, and

full seldom will I lie so near your side."

She reeked not how he felt, for she lay full soft. There he had to hang

all night till break of day, until the bright morn shone through the

casements. Had he ever had great strength, it was little seen upon him

now.

"Now tell me, Sir Gunther, would that irk you aught," the fair maid

spake, "and your servants found you bound by a woman's hand?"

Then spake the noble knight: "That would serve you ill; nor would it

gain me honor," spake the doughty man. "By your courtesie, pray let me

lie now by your side. Sith that my love mislike you so, I will not touch

your garment with my hands."

Then she loosed him soon and let him rise. To the bed again, to the lady

he went and laid him down so far away, that thereafter he full seldom

touched her comely weeds. Nor would she have allowed it.

Then their servants came and brought them new attire, of which great

store was ready for them against the morn. However merry men made, the

lord of the land was sad enow, albeit he wore a crown that day. As

was the usage which they had and which they kept by right, Gunther and

Brunhild no longer tarried, but hied them to the minster, where mass was

sung. Thither, too, Sir Siegfried came and a great press arose among the

crowd. In keeping with their royal rank, there was ready for them all

that they did need, their crowns and robes as well. Then they were

consecrated. When this was done, all four were seen to stand joyful

'neath their crowns. Many young squires, six hundred or better, were now

girt with sword in honor of the kings, as ye must know. Great joy rose

then in the Burgundian land; one heard spear-shafts clashing in the

hands of the sworded knights. There at the windows the fair maids sat;

they saw shining afore them the gleam of many a shield. But the king had

sundered him from his liegemen; whatso others plied, men saw him stand

full sad. Unlike stood his and Siegfried's mood. The noble knight and

good would fain have known what ailed the king. He hasted to him and gan

ask: "Pray let me know how ye have fared this night, Sir King."

Then spake the king to his guest: "Shame and disgrace have I won; I have

brought a fell devil to my house and home. When I weened to love her,

she bound me sore; she bare me to a nail and hung me high upon a wall.

There I hung affrighted all night until the day, or ever she unbound me.

How softly she lay bedded there! In hope of thy pity do I make plaint to

thee as friend to friend."

Then spake stout Siegfried: "That rueth me in truth. I'll do you this to

wit; and ye allow me without distrust, I'll contrive that she lie by you

so near this night, that she'll nevermore withhold from you her love."

After all his hardships Gunther liked well this speech. Sir Siegfried

spake again: "Thou mayst well be of good cheer. I ween we fared unlike

last night. Thy sister Kriemhild is dearer to me than life; the Lady

Brunhild must become thy wife to-night. I'll come to thy chamber this

night, so secretly in my Cloud Cloak, that none may note at all my arts.

Then let the chamberlains betake them to their lodgings and I'll put out

the lights in the pages' hands, whereby thou mayst know that I be within

and that I'll gladly serve thee. I'll tame for time thy wife, that thou

mayst have her love to-night, or else I'll lose my life."

"Unless be thou embrace my dear lady," spake then the king, "I shall be

glad, if thou do to her as thou dost list. I could endure it well, an'

thou didst take her life. In sooth she is a fearful wife."

"I pledge upon my troth," quoth Siegfried, "that I will not embrace her.

The fair sister of thine, she is to me above all maids that I have ever

seen."

Gunther believed full well what Siegfried spake.

From the knightly sports there came both joy and woe; but men forbade

the hurtling and the shouting, since now the ladies were to hie them to

the hall. The grooms-in-waiting bade the people stand aside; the court

was cleared of steeds and folk. A bishop led each of the ladies, as they

should go to table in the presence of the kings. Many a stately warrior

followed to the seats. In fair hope the king sate now full merrily; well

he thought on that which Siegfried had vowed to do. This one day thought

him as long as thirty days, for all his thoughts were bent upon his

lady's love. He could scarce abide the time to leave the board. Now men

let fair Brunhild and Kriemhild, too, both go to their rest. Ho, what

doughty knights were seen to walk before the queens!

The Lord Siegfried sate in loving wise by his fair wife, in bliss

without alloy. With her snow-white hands she fondled his, till that he

vanished from before her eyes, she wist not when. When now she no longer

spied him, as she toyed, the queen spake to his followers: "Much this

wondereth me, whither the king be gone. Who hath taken his hands from

mine?"

She spake no other word, but he was gone to where he found many grooms

of the chamber stand with lights. These he gan snuff out in the pages'

hands. Thus Gunther knew that it was Siegfried. Well wist he what he

would; he bade the maids and ladies now withdraw. When that was done,

the mighty king himself made fast the door and nimbly shoved in place

two sturdy bolts. Quickly then he hid the lights behind the hangings of

the bed. Stout Siegfried and the maiden now began a play (for this there

was no help) which was both lief and loth to Gunther. Siegfried laid him

close by the high-born maid. She spake: "Now, Gunther, let that be, and

it be lief to you, that ye suffer not hardship as afore."

Then the lady hurt bold Siegfried sore. He held his peace and answered

not a whit. Gunther heard well, though he could not see his friend a

bit, that they plied not secret things, for little ease they had upon

the bed. Siegfried bare him as though he were Gunther, the mighty king.

In his arms he clasped the lovely maid. She cast him from the bed upon

a bench near by, so that his head struck loudly against the stool. Up

sprang the valiant man with all his might; fain would he try again. When

he thought now to subdue her, she hurt him sore. Such defense, I ween,

might nevermore be made by any wife.

When he would not desist, up sprang the maid. "Ye shall not rumple thus

my shift so white. Ye are a clumsy churl and it shall rue you sore,

I'll have you to know fall well," spake the comely maid. In her arms she

grasped the peerless knight; she weened to bind him, as she had done the

king, that she might have her case upon the bed. The lady avenged full

sore, that he had rumpled thus her clothes. What availed his mickle

force and his giant strength? She showed the knight her masterly

strength of limb; she carried him by force (and that must needs be) and

pressed him rudely 'twixt a clothes-press and the wall.

"Alas," so thought the knight, "if now I lose my life at a maiden's

hands, then may all wives hereafter bear towards their husbands haughty

mien, who would never do it else."

The king heard it well and feared him for his liegeman's life. Siegfried

was sore ashamed; wrathful he waxed and with surpassing strength he set

himself against her and tried it again with Lady Brunhild in fearful

wise. It thought the king full long, before he conquered her. She

pressed his hands, till from her strength the blood gushed forth from

out the nails: this irked the hero. Therefore he brought the high-born

maiden to the pass that she gave over her unruly will, which she

asserted there afore. The king heard all, albeit not a word he spake.

Siegfried pressed her against the bed, so that she shrieked aloud.

Passing sore his strength did hurt her. She grasped the girdle around

her waist and would fain have bound him, but his hand prevented it in

such a wise that her limbs and all her body cracked. Thus the strife was

parted and she became King Gunther's wife.

She spake: "Most noble king, pray spare my life. I'll do thee remedy for

whatso I have done thee. I'll no longer struggle against thy noble

love, for I have learned full well that thou canst make thee master over

women."

Siegfried let the maiden be and stepped away, as though he would do off

his clothes. From her hand he drew a golden finger ring, without that

she wist it, the noble queen. Thereto he took her girdle, a good stout

band. I know not if he did that for very haughtiness. He gave it to his

wife and rued it sore in after time.

Then lay Gunther and the fair maid side by side. He played the lover,

as beseemed him, and thus she must needs give over wrath and shame. From

his embrace a little pale she grew. Ho, how her great strength failed

through love! Now was she no stronger than any other wife. He caressed

her lovely form in lover's wise. Had she tried her strength again, what

had that availed? All this had Gunther wrought in her by his love. How

right lovingly she lay beside him in bridal joy until the dawn of day!

Now was Sir Siegfried gone again to where he was given fair greetings by

a woman fashioned fair. He turned aside the question she had thought to

put and hid long time from her what he had brought, until she ruled as

queen within his land. How little he refused to give her what he should!

On the morn the host was far cheerier of mood than he had been afore.

Through this the joy of many a noble man was great in all his lands,

whom he had bidden to his court, and to whom he proffered much of

service. The wedding feast now lasted till the fourteenth day, so that

in all this while the sound never died away of the many joys which there

they plied. The cost to the king was rated high. The kinsmen of the

noble host gave gifts in his honor to the strolling folk, as the king

commanded: vesture and ruddy gold, steeds and silver, too. Those who

there craved gifts departed hence full merrily. Siegfried, the lord from

Netherland, with a thousand of his men, gave quite away the garments

they had brought with them to the Rhine and steeds and saddles, too.

Full well they wot how to live in lordly wise. Those who would home

again thought the time too long till the rich gifts had all been made.

Nevermore have guests been better eased. Thus ended the wedding feast;

Gunther, the knight, would have it so.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Chaplet" (O.F. "chaplet", dim. of "chapel", M.H.G.

"schapel" or "schapelin") or wreath was the headdress

especially of unmarried girls, the hair being worn flowing.

It was often of flowers or leaves, but not infrequently of

gold and silver. (See Weinhold, "Deutsche Frauen im

Mittelalter", i, 387.)

ADVENTURE XI. How Siegfried Journeyed Homeward With His Wife.

When now the strangers had all ridden hence, Siegmund's son spake to his

fellowship: "We must make us ready, too, to journey to my lands."

Lief was it to his wife, when the lady heard the tale aright. She spake

to her husband: "When shall we ride? I pray thee, make me not haste too

sore. First must my brothers share their lands with me."

It was loth to Siegfried, when he heard this from Kriemhild. The

lordings hied them to him and all three spake: "Now may ye know, Sir

Siegfried, that our true service be ever at your bidding till our

death."

Then he made obeisance to the knights, as it was proffered him in such

kindly wise. "We shall share with you," spake Giselher, the youth, "both

land and castles which we do own and whatever broad realms be subject to

our power. Of these ye and Kriemhild shall have a goodly share."

The son of Siegmund spake to the princes, as he heard and saw the

lordings' will: "God grant that ye be ever happy with your heritage and

the folk therein. My dear bride can well forego in truth the share which

ye would give. There where she shall wear a crown, she shall be mightier

than any one alive, and live to see the day. For whatsoever else ye do

command, I stand ready to your bidding."

Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Though ye forego my heritage, yet is

it not so light a matter with the Burgundian men-at-arms. A king might

gladly lead them to his land. Forsooth my brothers' hands must share

them with me."

Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Now take whomsoever thou dost wish. Thou

wilt find here really a one who'll gladly ride with thee. We will

give thee a thousand of our thirty hundred warriors; be they thy court

retainers."

Kriemhild then gan send for Hagen of Troneg and also for Ortwin, to ask

if they and their kinsfolk would be Kriemhild's men.

At this Hagen waxed wonderly wroth. He spake: "Certes, Gunther may not

give us to any in the world. Let others follow as your train. Ye know

full well the custom of the men of Troneg: we must in duty bound remain

here with the kings at court. We must serve them longer, whom we till

now have followed."

They gave that over and made them ready to ride away. Lady Kriemhild

gained for herself two and thirty maids and five hundred men, a noble

train. The Margrave Eckewart (1) followed Kriemhild hence. They all

took leave, both knights and squires and maids and ladies, as was mickle

right. Anon they parted with a kiss and voided merrily King Gunther's

land. Their kinsmen bare them company far upon the way and bade them

pitch their quarters for the night, whereso they listed, throughout the

princes' land.

Then messengers were sent eftsoon to Siegmund, that he might know,

and Siegelind, too, that his son would come with Lady Uta's child,

Kriemhild, the fair, from Worms beyond the Rhine. Liefer tidings might

they never have. "Well for me," spake then Siegmund, "that I have

lived to see fair Kriemhild here as queen. My heritage will be thereby

enhanced. My son, the noble Siegfried, shall himself be king."

Then the Lady Siegelind gave much red velvet, silver, and heavy gold;

this was the envoy's meed. The tale well liked her, which then she

heard. She clad her and her handmaids with care, as did beseem them. Men

told who was to come with Siegfried to the land. Anon they bade seats be

raised, where he should walk crowned before his friends. King Siegmund's

liegemen then rode forth to meet him. Hath any been ever better greeted

than the famous hero in Siegmund's land, I know not. Siegelind, the

fair, rode forth to meet Kriemhild with many a comely dame (lusty

knights did follow on behind), a full day's journey, till one espied the

guests. Home-folk and the strangers had little easement till they were

come to a spacious castle, hight Xanten, (2) where they later reigned.

Smilingly Siegelind and Siegmund kissed Kriemhild many times for joy and

Siegfried, too; their sorrow was taken from them. All their fellowship

received great welcome. One bade now bring the guests to Siegmund's

hall, and lifted the fair young maids down from the palfreys. Many a

knight gan serve the comely dames with zeal. However great the feasting

at the Rhine was known to be, here one gave the heroes much better robes

than they had worn in all their days. Of their splender great marvels

might be told. When now they sate in lofty honors and had enow of all,

what gold-hued clothes their courtiers wore with precious stones well

worked thereon! Thus did Siegelind, the noble queen, purvey them well.

Then to his friends Lord Siegmund spake: "I do all Siegfried's kin

to wit, that he shall wear my crown before these knights." Those of

Netherland heard full fain the tale. He gave his son the crown, the

cognizance, (3) and lands, so that he then was master of them all. When

that men went to law and Siegfried uttered judgment, that was done in

such a wise that men feared sore fair Kriemhild's husband.

In these high honors Siegfried lived, of a truth, and judged as king,

till the tenth year was come, when his fair lady bare a son. This was

come to pass after the wish of the kinsmen of the king. They hastened

to baptize and name him Gunther for his uncle; nor had he need to be

ashamed of this. Should he grow like to his kinsman, he would fare full

well. They brought him up with care, as was but due. In these same times

the Lady Siegelind died, and men enow made wail when death bereft them

of her. Then the child of the noble Uta held withal the power over the

lands, which well beseemed such high-born dames. (4)

Now also by the Rhine, as we hear tell, at mighty Gunther's court, in

the Burgundian land, Brunhild, the fair, had born a son. For the hero's

sake they named him Siegfried. With what great care they bade attend

him! The noble Gunther gave him masters who well wot how to bring him

up to be a doughty man. Alas, what great loss of kin he later suffered

through misfortune!

Many tales were told all time, of how right worshipfully the lusty

knights dwelt alway in Siegmund's land. Gunther dealt the same with his

distinguished kin. The Nibelung land and Schilbung's knights and the

goods of both served Siegfried here (none of his kinsmen ever waxed

mightier than he). So much the higher rose the mood of the valiant man.

The very greatest heard that any hero ever gained, save those who owned

it aforetime, the bold man had, the which he had won by his own hand

hard by a hill, and for which he did many a lusty knight to death. He

had honors to his heart's desire, and had this not been so, yet one must

rightly aver of the noble champion, that he was one of the best that

ever mounted horse. Men feared his might and justly, too.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15.

(2) "Xanten", see Adventure II, note 3.

(3) "Cognizance", 'jurisdiction.'

(4) "Dames", i.e., Siegelind and Kriemhild.

ADVENTURE XII. How Gunther Bade Siegfried To The Feasting.

Now Gunther's wife thought alway: "How haughtily doth Lady Kriemhild

bear her! Is not her husband Siegfried our liegeman? Long time now hath

he done us little service." This she bare within her heart, but held her

peace. It irked her sore that they did make themselves such strangers

and that men from Siegfried's land so seldom served her. Fain would she

have known from whence this came. She asked the king if it might hap

that she should see Kriemhild again. Secretly she spake what she had in

mind. The speech like the king but moderately well. "How might we bring

them," quoth he, "hither to our land? That were impossible, they live

too far away; I dare not ask them this."

To this Brunhild replied in full crafty wise: "However high and mighty

a king's vassal be, yet should he not leave undone whatsoever his lord

command him."

King Gunther smiled when she spake thus. However oft he saw Siegfried,

yet did he not count it to him as service.

She spake: "Dear lord, for my sake help me to have Siegfried and thy

sister come to this land, that we may see them here. Naught liefer might

ever hap to me in truth. Whenso I think on thy sister's courtesie and

her well-bred mind, how it delighteth me! How we sate together, when I

first became thy wife! She may with honor love bold Siegfried."

She besought so long, till the king did speak: "Now know that I have

never seen more welcome guests. Ye need but beg me gently. I will send

my envoys for the twain, that they may come to see us to the Rhine."

Then spake the queen: "Pray tell me then, when ye are willed to send for

them, or in what time our dear kinsmen shall come into the land. Give me

also to know whom ye will send thither."

"That will I," said the prince. "I will let thirty of my men ride

thither."

He had these come before him and bade them carry tidings to Siegfried's

land. To their delight Brunhild did give them full lordly vesture.

Then spake the king: "Ye knights must say from me all that I bid you to

mighty Siegfried and the sister of mine; this must ye not conceal: that

no one in the world doth love them more, and beg them both to come to

us to the Rhine. For this I and my lady will be ever at your service. At

the next Midsummer's Day shall he and his men gaze upon many here, who

would fain do them great honor. Give to the king Siegmund my greetings,

and say that I and my kinsmen be still his friends, and tell my sister,

too, that she fail not to ride to see her kin. Never did feasting beseem

her better."

Brunhild and Uta and whatever ladies were found at court all commended

their service to the lovely dames and the many valiant men in

Siegfried's land. With the consent of the kinsmen of the king the

messengers set forth. They rode as wandering knights; their horses and

their trappings had now been brought them. Then they voided the land,

for they had haste of the journey, whither they would fare. The king

bade guard the messengers well with convoys. In three weeks they came

riding into the land, to Nibelung's castle, in the marches of Norway,

(1) whither they were sent. Here they found the knight. The mounts of

the messengers were weary from the lengthy way.

Both Siegfried and Kriemhild were then told that knights were come, who

wore such clothes as men were wont to wear at Burgundy. She sprang

from a couch on which she lay to rest and bade a maiden hie her to the

window. In the court she saw bold Gere standing, him and the fellowship

that had been sent thither. What joyful things she there found against

her sorrow of heart! She spake to the king: "Now behold where they

stand, who walk in the court with the sturdy Gere, whom my brother

sendeth us adown the Rhine."

Spake Then the valiant Siegfried: "They be welcome to us."

All the courtiers ran to where one saw them. Each of them in turn then

spake full kindly, as best he could to the envoys. Siegmund, the lord,

was right blithe of their coming. Then Gere and his men were lodged and

men bade take their steeds in charge. The messengers then went hence

to where Lord Siegfried sate by Kriemhild. This they did, for they had

leave to go to court. The host and his lady rose from their seats at

once and greeted well Gere of the Burgundian land with his fellowship,

Gunther's liegemen. One bade the mighty Gere go and sit him down.

"Permit us first to give our message, afore we take our seats; let us

way-worn strangers stand the while. We be come to tell you tidings which

Gunther and Brunhild, with whom all things stand well, have sent you,

and also what Lady Uta, your mother, sendeth. Giselher, the youth, and

Sir Gernot, too, and your dearest kin, they have sent us hither and

commend their service to you from out the Burgundian land."

"Now God requite them," quoth Siegfried; "I trow them much troth and

good, as one should to kinsfolk; their sister doth the same. Ye must

tell us more, whether our dear friends at home be of good cheer? Since

we have been parted from them, hath any done amiss to my lady's kinsmen?

That ye must let me know. If so, I'll ever help them bear it in duty

bound, until their foes must rue my service."

Then spake the Margrave Gere, a right good knight: "They are in every

virtue of such right high mood, that they do bid you to a feasting by

the Rhine. They would fain see you, as ye may not doubt, and they do beg

my lady that she come with you, when the winter hath taken an end. They

would see you before the next Midsummer's Day."

Quoth the stalwart Siegfried: "That might hardly hap."

Then answered Gere from the Burgundian land: "Your mother Uta, Gernot,

and Giselher have charged you, that ye refuse them not. I hear daily

wail, that ye do live so far away. My Lady Brunhild and all her maids

be fain of the tidings, if that might be that they should see you

again; this would raise their spirits high." These tidings thought fair

Kriemhild good.

Gere was of their kin; the host bade him be seated and had wine poured

out for the guests; no longer did they tarry. Now Siegmund was come

to where he saw the messengers. The lord said to the Burgundians in

friendly wise: "Be welcome, Sir Knights, ye men of Gunther. Sith now

Siegfried, my son, hath won Kriemhild to wife, one should see you more

often here in this our land, if ye would show your kinship."

They answered that they would gladly come, when so he would. Of their

weariness they were cased with joyous pastime. Men bade the messengers

be seated and brought them food, of which Siegfried had them given

great store. They must needs stay there full nine days, till at last

the doughty knights made plaint, that they durst not ride again to their

land.

Meantime king Siegfried had sent to fetch his friends; he asked them

what they counseled, whether or no they should to the Rhine. "My kinsman

Gunther and his kin have sent to fetch me for a feasting. Now I would

go full gladly, but that his land doth lie too far away. They beg

Kriemhild, too, that she journey with me. Now advise, dear friends, in

what manner she shall ride thither. Though I must harry for them through

thirty lands, yet would Siegfried's arm fain serve them there."

Then spake his warriors: "And ye be minded to journey to the feasting,

we will advise what ye must do. Ye should ride to the Rhine with a

thousand knights, then can ye stand with worship there in Burgundy

land."

Up spake then Lord Siegmund of Netherland: "Will ye to the feasting, why

make ye it not known to me? If ye scorn it not, I will ride thither with

you and will take a hundred knights, wherewith to swell your band."

"And will ye ride with us, dear father mine," quoth brave Siegfried,

"glad shall I be of that. Within a twelfth night I will quit my lands."

All who craved it were given steeds and vesture, too.

Since now the noble king was minded for the journey, men bade the good

and speedy envoys ride again. He sent word to his wife's kindred on

the Rhine, that he would full fain be at their feasting. Siegfried and

Kriemhild, as the tale doth tell, gave the messengers such store of

gifts that their horses could not bear them to their native land. A

wealthy man was he. They drove their sturdy sumpters merrily along.

Siegfried and Siegmund arrayed their men. Eckewart, the margrave, that

very hour bade seek out ladies' robes, the best that were at hand or

might be found throughout all Siegfried's land. Men gan prepare the

saddles and the shields. To knights and ladies who should go hence with

him was given whatso they would, so that they wanted naught. He brought

to his kinsfolk many a lordly stranger.

The messengers pricked fast upon their homeward way. Now was Gere, the

knight, come to Burgundy and was greeted fair. Then they dismounted from

their steeds and from the nags in front of Gunther's hall. Young and old

did hie them, as people do, to ask the tidings. Quoth the good knight:

"When I tell them to the king, thou be at hand a hear."

With his fellowship he went to where he found King Gunther. For very joy

the king sprang from his seat. Fair Brunhild cried them mercy, that they

were come so quick. Gunther spake to the envoys: "How fareth Siegfried,

from whom so much of gladness hath happed to me?"

Brave Gere spake: "He blushed for joy, he and your sister; no truer

tidings did ever any man send to friends, than the Lord Siegfried and

his father, too, have sent to you."

Then to the margrave spake the noble queen: "Now tell me, cometh

Kriemhild to us? Hath the fair still kept the graces which she knew how

to use?"

"She cometh to you surely," quoth Gere, the knight.

Then Uta bade the messenger come quickly to her. By her question one

might note full well that she was fain to hear if Kriemhild still were

well. He told how he had found her and that she would shortly come. Nor

were the gifts concealed by them at court, which Siegfried gave them,

gold and vesture; these they brought for the vassals of the three kings

to see. For their passing great bounty men gave them thanks.

"He may lightly give great gifts," spake then Hagen; "he could not

squander all his wealth, and he should live for aye. His hand hath

closed upon the hoard of the Nibelungs. Ho, let him only come to the

Burgundian land!"

All the courtiers were glad that they should come. Early and late the

men of the three kings were busy. Many benches they gan raise for the

folk. The valiant Hunolt and the knight Sindolt had little rest. All

time they had to oversee the stewards and the butlers and raise many a

bench. Ortwin helped them, too, at this, and Gunther said them thanks.

Rumolt, the master cook, how well he ruled his underlings! Ho, how many

a broad kettle, pot, and pan they had! They made ready the vitaille for

those who were coming to the land.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Norway". The interpolated character of the Adventures XI

to XIII, which are not found in the earlier versions, is

shown by the confusion in the location of Siegfried's court.

The poet has forgotten that Xanten is his capital, and

locates it in Norway. No mention is made, however, of the

messengers crossing the sea; on the contrary, Kriemhild

speaks of their being sent down the Rhine.

ADVENTURE XIII. How They Journeyed To The Feasting.

Let us now take leave of all their bustling, and tell how Lady Kriemhild

and her maidens journeyed from the Nibelung land down toward the Rhine.

Never did sumpters bear so much lordly raiment. They made ready for

the way full many traveling chests. Then Siegfried, the knight, and the

queen as well, rode forth with their friends to where they had hope of

joys. Later it sped them all to their great harm. They left Siegfried's

little child, Kriemhild's son, at home. That must needs be. Great grief

befell him through their journey to the court. The bairn never saw his

father and his mother more. With them, too, there rode Lord Siegmund.

Had he known aright how he would fare at the feasting, no whit of it

would he have seen. No greater woe might ever hap to him in loving

friends.

Messengers were sent ahead, who told the tale. Then with a stately band

there rode to meet them many of Uta's kith and Gunther's liegemen. The

host gan bestir him for his guests. He went to where Brunhild sate and

asked: "How did my sister greet you when ye came to our land? In like

manner must ye greet Siegfried's wife."

"That will I gladly," quoth she, "for I have good cause to be her

friend."

The mighty king spake further: "They come to us early on the morrow; if

ye would greet them, set quickly to work, that we abide them not within

the castle. At no time have such welcome guests ever come to see me."

At once she bade her maids and ladies hunt out goodly raiment, the best

they had, the which her train should wear before the guests. One may

lightly say, they did this gladly. Gunther's men hasted also for to

serve them, and around him the host did gather all his knights. Then

the queen rode forth in princely wise and mickle greeting of the welcome

guests was done. With what great joy did they receive them! It thought

them as though Lady Kriemhild had not greeted Lady Brunhild so fair in

the Burgundian land. Those who had never seen her became acquaint with

lofty mood.

Now was Siegfried come with his liegemen. One saw the heroes wending

to and fro upon the plain in unwieldy bands. None might guard him there

against the jostling and the dust.

When that the ruler of the land spied Siegfried and Siegmund, how

lovingly he spake: "Now be ye full welcome to me and all my friends; we

shall be of good cheer because of this your journey to our court."

"Now God requite you," quoth Siegmund, the honor-seeking man; "sith my

son Siegfried won you to kinsman, my heart hath urged that I should go

to see you."

At this spake Gunther: "Now hath joy happed to me thereby."

Siegfried was received with much great worship as beseemed him; none

bare him hatred there. Giselher and Gernot helped thereby with great

courtesie. I ween, never have guests been greeted in such goodly wise.

Then the wives of the two kings drew near each other. Emptied were many

saddles, as fair ladies were lifted down by knightly hands upon the

sward. How busy were those who gladly served the dames! The lovely women

now drew near each other, and many a knight was blithe, that such fair

greeting passed between the twain. Then one saw great press of warriors

standing by the high-born maids. The lordly meiny (1) grasped each

other by the hand. Much courteous bowing was seen and loving kisses from

fair-fashioned dames. This liked well Gunther's and Siegfried's liegemen

for to see. They bided now no longer, but rode to town. The host

bade show his guests full well that all were fain to see them in the

Burgundian land. Many a royal joust took place before the high-born

maids. Hagen of Troneg and Ortwin, too, proved full well their prowess.

One durst not leave undone whatso they would command. Much service was

rendered by them to the welcome guests. Many shields were heard resound

from thrusts and blows before the castle gate. The host and his guests

tarried long time without, or ever they came within. Forsooth the hours

passed quickly for them with their sports. Merrily they rode before the

royal palace. Many cunning housings (2) of good cloth and well cut

were seen hanging on either side from the saddles of the fair-fashioned

dames.

Then came Gunther's liegemen. Men bade lead the strangers quickly to

their easement. At times one saw Brunhild glance at Lady Kriemhild, who

was passing fair enow. Her color against the gold gave back the gleam

in lovely wise. On every side in Worms one heard the courtiers shout.

Gunther bade Dankwart, his marshal, have them in his care, who then

gan lodge the retinue in goodly wise. One let them eat within and eke

without. Never were stranger guests better cared for. Men gave them

gladly all they craved; so rich was the king, that not a wish was there

denied. Men served them in friendly wise without all hate. The host now

took his seat at table with his guests. One bade Siegfried be seated

where he sate afore. Then many a stately man went with him to the seats.

Twelve hundred warriors in sooth did sit at his round table. Brunhild

thought her that a vassal could not be mightier than he; yet she was

still so friendly to him that she did not wish his death.

On an evening when the king was seated at the board, many costly robes

were wet with wine, as the butlers hied them to the tables. Full service

was given there with mickle zeal. As hath long been the wont at feasts,

men bade the ladies and the maids be given fair lodgment. From wherever

they were come, the host bare them right good will. One gave them all

enow with goodly honors.

When the night had an end and the day appeared, many a precious stone

from the sumpter chests sparkled on goodly weeds, as they were touched

by woman's hand. Many a lordly robe was taken forth. Or ever the day had

fully dawned, many knights and squires came out before the hall. Then

rose a merry rout before the early mass, which was sung for the king.

There young heroes rode so well that the king did cry them mercy. Many

a trumpet rang out passing loud, and the noise of drums and flutes did

grow so great that the broad town of Worms reechoed with the sound. The

high-mettled heroes horsed them everywhere. Then there rose in the land

high knightly play from many a doughty champion; one saw a great rout

of them whose youthful hearts beat high, and many a dapper knight and a

good stood armed with shield. At the easements sate the high-born dames

and many comely maids, decked out in brave attire. They watched the

pastimes of the many valiant men. The host himself gan tilt there with

his friends. Thus they passed the time, the which seemed aught but long.

Then from the dome was heard the sound of many bells. The palfreys came,

the ladies rode away; but many a bold man followed the noble queens.

They alighted on the green before the minster; Brunhild was still

friendly to her guests. Wearing crowns, they entered the spacious

church. Later their love was parted, which caused great hate. When they

had heard the mass, they rode away again with many honors and were soon

seen going merrily to table. Their pleasure at the feasting did not flag

until the eleventh day.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Meiny" (M.E. "meiny", O.F. "mesnee"), 'courtiers', 'serving

folk'.

(2) "Housings", 'saddle cloths'.

ADVENTURE XIV. How The Queens Reviled Each Other.

On a day before the vesper tide a great turmoil arose, which many

knights made in the court, where they plied their knightly sports for

pastime's sake, and a great throng of men and women hasted there to

gaze. The royal queens had sat them down together and talked of two

worshipful knights.

Then spake the fair Kriemhild: "I have a husband who by right should

rule over all these kingdoms."

Quoth Lady Brunhild: "How might that be? If none other lived but he

and thou, then might these kingdoms own his sway, but the while Gunther

liveth, this may never hap."

Kriemhild replied: "Now dost thou see, how he standeth, how right

royally he walketh before the knights, as the moon doth before the

stars? Therefore must I needs be merry of mood."

Said Lady Brunhild: "However stately be thy husband, howso worthy and

fair, yet must thou grant the palm to Knight Gunther, the noble brother

of thine. Know of a truth, he must be placed above all kings."

Then Kriemhild spake again: "So doughty is my husband, that I have not

lauded him without good cause. His worship is great in many things. Dost

thou believe it, Brunhild, he is easily Gunther's peer."

"Forsooth thou must not take it amiss of me, Kriemhild, for I have not

spoken thus without good reason. I heard them both aver, when I saw them

first of all, and the king was victor against me in the games, and when

he won my love in such knightly wise, that he was liegeman to the king,

and Siegfried himself declared the same. I hold him therefore as my

vassal, sith I heard him speak thus himself."

Then spake fair Kriemhild: "Ill had I then sped. How could my noble

brothers have so wrought, that I should be a mere vassal's bride?

Therefore I do beseech thee, Brunhild, in friendly wise, that for my

sake thou kindly leave off this speech."

"I'll not leave it off," quoth the king's wife. "Why should I give up so

many a knight, who with the warrior doth owe us service?"

Kriemhild, the passing fair, waxed wroth out of wit. "Thou must forego

that ho ever do you a vassal's service; he is worthier than my brother

Gunther, the full noble man. Thou must retract what I have heard thee

say. Certes, it wondereth me, sith he be thy vassal and thou hast so

much power over us twain, why he hath rendered thee no tribute so long a

time. By right I should be spared thy overweening pride."

"Thou bedrest thee too high," spake the king's wife. "I would fain see

whether men will hold thee in such high honor as they do me."

The ladies both grew wonderly wroth of mood. Then spake the Lady

Kriemhild: "This must now hap. Sith thou hast declared my husband for

thy liegeman, now must the men of the two kings perceive to-day whether

I durst walk before the queen to church. Thou must see to-day that I am

noble and free and that my husband is worthier than thine; nor will I

myself be taxed therewith. Thou shalt mark to-day how thy liegewoman

goeth to court before the knights of the Burgundian land. I myself

shall be more worshipful than any queen was known to be, who ever wore a

crown." Great hate enow rose then betwixt the ladies.

Then Brunhild answered: "Wilt thou not be a liegewoman of mine, so

must thou sunder thee with thy ladies from my train when that we go to

church."

To this Kriemhild replied: "In faith that shall be done."

"Now array you, my maids," spake Siegfried's wife. "I must be here

without reproach. Let this be seen to-day, and ye do have rich weeds.

Brunhild shall fain deny what she hath here averted."

They needed not much bidding, but sought rich robes and many a dame and

maid attired her well. Then the wife of the noble king went forth with

her train. Fair Kriemhild, too, was well arrayed and three and forty

maidens with her, whom she had brought hither to the Rhine. They wore

bright vesture wrought in Araby, and thus the fair-fashioned maids

betook them to the minster. All Siegfried's men awaited them before the

house. The folk had marvel whence it chanced that the queens were seen

thus sundered, so that they did not walk together as afore. From this

did many a warrior later suffer dire distress. Here before the minster

stood Gunther's wife, while many a good knight had pastime with the

comely dames whom they there espied.

Then came the Lady Kriemhild with a large and noble train. Whatever kind

of clothes the daughters of noble knights have ever worn, these were but

the wind against her retinue. She was so rich in goods, that what the

wives of thirty kings could not purvey, that Kriemhild did. An' one

would wish to, yet he could not aver that men had ever seen such costly

dresses as at this time her fair-fashioned maidens wore. Kriemhild

had not done it, save to anger Brunhild. They met before the spacious

minster. Through her great hate the mistress of the house in evil wise

bade Kriemhild stand: "Forsooth no vassaless should ever walk before the

queen."

Then spake fair Kriemhild (angry was her mood): "Couldst thou have held

thy peace, 'twere well for thee. Thou hast disgraced thee and the fair

body of thine. How might a vassal's leman (1) ever be the wife of any

king?"

"Whom callest thou here leman?" spake the queen.

"That call I thee," quoth Kriemhild. "Thy fair person was first caressed

by Siegfried, my dear husband. Certes, it was not my brother who won thy

maidhood. Whither could thy wits have wandered? It was an evil trick.

Wherefore didst thou let him love thee, sith he be thy vassal? I hear

thee make plaint without good cause," quoth Kriemhild.

"I' faith," spake then Brunhild, "Gunther shall hear of this."

"What is that to me?" said Kriemhild. "Thy pride hath bewrayed thee.

With words thou hast claimed me for thy service. Know, by my troth, it

will ever grieve me, for I shall be no more thy faithful friend."

Then Brunhild wept. Kriemhild delayed no longer, but entered the minster

with her train before the queen. Thus there rose great hatred, from

which bright eyes grew dim and moist.

Whatso men did or sang to God's service there, the time seemed far

too long for Brunhild, for she was sad of heart and mood. Many a brave

knight and a good must later rue this day. Brunhild with her ladies now

went forth and stopped before the minster. Her-thought: "Kriemhild must

tell me more of what this word-shrewd woman hath so loudly charged me.

Hath Siegfried made boast of this, 'twill cost his life."

Now the noble Kriemhild came with many a valiant liegeman. Lady Brunhild

spake: "Stand still a while. Ye have declared me for a leman, that must

ye let be seen. Know, that through thy speech, I have fared full ill."

Then spake the Lady Kriemhild: "Ye should have let me pass. I'll prove

it by the ring of gold I have upon my hand, and which my lover brought

me when he first lay at your side."

Brunhild had never seen so ill a day. She spake: "This costly hoop of

gold was stolen from me, and hath been hid full long a time from me in

evil wise. I'll find out yet who hath ta'en it from me."

Both ladies now had fallen into grievous wrath.

Kriemhild replied: "I'll not be called a thief. Thou hadst done better

to have held thy peace, an' thou hold thine honor dear. I'll prove it

by the girdle which I wear about my waist, that I lie not. Certes, my

Siegfried became thy lord."

She wore the cord of silk of Nineveh, set with precious stones; in sooth

'twas fair enow. When Brunhild spied it, she began to weep. Gunther and

all the Burgundian men must needs now learn of this.

Then spake the queen: "Bid the prince of the Rhineland come hither. I

will let him hear how his sister hath mocked me. She saith here openly

that I be Siegfried's wife."

The king came with knights, and when he saw his love a-weeping, how

gently he spake: "Pray tell me, dear lady, who hath done you aught?"

She answered to the king: "I must stand unhappy; thy sister would fain

part me from all mine honors. I make here plaint to thee she doth aver

that Siegfried, her husband hath had me as his leman."

Quoth King Gunther: "Then hath she done ill."

"She weareth here my girdle, which I have lost, and my ring of ruddy

gold. It doth repent me sore that I was ever born, unless be thou

clearest me of this passing great shame, for that I'll serve thee ever."

King Gunther spake: "Have him come hither. He must let us hear if

he hath made boast of this, or he must make denial, the hero of

Netherland." One bade fetch at once Kriemhild's love.

When Siegfried saw the angry dames (he wist not of the tale), how

quickly then he spake: "I fain would know why these ladies weep, or for

what cause the king hath had me fetched."

Then King Gunther spake: "It doth rue me sore, forsooth. My Lady

Brunhild hath told me here a tale, that thou hast boasted thou wast the

first to clasp her lovely body in thine arms; this Lady Kriemhild, thy

wife, doth say."

Then spake Lord Siegfried: "And she hath told this tale, she shall rue

it sore, or ever I turn back, and I'll clear me with solemn oaths in

front of all thy men, that I have not told her this."

Quoth the king of the Rhineland: "Let that be seen. The oath thou dost

offer, and let it now be given, shall free thee of all false charges."

They bade the proud Burgundians form a ring. Siegfried, the bold,

stretched out his hand for the oath; then spake the mighty king: "Thy

great innocence is so well known to me, that I will free thee of that

of which my sister doth accuse thee and say, thou hast never done this

thing."

Siegfried replied: "If it boot my lady aught to have thus saddened

Brunhild, that will surely cause me boundless grief."

Then the lusty knights and good gazed one upon the other. "One should

so train women," spake again Siegfried, the knight, "that they leave

haughty words unsaid. Forbid it to thy wife, and I'll do the same to

mine. In truth, I do shame me of her great discourtesie."

Many fair ladies were parted by the speech. Brunhild mourned so sore,

that it moved King Gunther's men to pity. Then came Hagen of Troneg to

his sovran lady. He found her weeping, and asked what grief she had.

She told him then the tale. On the spot he vowed that Kriemhild's lord

should rue it sore, or he would nevermore be glad. Ortwin and Gernot

joined their parley and these heroes counseled Siegfried's death.

Giselher, the son of the noble Uta, came hither too. When he heard the

talk, he spake full true: "Ye trusty knights, wherefore do ye this?

Siegfried hath not merited forsooth such hate, that he should therefore

lose his life. Certes, women oft grow angry over little things."

"Shall we then raise cuckolds?" answered Hagen; "such good knights would

gain from that but little honor. Because he hath boasted of my liege

lady, I will rather die, an' it cost him not his life."

Then spake the king himself: "He hath shown us naught but love and

honor, so let him live. What booteth it, if I now should hate the

knight? He was ever faithful to us and that right willingly."

Knight Ortwin of Metz then spake: "His great prowess shall not in sooth

avail him aught. If my lord permit, I'll do him every evil."

So without cause the heroes had declared a feud against him. In this

none followed, save that Hagen counselled all time Knight Gunther the

that if Siegfried no longer lived, then many kingly lands would own his

sway. At this the king grew sad, so they let it rest.

Jousting was seen once more. Ho, what stout shafts they splintered

before the minster in the presence of Siegfried's wife, even down to the

hall! Enow of Gunther's men were now in wrath. The king spake: "Let be

this murderous rage, he is born to our honor and to our joy. Then, too,

the wonderly bold man is so fierce of strength, that none durst match

him, if he marked it."

"No, not he," spake Hagen then, "Ye may well keep still; I trow to bring

it to pass in secret, that he rue Brunhild's tears. Certes, Hagen hath

broken with him for all time."

Then spake King Gunther: "How might that chance?"

To this Hagen made answer: "I'll let you hear. We'll bid messengers,

that be not known to any here, ride into our land, to declare war upon

us openly. Then do ye say before your guests that ye and your men will

take the field. When that is done, he will vow to serve you then and

from this he shall lose his life, an' I learn the tale from the bold

knight's wife."

The king followed his liegeman Hagen in evil wise. These chosen knights

gan plan great faithlessness, or ever any one was ware. From two women's

quarreling full many a hero lost his life.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Leman" (M.E. "lemman", O.E. "leof mann", 'lief man', i.e.,

'dear one'), 'mistress' in a bad sense.

ADVENTURE XV. How Siegfried Was Betrayed.

Upon the fourth morning two and thirty men were seen to ride to court

and the tale was brought to mighty Gunther that war had been declared.

The very direst woes befell fair women from a lie. They gained leave

to come before the king and say that they were Liudeger's men, whom

Siegfried's hand had conquered afore and had brought as hostages to

Gunther's land. He greeted then the messengers and bade them go and seat

them. One among them spake: "My lord, pray let us stand till we have

told the message we do bear you. This know, ye have of a truth many

a mother's son as foe. Liudegast and Liudeger, whom ye one time gave

grievous sores, declare a feud against you and are minded to ride with

an army to this land." The king waxed wroth when he heard This tale.

Men bade lead the perjurers to their lodgings. How might Siegfried, or

any else against whom they plotted, ware himself against their wiles?

This later brought great sorrow to them all. The king walked whispering

with his friends; Hagen of Troneg never let him rest. Enow of the king's

liegemen would fain have parted the strife, but Hagen would not give

up his plan. On a day Siegfried found them whispering. The hero of

Netherland gan ask: "How go the king and his men so sadly? I'll help

avenge it, hath any done you aught."

Then spake King Gunther: "I am rightly sad. Liudegast and Liudeger have

challenged me to war; they are minded to ride openly into my land."

At this the bold knight said: "Siegfried's hand shall hinder that with

zeal, as beseemeth all your honors. I'll do yet to these knights as I

did before; I'll lay waste their lands, or ever I turn again. Be my head

your pledge of this. Ye and your warriors shall stay at home and let me

ride to meet them with those I have. I'll let you see how fain I serve

you. This know, through me it shall go evil with your foes."

"Well is me of these tidings," spake then the king, as though he were

glad in earnest of this aid. With guile the faithless man bowed low.

Quoth Lord Siegfried: "Ye shall have small care."

Then they made ready for the journey hence with the men-at-arms. This

was done for Siegfried and his men to see. He, too, bade those of

Netherland get them ready. Siegfried's warriors sought out warlike

weeds. Then the stalwart Siegfried spake: "My father Siegmund, ye must

stay here. We shall return in short space hither to the Rhine, and God

give us luck. Ye must here make merry with the king."

They tied fast their banners, as though they would away, and there were

enow of Gunther's men who wist not wherefore this was done. Great rout

of men was seen at Siegfried's side. They bound their helmets and their

breastplates upon the steeds, and many a stout knight made ready to

quit the land. Then Hagen of Troneg went to find Kriemhild and asked for

leave; sith they would void the land.

"Now well is me," spake Kriemhild, "that I have won a husband who dare

protect so well my loving kinsfolk, as my Lord Siegfried doth here.

Therefore," spake the queen, "will I be glad of heart. Dear friend

Hagen, think on that, that I do serve you gladly and never yet did bear

you hate. Requite this now to me in my dear husband. Let him not suffer,

if I have done to Brunhild aught. I since have rued it," spake the noble

wife. "Moreover, he since hath beaten me black and blue; the brave hero

and a good hath well avenged that ever I spake what grieved her heart."

"Ye'll be friends once more after some days. Kriemhild, dear lady, pray

tell me how I may serve you in your husband Siegfried. Liefer will I do

this for you than for any else."

"I should be without all fear," quoth the noble dame, "that any one

would take his life in the fray, if he would not follow his overweening

mood; then the bold knight and a good were safe."

"Lady," spake then Hagen, "an' ye do think that men might wound him,

pray let me know with what manner of arts I can prevent this. On foot,

on horse, will I ever be his guard."

She spake: "Thou art my kinsman and I am thine. I'll commend to thee

trustingly the dear lover of mine, that thou mayst guard him well,

mine own dear husband." She made him acquaint with tales which had been

better left unsaid. She spake: "My husband is brave and strong enow.

When he slew the dragon on the hill, the lusty warrior bathed him of

a truth in the blood, so that since then no weapon ever cut him in

the fray. Yet am I in fear, whenever he standeth in the fight and many

javelins are cast by heroes' hands, that I may lose this dear husband of

mine. Alas, how oft I suffer sore for Siegfried's sake! Dear kinsman, in

the hope that thou wilt hold thy troth with me, I'll tell thee where

men may wound the dear lord of mine. I let thee hear this, 'tis done in

faith. When the hot blood gushed from the dragon's wounds and the bold

hero and a good bathed him therein, a broad linden leaf did fall betwixt

his shoulder blades. Therefore am I sore afraid that men may cut him

there."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Sew a small mark upon his coat, whereby I

may know where I must guard him, when we stand in battle."

She weened to save her knight, but 'twas done unto his death. She spake:

"With fine silk I'll sew a secret cross upon his vesture. There, knight,

thy hand must guard my husband, when the strife is on and he standeth in

the battle before his foes."

"That will I well, dear my lady," Hagen then replied.

The lady weened that it would boot him aught, but Kriemhild's husband

was thereby betrayed. Hagen then took leave; merrily he hied him hence.

The king's liegeman was blithe of mood. I ween that nevermore will

warrior give such false counsel, as was done by him when Kriemhild

trusted in his troth.

Next morning Siegfried with a thousand of his men rode merrily forth. He

weened he should avenge the grievance of his kinsmen. Hagen rode so

near him that he could eye his clothes. When he saw the sign, he sent

in secret twain of his men, who should tell another tale: that Gunther's

land should still have peace and that Liudeger had sent them to the

king. How loth Siegfried now rode home again, or ever he had avenged his

kinsmen's wrongs! Gunther's men could hardly turn him back. He rode then

to the king; the host gan thank him. "Now God requite you of your will,

friend Siegfried, that ye do so willingly what I bid you. For this

I'll ever serve you, as I rightly should. I trust you more than all my

friends. Now that we be rid of this foray, I am minded to ride a-hunting

for bears and boars to the Vosges forest, as I have done oft-time." That

Hagen, the faithless knight, had counseled. "Let it be told to all my

guests, that we ride betimes. Those that would hunt with me must make

them ready. If any choose to stay at home to court the ladies, that

liketh me as well."

Then spake Sir Siegfried in lordly wise: "And ye would a-hunting, I'd

fain go with you. Pray lend me a huntsman and some brach, (1) and I will

ride to the pines."

"Will ye have but one?" spake the king anon. "I'll lend you, an' ye

will, four men to whom both wood and paths be known where the game is

wont to go, and who will not let you miss the camp."

Then rode the full lusty warrior to his wife, whilst Hagen quickly told

the king how he thought to trap the doughty knight. A man should never

use such faithlessness.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Brach", 'hunting dog', cognate with M.H.G. "bracke", used

here.

ADVENTURE XVI. How Siegfried Was Slain.

Gunther and Hagen, the passing bold knights, faithlessly let cry

a-hunting in the woods, that with sharp spears they would hunt boars

and bears and bison. What might be braver? With them rode Siegfried

in lordly guise; many kinds of victual did they take along. At a cool

spring he later lost his life, the which Brunhild, King Gunther's wife,

had counseled. The bold knight then went to where he found Kriemhild.

His costly hunting garb and those of his fellowship were already bound

upon the sumpters, for they would cross the Rhine. Never could Kriemhild

have been more sorrowful. He kissed his love upon her mouth. "God let

me see thee, lady, still in health and grant that thine eyes may see me

too. Thou shalt have pastime with thy loving kinsmen. I may not stay at

home."

Then she thought of the tale she had told to Hagen, though she durst not

say a whit. The noble queen began to rue that she was ever born. Lord

Siegfried's wife wept out of measure. She spake to the knight: "Let be

your hunting. I had an evil dream last night, how two wild boars did

chase you across the heath; then flowers grew red. I have in truth great

cause to weep so sore. I be much adread of sundry plans and whether we

have not misserved some who might bear us hostile hate. Tarry here, dear

my lord, that I counsel by my troth."

He spake: "Dear love, I'll come back in a few short days. I wot not here

of people who bear me aught of hate. Each and all of thy kinsmen be my

friends, nor have I deserved it other of the knights."

"No, no, Sir Siegfried, in truth I fear thy fall. I had last night an

evil dream, how two mountains fell upon thee. I saw thee nevermore. It

doth cut me to the heart, that thou wilt part from me."

In his arms he clasped his courteous wife and kissed her tenderly. Then

in a short space he took his leave and parted hence. Alas, she never saw

him in health again.

Then they rode from thence into a deep wood for pastime's sake. Many

bold knights did follow Gunther and his men, but Gernot and Giselher

stayed at home. Many laden sumpters were sent before them across the

Rhine, the which bare for the hunting fellowship bread and wine, meat

and fish, and great store of other things, which so mighty a king might

rightly have. They bade the proud huntsmen and bold halt before a green

wood over against the courses of the game, upon a passing broad glade

where they should hunt. The king was told that Siegfried, too, was come.

The hunting fellowship now took their stand on every side. Then the

bold knight, the sturdy Siegfried, asked: "Ye heroes bold and brave, who

shall lead us to the game within the wood?"

"Let us part," spake Hagen, "ere we begin the chase. Thereby my lords

and I may know who be the best hunter on this woodland journey. Let us

divide the folk and hounds and let each turn whithersoever he list. He

who doth hunt the best shall have our thanks." Short time the huntsmen

bided by another after that.

Then spake Lord Siegfried: "I need no dogs save one brach that hath

been trained that he can tell the track of the beasts through the pine

woods." Quoth Kriemhild's husband: "We'll find the game."

Then an old huntsman took a good sleuth-hound and in a short space

brought the lord to where many beasts were found. Whatso rose from its

lair the comrades hunted as good hunters still are wont to do. Whatever

the brach started, bold Siegfried, the hero of Netherland, slew with his

hand. His horse did run so hard that none escaped him. In the chase he

gained the prize above them all. Doughty enow he was in all things. The

beast which he slew with his hands was the first, a mighty boar; after

which he found full soon a monstrous lion. (1) When the brach started

this from its lair, he shot it with his bow, in which he had placed a

full sharp arrow. After the shot the lion ran the space of but three

bounds. The hunting fellowship gave Siegfried thanks. Thereafter he

speedily slew a bison and an elk, four strong ure-oxen, (2) and a savage

shelk. (3) His horse bare him so swiftly that naught escaped him, nor

could hart or hind avoid him. Then the sleuth-hound found a mighty boar;

when he began to flee, at once there came the master of the hunt and

encountered him upon his path. Wrathfully the boar did run against the

valiant hero, but Kriemhild's husband slew him with his sword. Another

huntsman might not have done this deed so lightly. When he had felled

him, they leashed the sleuth-hound; his rich booty was soon well known

to the Burgundian men.

Then spake his huntsman: "Sir Siegfried, if might so be, let us leave a

deal of the beasts alive. Ye'll empty both our hill and woods to-day."

At this the brave knight and a bold gan smile. Then the calls of men and

the baying of hounds were heard on every side; so great was the noise

that both hill and pine woods echoed with the sound. The huntsmen had

let loose full four and twenty packs. Then passing many beasts must

needs lose their lives. Each man weened to bring it to pass that men

should give him the prize of the hunt; that might not be, for the

stalwart Siegfried was already standing by the fire. The chase was over,

and yet not quite. Those who would to the camp-fire brought with them

thither hides of many beasts and game in plenty. Ho, how much the king's

meiny bare then to the kitchen!

Then bade the king announce to the huntsman that he would dismount. A

horn was blown full loud just once, that all might know that one might

find the noble prince in camp. Spake then one of Siegfried's huntsmen:

"My lord, I heard by the blast of a horn that we must now hie us to the

quarters; I'll now give answer."

Thus by many blasts of horns they asked about the hunters. Then spake

Sir Siegfried: "Now let us leave the pine wood!" His steed bare him

smoothly and with him they hasted hence. With their rout they started

up a savage beast; a wild bear it was. Quoth then the knight to those

behind: "I'll give our fellowship a little pastime. Let loose the brach.

Forsooth I spy a bear which shall journey with us to the camp. Flee he

never so fast, he shall not escape us."

The brach was loosed, the bear sprang hence; Kriemhild's husband would

fain overtake him. He reached a thicket, where none could follow. The

mighty beast weened now to escape from the hunter with his life, but the

proud knight and a good leaped from his steed and began to chase him.

The bear was helpless and could not flee away. At once the hero caught

it and bound it quickly with not a wound, so that it might neither

scratch nor bite the men. The doughty knight then tied it to his saddle

and horsed him quickly. Through his overweening mood the bold warrior

and a good brought it to the camp-fire as a pastime. In what lordly wise

he rode to the quarters! Mickle was his boar-spear, strong and broad. A

dainty sword hung downward to his spurs. The lord bare also a fair horn

of ruddy gold. Never heard I tale of better hunting weeds. One saw him

wear a coat of black and silky cloth and a hat of sable: rich enow it

was. Ho, what costly bands he wore upon his quiver! A panther's skin was

drawn over it for its sweet fragrance' (4) sake. He bare a bow, which

any but the hero must needs draw back with a windlass, and he would bend

it. His vesture was befurred with otter skin (5) from head to toe. From

the bright fur shone out on both sides of the bold master of the hunt

many a bar of gold. Balmung (6) he also bare, a good broad sword, that

was so sharp that it never failed when 'twas wielded 'gainst a helmet;

its edge was good. In high spirits was the lordly huntsman. Sith I must

tell you all the tale, his costly quiver was full of goodly darts, the

heads a full hand's breadth, on golden shafts. What he pierced therewith

must needs die soon.

Thus the noble knight rode hence in hunter's garb. Gunther's men espied

him coming and ran out to meet him and took his horse in charge. On his

saddle he carried a large bear and a strong. When he had dismounted, he

loosed the bonds from feet and snout. Those of the pack bayed loudly,

that spied the bear. The beast would to the woods; the serving folk had

fear. Dazed by the din, the bear made for the kitchen. Ho, how he

drove the scullions from the fire! Many a kettle was upset and many a

firebrand scattered. Ho, what good victual men found lying in the ashes!

Then the lordings and their liegemen sprang from their scats. The bear

grew furious and the king bade loose the pack that lay enleashed. Had

all sped well, they would have had a merry day. No longer the doughty

men delayed, but ran for the bear with bows and pikes. There was such

press of dogs that none might shoot, but from the people's shouts the

whole hill rang. The bear began to flee before the dogs; none could

follow him but Kriemhild's husband, who caught and slew him with his

sword. Then they bore the bear again to the fire. Those that saw it,

averred he was a mighty man.

Men bade now the proud hunting fellowship seat them at the tables. Upon

a fair mead there sate a goodly company. Ho, what rich viands they

bare there to the noble huntsmen! The butlers who should bring the wine

delayed; else might never heroes have been better served. Had they not

been so falsely minded, then had the knights been free of every blame.

Now the Lord Siegfried spake: "Me-wondereth, since men do give us such

great store from the kitchen, why the butlers bring us not the

wine. Unless men purvey the hunters better, I'll be no more your

hunting-fellow. I have well deserved that they regard me, too."

The king addressed him from his seat with guile: "We fain would do you

remedy of what we lack. It is Hagen's fault, who is willed to let us die

of thirst."

Then spake Hagen: "Dear my lord, I weened that the hunt should be in the

Spessart (7) wood, therefore sent I thither the wine. Though we may not

drink to-day, how well will I avoid this in the future!"

At this Lord Siegfried spake: "Small thanks ye'll get for that. One

should have brought me hither seven sumpter loads of mead and mulled

wine. (8) If that might not be, then men should have placed our benches

nearer to the Rhine."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "Ye noble knights and bold, I wot near by a

good cold spring. Let us go thither, that ye wax not wroth."

To the danger of many a knight was this counsel given. The pangs of

thirst now plagued the warrior Siegfried. He bade the tables be borne

away the sooner, for he would go to the spring in the mountains. With

false intent the counsel was then given by the knights. They bade the

game which Siegfried's hand had slain, be carried home on wains. Whoever

saw it gave him great laud. Hagen of Troneg now foully broke his troth

to Siegfried. When they would hence to the broad linden, he spake: "It

hath oft been told me, that none can keep pace with Kriemhild's husband

when he be minded for to race. Ho, if he would only let us see it here!"

Bold Siegfried from Netherland then answered: "Ye can well test that,

and ye will run a race with me to the spring. When that is done, we call

give the prize to him who winneth."

"So let us try it then," quoth Hagen, the knight.

Spake the sturdy Siegfried: "Then will I lay me down on the green sward

at your feet." (9)

How lief it was to Gunther, when he heard these words! Then the bold

knight spake again: "I'll tell you more. I'll take with me all my

trappings, my spear and shield and all my hunting garb." Around him he

quickly girded his quiver and his sword.

Then they drew the clothes from off their limbs; men saw them stand in

two white shifts. Like two wild panthers through the clover they ran,

but men spied bold Siegfried first at the spring. In all things he bare

away the prize from many a man. Quickly he ungirt his sword and laid

aside his quiver and leaned the stout spear against a linden bough.

The lordly stranger stood now by the flowing spring. Passing great was

Siegfried's courtesie. He laid down his shield where the spring gushed

forth, but the hero drank not, albeit he thirsted sore until the king

had drunk, who gave him evil thanks. Cool, clear, and good was the

spring. Gunther stooped down then to the flowing stream, and when he had

drunken straightened up again. Bold Siegfried would fain also have done

the same, but now he paid for his courtesie. Hagen bare quite away from

him both bow and sword and bounded then to where he found the spear;

then he looked for the mark on bold Siegfried's coat. As Lord Siegfried

drank above the spring, he pierced him through the cross, so that

his heart's blood spurted from the wounds almost on Hagen's clothes.

Nevermore will hero do so foul a deed. Hagen left the spear a-sticking

in his heart and fled more madly than he ever in the world had run from

any man.

When Lord Siegfried felt the mighty wound, up from the spring he started

in a rage. From betwixt his shoulder blades a long spear-shaft towered.

He weened to find his bow or his sword, and then had Hagen been repaid

as he deserved. But when the sorely wounded hero found no trace of his

sword, then had he naught else but his shield. This he snatched from the

spring and ran at Hagen; nor could King Gunther's man escape him. Albeit

he was wounded unto death, yet he smote so mightily that a plenty of

precious stones were shaken from the shield. The shield itself burst

quite apart. Fain would the lordly stranger have avenged him. Now was

Hagen fallen to the ground at his hands, and from the force of the blow

the glade rang loudly. Had he had a sword in hand, then had it been

Hagen's death, so sore enraged was the wounded man. Forsooth he had good

cause thereof. His hue grew pale, he could not stand; his strength of

body melted quite away, for in bright colors he bore the signs of death.

Thereafter he was bewailed by fair dames enow.

Kriemhild's husband fell now among the flowers. Fast from his wounds his

blood was seen to gush. He began to rail, as indeed he had great cause,

at those who had planned this treacherous death. The deadly wounded

spake: "Forsooth, ye evil cowards, what avail my services now that ye

have slain me? This is my reward that I was always faithful to you.

Alas, ye have acted ill against your kinsmen. Those of them who are born

in after days will be disgraced. Ye have avenged your wrath too sore

upon me. With shame shall ye be parted from all good warriors."

The knights all ran to where he lay slain. For enow of them it was a

hapless day. He was bewailed by those who had aught of loyalty, and

this the brave and lusty knight had well deserved. The king of the

Burgundians bemoaned his death. Quoth the deadly wounded: "There is no

need that he should weep who hath done the damage; he doth merit mickle

blame. It had been better left undone."

Then spake the fierce Hagen: "Forsooth I wot not what ye now bewail. All

our fear and all our woe have now an end. We shall find scant few who

dare withstand us now. Well is me, that to his rule I have put an end."

"Ye may lightly boast you," Siegfried then replied. "Had I wist your

murderous bent, I had well guarded my life against you. None doth rue

me so sore as Lady Kriemhild, my wife. Now may God have pity that I

ever had a son to whom the reproach will be made in after days, that his

kindred have slain a man with murderous intent. If I might," so spake

Siegfried, "I should rightly make complaint of this." Piteously the

deadly wounded spake again: "Noble king, if ye will keep your troth to

any in the world, then let my dear love be commended to your grace and

let it avail her that she be your sister. For the sake of your princely

courtesie protect her faithfully. My father and my men must wait long

time for me. Never was woman sorer wounded in a loving friend."

The flowers on every side were wet with blood. With death he struggled,

but not for long, sith the sword of death had cut him all too sorely.

Then the lusty warrior and a brave could speak no more.

When the lordings saw that the knight was dead, they laid him on a

shield of ruddy gold and took counsel how they might conceal that Hagen

had done the deed. Enow of them spake: "Ill hath it gone with us. Ye

must all hide it and aver alike that robbers slew Kriemhild's husband as

he rode alone a-hunting through the pine wood."

Then Hagen of Troneg spake: "I'll bring him home; I care not if it be

known to her, for she hath saddened Brunhild's heart. Little doth it

trouble me however much she weep."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Lion." It is hardly necessary to state that lions did not

roam at large in the forests of Germany. They were,

however, frequently exhibited in the Middle Ages, and the

poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a

hunter.

(2) "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically

extinct.

(3) "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant

deer.

(4) "Fragrance". It was believed that the odor of the panther

attracted the game. Compare the description of the panther

in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to

surpass that of all ointments.

(5) "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact

connotation is not known. Some interpret it to meau the

fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.

(6) "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.

(7) "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and

is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles

did not disturb the poet.

(8) "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.

(9) "Feet". This was probably done as a handicap. The time

consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite

a start.

ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.

Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes

hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good

warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale

of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the

Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He

bade place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when

she went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild

full seldom missed through sleep.

Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild,

the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her

vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw

him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord,

but with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this

Lady Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her

ladies for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet,

there doth lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."

Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it

was her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might

protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she renounced all pleasure

at his death. To the earth she sank, not a word she spake, and here they

found lying the hapless fair. Passing great grew Kriemhild's woe. After

her faint, she shrieked, that all the chamber rang. Then her meiny said:

"Perchance it is a stranger knight."

The blood gushed from her mouth, from dole of heart; she spake: "'Tis

Siegfried, mine own dear husband. Brunhild hath counseled this and Hagen

hath done the deed."

The lady bade them lead her to where the hero lay. With her white hand

she raised his head, and though it was red with blood, she knew him

soon. There lay the hero of the Nibelung land in piteous guise. The

gracious queen cried sadly: "Oh, woe is me of my sorrow! Thy shield is

not carved with swords, thou liest murdered here. Wist I who hath done

the deed, I'd ever plot his death."

All her maids made mourn and wailed with their dear lady, for they

grieved full sore for their noble lord whom they had lost. Hagen had

cruelly avenged the wrath of Brunhild.

Then spake the grief-stricken dame: "Go now and wake with haste all

Siegfried's men. Tell Siegmund also of my grief, mayhap he'll help me

bewail brave Siegfried."

A messenger ran quickly to where lay Siegfried's warriors from the

Nibelung land, and with his baleful tidings stole their joy. They could

scarce believe it, till they heard the weeping. Right soon the messenger

came to where the king did lie. Siegmund, the lord, was not asleep. I

trow his heart did tell him what had happed. Never again might he see

his dear son alive.

"Awake, Sir Siegmund; Kriemhild, my lady, bade me go to fetch you. A

wrong hath been done her that doth cut her to the heart, more than all

other ills. Ye must help her mourn, for much it doth concern you."

Siegmund sat up; he spake: "What are fair Kriemhild's ills, of which

thou tellest me?"

Weeping the messenger spake: "I cannot hide them from you; alas, bold

Siegfried of Netherland is slain."

Quoth Siegmund: "For my sake let be this jesting and such evil tales,

that thou shouldst tell any that he be dead, for I might never bewail

him fully before my death."

"If ye will believe naught of what ye hear me say, then you may hear

yourself Kriemhild and all her maids bewailing Siegfried's death."

Siegmund then was sore affrighted, as indeed he had great need. He and

a hundred of his men sprang from their beds and grasped with their hands

their long sharp swords. In sorrow they ran toward the sound of wail.

Then came a thousand men-at-arms, bold Siegfried's men. When they heard

the ladies wail so pitifully, some first grew ware that they should

dress them. Forsooth they lost their wits for very sorrow. Great

heaviness was buried in their hearts.

Then King Siegmund came to where he found Kriemhild. He spake: "Alas

for the journey hither to this land! Who hath so foully bereft me of my

child and you of your husband among such good friends?"

"Oh, if I knew him," spake the noble wife, "neither my heart nor soul

would ever wish him well. I would plan such ill against him that his kin

must ever weep because of me."

Around the prince Lord Siegmund threw his arms. So great grew the sorrow

of his kin, that the palace, the hall, and the town of Worms resounded

from the mighty wail and weeping. None might now comfort Siegfried's

wife. They stripped off the clothes from his fair body; they washed his

wounds and laid him on the bier. Woe were his people from their mighty

grief. Then spake his warriors from the Nibelung land: "Our hands be

ever ready to avenge him; he liveth in this castle who hath done the

deed."

All of Siegfried's men hasted then to arms. These chosen knights came

with their shields, eleven hundred men-at-arms, whom Lord Siegmund had

in his troop. He would fain avenge the death of his son, as indeed he

had great need. They wist not to whom they should address their strife,

unless it be to Gunther and his men, with whom Lord Siegfried had ridden

to the hunt.

Kriemhild saw them armed, which rued her sore. However great her grief

and how dire her need, yet she did so mightily fear the death of the

Nibelungs at the hands of her brothers' liegemen, that she tried to

hinder it. In kindly wise she warned them, as kinsmen do to loving kin.

The grief-stricken woman spake: "My Lord Siegmund, what will ye do? Ye

wot naught aright; forsooth King Gunther hath so many valiant men, ye

will all be lost, and ye would encounter these knights."

With their shields uncovered, the men stood eager for the fight. The

noble queen both begged and bade that the lusty knights avoid it. When

they would not give it over, sorely it grieved her. She spake: "Lord

Siegmund, ye must let it be until more fitting time, then I'll avenge my

husband with you. An' I receive proof who hath bereft me of him, I'll do

him scathe. There be too many haughty warriors by the Rhine, wherefore I

will not counsel you to fight. They have full well thirty men to each of

ours. Now God speed them, as they deserve of us. Stay ye here and bear

with me my dole. When it beginneth to dawn, help me, ye lusty knights,

to coffin the dear husband of mine."

Quoth the knights: "That shall be done."

None might tell you all the marvel of knights and ladies, how they were

heard to wail, so that even in the town men marked the sound of weeping.

The noble burghers hasted hither. With the guests they wept, for they,

too, were sore aggrieved. None had told them of any guilt of Siegfried,

or for what cause the noble warrior lost his life. The wives of the

worthy burghers wept with the ladies of the court. Men bade smiths haste

to work a coffin of silver and of gold, mickle and strong, and make it

firm with strips of good hard steel. Sad of heart were all the folk.

The night was gone, men said the day was dawning. Then the noble lady

bade them bear Lord Siegfried, her loved husband, to the minster.

Whatever friends he had there were seen weeping as they went. Many bells

were ringing as they brought him to the church. On every side one heard

the chant of many priests. Then came King Gunther with his men and grim

Hagen also toward the sound of wail. He spake: "Alas for thy wrongs,

clear sister, that we may not be free from this great scathe. We must

ever lament for Siegfried's death."

"That ye do without cause," spake the sorrow-laden wife. "Were this loth

to you, it never would have happed. I may well aver, ye thought not on

me, when I thus was parted from my dear husband. Would to God," quoth

Kriemhild, "that it had happed to me."

Firmly they made denial. Kriemhild gan speak: "Whoso declareth him

guiltless, let him show that now. He must walk to the bier before all

the folk; thereby one may know the truth eftsoon."

This is a great marvel, which oft doth hap; whenever the blood-stained

murderer is seen to stand by the dead, the latter's wounds do bleed, (1)

as indeed happed here, whereby one saw the guilt was Hagen's. The wounds

bled sore, as they had done at first. Much greater grew the weeping of

those who wailed afore.

Then spake King Gunther: "I'd have you know that robbers slew him; Hagen

did not do the deed."

"I know these robbers well," quoth she. "Now may God yet let his friends

avenge it. Certes, Gunther and Hagen, 'twas done by you."

Siegfried's knights were now bent on strife. Then Kriemhild spake again:

"Now share with me this grief."

Gernot, her brother, and young Giselher, these twain now came to where

they found him dead. They mourned him truly with the others; Kriemhild's

men wept inly. Now should mass be sung, so on every side, men, wives,

and children did hie them to the minster. Even those who might lightly

bear his loss, wept then for Siegfried. Gernot and Giselher spake:

"Sister mine, now comfort thee after this death, as needs must be. We'll

try to make it up to thee, the while we live."

Yet none in the world might give her comfort. His coffin was ready well

towards midday. From the bier whereon he lay they raised him. The

lady would not have that he be buried, so that all the folk had mickle

trouble. In a rich cloth of silk they wound the dead. I ween, men found

none there that did not weep. Uta, the noble dame, and all her meiny

mourned bitterly the stately man. When it was noised abroad that men

sang in the minster and had encoffined him, then rose a great press of

folk. What offerings they made for his soul's sake! He had good friends

enow among these foes. Poor Kriemhild spake to her chamberlains: "Ye

must now be put to trouble for my sake, ye who wished him well and be my

friends. For Siegfried's soul shall ye deal out his gold."

No child, however small, that had its wits, but must go to service, or

ever he was buried. Better than a hundred masses were sung that day.

Great throng was there of Siegfried's friends.

When that mass was sung, the folk went hence. Then Lady Kriemhild spake:

"Pray let me not hold vigil over the chosen knight this night alone.

With him all my joys have come to fall. I will let him lie in state

three days and nights, until I sate me with my dear lord. What if God

doth bid that death should take me too. Then had ended well the grief of

me, poor Kriemhild."

The people of the town returned now to their lodgings. She begged the

priests and monks and all his retinue, that served the knight, to stay.

They spent full evil nights and toilsome days; many a man remained

without all food and drink. For those who would partake, it was made

known that men would give them to the full. This Sir Siegmund purveyed.

Then were the Nibelungs made acquaint with mickle toil. During the three

days, as we hear tell, those who knew how to sing, were made to bear a

deal of work. What offerings men brought them! Those who were very poor,

grew rich enow. Whatever of poor men there were, the which had naught,

these were bid go to mass with gold from Siegfried's treasure chamber.

Since he might not live, many thousand marks of gold were given for his

soul. She dealt out well-tilled lands, wherever cloisters and pious folk

were found. Enow of gold and silver was given to the poor. By her deeds

she showed that she did love him fondly.

Upon the third morning at time of mass, the broad churchyard by the

minster was full of weeping country folk. They served him after death,

as one should do to loving kin. In the four days, as hath been told,

full thirty thousand marks or better still were given to the poor for

his soul's sake. Yet his great beauty and his life lay low. When God

had been served and the chants were ended, much people fought 'gainst

monstrous grief. Men bade bear him from the minster to the grave. Those

were seen to weep and wail who missed him most. With loud laments the

people followed hence; none was merry, neither wife nor man. They sang

and read a service before they buried him. Ho, what good priests were

present at his burial! Ere Siegfried's wife was come to the grave, her

faithful heart was rung with grief, so that they must needs oft sprinkle

her with water from the spring. Her pain was passing great; a mickle

wonder it was that she ever lived. Many a lady helped her in her plaint.

Then spake the queen: "Ye men of Siegfried, by your loyalty must ye

prove your love to me. Let me receive this little favor after all my

woe, that I may see once more his comely head."

She begged so long, with griefs strong will, that they must needs break

open the lordly casket. Then men brought the lady to where he lay. With

her white hand she raised his fair head and kissed the noble knight and

good, thus dead. Tears of blood her bright eyes wept from grief. Then

there happed a piteous parting. Men bare her hence, she could not walk,

and soon they found the high-born lady lying senseless. Fain would the

lovely fair have died of grief.

When they had now buried the noble lord, those who were come with him

from the Nibelung land were seen to suffer from unmeasured grief. Men

found Siegmund full seldom merry then. There were those that for three

days would neither eat nor drink for passing grief. Yet might they not

so waste away their bodies, but that they recovered from their sorrows,

as still happeneth oft enow.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Bleed". This was not only a popular superstition, but also

a legal practice in case of a murder when the criminal had

not been discovered, or if any one was suspected. The

suspected person was requested to approach the bier and

touch the body, in the belief that the blood would flow

afresh if the one touching the body were guilty. Our

passage is the first instance of its mention in German

literature. A similar one occurs in "Iwein", 1355-1364.

The usage was also known in France and England. See the

instances quoted by Jacob Grimm in his "Rechtsaltertumer",

930.

ADVENTURE XVIII. How Siegmund Journeyed Home Again.

Kriemhild's husband's father went to where he found her. Unto the queen

he spake: "We must unto our land; by the Rhine, I ween, we be unwelcome

guests. Kriemhild, dear lady, now journey with me to my lands. Albeit

treachery here in these lands hath bereft us of your noble husband, yet

should ye not requite this. I will be friendly to you for my dear son's

sake, of this shall ye have no doubt. Ye shall have, my lady, all the

power which Siegfried, the bold knight, gave you aforetime. The land and

also the crown shall be subject to you. All Siegfried's men shall serve

you gladly."

Then the squires were told that they must ride away. A mickle hurrying

for steeds was seen, for they were loth to stay with their deadly foes.

Men bade dames and maidens seek their robes. When that King Siegmund

would fain have ridden forth, Kriemhild's mother gan beg her that she

stay there with her kindred.

The royal lady answered: "That might hardly hap. How could I bear the

sight of him from whom such great wrong hath happed to me, poor wife?"

Then spake young Giselher: "Dear sister mine, by thy troth thou shouldst

stay here with thy mother. Thou dost need no service of them that have

grieved thee and saddened thy mood. Live from my goods alone."

To the warrior she spake: "Certes, it may not hap, for I should die of

dole whenever I should gaze on Hagen."

"I'll give thee rede for that, dear sister mine. Thou shalt live with

thy brother Giselher, and of a truth I'll comfort thee of thy husband's

death."

Then answered the hapless wife: "Of that hath Kriemhild need."

When the youth had made her such kindly offer, then gan Uta and Gernot

and her faithful kin entreat. They begged her to tarry there, for but

little kith she had among Siegfried's men.

"They be all strangers to you," spake Gernot; "none that liveth is so

strong but that he must come to die. Consider that, dear sister, and

console your mind. Stay with your kinsfolk; ye shall fare well in

truth."

Then she made vow to Giselher that she would stay. The steeds were

brought for Siegfried's men, sith they would ride to the Nibelung land.

Also all the trappings of the knights were packed upon the sumpters.

Then the Lord Siegmund hied him to Kriemhild's side. To the lady he

spake: "Siegfried's men are waiting by the steeds. Now must we ride

away, for I be ill content in Burgundy."

The Lady Kriemhild then replied: "All that I have of faithful kin advise

me that I stay here with them; I have no kith in the Nibelung land."

Loth it was to Siegmund, when that he found Kriemhild of this mind. He

spake: "Let no one tell you that. Before all my kinsmen ye shall wear

the crown with such sovran power as ye did aforetime. Ye shall not

suffer, because we have lost the knight. Ride also with us home again,

for the sake of your little child. Lady, ye should not leave him

orphaned. When your son groweth up, he will comfort your heart.

Meanwhile many bold heroes and good shall serve you."

"Sir Siegmund," quoth she, "forsooth I like not for to ride. Whatever

fortune, here must I tarry with my kindred, who help me mourn."

These tales gan now displease the doughty warriors. All spake alike: "We

might well aver that now first hath ill befallen us. If ye would

stay here with our foes, then have heroes never ridden to court more

sorrowfully."

"Ye shall journey free of care, commended unto God; ye shall be given

safe-conduct to Siegmund's land, I'll bid them guard you well. To the

care of you knights shall my dear child be given."

When they marked that she would not go hence, then wept all of

Siegmund's men alike. How right sorrowfully Siegmund parted then from

Lady Kriemhild! He became acquaint with grief. "Woe worth this courtly

feasting," spake the noble king. "Through pastime will nevermore hap to

king or to his kinsmen, what here hath happed to us. Men shall see us

nevermore in Burgundy."

Then Siegfried's men spake openly: "A journey to this land might still

take place, if we discovered aright him who slew our lord. Enow of his

kinsmen be their deadly foes."

He kissed Kriemhild; how sorrowfully he spake, when he perceived aright

that she would stay: "Now let us ride joyless home unto our land, now

first do I feel all my sorrow."

Down to the Rhine from Worms they rode without an escort. They were

surely of the mind that they, the bold Nibelungs, could well defend

them, should they be encountered in hostile wise. Leave they asked of

none, but Gernot and Giselher were seen to go to Siegmund in loving

wise. These brave and lusty knights convinced him that they mourned his

loss. Courteously Prince Gernot spake: "God in heaven knoweth well that

I be not to blame for Siegfried's death, nor heard I ever that any was

his foe. I mourn him justly."

Giselher, the youth, gave them then safe-conduct. Sorrowly he led them

from the land home to Netherland. How few kinsman were found joyous

then!

How they now fared at Worms I cannot tell. All time men heard Kriemhild

mourn, so that none might comfort her heart nor mind, save Giselher

alone; loyal he was and good. Brunhild, the fair, sate in overweening

pride. How Kriemhild wept, she recked not, nor did she ever show her

love or troth. Lady Kriemhild wrought her in after days the bitterest

woe of heart.

ADVENTURE XIX. How The Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms.

When the noble Kriemhild thus was widowed, the Margrave Eckewart with

his vassals stayed with her in the land, and served her alway. He also

often helped his mistress mourn his lord. At Worms, hard by the minster,

they built for her a dwelling, broad and passing large, costly and

great, where, with her maids, she since dwelt joyless. She liked for to

go to church and did this willingly. Where her love lay buried, thither

she went all time in mournful mood (how seldom she gave that over). She

prayed the good God to have mercy on her soul. With great fidelity she

bewept the knight full oft. Uta and her meiny comforted her all time,

but so sorely wounded was her heart, that it booted naught, whatever

comfort men did offer her. She had the greatest longing for her dear

love, that ever wife did have for loving husband. One might see thereby

her passing virtue; until her end she mourned, the while life lasted. In

after days brave Siegfried's wife avenged herself with might.

Thus she dwelt after her sorrow, after her husband's death, and this is

true, well three and one half years, that she spake no word to Gunther,

nor did she see her foeman Hagen in all this time.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "If ye could compass it to make your sister

friendly, then might come to these lands the gold of Nibelung. Of this

might ye win great store, an' the queen would be our friend."

The king made answer: "Let us try. My brothers bide with her; we will

beg them to bring it to pass that she be our friend, if perchance she

might gladly see us win the hoard."

"I trow not," spake Hagen, "that it will ever hap."

Then he bade Ortwin and the Margrave Gere go to court. When that was

done, Gernot and Giselher, the youth, were also brought. They tried

it with the Lady Kriemhild in friendly wise. Brave Gernot of Burgundy

spake: "Lady, ye mourn too long for Siegfried's death. The king will

give you proof that he hath not slain him. We hear you mourn all time so

greatly."

She spake: "None chargeth him with this. 'Twas Hagen's hand that struck

him, where he could be wounded. When he learned this of me, how could

I think that he did bear him hate? Else had I guarded against this full

well," spake the queen, "so that I had not betrayed his life; then would

I, poor wife, leave off my weeping. I'll never be a friend of him that

did the deed." Then Giselher, the full stately man, began implore.

When at last she spake: "I will greet the king," men saw him stand

before her with his nearest kin, but Hagen durst not come before her.

Well he wot his guilt; 'twas he had caused her dole. When now she would

forego her hate of Gunther, so that he might kiss her, it had befitted

him better had she not been wronged by his advice; then might he have

gone boldly unto Kriemhild. Nevermore was peace between kindred brought

to pass with so many tears; her loss still gave her woe. All, save the

one man alone, she pardoned. None had slain him, had not Hagen done the

deed.

Not long thereafter they brought it to pass that Lady Kriemhild gained

the hoard from the Nibelung land and brought it to the Rhine. It was

her marriage morning gift (1) and was hers by right. Giselher and Gernot

rode to fetch it. Kriemhild ordered eighty hundred men, that they should

bring it from where it lay hid, where it was guarded by the knight

Alberich (2) and his nearest kin. When they saw those from the Rhine

coming for the hoard, Alberich, the bold, spake to his friends: "Naught

of the treasure dare we withhold from her, sith the noble queen averreth

it to be her marriage morning gift. Yet should this never be done,"

quoth Alberich, "but that with Siegfried we have foully lost the good

Cloud Cloak, for fair Kriemhild's love did wear it alway. Now, alas,

it hath fared ill with Siegfried, that the hero bereft us of the Cloud

Cloak and that all this land did have to serve him."

Then went the warder to where he found the keys. Before the castle stood

Kriemhild's liegemen and a deal of her kinsfolk. Men bade carry the

treasure hence to the sea, down to the boats; one bare it then upon

the waves to the mountains on the Rhine. Now may ye hear marvels of the

hoard, the which twelve huge wains, packed full, were just able to bear

away from the hill in four days and nights and each must make the trip

three times a day. There was naught else but gems and gold, and had men

paid therewith the wage of all the world, not a mark less had it been

in worth. Forsooth Hagen did not crave it so without good cause. The

greatest prize of all was a wishing-rod (3) of gold. He who knew its

nature, might well be master over any man in all the world.

Many of Alberich's kinsmen journeyed with Gernot hence. When they

stored away the hoard in Gunther's land and the queen took charge of

everything, chambers and towers were filled therewith. Never did men

hear tales told of such wondrous store of goods. And had it been a

thousand times as much, if the Lord Siegfried were but alive again,

Kriemhild would fain have stood empty-handed at his side. No more

faithful wife did hero ever win. Now that she had the hoard, she brought

many unknown warriors to the land. In truth the lady's hand gave in

such wise that men have never seen such bounty more. She used great

courtesie; men owned this of the queen. To the rich and the poor she

began to give so greatly that Hagen said, should she live yet a while,

she would gain so many a man for her service that they would fare full

ill.

Then spake King Gunther: "Her life and her goods be hers. How shall I

hinder that she do with them as she will? Forsooth I hardly compassed

it, that she became thus much my friend. Let us not reck to whom she

deal out her silver and her gold."

Spake Hagen to the king: "No doughty man should leave to any wife aught

of the heard. With her gifts she'll bring about the day when it well may

rue the brave Burgundians sore."

Then spake King Gunther: "I swore an oath, that nevermore would I do her

harm, and will keep it further, for she is my sister."

Spake then Hagen: "Let me be the guilty one."

Few of their oaths were kept. From the widow they took the mighty

store and Hagen made him master of all the keys. This vexed her brother

Gernot, when he heard the tale aright. Lord Giselher spake: "Hagen hath

done my sister much of harm; I should prevent it. It would cost him his

life, were he not my kin."

Siegfried's wife shed tears anew. Then spake the Lord Gernot: "Or ever

we be imperiled by the gold, we should have it sunk entirely in the

Rhine, that it belong to none."

Full pitifully she went before her brother Giselher. She spake: "Dear

brother, thou shouldst think of me and be the guardian of both my life

and goods."

Quoth he then to the lady: "That shall be done when we return again, for

now we think to ride."

The king and his kindred voided then the land, the very best among them

that one might find. Only Hagen alone remained at home, through the

hatred he bare to Kriemhild, and did so willingly. Before the king was

come again, Hagen had taken the treasure quite and sunk it all at

Loche, (4) in the Rhine. He weened to use it, but that might not be. The

lordings came again and with them many men. With her maids and ladies

Kriemhild gan bewail her passing loss, for sore it grieved them. Gladly

would Giselher have helped in all good faith. All spake alike: "He hath

done wrong."

Hagen avoided the princes' wrath, until he gained their favor. They

did him naught, but Kriemhild might never have borne him greater hate.

Before Hagen of Troneg thus hid the treasure, they had sworn with mighty

oaths that it should lie concealed as long as any one of them might

live. Later they could not give it to themselves or any other.

Kriemhild's mind was heavy with fresh sorrow over her husband's end, and

because they had taken from her all her wealth. Her plaints ceased not

in all her life, down to her latest day. After Siegfried's death, and

this is true, she dwelt with many a grief full thirteen years, that she

could not forget the warrior's death. She was true to him, as most folk

owned.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Marriage morning gift" was the gift which it was customary

for the bridegroom to give the bride on the morning after

the bridal night. On this custom see Weinhold, "Deutsche

Frauen im Mittelalter", i, p. 402.

(2) "Alberich", see Adventure III, note 8. It is characteristic

of the poem that even this dwarf is turned into a knight.

(3) "Wishing-rod", a magic device for discovering buried

treasure. Cf. Grimm, "Deutsche Mythologie," ii, 813.

(4) "Loche", according to Piper, is the modern "Locheim" in the

Rhine province.

ADVENTURE XX. How King Etzel (1) Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild.

That was in a time when Lady Helca (2) died and the king Etzel sought

another wife, that his friends advised his marriage to a proud widow in

the Burgundian land, hight Lady Kriemhild. Since fair Helca was dead,

they spake: "Would ye gain a noble wife, the highest and the best king

ever won, then take this same lady; the stalwart Siegfried was her

husband."

Then spake the mighty king: "How might that chance, sith I am heathen

and be christened not a whit, whereas the lady is a Christian and

therefore would not plight her troth? It would be a marvel, and that

ever happed."

The doughty warriors answered: "What if she do it, perchance, for the

sake of your high name and your mickle goods? One should at least make a

trial for the noble dame. Well may ye love the stately fair."

The noble king then spake: "Which of you be acquaint with the people and

the land by the Rhine?"

Up spake then the good knight Rudeger of Bechelaren: (3) "I have known

from a child the three noble and lordly kings, Gunther and Gernot, the

noble knights and good; the third hight Giselher. Each of them doth use

the highest honors and courtesie, as their forebears, too, have always

done."

Then answered Etzel: "Friend, I prithee, tell me whether she should wear

the crown in this my land. An' she be so fair, as hath been told me, it

shall never rue my dearest kin."

"She compareth well in beauty with my Lady Helca, the royal queen.

Certes, there might not be in all this world a king's bride more fair.

He may well be of good cheer to whom she plight her troth."

He spake: "So bring it to pass, Rudeger, as I be dear to thee; and if

ever I do lie at Kriemhild's side, I will requite thee for it as best

I may. Then hast thou done my will in fullest wise. From my treasure

chambers I will bid thee be given such store of horses, of clothes and

all thou wilt, that thou and thy fellowship may live full merrily. I'll

bid full plenty of these things be made ready against thine errand."

To this the lordly margrave Rudeger replied: "Craved I thy goods, that

were not worthy of praise. With mine own goods, which I have from thy

hands, will I gladly be thy envoy to the Rhine."

Then spake the mighty king: "Now when wilt thou ride for the fair? May

God keep thee and my lady in all worship on the journey. May fortune

help me, that she look with favor on my suit."

Rudeger made answer: "Ere we void the land, we must first make ready

arms and trappings, that we may stand with honor before princes. I will

lead to the Rhine five hundred stately men, that wherever in Burgundy I

and mine be seen, all may say of thee: 'Never did any king send afar so

many men in better wise than thou hast done to the Rhine.' If thou, O

mighty king, wilt not turn back on this account, I'll tell thee that

her noble love was subject unto Siegfried, Siegmund's son. Him thou hast

seen here. (4) Men could in right truth ascribe to him great worship."

Then spake King Etzel: "Tho' she was the warrior's wife, yet was the

noble prince so peerless that I should not disdain the queen. She liketh

me well for her passing beauty."

The margrave answered: "Then I will tell thee that we will start hence

in four and twenty days. I'll send word to Gotelind, my dear lady, that

I myself will be the messenger to Kriemhild."

Rudeger sent word to Bechelaren, at which the margravine grew both

sorrowful and proud. He told her he should woo for the king a wife.

Lovingly she thought on Helca, the fair. When the margravine heard the

message, a deal she rued it; weeping beseemed her at the thought whether

she should gain a lady as afore. When she thought on Helca, it grieved

her heart full sore.

Rudeger should ride in seven days from Hungary; lusty and merry King

Etzel was at this. There in the town of Vienna men prepared their

weeds. Then might he no longer delay his journey. At Bechelaren Gotelind

awaited him; the young margravine, too, Rudeger's child, gladly saw her

father and his men. Many fair maids awaited them with joy. Ere the noble

Rudeger rode from the city of Vienna to Bechelaren, all their clothes

were placed upon the sumpters. They journeyed in such wise that not a

whit was taken from them.

When they were come to tho town of Bechelaren, the host full lovingly

bade lodge his fellowship and ease them well. The noble Gotelind saw

the host come gladly, as likewise his dear daughter did, the young

margravine. To her his coming could not be liefer. How fain she was to

see the heroes from the Hunnish land! With smiling mien the noble maiden

spake: "Now be my father and his men full welcome here."

Then great thanks were given to the young margravine by many a doughty

knight in courteous wise. Well wot Gotelind Sir Rudeger's mood. When at

night she lay close by his side, what kindly questions the margravine

put, whither the king of the Huns had sent him. He spake: "My Lady

Gotelind, I'll gladly make this known to thee. I must woo another

lady for my lord, sith that the fair Helca hath died. I will ride for

Kriemhild to the Rhine; she shall become a mighty queen here among the

Huns."

"Would to God," spake Gotelind, "an' that might hap, sith we do hear

such speech of her many honors, that she might perchance replace our

lady for us in our old age, and that we might be fain to let her wear

the crown in Hungary."

Then spake the margrave: "My love, ye must offer to those who are to

ride with me to the Rhine, your goods in loving wise. When heroes travel

richly, then are they of lofty mood."

She spake: "There be none that taketh gladly from my hand, to whom I

would not give what well beseemeth him, or ever ye and your men part

hence."

Quoth the margrave: "That doth like me well."

Ho, what rich cloths of silk were borne from their treasure chambers!

With enow of this the clothing of the noble warriors was busily lined

from the neck down to their spurs. Rudeger had chosen only men that

pleased him well.

On the seventh morning the host and his warriors rode forth from

Bechelaren. Weapons and clothes a plenty they took with them through the

Bavarian land. Seldom did men assail them on the highways for robbery's

sake, and within twelve days they reached the Rhine. Then might the

tidings not be hid; men told it to the king and to his liegemen, that

stranger guests were come. The host gan say, if any knew them, he should

tell him so. One saw their sumpters bear right heavy loads. 'Twas seen

that they were passing rich.

Anon in the broad town men purveyed them quarters. When that the many

strangers had been lodged, these same lords were gazed upon full oft.

The people wondered from whence these warriors were come to the Rhine.

The host now sent for Hagen, if perchance they might be known to him.

Then spake the knight of Troneg: "None of them have I ever seen, but

when we now gaze upon them, I can tell you well from whence they ride

hither to this land. They must indeed be strangers, an' I know them not

full soon." (5)

Lodgings were now taken for the guests. The envoy and his fellowship

were come in passing costly vesture. To the court they rode wearing good

garments, cut in full cunning wise. Then spake the doughty Hagen: "As

well as I can tell, for I have not seen the lord long time, they ride as

if 'twere Rudeger from the Hunnish land, a lordly knight and a brave."

"How can I believe," spake at once the king, "that the lord of

Bechelaren be come to this land?"

When King Gunther had ended his speech, Hagen, the brave, espied the

good knight Rudeger. He and his friends all ran to meet them. Then five

hundred knights were seen dismounting from their steeds. Fair were the

men from Hungary greeted; messengers had never worn such lordly clothes.

Then Hagen of Troneg spake full loudly: "Now be these knights, the lord

of Bechelaren and all his men, welcome in God's name."

With worship the speedy knights were greeted. The next of kin to the

king went to where they stood. Ortwin of Metz spake to Rudeger: "Never

have we seen guests so gladly here at any time. This I can truly say."

On all sides they thanked the warriors for their greeting. With all

their fellowship they hied them to the hall, where they found the

king and with him many a valiant man. The lords rose from their seats;

through their great chivalry this was done. How right courteously he met

the messengers! Gunther and Gernot greeted the stranger and his vassals

warmly, as was his due. He took the good knight Rudeger by the hand

and led him to the seat where he sat himself. Men bade pour out for the

guests (full gladly this was done) passing good mead and the best of

wine that one might find in the land along the Rhine. Giselher and Gere

both were come; Dankwart and Folker, too, had heard about the strangers.

Merry they were of mood and greeted before the king the noble knights

and good.

Then spake Hagen of Troneg to his lord: "These thy knights should ever

requite what the margrave for our sake hath done; for this should the

husband of fair Gotelind receive reward."

King Gunther spake: "I cannot hold my peace; ye must tell me how fare

Etzel and Helca of the Hunnish land."

To this the margrave now made answer: "I'll gladly let you know." He

rose from his seat with all his men and spake to the king: "An' may that

be that ye permit me, O prince, so will I not conceal the tidings that I

bring, but will tell them willingly."

Quoth the king: "The tidings that have been sent us through you, these

I'll let you tell without the rede of friends. Pray let me and my

vassals hear them, for I begrudge you no honor that ye here may gain."

Then spake the worthy envoy: "My great master doth commend to you upon

the Rhine his faithful service and to all the kinsmen ye may have. This

message is sent in all good faith. The noble king bade complain to you

his need. His folk is joyless; my lady, the royal Helca, my master's

wife, is dead. Through her hath many a high-born maid been orphaned,

daughters of noble princes, whom she hath trained. Therefore it standeth

full piteously in his land; they have alas none that might befriend them

faithfully. The king's grief, I ween, will abate but slowly."

"Now God reward him," spake Gunther, "that he so willingly commendeth

his service to me and to my kin. Full gladly have I here heard his

greeting, and this both my kindred and my men shall fain requite."

Then spake the warrior Gernot of Burgundy: "The world must ever rue fair

Helca's death, for her many courtesies, which she well knew how to use."

With this speech Hagen, the passing stately knight, agreed.

Then answered Rudeger, the noble and lordly envoy: "Sith ye permit me,

O king, I shall tell you more, the which my dear lord hath hither sent

you, sith he doth live so right sorrowfully in longing after Helca. Men

told my lord that Kriemhild be without a husband, that Sir Siegfried be

dead. If this be so, then shall she wear a crown before Etzel's knights,

would ye but permit her. This my sovran bade me say."

Then spake the mighty king, full courteous was his mood: "And she care

to do this, she shall hear my pleasure. This will I make known to you in

these three days. Why should I refuse King Etzel before I've learned her

wish?"

Meanwhile men bade purvey good easement for the guests. They were served

so well that Rudeger owned he had good friends there among Gunther's men.

Hagen served him gladly, as Rudeger had done to him of yore. Till the

third day Rudeger thus remained. The king sent for his counsel (full

wisely he acted) to see whether his kinsmen would think it well that

Kriemhild take King Etzel to husband. All together they advised it, save

Hagen alone. He spake to Gunther, the knight: "Have ye but the right

wit, ye will take good care that ye never do this, tho' she were fain to

follow."

"Why," spake then Gunther, "should I not consent? Whatever pleasure

happen to the queen, I should surely grant her this; she is my sister.

We ourselves should bring it to pass, if perchance it might bring her

honor."

Then answered Hagen: "Give over this speech. Had ye knowledge of Etzel

as have I, and should she harry him, as I hear you say, then first hath

danger happed to you by right."

"Why?" quoth Gunther. "I'll take good care that I come not so near

him that I must suffer aught of hatred on his part, an' she become his

wife."

Said Hagen: "Never will I give you this advice."

For Gernot and Giselher men bade send to learn whether the two lords

would think it well that Kriemhild should take the mighty and noble

king. Hagen still gainsaid, but no one other. Then spake the knight

Giselher of Burgundy: "Friend Hagen, ye may still show your fealty. Make

her to forget the wrongs that ye have done her. Whatever good fortune

she may have, this ye should not oppose. Ye have in truth done my sister

so many an ill," continued Giselher, the full lusty knight, "that she

hath good cause, if she be angry with you. Never hath one bereft a lady

of greater joys."

Quoth Hagen: "I'll do you to wit what well I know. If she take Etzel and

live long enow, she'll do us still much harm in whatever way she can.

Forsooth full many a stately vassal will own her service."

To this brave Gernot answered: "It may not happen, that we ever ride to

Etzel's land before they both be dead. Let us serve her faithfully, that

maketh for our honor."

Again Hagen spake: "None can gainsay me, an' the noble Kriemhild wear

the crown of Helca, she will do us harm as best she may. Ye should give

it over, 'twould beseem you knights far better."

Wrathfully then spake Giselher, fair Uta's son: "Let us not all act as

traitors. We should be glad of whatever honors may be done her. Whatever

ye may say, Hagen, I shall serve her by my troth."

Gloomy of mood grew Hagen when he heard these words. Gernot and

Giselher, the proud knights and good, and Gunther, the mighty, spake at

last, if Kriemhild wished it, they would let it hap without all hate.

Then spake Prince Gere: "I will tell the lady that she look with favor

upon King Etzel, to whom so many knights owe dread obedience. He can

well requite her of all the wrongs that have been done her."

Then the doughty warrior hied him to where he saw Kriemhild. Kindly she

received him. How quickly then he spake: "Ye may well greet me gladly

and give me a messenger's meed. Fortune is about to part you from all

your woes. For the sake of your love, my lady, one of the very best that

ever gained a kingdom with great honors, or should wear a crown, hath

sent envoys hither. Noble knights be wooing; this my brother bade me

tell you."

Then spake the sorrow-laden dame: "God should forbid you and all my

kinsmen that ye make a mock of me, poor woman. What could I be to a man

who had ever gained heartfelt love from a faithful wife?"

Sorely she gainsaid it, but then came Gernot, her brother, and Giselher,

the youth, and lovingly bade her ease her heart. It would do her good in

truth, could she but take the king.

None might persuade the lady that she should marry any man. Then the

knights begged: "If ye do naught else, pray let it hap that ye deign to

see the messengers."

"I'll not deny," spake the noble dame, "but that I should gladly see

the Margrave Rudeger for his passing courtesie. Were he not sent hither,

whoever else might be the messenger, never should he become acquainted

with me. Pray bid him come to-morrow to my bower. I'll let him hear my

will in full and tell it him myself." At this her great laments brake

forth anew.

The noble Rudeger now craved naught else but that he might see the

high-born queen. He wist himself to be so wise that she could not but

let the knight persuade her, if it should ever be. Early on the morrow

when mass was sung, the noble envoys came. A great press arose; of those

who should go to court with Rudeger, many a lordly man was seen arrayed.

Full sad of mood, the high-born Kriemhild bided the noble envoy and

good. He found her in the weeds she wore each day, whereas her handmaids

wore rich clothes enow. She went to meet him to the door and greeted

full kindly Etzel's liegeman. Only as one of twelve he went to meet her.

Men offered him great worship, for never were come more lofty envoys.

They bade the lording and his vassals seat them. Before her were seen to

stand the two Margraves Eckewart and Gere, the noble knights and good.

None they saw merry of mood, for the sake of the lady of the house. Many

fair women were seen to sit before her, but Kriemhild only nursed her

grief; her dress upon her breast was wet with scalding tears. This the

noble margrave noted well on Kriemhild.

Then spake the high-born messenger: "Most noble princess, I pray you,

permit me and my comrades that are come with me, to stand before you and

tell you the tidings for the sake of which we have ridden hither."

"Now may ye speak whatso ye list," spake the queen. "I am minded to hear

it gladly; ye be a worthy messenger."

The others noted well her unwilling mood.

Then spake Prince Rudeger of Bechelaren: "Etzel, a high-born king,

hath in good faith sent you a friendly greeting, my lady, by messengers

hither to this land. Many good knights hath he sent hither for your

love. Great joy without grief he doth offer you most truly. He is ready

to give you constant friendship, as he did afore to Lady Helca, who lay

within his heart. Certes, through longing for her virtues he hath full

often joyless days."

Then spake the queen: "Margrave Rudeger, were there any who knew my

bitter sorrow, he would not bid me marry any man. Of a truth I lost the

best of husbands that ever lady won."

"What may comfort grief," the bold knight replied, "but married joy.

When that any gan gain this and chooseth one who doth beseem him, naught

availeth so greatly for woe of heart. And ye care to love my noble

master, ye shall have power over twelve mighty crowns. Thereto my lord

will give you the lands of thirty princes, all of which his doughty hand

hath overcome. Ye shall become the mistress over many worthy liegemen,

who were subject to my Lady Helca, and over many dames of high and

princely race, who owned her sway." Thus spake the brave knight and

bold. "Thereto my lord will give you (this he bade me say), if ye would

deign to wear with him the crown, the very highest power which Helca

ever won; this shall ye rule before all Etzel's men."

Then spake the queen: "How might it ever list me to become a hero's

bride? Death hath given me in the one such dole that I must ever live

joyless unto mine end."

To this the Huns replied: "O mighty queen, your life at Etzel's court

will be so worshipful that it will ever give you joy, an' it come to

pass, for the mighty king hath many a stately knight. Helca's damosels

and your maids shall together form one retinue, at sight of which

warriors may well be blithe of mood. Be advised, my lady, ye will fare

well in truth."

With courtesie she spake: "Now let be this speech until the morrow

early, when ye shall come here again. Then will I give you answer to

what ye have in mind."

The bold knights and good must needs obey.

When all were now come to their lodgings, the noble dame bade send for

Giselher and for her mother, too. To the twain she said, that weeping

did beseem her and naught else better.

Then spake her brother Giselher: "Sister, it hath been told me, and I

can well believe it, that King Etzel would make all thy sorrows vanish,

and thou takest him to be thy husband. Whatever others may advise, this

thinketh me well done. He is well able to turn thy grief to joy," spake

Giselher again; "from the Rhone to the Rhine, from the Elbe down to the

sea, there be no other king as mighty as he. Thou mayst well rejoice,

an' he make thee his wife."

She spake: "My dear brother, why dost thou advise me this? Weeping

and wailing beseem me better far. How should I go to court before his

knights? Had I ever beauty, of this I am now bereft."

To her dear daughter the Lady Uta spake: "Whatever thy brothers counsel

thee, dear child, that do. Obey thy kindred and it will go well with

thee. I have seen thee now too long in thy great grief."

Then she prayed God full oft to grant her such store of goods that she

might have gold, silver, and clothes to give, as at her husband's side

of yore, when that he was still alive and well. Else would she never

have again such happy hours. She thought within her mind: "And shall

I give my body to a paynim (6) (I am a Christian wife), forever in the

world must I bear shame. An' he gave me all the kingdoms in the world

still 1 would not do it."

Thus she let the matter rest. All night until the break of day the lady

lay upon her bed in thought. Her bright eyes never grew dry, till on the

morn she went to matins. Just at the time for mass the kings were come

and took their sister again in hand. In truth they urged her to wed the

king of the Hunnish land; little did any of them find the lady merry.

Then they bade fetch hither Etzel's men, who now would fain have taken

their leave, whatever the end might be, whether they gained or lost

their suit. Rudeger came now to court; his heroes urged him to learn

aright the noble prince's mind. To all it seemed well that this be done

betimes, for long was the way back into their land. Men brought Rudeger

to where Kriemhild was found. Winningly the knight gan beg the noble

queen to let him hear what message she would send to Etzel's land. I

ween, he heard from her naught else than no, that she nevermore would

wed a man. The margrave spake: "That were ill done. Why would ye let

such beauty wither? Still with honor may ye become the bride of a worthy

man."

Naught booted that they urged, till Rudeger told the noble queen in

secret that he would make amends for all that ever happed to her. At

this her great sorrow grew a deal more mild. To the queen he spake: "Let

be your weeping. If ye had none among the Huns but me and my faithful

kin and liegemen, sore must he repent it who had ever done you aught."

At this the lady's mood grew gentler. She spake: "Then swear me an

oath, that whatever any do to me that ye will be the first to amend my

wrongs."

Quoth the margrave: "For this, my lady, I am ready."

Rudeger with all his vassals swore that he would ever serve her

faithfully and pledged his hand, that the noble knights from Etzel's

land would ne'er refuse her aught.

Then the faithful lady thought: "Sith I, wretched wife, have won so many

friends, I'll let the people say whatso they choose. What if my dear

husband's death might still be avenged?" She thought: "Sith Etzel hath

so many men-at-arms, I can do whatso I will, an' I command them. He is

likewise so rich that I shall have wherewith to give; the baleful Hagen

hath bereft me of my goods."

To Rudeger she spake: "Had I not heard that he were a paynim, gladly

would I go whithersoever he listed and would take him to my husband."

Then spake the margrave: "Lady, give over this speech. He hath so many

knights of Christian faith, that ye'll ever be joyful at his court.

What if ye bring it to pass, that he should let himself be christened?

Therefore may ye fain become King Etzel's wife."

Then her brothers spake again: "Now pledge your troth, dear sister. Ye

should now give over your sadness."

They begged her till she sadly vowed before the heroes to become King

Etzel's bride. She spake: "I will obey you, I poor queen, and fare to

the Huns as soon as ever that may be, whenever I have friends who will

take me to his land."

Of this fair Kriemhild pledged her hand before the knights.

Then spake the margrave: "If ye have two liegemen, I have still more.

'Twill be the best, that with worship we escort you across the Rhine.

No longer, lady, shall ye tarry here in Burgundy. I have five hundred

vassals and kinsmen, too; they shall serve you, lady, and do whatso ye

bid, both here and there at home. I'll do by you the same whenever ye

do mind me of the tale and never feel ashamed. Now bid the housings for

your horses be made ready (Rudeger's counsel will never irk you) and

tell it to your maids, whom ye would take along, for many a chosen

knight will meet us on the road."

She still had harness with which they rode afore in Siegfried's time, so

that she might take with her many maidens now with worship, whenever she

would hence. Ho, what good saddles they fetched for the comely dames!

Albeit they had aye worn costly robes, many more were now made ready,

for much had been told them of the king. They opened up the chests,

which stood afore well locked. For four and one half days they were

aught but idle; from the presses they brought forth the stores that lay

therein. Kriemhild now began to open up her treasure rooms, she fain

would make all Rudeger's liegemen rich. Of the gold from the Nibelung

land she still had such store that a hundred horses might not bear it;

she weened her hand should deal it out among the Huns.

This tale Hagen heard told of Kriemhild. He spake: "Sith Kriemhild will

not become my friend, so Siegfried's gold must stay behind. For why

should I give to my foes such great store of goods? Well I wot what

Kriemhild will do with this hoard. I can well believe, an' she take it

with her, that it will be doled out to call forth hate against me. Nor

have they steeds enow to bear it hence. Hagen doth intend to keep it,

pray tell Kriemhild that."

When that she heard this tale, it irked her sore. It was likewise told

to all three kings. Fain would they have changed it, but as this did not

hap, the noble Rudeger spake full blithely: "Mighty queen, why mourn ye

for the gold? King Etzel doth bear you such great love, that when his

eyes do light upon you, such store he'll give you that ye can never

spend it all; this will I swear to you, my lady."

Then spake the queen: "Most noble Rudeger, never hath king's daughter

gained such wealth as that, of which Hagen hath bereft me."

Then came her brother Gernot to the treasure chamber. By leave of the

king in the door he thrust the key. Kriemhild's gold was handed forth, a

thousand marks or more. He bade the strangers take it; much this pleased

King Gunther.

Then spake Gotelind's knight from Bechelaren: "And had my Lady Kriemhild

all the hoard that was brought from the Nibelung land, little of it

would mine or the queen's hand touch. Now bid them keep it, for I will

none of it. Forsooth I brought from home such store of mine that we can

lightly do without this on the road, for we be furnished for the journey

in full lordly wise."

Afore this her maids had filled twelve chests at leisure with the very

best of gold that anywhere might be. This they took with them and great

store of women's trinkets, which they should wear upon the road. Her

thought too great the might of Hagen. Of her gold for offerings (7) she

had still a thousand marks. For her dear husband's soul she dealt it

out. This Rudeger thought was done in faithful love. Then spake the

mournful lady: "Where be now my friends who for my sake would live in

exile? Let those who would ride with me to the Hunnish land, take now my

treasure and purchase horses and trappings."

Then spake the margrave Eckewart to the queen: "Since the day I first

became your vassal, I have served you faithfully," spake the knight,

"and aye will do the same by you until mine end. I will take with

me also five hundred of my men and place them in your service right

loyally. Naught shall ever part us, save death alone."

For this speech Kriemhild bowed her thanks; forsooth she had full need.

Men now led forth the palfreys; for they would ride away. Then many

tears were shed by kinsfolk. Royal Uta and many a comely maiden showed

that they were sad at Kriemhild's loss. A hundred high-born maids she

took with her hence, who were arrayed as well befit them. Then from

bright eyes the tears fell down, but soon at Etzel's court they lived

to see much joy. Then came Lord Giselher and Gernot, too, with their

fellowship, as their courtesie demanded. Fain would they escort their

dear sister hence; of their knights they took with them full a thousand

stately men. Then came Ortwin and the doughty Gere; Rumolt, the master

of the kitchen, must needs be with them, too. They purveyed them night

quarters as far as the Danube's shore, but Gunther rode no further than

a little from the town. Ere they fared hence from the Rhine, they had

sent their messengers swiftly on ahead to the Hunnish land, who

should tell the king that Rudeger had gained for him to wife the noble

high-born queen.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Etzel", see Adventure I, note 7.

(2) "Helca" (M.H.G. "Helche") or "Herka", Etzel's wife, is the

daughter of king "Oserich" or "Osantrix", as the

"Thidreksaga" calls him. In the latter work (chap. 73-80)

we read how Rudeger (Rodingeir) took her by force from her

father and brought her to Etzel to be the latter's bride.

On her identity with the historical "Kerka" of Priscus, see

Bleyer, PB. "Beit." xxxi, 542.

(3) "Rudeger of Bechelaren", or, as the name reads in the

"Thidreksaga", "Rodingeir of Bakalar", is probably not an

historical personage, but the hero of a separate legend.

Evidence of this is seen in the fact that he calls himself

an exile, though he is Etzel's mightiest vassal, with

castles and lands in fief. He may have been introduced, as

Wilmanns ("Anz." xviii 101) thinks, to play a role

originally assigned to Dietrich, who is also an exile.

Mullenhoff considered him to have been a mythical person.

Bechelaren, or Pechlarn, lies at the junction of the Erlach

with the Danube.

(4) "hast seen here". "Biterolf", 9471, relates that Dietrich

had carried Siegfried, when young, by force to Etzel's

court.

(5) "full soon". See Adventure III, note 4.

(6) "Paynim" (O F. "paienime", late Latin "paganismus"),

'heathen'.

(7) "gold for offerings". This was the gold to be used as

offering when masses were sung for Siegfried's soul.

ADVENTURE XXI. How Kriemhild Journeyed To The Huns.

Let now the messengers ride. We will do you to wit, how the queen

journeyed through the lands and where Giselher and Gernot parted from

her. They had served her as their fealty bade them. Down to Vergen (1)

on the Danube they rode; here they gan crave leave of the queen, for

they would ride again to the Rhine. Without tears these faithful kinsmen

might not part. Doughty Giselher spake then to his sister: "Whenever,

lady, thou shouldst need me, when aught doth trouble thee, let me but

know, and I will ride in thy service to Etzel's land."

Those who were her kin she kissed upon the mouth. Lovingly they took

their leave of Margrave Rudeger's men. The queen had with her many a

fair-fashioned maid, full a hundred and four, that wore costly robes

of rich, gay-colored silks. Many broad shields were borne close by the

ladies on the road, but many a lordly warrior turned then from her.

They journeyed soon from thence down through Bavarian land. Here the

tale was told that many unknown strangers had gathered there, where

still a cloister standeth and where the Inn floweth into the Danube. In

the town of Passau, where lived a bishop, lodgings were soon emptied and

the prince's court as well, as they hurried forth to meet the strangers

in the Bavarian land, where the Bishop Pilgrim (2) found fair Kriemhild.

The knights of the land were little loth, when in her train they saw so

many comely maids; with their eyes they courted the daughters of noble

knights. Later good lodgings were given the noble guests.

With his niece the bishop rode toward Passau. When it was told the

burghers of the town that Kriemhild was come, their prince's sister's

child, well was she greeted by the merchants. The bishop had the hope

that they would stay. Then spake Sir Eckewart: "That may not be. We must

fare further down to Rudeger's land. Many knights await us, for all wot

well the news."

Well wist fair Gotelind the tale. She tired her and her noble child with

care. Rudeger had sent her word that it thought him good that she should

cheer the mind of the queen by riding forth, with his vassals to the

Enns (3) for to meet her. When this message had been given, one saw

on every side the roads alive; on foot and horse they hastened to meet

their guests. Now was the queen come to Efferding. (4) Enow there were

from the Bavarian land who might perchance have done the guests much

harm, had they robbed upon the roads, as was their wont. That had been

forestalled by the lordly margrave: he led a thousand knights or more.

Now Gotelind, the wife of Rudeger, was come; with her there rode many a

noble knight in lordly vise. When they were come across the Traun, (5)

upon the plain by Enns, one saw erected huts and tents, where the guests

should have their lodgings for the night. Rudeger gave the vitaille to

his guests. Fair Gotelind left her lodgings far behind her; along the

road there trotted many a shapely palfrey with jingling bridle. Fair

was the welcome; right well was Rudeger pleased. Among those who rode to

meet them on the way, on either side, in praiseworthy wise, was many a

knight. They practised chivalry, the which full many a maiden saw. Nor

did the service of the knights mislike the queen. When that Rudeger's

liegemen met the guests, many truncheons (6) were seen to fly on high

from the warriors' hands in knightly custom. As though for a prize they

rode before the ladies there. This they soon gave over and many warriors

greeted each other in friendly wise. Then they escorted fair Gotelind

from thence to where she saw Kriemhild. Scant leisure had they who wot

how to serve the ladies.

The lord of Bechelaren rode now to his wife. Little it irked the noble

margravine that he was come so well and sound from the Rhine. In part

her cares had given way to joy. When she had welcomed him, he bade

her dismount with the ladies of her train upon the sward. Many a

noble knight bestirred him and served the ladies with eager zeal. Then

Kriemhild spied the margravine standing with her meiny. No nearer she

drew, but checked the palfrey with the bridle and bade them lift her

quickly from the saddle. Men saw the bishop with Eckewart lead his

sister's child to Gotelind. All stood aside at once. Then the exiled

queen kissed Gotelind upon the mouth. Full lovingly spake Rudeger's

wife: "Now well is me, dear lady, that I have ever seen with mine own

eyes your charming self in these our lands. Naught liefer might hap to

me in all these times."

"Now God requite you," quoth Kriemhild, "most noble Gotelind. Shall I

and Botelung's (7) son remain alive and well, it may be lief to you that

ye have seen me here."

Neither knew what must needs later hap. Many maidens went to meet each

other in courtly wise. The warriors, too, were full ready with their

service. After the greeting they sat them down upon the clover. With

many they became acquaint, who were full strange to them aforetime. As

it was now high noon, men bade pour out wine for the ladies. The

noble meiny no longer tarried, but rode to where they found many broad

pavilions; there ample service stood ready for the guests.

That night they had repose till early on the morn. Those from Bechelaren

made ready for to lodge the worthy guests. So well had Rudeger planned,

that little enow they lacked. The embrasures in the walls stood open,

the castle at Bechelaren was opened wide. In rode the guests whom men

were fain to see; the noble host bade purvey them proper easement. Most

lovingly Rudeger's daughter with her meiny went to welcome the queen.

There, too, stood her mother, the margrave's wife; many a high-born maid

was greeted with delight. They took each other by the hand and hied

them hence to a broad hall, fashioned full fair, under which the Danube

flowed along. Towards the breeze they sate and held great pastime. What

more they did I cannot tell, save that Kriemhild's men-at-arms were

heard to grumble that they fared so slowly on their way, for much it

irked them. Ho, what good knights rode with them hence from Bechelaren!

Rudeger offered them much loving service. The queen gave Gotelind's

daughter twelve ruddy armlets, and raiment too, as good as any that she

brought to Etzel's land. Although the Nibelung gold was taken from her,

yet she did win the hearts of all that saw her with the little she still

might have. Great gifts were given to the courtiers of the host. In

turn the Lady Gotelind offered the guests from the Rhine worship in such

friendly wise, that men found passing few of the strangers that did not

wear her jewels or her lordly robes.

When they had eaten and should depart, faithful service was proffered by

the lady of the house to Etzel's bride. The fair young margravine, too,

was much caressed. To the queen she spake: "Whenso it thinketh you

good, I know well that my dear father will gladly send me to you to

the Hunnish land." How well Kriemhild marked that the maiden loved her

truly.

The steeds were harnessed and led before the castle of Bechelaren

and the noble queen took leave of Rudeger's wife and daughter. With

a greeting many a fair maid parted too. Full seldom did they see each

other since these days. From Medelick (8) the folk bare in their hands

many a rich cup of gold, in which they offered wine to the strangers

on the highway. Thus they made them welcome. A host dwelt there, hight

Astolt, (9) who showed them the road to the Austrian land, towards

Mautern (10) down the Danube. There the noble queen was later served

full well. From his niece the bishop parted lovingly. How he counseled

her that she should bear her well and that she should purchase honor

for herself, as Helca, too, had done! Ho, what great worship she later

gained among the Huns!

To the Traisem (11) they escorted hence the guests. Rudeger's men

purveyed them zealously, until the Huns came riding across the land.

Then the queen became acquaint with mickle honor. Near the Traisem the

king of the Hunnish land did have a mighty castle, hight Zeisenmauer,

(12) known far and wide. Lady Helca dwelt there aforetime and used such

great virtues that it might not lightly ever hap again, unless it be

through Kriemhild. She wist so how to give, that after all her sorrow

she had the joy that Etzel's liegemen gave her great worship, of which

she later won great store among the heroes. Etzel's rule was known far

and wide, so that all time one found at his court the boldest warriors

of whom men ever heard, among Christian or among paynim. They were all

come with him. All time there were at his court, what may not so lightly

hap again, Christian customs and also heathen faith. In whatsoever wise

each lived, the bounty of the king bestowed on all enow.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Vergen" is the modern Pforing, below Ingolstadt. A ferry

across the river existed here from ancient times.

(2) "Pilgrim", or "Pilgerin", as he is variously called, is an

historical personage. He was bishop of Passau from 971 to

991. Without doubt he is a late introduction, according to

Boer between 1181 and 1185. See Boer, ii, 204, and E.L.

Dummler, "Pilgrim von Passau", Leipzig, 1854.

(3) "Enns" (M.H.G. "Ens") is one of the tributaries of the

Danube, flowing into it about eleven miles southeast of

Linz.

(4) "Efferding" (M.H.G. "Everdingen") is a town on the Danube,

about thirteen miles west of Linz.

(5) "Traun" (M.H.G. "Trune") is a river of Upper Austria,

forty-four miles southeast of Linz.

(6) "Truncheons", see Adventure II, note 8.

(7) "Botelung's son" is Attila, who is so called in our poem, in

the "Klage", and in "Biterolf". In the earlier Norse

version "Atli" is the son of "Budli". (On this point see

Mullenhoff, "Zur Geschichte der Nibelungensage", p. 106, and

Zsfd A., x, 161, and Bleyer, PB. Beit. xxxi, 459, where the

names are shown to be identical.)

(8) "Medelick" is the modern Mölk, or Melk, a town on the Danube

near the influx of the Bilach. It lies at the foot of a

granite cliff on which stands a famous Benedictine abbey.

(9) "Astolt" appears only in this passage; nothing else is known

of him.

(10) "Mautern" is situated at the influx of the Flanitz, opposite

Stein in Lower Austria.

(11) "Traisem", Traisen, is a tributary of the Danube in Lower

Austria, emptying near Traismauer.

(12) "Zeisenmauer" (M.H.G. "Zeizenmure"). All the MSS. but C and

D have this reading. The latter have "Treysenmoure" and

"treisem moure", which corresponds better to the modern

name, as Zeiselmauer lies between Tulln and Vienna. It is

possible, however, that the town on the Traisem was

originally called Zeiselmauer, as the road leading from

Traismauer to Tulln still bears the name of Zeiselstrasse.

See Lachmann, "Anmerkungen", 1272, 3, and Piper, ii, 289,

note to str. 1333.

ADVENTURE XXII. How Etzel Made Kriemhild His Bride.

Until the fourth day she stayed at Zeisenmauer. The while the dust upon

the highway never came to rest, but rose on every side, as if it were

burning, where King Etzel's liegemen rode through Austria. Then the

king was told aright how royally Kriemhild fared through the lands; at

thought of this his sorrows vanished. He hasted to where he found the

lovely Kriemhild. Men saw ride before King Etzel on the road many bold

knights of many tongues and many mighty troops of Christians and of

paynims. When they met the lady, they rode along in lordly wise. Of

the Russians and the Greeks there rode there many a man. The right good

steeds of the Poles and Wallachians were seen to gallop swiftly, as they

rode with might and main. Each did show the customs of his land.

From the land of Kiev (1) there rode many a warrior and the savage

Petschenegers. (2) With the bow they often shot at the birds which flew

there; to the very head they drew the arrows on the bows.

By the Danube there lieth in the Austrian land a town that men call

Tulna. (3) There she became acquaint with many a foreign custom, the

which size had never seen afore. She greeted there enow who later came

through her to grief. Before Etzel there rode a retinue, merry and

noble, courtly and lusty, full four and twenty princes, mighty and of

lofty birth. They would fain behold their lady and craved naught more.

Duke Ramung (4) of Wallachia, with seven hundred vassals, galloped up

before her; like flying birds men saw them ride. Then came Prince Gibeck

with lordly bands. The doughty Hornbog, (5) with full a thousand men,

wheeled from the king away towards the queen. Loudly they shouted after

the custom of their land. Madly too rode the kinsmen of the Huns. Then

came brave Hawart (6) of Denmark and the doughty Iring, (7) free of

guile was he, and Irnfried (8) of Thuringia, a stately man. With twelve

hundred vassals, whom they had in their band, they greeted Kriemhild,

so that she had therefrom great worship. Then came Sir Bloedel, (9)

King Etzel's brother, from the Hunnish land, with three thousand men.

In lordly wise he rode to where he found the queen. Then King Etzel

came and Sir Dietrich, too, with all his fellowship. There stood many

worshipful knights, noble, worthy, and good. At this Dame Kriemhild's

spirits rose.

Then Sir Rudeger spake to the queen: "Lady, here will I receive the

high-born king; whomso I bid you kiss, that must ye do. Forsooth ye may

not greet alike King Etzel's men."

From the palfrey they helped the royal queen alight. Etzel, the mighty,

bode no more, but dismounted from his steed with many a valiant man.

Joyfully men saw them go towards Kriemhild. Two mighty princes, as we

are told, walked by the lady and bore her train, when King Etzel went

to meet her, where she greeted the noble lording with a kiss in gracious

wise. She raised her veil and from out the gold beamed forth her rosy

hue. Many a man stood there who vowed that Lady Helca could not have

been more fair than she. Close by stood also Bloedel, the brother of the

king. Him Rudeger, the mighty margrave, bade her kiss and King Gibeck,

too. There also stood Sir Dietrich. Twelve of the warriors the king's

bride kissed. She greeted many knights in other ways.

All the while that Etzel stood at Kriemhild's side, the youthful

warriors did as people still are wont to do. One saw them riding many a

royal joust. This Christian champions did and paynim, too, according

to their custom. In what right knightly wise the men of Dietrich made

truncheons from the shafts fly through the air, high above the shields,

from the hands of doughty knights! Many a buckler's edge was pierced

through and through by the German strangers. Great crashing of breaking

shafts was heard. All the warriors from the land were come and the

king's guests, too, many a noble man.

Then the mighty king betook him hence with Lady Kriemhild. Hard by them

a royal tent was seen to stand; around about the plain was filled with

booths, where they should rest them after their toils. Many a comely

maid was shown to her place thereunder by the knights, where she then

sate with the queen on richly covered chairs. The margrave had so well

purveyed the seats for Kriemhild, that all found them passing good; at

this King Etzel grew blithe of mood. What the king there spake, I know

not. In his right lay her snow-white hand; thus they sate in lover's

wise, since Rudeger would not let the king make love to Kriemhild

secretly.

Then one bade the tourney cease on every side; in courtly wise the

great rout ended. Etzel's men betook them to the booths; men gave them

lodgings stretching far away on every side. The day had now an end; they

lay at ease, till the bright morn was seen to dawn again, then many a

man betook him to the steeds. Ho, what pastimes they gan ply in honor of

the king! Etzel bade the Huns purvey all with fitting honors. Then they

rode from Tulna to the town of Vienna, where they found many a dame

adorned. With great worship these greeted King Etzel's bride. There was

ready for them in great plenty whatever they should have. Many a lusty

hero rejoiced at prospect of the rout.

The king's wedding feast commenced in merry wise. They began to lodge

the guests, but quarters could not be found for all within the town.

Rudeger therefore begged those that were not guests to take lodgings in

the country round about. I ween men found all time by Lady Kriemhild,

Sir Dietrich and many another knight. Their rest they had given over

for toil, that they might purvey the guests good cheer. Rudeger and his

friends had pastime good. The wedding feast fell on a Whitsuntide,

when King Etzel lay by Kriemhild in the town of Vienna. With her first

husband, I trow, she did not win so many men for service. Through

presents she made her known to those who had never seen her. Full many

among them spake to the guests: "We weened that Lady Kriemhild had

naught of goods, now hath she wrought many wonders with her gifts."

The feasting lasted seventeen days. I trow men can no longer tell of any

king whose wedding feast was greater. If so be, 'tis hidden from us.

All that were present wore brand-new garments. I ween, she never dwelt

before in Netherland with such retinue of knights. Though Siegfried was

rich in goods, I trow, he never won so many noble men-at-arms, as she

saw stand 'fore Etzel. Nor hath any ever given at his own wedding feast

so many costly mantles, long and wide, nor such good clothes, of which

all had here great store, given for Kriemhild's sake. Her friends and

the strangers, too, were minded to spare no kind of goods. Whatever any

craved, this they willingly gave, so that many of the knights through

bounty stood bereft of clothes. Kriemhild thought of how she dwelt with

her noble husband by the Rhine; her eyes grew moist, but she hid it full

well, that none might see it. Great worship had been done her after

many a grief. Whatever bounty any used, 'twas but a wind to that of

Dietrich. What Botelung's son had given him, was squandered quite.

Rudeger's lavish hand did also many wonders. Prince Bloedel of Hungary

bade empty many traveling chests of their silver and their gold; all

this was given away. The king's champions were seen to live right

merrily. Werbel and Swemmel, (10) the minstrels of the king, each gained

at the wedding feast, I ween, full thousand marks, or even better, when

fair Kriemhild sate crowned at Etzel's side.

On the eighteenth morning they rode forth from Vienna. Many shields were

pierced in tilting by spears, which the warriors bare in hand. Thus King

Etzel came down to the Hunnish land. They spent the night at ancient

Heimburg. (11) No one might know the press of folk, or with what force

they rode across the land. Ho, what fair women they found in Etzel's

native land! At mighty Misenburg (12) they boarded ship. The water which

men saw flowing there was covered with steeds and men, as if it were

solid earth. The wayworn ladies had their ease and rest. Many good ships

were lashed together, that neither waves nor flood might do them harm.

Upon them many a goodly tent was spread, as if they still had both land

and plain.

From thence tidings came to Etzelburg, (13) at which both men and

wives therein were glad. Helca's meiny, that aforetime waited on their

mistress, passed many a happy day thereafter at Kriemhild's side. There

many a noble maid stood waiting, who had great grief through Helca's

death. Kriemhild found still seven royal princesses there, through whom

all Etzel's land was graced. For the meiny the high-born maiden Herrat

(14) cared, the daughter of Helca's sister, beseen with many courtly

virtues, the betrothed of Dietrich, a royal child, King Nentwin's (15)

daughter; much worship she later had. Blithe of heart she was at the

coming of the guests; for this, too, mighty treasures were prepared.

Who might tell the tale of how the king held court? Never had men lived

better among the Huns with any queen.

When that the king with his wife rode from the shore, the noble

Kriemhild was told full well who each one was; she greeted them the

better. Ho, how royally she ruled in Helca's stead! She became acquaint

with much loyal service. Then the queen dealt out gold and vesture, silk

and precious stones. Whatever she brought with her across the Rhine to

Hungary must needs be given all away. All the king's kinsmen and all

his liegemen then owned her service, so that Lady Helca never ruled so

mightily as she, whom they now must serve till Kriemhild's death. The

court and all the land lived in such high honors, that all time men

found the pastimes which each heart desired, through the favor of the

king and his good queen.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Kiev" (M.H.G. "Kiew") is now a government in the

southwestern part of Russia. Its capital of the same name,

situated on the Dnieper, is the oldest of the better known

cities of Russia, and in the latter Middle Ages was an

important station of the Hanseatic league.

(2) "Petschenegers", a Turkish tribe originally dwelling to the

north of the Caspian. By conquest they acquired a kingdom

extending from the Don to Transylvania. They were feared

for their ferociousness and because they continually invaded

the surrounding countries, especially Kiev.

(3) "Tulna" (M.H.G. "Tulne") is the modern Tulln, a walled town

of Lower Austria, seventeen miles northwest of Vienna on the

Danube.

(4) "Ramung and Gibeck" (M.H.G. "Gibeche") appear only in our

poem, nothing else is known of them.

(5) "Hornbog" is frequently mentioned in the "Thidreksaga", but

nothing otherwise is known of him.

(6) "Hawart" is perhaps identical with the Saxon duke Hadugot,

who is reputed to have played an important part in the

conquest of Thuringia. He evidently comes from the Low

German version.

(7) "Iring" is considered by Wilmanns to have been originally an

ancient deity, as the Milky Way is called "Iringe straze" or

"Iringi". He occurs in a legend of the fall of the

Thuringian kingdom, where he played such a prominent role

that the Milky Way was named after him. See W. Grimm,

"Heldensage", p. 394, who thinks, however, that the

connection of Iring with the Milky Way is the result of a

confusion.

(8) "Irnfried" is considered to be Hermanfrid of Thuringia, who

was overthrown and killed in A.D. 535 by Theuderich with the

aid of the Saxons. See Felix Dahn, "Urgeschichte", iii,

73-79. He, too, comes from the Low German tradition.

(9) "Bloedel" is Bleda, the brother of Attila, with whom he

reigned conjointly from A.D. 433 to 445. In our poem the

name appears frequently with the diminutive ending, as

"Bloedelin".

(10) "Werbel and Swemmel", who doubtless owe their introduction

to some minstrel, enjoy special favor and are intrusted with

the important mission of inviting the Burgundians to Etzel's

court, an honor that would hardly be accorded to persons of

their rank. Swemmel appears mostly in the diminutive form

"Swemmelin".

(11) "Heimburg" lies on the Danube near the Hungarian border.

(12) "Misenburg" is the modern Wieselburg on the Danube,

twenty-one miles southeast of Pressburg.

(13) "Etzelburg" was later identified with the old part of

Budapest, called in German "Ofen", through the influence of

Hungarish legends, but, as G. Heinrich has shown, had no

definite localization in the older M.H.G. epics. See

Bleyer, PB. Belt. xxxi 433 and 506. The name occurs in

documents as late as the fifteenth century.

(14) "Herrat", the daughter of King "Nentwin" is frequently

mentioned in the "Thidreksaga" as Dietrich's betrothed. She

is spoken of as the exiled maid.

(15) "Nentwin" is not found in any other saga, and nothing else

is known of him. See W. Grimm, "Heldensage", 103.

ADVENTURE XXIII. How Kriemhild Thought To Avenge Her Wrongs.

With great worship of a truth they lived together until the seventh

year. In this time the queen was delivered of a son, at which King Etzel

could not have been more joyful. She would not turn back, until she

brought it to pass that Etzel's child was christened after the Christian

rite. Men named it Ortlieb; (1) at this great joy arose over all of

Etzel's lands. Whatever courtly breeding Lady Helca had possessed, Dame

Kriemhild practiced this full many a day. Herrat, the exiled maid, who

in secret grieved full sore for Helca, taught her the customs. Well was

she known to the strangers and the home-folk. They vowed that never had

a kingdom had a better or more bounteous queen. This they held for true.

She bare this praise among the Huns until the thirteenth year. Now wot

she well, that none would thwart her, as royal men-at-arms still do to a

prince's wife, and that all time she saw twelve kings stand before

her. Over many a wrong she brooded, that had happed to her at home. She

thought likewise on the many honors in the Nibelung land, which she

had there enjoyed and of which Hagen's hand had quite bereft her at

Siegfried's death, and if perchance she might not make him suffer for

his deed. "That would hap, if I might but bring him to this land." She

dreamed that Giselher, her brother, walked often with her hand in hand.

Alway she kissed him in her gentle slumber; later suffering came to

both. I ween, the foul fiend did counsel Kriemhild this, that she

withdrew her friendship from Giselher, whom for forgiveness' sake she

had kissed in the Burgundian land. At this hot tears again gan soil her

robe. Early and late it lay within her heart, how without fault of hers

they had made her wed a heathen man. Hagen and Gunther had brought her

to this pass. This wish she seldom gave over in her heart. She thought:

"I am so mighty and have such great wealth, that I can do my foes an

injury yet. Full ready would I be for this towards Hagen of Troneg. My

heart doth often yearn for my faithful kin. Might I be with those who

did me wrong, my lover's death would be well avenged. Scarce can I abide

this," spake Etzel's wife.

All the king's men, Kriemhild's warriors, bare her love in duty bound.

Of the chamber Eckewart had charge, which won him friends. None might

gainsay Dame Kriemhild's will. All time she thought: "I will beg the

king, that he in kindly wise may grant me to bring my kinsmen to the

Hunnish land." None marked the evil purpose of the queen. One night when

she lay by the king, and he did hold her in his arms, as he was wont

to love the noble dame, who was dear to him as life, the high-born lady

thought her of her foes. To the king she spake: "Dear my lord, I would

fain beseech you, by your grace, that ye would show me that ye did love

my kinsfolk, if I have earned the favor."

Then spake the king (true was his heart): "I'll give you to know however

well the knights may fare, I may well have joy of this, for never have I

won better kin through woman's love."

Again the queen spake: "It hath been well told you, that I have

high-born kin; therefore do I grieve that they so seldom reck to see me

here. I hear the folk aver that I be banished."

Then spake king Etzel: "Dear lady mine, and it think you not too far,

I'll bid hither to my lands, from across the Rhine, whomso ye be fain to

see."

The lady joyed her when she heard his will. She spake: "Would ye show me

your faith, my lord, then send envoys to Worms across the Rhine, through

whom I may tell my kinsfolk what I have in mind. Thus there will come

hither to our land many a noble knight and a good."

He answered: "It shall hap whenso ye bid. Ye might not be more glad to

see your kin than I to see the sons of the noble Uta. It doth irk me

sore, that they have been strangers to us so long a time. If it please

you, dear lady mine, I would fain send my minstrels for your kinsmen to

the Burgundian land."

He bade the good minstrels be fetched straightway. Quickly they hasted

to where the king sate by the queen. He told the twain they should be

envoys to the Burgundian land and bade full lordly weeds be made ready

for them. Clothing was prepared for four and twenty warriors, and the

message was told them by the king, how they should bid Gunther and his

liegemen hither. Kriemhild, the queen, talked with them apart. Then

spake the mighty king: "I'll tell you what to say. I offer to my kin my

love and service, that it may please them to ride hither to my land. But

few such welcome guests have I known, and if they perchance will fulfill

my wish, tell Kriemhild's kinsmen that they must not fall to come this

summer to my feast, for much of my joy doth lie upon the kinsmen of my

wife."

Then spake the minstrel, the proud Swemmel: "When shall your feasting be

in these lands, that I may tell it yonder to your kin?"

King Etzel answered: "On next midsummer's day."

"We'll do as ye command," spake then Werbel.

The queen bade them be brought secretly unto her bower, where she

then talked with the envoys. From this but little joy happed to many a

knight. To the two messengers she spake: "Now earn ye mickle goods, in

that ye do my pleasure full willingly and give the message which I send

to my native land. I'll make you rich in goods and give you the lordly

robes. And if ye see any of my kin at Worms upon the Rhine, ye must not

tell them that ye ever saw me sad of heart. Tender my service to the

heroes brave and good. Beg that they do as the king doth bid and thus

part me from all my grief. The Huns ween, I be without kith and kin.

Were I a knight, I'd visit them myself at times. And say to Gernot, too,

the noble brother of mine, that none in the world doth love him more.

Beg him to bring with him to this land our best of friends, that it may

be to our honor. Say also to Giselher, that he remember well, I never

gained grief through fault of his. Therefore would mine eyes fain sue

him. For his great loyalty I would gladly have him here. Tell my mother

also of the honors which I have, and if Hagen of Troneg be minded to

stay at home, who then should lead them through the lands? From a child

he knoweth the roads to Hungary." (2)

The envoys wist not, why it was done, that they should not let Hagen of

Troneg stay upon the Rhine. Later it repented them full sore. With him

many a knight was doomed to a savage death. Letters and messages had now

been given them. They rode forth rich in goods, and well could lead a

sumptuous life. Of Etzel and his fair wife they took their leave, their

persons adorned full well with goodly weeds.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Ortlieb" is not historical, and in the "Thidreksaga"

Etzel's son is called Aldrian. Bleyer, "Die germanischen

Elemente der ungarischen, Hunnensage", PB. Beit. xxxi, 570,

attempt to prove the identity of the names by means of a

form "Arda", giving on the one hand Hungarian "Aladar",

"Aldrian", on the other German "Arte", "Orte".

(2) "Hungary". According to the account in "Waltharius", Hagen

spent his youth as a hostage at Etzel's court.

ADVENTURE XXIV. How Werbel And Swemmel Brought The Message.

When that Etzel had sent his envoys to the Rhine, these tidings flew

from land to land. Through full speedy messengers he begged and bade to

his high feasting. From this many a one met there his death. The envoys

rode away from the Hunnish land to Burgundy. They were sent thither for

three noble kings and for their men, that these should come to Etzel;

therefore all gan haste. To Bechelaren they came a-riding, where served

them gladly. Rudeger and Gotelind and the child of them twain delayed

not to send their service through the envoys to the Rhine. Nor did

they let them part hence without gifts, that Etzel's men might fare

the better. To Uta and her sons Rudeger sent word that they had no more

loyal margrave than he. To Brunhild, also, they tendered service and

good wishes, constant fealty and a loving mind. When they heard the

speech that the envoys would ride, the margravine begged God in heaven

to keep them well.

Before the messengers were quite come through Bavarian land, the doughty

Werbel sought out the good Bishop Pilgrim. What word he sent to his kin

upon the Rhine, that I know not, but naught but ruddy gold he gave the

messengers for love and let them ride.

Then spake the bishop: "And might I see them here, my sister's sons, I

should be blithe of mood, for full seldom can I come to them upon the

Rhine."

What roads they traveled to the Rhine, I cannot tell. None robbed them

of their silver and their weeds; men feared their master's wrath. Certes

the noble high-born king was a mighty lord.

Within a twelfth night Werbel and Swemmel came to the Rhine, to the land

of Worms. To the kings and their liegemen tidings were told that there

came strange messengers. Gunther, the lord of the Rhineland, gan ask:

"Who will do us to wit, from whence these strangers ride into our land?"

This none wist, till Hagen of Troneg saw them, who then spake to

Gunther: "New tidings be come to us, as I will vouch, for I have seen

King Etzel's minstrels here. Them your sister hath sent to the Rhine;

for their master's sake we must give them a kindly welcome."

Already they were riding up before the palace; never did a prince's

minstrels journey in more lordly wise. Straightway the king's meiny

bade them welcome. Men gave them lodgings and bade take in charge their

trappings. Their traveling clothes were rich and so well fashioned that

with honor they might come before the king, but they would not wear them

longer there at court, and asked if there were any that desired them.

At the selfsame moment folk were found who fain would take them, and to

these they were sent. Then the strangers donned far better weeds, such

as well befitted king's messengers for to wear.

Then Etzel's retainers went by leave to where the king was sitting; men

saw this gladly. Hagen sprang courteously towards the messengers and

greeted them in loving wise. For this the squires did say him thanks.

That he might know their tidings, he gan ask how Etzel fared and all his

men. Then spake the minstrel: "Never did the land stand better, nor were

the folk more merry; now know that of a truth."

To the host they went; the hall was full. There men received the guests,

as one must do by right, when kindly greetings be sent to the lands of

other kings. Werbel found full many warriors there at Gunther's side.

In courteous wise the king gan greet them: "Ye minstrels of the Huns

and all your fellowship, be ye welcome. Hath the mighty Etzel sent you

hither to the Burgundian land?"

To the king they bowed; then spake Werbel: "My dear lord, and also

Kriemhild, your sister, do send you loyal service to this land. They

have sent us to you knights in all good faith."

Spake the mighty prince: "Merry am I at this tale. How fareth Etzel," so

asked the knight, "and Kriemhild, my sister, of the Hunnish land?"

Quoth the minstrel: "This tale I'll tell you; ye should know that never

have folk fared better than the twain and all their followers, their

kinsmen and their vassals. They joyed them of the journey, as we

departed hence."

"Gramercy for his greetings which he hath sent me, and for those of

my sister, sith it standeth so that the king and his men live thus in

happiness, for I did ask the news in fear and trembling."

The two young princes were now also come, for they had but just heard

the tale. For the sake of his sister Giselher, the youth, was fain to

see the envoys. He spake to them in loving wise: "Ye messengers, be

very welcome to us. An' ye would ride more often hither to the Rhine,

ye would find friends here whom ye would be glad to see. Little of harm

shall hap you in this land."

"We trust you in all honor," spake then Swemmel. "I could not convey to

you with all my wits, how lovingly king Etzel and your noble sister, who

live in such great worship, have sent their greetings. The queen doth

mind you of your love and fealty, and that your heart and mind did ever

hold her dear. But first and foremost we be sent to the king, that ye

may deign to ride to Etzel's land. The mighty Etzel enjoined us strictly

to beg you this and sent the message to you all, that if ye would not

let your sister see you, he fain would know what he had done you that

ye be so strange to him and to his lands. An' ye had never known the

queen, yet would he fain bring it to pass that consent to come and see

him. It would please him well if that might hap."

Then spake King Gunther: "In a sennight I will tell you the tale of what

I have bethought me with my friends. Meanwhile hie you to your lodgings

and rest you well."

Quoth Werbel again: "And could that be that we might see my lady, the

royal Uta, afore we take our easement?"

The noble Giselher spake then full courteously: "None shall hinder that.

An' ye would go before her, ye will do in full my mother's wish, for she

will gladly see you for my sister's sake, the Lady Kriemhild; she will

make you welcome."

Giselher led them to where they found the queen. Gladly she gazed upon

the envoys from the Hunnish land. Through her courtesie she gave them

gentle greeting. The good and courtly messengers then told their tale.

"My lady offereth you of a truth," so spake Swemmel, "her love and duty.

Might that be that she could see you oft, ye may well believe she had no

better joy in all the world."

Then spake the queen: "That may not be. However gladly I would often

see the dear daughter of mine, yet doth the wife of the noble king live,

alas, too far from me. May she and Etzel be ever blessed. Pray let me

know before ye leave, when ye would hence again; not in a long time have

I seen messengers so gladly as I have you." The squires vowed that this

should hap.

Those from the Hunnish land now rode to their lodgings. Meanwhile the

mighty king had sent to fetch his friends. The noble Gunther asked his

liegemen how they liked the speech. Many a one gan say that the king

well might ride to Etzel's land. The very best among them advised him

this, save Hagen alone; him misliked it sore. Privily he spake to the

king: "Ye fight against yourself; ye know full well what we have done.

We may well be ever on our guard with Kriemhild, for with mine own hand

I slew her husband to death. How durst we ride to Etzel's land?"

Then spake the mighty king: "My sister gave over her wrath; with a kiss

she lovingly forgave what we had done her, or ever she rode away. Unless

be that the feud doth stand against you alone."

Quoth Hagen: "Now let the messengers from the Huns beguile you not,

whatsoever they say. Would ye visit Kriemhild, easily may ye lose there

both life and honor. Full long of vengeance is King Etzel's wife."

Then spake Prince Gernot to the council: "Why should we give it over,

because ye rightly fear death in the Hunnish lands? It were an ill deed

not to go to see our sister."

Then spake Prince Giselher to the knight: "Sith ye know you to be

guilty, friend Hagen, ye should stay at home and guard you well, and let

those who dare ride with us to my sister."

At this the knight of Troneg grew wroth of mood. "I will not that ye

take any with you on the way, who durst better ride to court than I.

Sith ye will not turn you, I will well show you that."

Then spake the master of the kitchen, Rumolt, the knight: "Ye can well

have the strangers and the home-folk cared for here, after your own

desire, for ye have full store of goods. I ween, Hagen hath never given

you for a hostage; (1) but if ye will not follow him, Rumolt adviseth

you, for I be bound to you in fealty and duty, that for my sake ye abide

here and leave King Etzel there with Kriemhild. How might it fare more

gently with you in all the world? Ye be well able to stand before your

foes; so deck your body out with brave attire, drink the best of wine,

and pay court to stately ladies. Thereto ye be served with the best of

food that ever king did gain in the world. And were this not so, yet

should ye tarry here for your fair wife's sake, before ye risk your life

so childishly. Wherefore I do counsel you to stay at home. Your lands be

rich, and one can redeem his pledges better at home than among the Huns.

Who knoweth how it standeth there? Ye should stay at home, Sire, that is

Rumolt's counsel."

"We will not stay," quoth Gernot. "Sith my sister and the mighty Etzel

have bidden us in such friendly wise, why should we not accept? He that

liketh not to go may stay at home."

To This Hagen answered: "Take not my speech amiss, however ye may fare.

In all truth I counsel you, would ye guard your lives, then ride to the

Huns well armed. Sith ye will not turn you, send for your men-at-arms,

the best ye have or can find in any part; from among them all I'll

choose a thousand doughty knights. Then Kriemhild's evil mood can bring

you naught of harm."

"This rede I'll gladly follow," spake straightway the king. He then

bade messengers ride far and wide throughout his lands. Three thousand

champions or more they fetched. Little they weened to gain such grievous

woe. Full merrily they rode to Gunther's court. Men bade give all that

were to ride forth from Burgundy both steeds and trappings. The king

gained full many a one with willing mood. Then Hagen of Troneg bade his

brother Dankwart lead eighty of their warriors to the Rhine. In knightly

guise they came; these doughty men took with them harness and trappings

into Gunther's land. Then came bold Folker, a noble minstrel he,

with thirty of his men for the journey to Kriemhild's court. They had

clothing such as a king might wear. Gunther bade make known, he would to

the Hunnish land. I'll do you now to wit who Folker was. He was a noble

lord, the liege of many doughty knights in Burgundy. A minstrel he was

called, for that he wist how to fiddle. Hagen chose a thousand whom

he well knew; oft had he seen what their hands had wrought in press of

battle, or in whatever else they did. None might aver aught else of them

than doughtiness.

The tarrying irked Kriemhild's envoys sore, for great was their fear of

their lord. Daily they craved leave to go; this Hagen would not grant

through craftiness. To his master he spake: "We should well guard

against letting them ride away, until we ourselves fare forth a sennight

later to Etzel's land. If any beareth us ill will, the better shall we

wot it. Nor may Lady Kriemhild then make ready that through any plan of

hers, men do us harm. An' this be her will, she'll fare full ill, for

many a chosen liegeman had we hence."

Shields and saddles, and all the garments that they would take with them

to Etzel's land, were now full ready for many a brave man-at-arms. Now

men bade Kriemhild's messengers go before King Gunther. When they were

come, Gernot spake: "The king will do as Etzel asked us, we will gladly

come to his high feast to see our sister; be no more in doubt of that."

Then King Gunther spake: "Wist ye how to tell us, when this feast shall

be, or in what time we should go thither?"

Swemmel replied: "Of a truth it shall be on next midsummer's day."

The king gave them leave (this had not happed as yet), if they would

fain see Lady Brunhild, to go before her with his free will. This Folker

hindered, which pleased her much. "Forsooth, my Lady Brunhild is not

so well of mood, that ye may see her," spake the good knight. "Bide the

morrow, and men will let you see her." When they weened to gaze upon

her, it might not hap.

Then the mighty prince, who liked the envoys well, through his own

courtesie, bade his gold be carried forth on the broad shields of which

he had great store. Rich gifts were also given them by his kinsmen

Giselher and Gernot, Gere and Ortwin. Well they showed, that they were

generous, too. They offered the messengers such rich gifts, that for

fear of their lord they durst not take them.

Now spake the envoy Werbel to the king: "Sir King, let your gifts stay

here at home. We may carry none away; our lord forbade that we take

aught of gifts. Then too, there is but little need."

Then the ruler of the Rhine waxed wroth, that they should thus refuse

the gifts of so mighty a king. At last they were forced to take his gold

and weeds, the which they later bare to Etzel's land. They would fain

see the Lady Uta, or ever they departed hence, so the doughty Giselher

brought the minstrels before his mother Uta. The lady sent the message,

that whatever honors her daughter had, this gave her joy. Then the queen

bade give the minstrels of her edgings and her gold, for the sake of

King Etzel and Kriemhild whom she loved. Gladly they took the gifts; in

good faith 'twas done.

The messengers had now taken their leave from thence, from wives and

men. Merrily they rode away to Swabia. Thither Gernot bade his knights

escort them, that none might do them harm. When they parted from those

who should have them in their care, Etzel's power did guard them on all

their ways, so that none bereft them of either horse or trappings. With

great speed they hasted towards Etzel's land. To all the friends they

wot of, they made known that in a short time the Burgundians would come

hither from the Rhine to the Hunnish land. To the Bishop Pilgrim too,

the tale was told. As they rode adown the highway before Bechelaren, men

delayed not to tell Rudeger and Gotelind, the margrave's wife. Merry she

grew that she should see them. Men saw the minstrels hasting with the

tidings. They found King Etzel in the town of Gran. (2) Greeting after

greeting they gave the king, of which full many had been sent him. He

blushed for very joy.

Happy of mood was the queen, when she heard the tale aright that her

brothers should come into the land. She gave the minstrels great gifts

as meed. This was done for honor's sake. She spake: "Now tell me, both

of you, Werbel and Swemmel, which of my kin are minded to be at the

feast? Will the best of those we bade come hither to this land? Pray

tell me what Hagen said when he heard the tale."

The minstrel answered: "He came on a morning early to the council,

and but little of fair speech he spake thereby. When they pledged the

journey hither to the Hunnish lands, that was as words of death to the

wrathful Hagen. Your brothers, the three kings, will come in lordly

mood. Whoever else may come, this tale I know not of a surety. The brave

minstrel Folker vowed to ride along."

"Little do I reck," spake the queen, "whether I ever see Folker here. Of

Hagen I be fond, he is a doughty hero. My spirits stand high that we may

see him here."

Then the queen went to where she saw the king. How lovingly Dame

Kriemhild spake: "How like you these tales, dear my lord? What I have

ever craved, shall now be brought to pass."

"Thy wish is my joy," spake then the king. "Never have I been so blithe

of mine own kin, when they should come hither to my lands. Through the

kindness of thy kinsmen my care hath fled away."

King Etzel's officers bade everywhere palace and hall be purveyed with

benches for the guests which were to come. Thereafter the king heard

from them mickle weeping.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Hostage", i.e., he has never betrayed you to your enemies.

(2) "Gran", royal free city of Hungary, on the right bank of the

Danube opposite the influx of the Gran, twenty-four miles

northwest of Budapest.

ADVENTURE XXV. How The Lords All Journeyed To The Huns.

Now let us leave the tale of how they lived at Etzel's court. More

high-mettled warriors never rode in such lordly wise to the land of any

king; they had whatever they listed, both of weapons and of weeds. The

ruler of the Rhineland clad his men, a thousand and sixty knights, (1)

as I have heard, and nine thousand footmen, for the courtly feast. Those

they left at home bewailed it in after time. The trappings were now

borne across the court at Worms; then spake an aged bishop from Speyer

to fair Uta: "Our friends would journey to the feasting. May God

preserve their honor there."

The noble Lady Uta then spake to her sons: "Pray tarry here, good

knights. Me-dreamed last night of direst woe, how all the fowls in this

land lay dead."

"Who recketh aught of dreams," quoth Hagen, "he wotteth not how to say

the proper words, when 'twould bring him great store of honors. I wish

that my lord go to court to take his leave. We must gladly ride to

Etzel's land. The arms of doughty heroes may serve kings there full

well, where we shall behold Kriemhild's feast."

Hagen counseled the journey, but later it rued him sore. He would have

advised against it, but that Gernot encountered him with such rude

words. Of Siegfried, Lady Kriemhild's husband, he minded him; he spake:

"Because of him Hagen will not make the journey to the court."

At this Hagen of Troneg spake: "I do it not from fear. Heroes, when

it please you, begin the work. Certes I will gladly ride with you to

Etzel's land." Later he carved to pieces many a helm and shield.

The skiffs were now made ready; many a knight stood there. Thither men

bare whatever clothes they had. Busy they were until the even tide, then

full merrily they set forth from home. Tents and pavilions were raised

upon the green beyond the Rhine. When this had happed, the king bade

his fair wife tarry with him. That night she still embraced her stately

knight. Trumpeting and fluting rose early on the morn, as sign that they

should ride. Then to the work they went. Whoso held in his arms his love

caressed the fair. Later King Etzel's wife parted them with woe.

Fair Uta's sons, they had a liegeman, brave and true. When they would

hence, he spake to the king in secret wise his mind. Quoth he: "I must

bewail that ye make this journey to the court." He was hight Rumolt and

was a hero of his hands. He spake: "To whom will ye leave your folk and

lands? O that none can turn you warriors from your mind! These tidings

from Kriemhild have never thought me good."

"Be the land and my little child, too, commended to thy care; serve well

the ladies, that is my wish. Comfort any thou dost see in tears. Certes

King Etzel's bride will never do us harm."

The steeds were now ready for the kings and their men. Many a one who

lived there high of spirit, parted thence with loving kisses. This many

a stately dame must later needs bewail. When the doughty knights were

seen go toward the steeds, men spied full many ladies standing sadly

there. Their hearts did tell them that this long parting boded them

great harm. This doth never ease the heart.

The doughty Burgundians started on their way. Then in the land a mighty

turmoil rose; on either side of the mountains there wept both men and

wives. But however the folk might bear them, the knights jogged merrily

along. With them rode the men of Nibelung, a thousand hauberks strong,

who had left many comely dames at home whom they never saw again.

Siegfried's wounds gave Kriemhild pain.

Gunther's liegemen now wended their way towards the river Main, up

through Eastern Frankland. (2) Thither Hagen led them, for well he wot

the way. Dankwart was their marshal, the hero from Burgundian land. As

they rode away from the Eastern Frankland towards Swanfield, (3) men

could tell the princes and their kin, the worshipful knights, by their

lordly bearing. On the twelfth morning the king came to the Danube.

Hagen of Troneg rode foremost of them all, giving to the Nibelungs

helpful cheer. On the sandy shore the bold knight dismounted and bound

his steed full soon to a tree. The river was swollen, the skiffs hidden

away. Great fear the Nibelungs had, as to how they might come across,

for the stream was much too broad. Full many a lusty knight alighted on

the ground.

"Ill may it lightly hap with thee here," quoth Hagen, "O ruler of the

Rhine. Now mayst thou thyself see the river is swollen, its flood is

mighty. Certes, I ween, we shall lose here many a worthy knight to-day."

"Why dost thou rebuke me, Hagen?" spake the lordly king. "For thine own

prowess' sake discomfit me no more, but seek us the ford across to the

other bank, that we may take hence both steeds and trappings."

"Forsooth," quoth Hagen, "I be not so weary of life, that I would drown

me in these broad waves. Sooner shall men die by my hands in Etzel's

lands. That will I well. Stay by the water's side, ye proud knights and

good, and I will seek the ferryman myself along the stream, who shall

ferry us across to Gelfrat's (4) land."

Then the stalwart Hagen seized his good shield. Well was he armed. The

shield he bare along, his helmet bound upon his head, bright enow it

was. Above his breastplate he bare a sword so broad that most fiercely

it cut on either edge. To and fro he sought the ferryman. He heard the

splash of water and began to listen. In a fair spring wise women (5)

were bathing for to cool them off. Now Hagen spied them and crept toward

them stealthily. When they grew ware of this, they hurried fast to

escape him; glad enow they were of this. The hero took their clothes,

but did them naught else of harm.

Then spake one of the mermaids (Hadburg she was called): "Sir Knight

Hagen, we'll do you here to wit, an' ye give us our weeds again, bold

knight, how ye will fare upon this journey to the Hunnish court."

Like birds they floated before him on the flood. Therefore him-thought

their senses strong and good; he believed the more what they would tell

him. Well they answered what he craved of them. Hadburg spake again: "Ye

may safely ride to Etzel's land. I'll stake my troth at once as pledge,

that heroes never rode better to any realm for such great honors. Now

believe that in truth."

In his heart Hagen was joyous at this rede. He gave them back their

clothes and no longer tarried. As they donned their strange attire, they

told him rightly of the journey to Etzel's land. The other mermaid spake

(Siegelind she hight): "I will warn thee, Hagen, son of Aldrian. (6) For

the sake of her weeds mine aunt hath lied to thee. An' thou comest to

the Huns, thou wilt be sore deceived. Time is, that thou shouldst turn

again, for ye heroes be bidden, that ye may die in Etzel's land. Whose

rideth hither, hath taken death by the hand."

Answered Hagen: "Ye deceive us needlessly. How might it come to pass

that we should all die there, through anybody's hate?"

Then gan they tell him the tale still more knowingly. The same one spake

again: "It must needs be that none of you shall live, save the king's

chaplain; this we know full well. He will come again safe and sound to

Gunther's land."

Then spake bold Hagen, fierce of mood: "It were not well to tell my

lords that we should all lose our lives among the Huns. Now show us over

the stream, thou wisest of all wives."

She answered: "Sith ye will not turn you from the journey, up yonder

where an inn doth stand, by the waterside, there is a ferryman and

elsewhere none."

At once he ceased to ask for further tidings. After the angry warrior

she called: "Pray bide a time, Sir Hagen! Forsooth ye are too much in

haste. List further to the tale of how ye may cross to the other bank.

The lord of these marches beareth the name of Else. (7) His brother is

hight Knight Gelfrat, a lord in the Bavarian land. 'Twill go hard with

you, an' ye will cross his land. Ye must guard you well and deal full

wisely with the ferryman. So grim of mood is he that he'll not let you

live, unless be that ye have your wits about you with the knight. An'

ye will that he guide you, then give him his meed. He guardeth this land

and is liegeman unto Gelfrat. And cometh he not betimes, so call across

the flood and say, ye hight Amelrich. (8) He was a doughty here that;

because of a feud did void this land. The ferryman will come when he

heareth this name."

Haughty Hagen bowed then to the dames; he spake no more, but held his

peace. Then by the river he hied him higher up upon the sandy shore,

to where he found an inn upon the other bank. Loudly he began to call

across the flood: "Now come and fetch me, ferryman," quoth the good

knight, "and I will give thee as meed an arm ring of ruddy gold. Know,

that of this passage I have great need in truth."

So noble was the ferryman that it behooved him not to serve, therefore

he full seldom took wage of any wight. His squires, too, were full lofty

of mood. All this time Hagen still stood alone, this side of the flood.

He called with might and main, that all the water rang, for mickle and

great was the hero's strength. "Now fetch me. I am Amelrich, Else's

liegeman, that because of a great feud did void these lands."

High upon his spear (9) he offered him an arm band, bright and fair it

was, of ruddy gold, that one should ferry him over to Gelfrat's land.

The haughty ferryman, the which was newly wed himself, did take the oar

in hand. As he would earn Hagen's gold so red, therefore he died the

sword-grim death at the hands of the knight. The greed for great goods

(10) doth give an evil end. Speedily the boatman rowed across to the

sandy bank. When he found no trace of him whose name he heard, wroth he

grew in earnest. When he spied Hagen, with fierce rage he spake to the

hero: "Ye may perchance hight Amelrich, but ye are not like him whom

I weened here. By father and by mother he was my brother. Sith ye have

bewrayed me, ye may stay on this hither shore."

"No, by the mighty God," spake then Hagen, "I am a stranger knight and

have warriors in my care. Now take ye kindly my meed to-day and ferry me

over. I am in truth your friend."

The ferryman replied: "This may not be. My dear lords have foes,

wherefore I never ferry strangers to this land. If ye love your life,

step out quickly on the sand."

"Now do it not," spake Hagen; "sad is my mind. Take this good gold from

me as a token of my love and ferry us across: a thousand horse and just

as many men."

The grim boatman answered: "'Twill ne'er be done." He raised a mighty

rudder oar, mickle and broad, and struck at Hagen (full wroth he grew

at this), so that he fell upon his knees in the boat. The lord of Troneg

had never met so fierce a ferryman. Still more the boatman would vex the

haughty stranger. He smote with an oar, so that it quite to-broke (11)

over Hagen's head (a man of might was he); from this the ferryman of

Else took great harm. Hagen, fierce of mood, seized straightway his

sheath, wherein he found his sword. His head he struck off and cast

it on the ground. Eftsoon these tidings were made known to the proud

Burgundians. At the very moment that he slew the boatman, the skiff gan

drifting down the stream. Enow that irked him. Weary he grew before he

brought it back. King Gunther's liegeman pulled with might and main.

With passing swift strokes the stranger turned it, until the sturdy oar

snapped in his hand. He would hence to the knights out upon the shore.

None other oar he had. Ho, how quickly he bound it with a shield strap,

a narrow band! Towards a wood he floated down the stream, where he found

his sovran standing by the shore.

Many a stately man went down to meet him. The doughty knights and good

received him with a kindly greeting. When they beheld in the skiff the

blood reeking from a gaping wound which he had dealt the ferryman, Hagen

was plied enow with questions by the knights. When that King Gunther

spied the hot blood swirling in the skiff, how quickly he spake:

"Wherefore tell ye me not, Hagen, whither the ferryman be come? I ween

your prowess hath bereft him of his life."

At this he answered craftily: "When I found the skiff hard by a willow

tree, I loosed it with my hand. I have seen no ferryman here to-day, nor

hath harm happed to any one through fault of mine."

Then spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "I must needs fear the death of dear

friends to-day. Sith we have no boatmen here at hand, how shall we come

over? Therefore I must perforce stand sad."

Loudly then called Hagen: "Ye footmen, lay the trappings down upon the

grass. I bethink me that once I was the very best of boatmen that one

might find along the Rhine. I trow to bring you all safe across to

Gelfrat's land."

They struck the horses, that these might the sooner come across the

flood; passing well they swam, for the mighty waves bereft them of not

a one. Some few drifted far adown the stream, as did befit their

weariness. Then the knights bare to the skiff their gold and weeds, sith

there was no help for the crossing. Hagen played the steersman, and so

he ferried full many mighty warriors over to the sandy shore, into the

unknown land. First he took across a thousand noble knights, then his

own men-at-arms. Still there were more to come. Nine thousand footmen he

ferried over to the land. Aught but idle was Hagen's hand that day. When

he had carried them all safe across the flood, the doughty knight and

good bethought him of the strange tales which the wild mermaids had told

him afore. For this cause the king's chaplain near lost his life. He

found the priest close by the chapel luggage, leaning with his hand upon

the relics. Little might that boot him. When Hagen spied him, ill fared

it with the hapless priest; he threw him from the skiff in haste. Enow

of them called out: "Hold on, Sir Hagen, hold!"

Giselher, the youth, gan rage, but Hagen let none come between. Then

spake Sir Gernot of Burgundy: "What availeth you now, Hagen, the

chaplain's death? Had another done the deed, 'twould have irked you

sore. For what cause have ye sworn enmity to the priest?"

The clerk (12) now tried to swim with might and main, for he would fain

save his life, if perchance any there would help him. That might not be,

for the stalwart Hagen was wroth of mood. He thrust him to the bottom,

the which thought no one good. When the poor priest saw naught of help,

he turned him back again. Sore was he discomfited, but though he could

not swim, yet did God's hand help him, so that he came safe and sound

to the land again. There the poor clerk stood and shook his robe. Hagen

marked thereby that naught might avail against the tidings which the

wild mermaids told him. Him-thought: "These knights must lose their

lives."

When the liegemen of the three kings unloaded the skiff and had borne

all away which they had upon it, Hagen brake it to pieces and threw it

in the flood, at which the bold knights and good did marvel much.

"Wherefore do ye that, brother," quoth Dankwart, "how shall we come

over, when we ride homeward from the Huns, back to the Rhine?"

Later Hagen told him that might not be. The hero of Troneg spake: "I

do it in the hope that if we have a coward on this journey, who through

faint-heartedness would run away, that in this stream he may die a

shameful death."

They had with them from Burgundy land a hero of his hands, the which

was named Folker. Wisely he spake all his mind. Whatever Hagen did,

it thought the fiddler good. Their steeds were now ready, the sumpters

laden well. On the journey they had taken no harm that irked them, save

the king's chaplain alone. He must needs wander back on foot to the

Rhine again.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "a thousand and sixty". This does not agree with the

account in Adventure XXIV, where we read of a thousand of

Hagen's men, eighty of Dankwart's, and thirty of Folker's.

The nine thousand foot soldiers mentioned here are a later

interpolation, as the "Thidreksaga" speaks of only a

thousand all told.

(2) "Eastern Frankland", or East Franconia, is the ancient

province of "Franconia Orientalis", the region to the east

of the Spessart forest, including the towns of Fulda,

Würzburg and Barnberg. In _Biterolf_ Dietlieb journeys

through Eastern Frankland to the Danube.

(3) "Swanfield" (M.H.G. "Swanevelde") is the ancient province of

"Sualafeld" between the Rezat and the Danube.

(4) "Gelfrat" is a Bavarian lord and the brother of "Else",

mentioned below. Their father's name was also Else.

(5) "Wise women", a generic name for all supernatural women of

German mythology. While it is not specifically mentioned,

it is probable that the wise women, or mermaids, as they are

also called here, were 'swan maidens', which play an

important role in many legends and are endowed with the gift

of prophecy. They appear in the form of swans, and the

strange attire of the wise women mentioned here refers to

the so-called swan clothes which they wore and which enabled

Hagen to recognize them as supernatural beings. On bathing

they lay aside this garment, and he who obtains possession

of it has them in his power. This explains their eagerness

to give Hagen information, if he will return their garments

to them. For an account of them see Grimm's "Mythologie",

355.

(6) "Aldrian" is not an historical personage; the name is merely

a derivative of "aldiro", 'the elder', and signifies

'ancestor', just as Uta means 'ancestress'. In the

"Thidreksaga" Aldrian is the king of the Nibelung land and

the father of Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot, whereas Hagen

is the son of an elf by the same mother.

(7) Else appears also in "Biterolf"; in the "Thidreksaga" he is

called "Elsung", the younger, as his father bore the same

name. See Adventure XXV, note 4.

(8) "Amelrich" is the ferryman's brother.

(9) "Spear". It was the custom to offer presents on a spear

point, perhaps to prevent the recipient from treacherously

using his sword. Compare the similar description in the

"Hildebrandslied", 37, where we are told that gifts should

be received with the spear.

(10) "Goods". In the "Thidreksaga" the ferryman desires the ring

for his young wife, which explains better the allusion to

marriage and the desire for wealth.

(11) "To-broke", see Adventure II, note 9.

(12) "Clerk", 'priest'.

ADVENTURE XXVI (1) How Gelfrat Was Slain By Dankwart.

Now when all were come upon the shore, the king gan ask: "Who will show

us the right roads through this land, that we go not astray?"

Then the sturdy Folker spake: "For this I alone will have a care."

"Now hold," quoth Hagen, "both knight and squire. Certes, me-thinketh

right that we should heed our friends. With full monstrous tales I'll

make you acquaint: we shall never come again to the Burgundian land.

Two mermaids told me early in the morning that we should not come back

again. I will now counsel you what ye do: ye must arm you, ye heroes,

for we have mighty foes. Ye must guard you well and ride in warlike

guise. I thought to catch these mermaids in a lie. They swore that none

of us would come home safe and sound, save the chaplain alone. Therefore

would I fain have drowned him to-day."

These tidings flew from band to band and valiant heroes grew pale from

woe, as they began to fear a grewsome death on this journey to Etzel's

court. Forsooth they had great need. When they had crossed at Moering,

(2) where Else's ferryman had lost his life, Hagen spake again: "Sith I

have gained me foes upon the way, we shall surely be encountered. I slew

this same ferryman early on the morn to-day. Well they wot the tale. Now

lay on boldly, so that it may go hard with Gelfrat and Else, should they

match our fellowship here to-day. I know them to be so bold that 'twill

not be left undone. Let the steeds jog on more gently, that none ween we

be a-fleeing on the road."

"This counsel I will gladly follow," quoth Giselher, the knight; "but

who shall guide the fellowship across the land?"

They answered: "This let Folker do; the valiant minstrel knoweth both

road and path."

Ere the wish was fully spoken, men saw the doughty fiddler standing

there well armed. On his head he bound his helmet, of lordly color was

his fighting gear. On his spear shaft he tied a token, the which was

red. Later with the kings he fell into direst need.

Trustworthy tidings of the ferryman's death were now come to Gelfrat's

ears. The mighty Else had also heard the tale. Loth it was to both; they

sent to fetch their heroes, who soon stood ready. In a passing short

time, as I'll let you hear, one saw riding towards them those who

had wrought scathe and monstrous wounds in mighty battles. Full seven

hundred or more were come to Gelfrat. When they began to ride after

their savage foes, their lords did lead them, of a truth. A deal too

strong they hasted after the valiant strangers; they would avenge their

wrath. Therefore many of the lordings' friends were later lost.

Hagen of Troneg had well planned it (how might a hero ever guard his

kinsmen better), that he had in charge the rear guard, with his liegemen

and his brother Dankwart. This was wisely done.

The day had passed away; the night was come. For his friends he feared

both harm and woe, as beneath their shields they rode through the

Bavarian land. A short time thereafter the heroes were assailed. On

either side of the highway and in the rear hard by they heard the beat

of hoofs. Their foes pressed on too hard. Then spake hold Dankwart:

"They purpose to attack us here, so hind on your helmets, for that be

well to do."

They stayed their journey, as though it must needs he; in the gloom

they spied the gleam of shining shields. Hagen would no longer keep his

peace; he called: "Who chaseth us upon the highway?"

To this Gelfrat must needs give answer. Quoth the margrave of Bavaria:

"We seek our foes and have galloped on behind you. I know not who slew

my ferryman to-day, but it doth rue me enow, for he was a hero of his

hands."

Then spake Hagen of Troneg: "And was then the ferryman thine? The fault

was mine, he would not ferry us over, so I slew the knight. Forsooth I

had great need, for I had sheer gained at his hands my death. As meed I

offered him gold and trappings, that he ferry me across to thy land, Sir

Knight. This angered him so greatly that he smote me with a mighty oar.

At this I waxed grim enow. I seized my sword and fended him his anger

with a grievous wound. Thus the hero met his death. I'll make amends, as

doth think thee best."

"Well I wist," spake Gelfrat, "when Gunther and his fellowship rode

hither, that Hagen of Troneg would do us harm. Now he shall not live;

the knight must stand for the ferryman's life."

Over the bucklers Gelfrat and Hagen couched their spears for the thrust;

each would charge the other. Else and Dankwart rode full gloriously;

they tested who they were, fierce was the fight. How might heroes ever

prove each other better? From a mighty thrust Hagen was unhorsed by

Gelfrat's hand. His martingale snapped, he learnt what it was to fall.

The crash of shafts resounded from their fellowship. Hagen, who from the

thrust afore had come to earth, down on the grass, sprang up again. I

trow, he was not gentle of mood towards Gelfrat then. Who held their

steeds, I know not; both Hagen and Gelfrat had alighted on the sand and

rushed together. Their fellowship helped thereby and became acquaint

with strife. Albeit Hagen sprang at Gelfrat fiercely, the noble margrave

smote from his shield a mickle piece, so that the sparks flew wide. Full

nigh did Gunther's liegeman die therefrom. He began to call to Dankwart:

"O help, dear brother! Certes, a hero of his hands hath matched me, he

will not spare my life."

At this hold Dankwart spake: "I'll play the umpire here."

The hero then sprang nearer and with a sharp sword smote Gelfrat such a

blow that he fell down dead. Else then would fain avenge the knight, but

he and his fellowship parted from the fray with scathe. His brother had

been slain, he himself was wounded; full eighty of his knights remained

with grim death behind upon the field. Their lord must needs turn in

flight from Gunther's men.

When those from the Bavarian land gave way and fled, one heard the

savage blows resound behind them. Those of Troneg chased their foes;

they were in passing haste, who had not weened to make amends. Then

spake Dankwart, the knight, in their pursuit: "Let us turn soon on this

road and let them ride, for they be wet with blood. Haste we to our

friends, this I advise you of a truth."

When they were come again, where the scathe had happed, Hagen of Troneg

spake: "Heroes, prove now what doth fail us here, or whom we have lost

in the strife through Gelfrat's wrath."

Four they had lost whom they must needs bewail. But they had been paid

for dearly; for them a hundred or better from the Bavarian land were

slain. From their blood the shields of the men of Troneg were dimmed

and wet. Through the clouds there partly broke the gleam of the shining

moon, as Hagen spake again: "Let none make known to my dear lords what

we have wrought here to-day. Let them rest without care until the morn."

When those who just had fought were now come again, the fellowship was

full weary from the way. "How long must we still ride?" asked many a

man.

Then spake the bold Dankwart: "We may not find lodgings here, ye must

all ride until the day be come."

The doughty Folker, who had charge of the fellowship, bade ask the

marshal: "Where may we find a place to-night, where our steeds may rest

and our dear lords as well?"

Bold Dankwart answered: "I cannot tell you that, we may not rest till

it begin to dawn. Wherever then we find a chance, we'll lay us down upon

the grass."

How loth it was to some when they heard this tale! They remained

unmarked with their stains of warm red blood, until the sun shot his

gleaming light against the morn across the hills. Then the king beheld

that they had fought. Wrathfully the hero spake: "How now, friend Hagen?

I ween, ye scorned to have me with you when your rings grew wet with

blood? Who hath done this?"

Quoth he: "This Else did, who encountered us by night. We were attacked

because of his ferryman. Then my brother's hand smote Gelfrat down. Else

soon escaped us, constrained thereto by mickle need. A hundred of them

and but four of ours lay dead in the strife."

We cannot tell you where they laid them down to rest. All of the folk

of the land learned soon that the sons of the noble Uta rode to court.

Later they were well received at Passau. The uncle of the noble king,

the Bishop Pilgrim, was blithe of mood, as his nephews came to his land

with so many knights. That he bare them good will, they learned full

soon. Well were they greeted, too, by friends along the way, sith men

could not lodge them all at Passau. They had to cross the stream to

where they found a field on which they set up pavilions and costly

tents. All one day they must needs stay there, and a full night too.

What good cheer men gave them! After that they had to ride to Rudeger's

land, to whom the tidings were brought full soon. When the way-worn

warriors had rested them and came nearer to the Hunnish land, they found

a man asleep upon the border, from whom Hagen of Troneg won a sturdy

sword. The same good knight hight Eckewart (3) in truth; sad of mood he

grew, that he lost his weapon through the journey of the knights. They

found Rudeger's marches guarded ill.

"Woe is me of this shame," spake Eckewart. "Certes this journey of the

Burgundians rueth me full sore. My joy hath fled, sith I lost Knight

Siegfried. Alas, Sir Rudeger, how I have acted toward thee!"

When Hagen heard the noble warrior's plight, he gave him back his sword

and six red arm bands. "These keep, Sir Knight, as a token that thou art

my friend. A bold knight thou art, though thou standest alone upon the

marches."

"God repay you for your arm bands," Eckewart replied. "Yet your journey

to the Huns doth rue me sore. Because ye slew Siegfried, men hate you

here. I counsel you in truth, that ye guard you well."

"Now may God protect us," answered Hagen. "These knights, the kings and

their liegemen, have forsooth no other care, save for their lodgement,

where we may find quarters in this land to-night. Our steeds be spent by

the distant way and our food run out," quoth Hagen, the knight. "We

find naught anywhere for sale, and have need of a host, who through his

courtesie would give us of his bread to-night."

Then Eckewart made answer: "I'll show you a host so good that full

seldom have ye been lodged so well in any land, as here may hap you, an'

ye will seek out Rudeger, ye doughty knights. He dwelleth by the highway

and is the best host that ever owned a house. His heart giveth birth to

courtesie, as the sweet May doth to grass and flowers. He is aye merry

of mood, when he can serve good knights."

At this King Gunther spake: "Will ye be my messenger and ask whether my

dear friend Rudeger will for my sake keep us, my kinsmen and our men? I

will repay thee this, as best I ever can."

"Gladly will I be the messenger," Eckewart replied. With a right good

will he gat him on the road and told Rudeger the message he had heard,

to whom none such pleasing news had come in many a day.

At Bechelaren men saw a knight pricking fast. Rudeger himself descried

him; he spake: "Upon the road yonder hasteth Eckewart, a liegeman of

Kriemhild."

He weened the foes had done him scathe. Before the gate he went to meet

the messenger, who ungirt his sword and laid it from his hand. The

tales he brought were not hidden from the host and his friends, but were

straightway told them. To the margrave he spake: "Gunther, the lord of

the Burgundian land, and Giselher, his brother, and Gernot, too, have

sent me hither to you. Each of the warriors tendered you his service.

Hagen and Folker, too, eagerly did the same in truth. Still more I'll

tell you, that the king's marshal sendeth you by me the message, that

the good knights have passing need of your lodgement."

Rudeger answered with a smile: "Now well is me of these tales, that

the high-born kings do reck of my service. It shall not be denied them.

Merry and blithe will I be, an' they come unto my house."

"Dankwart, the marshal, bade let you know whom ye should lodge in your

house with them: sixty doughty champions, a thousand good knights, and

nine thousand men-at-arms."

Merry of mood grew Rudeger; he spake: "Now well is me of these guests,

that these noble warriors be coming to my house, whom I have served as

yet full seldom. Now ride ye forth for to meet them, my kinsmen and my

men."

Knights and squires now hied them to their horses; it thought them

right, which their lord did bid. All the more they hasted with their

service. As yet Lady Gotelind wist it not, who sate within her bower.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Adventure XXVI". This adventure is a late interpolation,

as it is not found in the "Thidreksaga". Originally the

river must be thought of as separating them from Etzel's

kingdom.

(2) "Moering" (M.H.G. "Moeringen") lies between Pforing and

Ingolstadt. In the "Thidreksaga" we are told that the

mermaids were bathing in a body of water called "Moere",

whereas in our poem they bathe in a spring. This may be the

original form of the account and the form here contaminated.

See Boer, i, 134.

(3) "Eckewart", see Adventure I, note 15. It will be remembered

that he accompanied Kriemhild first to the Netherlands, then

stayed with her at Worms after Siegfried's death, and

finally journeyed with her to Etzel's court. Originally he

must be thought of as guarding the boundary of Etzel's land.

Without doubt he originally warned the Burgundians, as in

the early Norse versions, where Kriemhild fights on the side

of her brothers, but since this duty was given to Dietrich,

he has nothing to do but to announce their arrival to

Rudeger. His sleeping here may, however, be thought to

indicate that it was too late to warn Gunther and his men.

ADVENTURE XXVII. How They Came To Bechelaren.

Then the margrave went to where he found the ladies, his wife with his

daughter, and told them straightway the pleasing tidings he had heard,

that the brothers of their lady were coming thither to their house.

"My dearest love," quoth Rudeger, "ye must receive full well the noble

high-born kings, when they come here to court with their fellowship. Ye

must give fair greeting, too, to Hagen, Gunther's man. With them there

cometh one also, hight Dankwart; the other is named Folker, well beseen

with courtesie. Ye and my daughter must kiss these and abide by the

knights with gentle breeding." This the ladies vowed; quite ready they

were to do it. From the chests they hunted out the lordly robes in which

they would go to meet the warriors. Fair dames were passing busy on

that day. Men saw but little of false colors on the ladies' cheeks;

upon their heads they wore bright bands of gold. Rich chaplets (1) these

were, that the winds might not dishevel their comely hair, and this is

true i' faith.

Let us now leave the ladies with these tasks. Much hasting over the

plain was done by Rudeger's friends, to where one found the lordings,

whom men then received well into the margrave's land. When the margrave,

the doughty Rudeger, saw them coming toward him, how joyfully he spake:

"Be ye welcome, fair sirs, and your liegemen, too. I be fain to see you

in my land." Low obeisance the knights then made, in good faith, without

all hate. That he bare them all good will, he showed full well. Hagen

he gave a special greeting, for him had he known of yore. (2) To Folker

from Burgundy land he did the same. Dankwart he welcomed, too. The bold

knight spake: "Sith ye will purvey us knights, who shall have a care for

our men-at-arms whom we have brought?"

Quoth the margrave: "A good night shall ye have and all your fellowship.

I'll purvey such guard for whatever ye have brought with you, of steeds

and trappings, that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not

even a single spur. Ye footmen pitch the tents upon the plain. What ye

lose I'll pay in full. Take off the bridles, let the horses run."

Seldom had host done this for them afore. Therefore the guests made

merry. When that was done, the lordings rode away and the footmen laid

them everywhere upon the grass. Good ease they had; I ween, they never

fared so gently on the way. The noble margravine with her fair daughter

was come out before the castle. One saw stand by her side the lovely

ladies and many a comely maid. Great store of armlets and princely

robes they wore. The precious stones gleamed afar from out their passing

costly weeds. Fair indeed were they fashioned.

Then came the guests and alighted there straightway. Ho, what great

courtesie one found among the Burgundian men! Six and thirty maids and

many other dames, whose persons were wrought as fair as heart could

wish, went forth to meet them with many a valiant man. Fair greetings

were given there by noble dames. The young margravine kissed all three

kings, as did her mother, too. Close at hand stood Hagen. Her father

bade her kiss him, but when she gazed upon him, he seemed so fearful

that she had fain left it undone. Yet she must needs perform what the

host now bade her do. Her color changed first pale then red. Dankwart,

too, she kissed, and then the minstrel. For his great prowess was this

greeting given. The young margravine took by the hand Knight Giselher

of the Burgundian land. The same her mother did to Gunther, the valiant

man. Full merrily they went hence with the heroes. The host walked at

Gernot's side into a broad hall, where the knights and ladies sate them

down. Soon they bade pour out for the guests good wine. Certes, heroes

might never be better purveyed than they. Rudeger's daughter was gazed

upon with loving glances, so fair she was. Forsooth many a good knight

caressed her in his mind. And well did she deserve this, so high she was

of mood. The knights thought what they would, but it might not come to

pass. Back and forth shot the glances at maids and dames. Of them sate

there enow. The noble fiddler bare the host good will.

Then they parted after the custom, knights and ladies going to different

sides. In the broad hall they set up the tables and served the strangers

in lordly wise. For the sake of the guests the noble margravine went

to table, but let her daughter stay with the maidens, where she sate by

right. The guests saw naught of her, which irked them sore, in truth.

When they had eaten and drunk on every side, men brought the fair again

into the hall; nor were merry speeches left unsaid. Many such spake

Folker, this brave and lusty knight. Before them all the noble minstrel

spake: "Mighty margrave, God hath dealt full graciously with you, for

he hath given you a passing comely wife and thereto a life of joy. An'

I were a prince," quoth the minstrel, "and should wear a crown, I would

fain have to wife your comely daughter. This my heart doth wish. She is

lovely for to see, thereto noble and good."

Then answered the margrave: "How might that be, that king should ever

crave the dear daughter of mine? My wife and I are exiles; what booteth

in such ease the maiden's passing comeliness?"

To this Gernot, the well-bred man, made answer: "An' I might have a love

after mine own desire, I should be ever glad of such a wife."

Hagen, too, replied in full kindly wise: "My lord Giselher must take

a wife. The margravine is of such high kin that I and all his liegemen

would gladly serve her, should she wear a crown in Burgundy land."

This speech thought Rudeger passing good, and Gotelind too, indeed

it joyed their mood. Then the heroes brought to pass that the noble

Giselher took her to wife, as did well befit a king. Who may part what

shall be joined together? Men prayed the margravine to go to court, and

swore to give him the winsome maid. He, too, vowed to wed the lovely

fair. For the maiden they set castles and land aside, and this the hand

of the noble king did pledge with an oath, and Lord Gernot, too, that

this should hap.

Then spake the margrave: "Sith I have naught of castles, I will

ever serve you with my troth. As much silver and gold will I give my

daughter, as an hundred sumpters may barely carry, that it may please

the hero's kin in honor."

After the custom men bade them stand in a ring. Over against her many a

youth stood, blithe of mood. In their minds they harbored thoughts,

as young folk still are wont to do. Men then gan ask the winsome maid

whether she would have the knight or no. Loth in part she was, and yet

she thought to take the stately man. She shamed her of the question, as

many another maid hath done. Her father Rudeger counseled her to answer

yes, and gladly take him. In a trice young Giselher was at her side, and

clasped her in his white hands, albeit but little time she might enjoy

him.

Then Spake the margrave: "Ye noble and mighty kings, when ye now ride

again (that is the custom) home to Burgundy, I will give you my child,

that ye may take her with you."

This then they vowed. Now men must needs give over all the noisy joy.

They bade the maiden hie her to her bower, and bade the guests to sleep

and rest them against the day. Meanwhile men made ready the food; the

host purveyed them well.

When now they had eaten, they would ride hence to the Hunnish lands.

"I'll guard against that well," spake the noble host. "Ye must tarry

still, for full seldom have I gained such welcome guests."

To this Dankwart replied: "Forsooth this may not be. Where would ye find

the food, the bread and wine, that ye must have for so many warriors

another night?"

When the host heard this, he spake: "Give o'er this speech. My dear

lords, ye must not say me nay. Forsooth I'd give you vittaile for a

fortnight, with all your fellowship that is come hither with you. King

Etzel hath taken from me as yet full little of my goods."

However much they demurred, still they must needs tarry there until the

fourth morning, when such deeds were done by the bounty of the host that

it was told after. He gave his guests both mounts and robes. No longer

might they stay, they must fare forth. Through his bounty bold Rudeger

wot how to save but little. Naught was denied that any craved, it could

not but please them all. Their noble meiny now brought saddled before

the gate the many steeds, and to them came forth thee stranger knights.

In their hands they bare their shields, for they would ride to Etzel's

land. Before the noble guests come forth from the hall, the host had

proffered everywhere his gifts. He wist how to live bountifully, in

mickle honors. To Giselher he had given his comely daughter; to Gunther,

the worshipful knight, who seldom took a gift, he gave a coat of mail,

which the noble and mighty king wore well with honor. Gunther bowed low

over noble Rudeger's hand. Then to Gernot he gave a weapon good enow,

the which he later bare full gloriously in strife. Little did the

margrave's wife begrudge him the gift, but through it good Rudeger was

forced to lose his life. Gotelind offered Hagen a loving gift, as well

befit her. He took it, sith the king had taken one, that he should

not fare forth from her to the feasting, without her present. Later he

gainsayed it. "Of all that I have ever seen," quoth Hagen, "I crave to

bear naught else save that shield on yonder wall; fain would I take that

with me into Etzel's land."

When the margravine heard Hagen's speech, it minded her of her

grief--tears became her well. She thought full dearly on Nudung's (3)

death, whom Wittich had slain; from this she felt the stress of sorrow.

To the knight she spake: "I'll give you the shield. Would to God in

heaven, that he still lived who bare it once in hand. He met his death

in battle; for him must I ever weep, which giveth me, poor wife, dire

woe."

The noble margravine rose from her seat and with her white hands she

seized the shield. To Hagen the lady bare it, who took it in his hand.

This gift was worthily bestowed upon the knight. A cover of shining silk

concealed its colors, for it was set with precious stones. In sooth the

daylight never shone on better shield. Had any wished to buy it at its

cost, 'twere well worth a thousand marks. (4) Hagen bade the shield be

borne away.

Then Dankwart came to court. To him the margrave's daughter gave great

store of rich apparel, the which he later wore among the Huns in passing

lordly wise. However many gifts were taken by them, naught would have

come into the hands of any, save through the kindness of the host,

who proffered them so fair. Later they became such foes that they were

forced to strike him dead.

Now the doughty Folker went courteously with his fiddle and stood before

Gotelind. He played sweet tunes and sang to her his songs. Thus he took

his leave and parted from Bechelaren. The margravine bade fetch a chest.

Now hear the tale of friendly gifts! Twelve rings she took out and

placed them on his hand. "These ye must bear hence to Etzel's land and

wear them at court for my sake, whithersoever ye turn, that men may tell

me how ye have served me yonder at the feast." What the lady craved, he

later carried out full well.

Then spake the host to his guests: "Ye shall journey all the gentlier,

for I myself will guide you and bid guard you well, that none may harm

you on the road."

Then his sumpters were laden soon. The host was well beseen with five

hundred men with steeds and vesture. These he took with him full

merrily hence to the feasting. Not one of them later ever came alive

to Bechelaren. With a loving kiss the host parted hence; the same did

Giselher, as his gentle breeding counseled him. In their arms they

clasped fair wives. This many a high-born maid must needs bewail in

later times. On every side they opened the casements, for the host with

his liegemen would now mount their steeds. I ween their hearts did tell

them of the bitter woes to come. Then wept many a dame and many a comely

maid. They pined for their dear kinsmen, whom nevermore they saw in

Bechelaren. Yet these rode merrily across the sand, down along the

Danube to the Hunnish land.

Then noble Rudeger, the full lusty knight, spake to the Burgundians:

"Certes, the tidings that we be coming to the Huns must not be left

unsaid, for king Etzel hath never heard aught that pleased him more."

So down through Austria the envoy sped, and to the folk on every side

'twas told that the heroes were coming from Worms beyond the Rhine.

Naught could have been liefer to the courtiers of the king. On before

the envoys hasted with the tidings, that the Nibelungs were already in

the Hunnish land.

"Thou must greet them well, Kriemhild, lady mine. Thy dear brothers be

coming in great state to visit thee."

Within a casement window Lady Kriemhild stood and looked out to see

her kin, as friend doth for friend. Many a man she spied from her

fatherland. The king, too, learned the tale and laughed for very

pleasure. "Now well is me of my joys," quoth Kriemhild, "my kinsmen

bring with them many a brand-new shield and white coat of mail. He who

would have gold, let him bethink him of my sorrows, and I'll ever be his

friend."

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Chaplets", see Adventure 10, note 1.

(2) "Of yore", see Adventure 23, note 2.

(3) "Nudung" was slain, according to the "Thidreksaga", chap.

335, by "Vidga" (here Wittich, M.H.G. "Witege", the son of

Wielant, the smith, in the battle of Gronsport. There,

chap. 369, he is Gotelind's brother, but in "Biterolf" and

the "Rosengarten" he is her son.

(4) "Marks", see Adventure V, note 5.

ADVENTURE XXVIII. How The Burgundians Came To Etzel's Castle.

When the Burgundians were come to the land, old Hildebrand (1) of Berne

did hear the tale, and sore it rued him. He told his lord, who bade him

welcome well the lusty knights and brave. The doughty Wolfhart (2) bade

fetch the steeds; then many a sturdy warrior rode with Dietrich, to

where he thought to meet them on the plain where they had pitched full

many a lordly tent. When Hagen of Troneg saw them riding from afar, to

his lords he spake in courteous wise: "Now must ye doughty warriors rise

from your seats and go to meet them, who would greet you here. Yonder

cometh a fellowship I know full well, they be full speedy knights from

the Amelung land, (3) whom the lord of Berne doth lead--high-mettled

warriors they. Scorn not the service that they proffer."

Then with Dietrich there alighted from the steeds, as was mickle right,

many a knight and squire. Towards the strangers they went, to where

they found the heroes; in friendly wise they greeted those from the

Burgundian land. Ye may now hear what Sir Dietrich said to the sons of

Uta, as he saw them coming toward him. Their journey rued him sore; he

weened that Rudeger wist it, and had told them the tale. "Be ye welcome,

fair sirs, Gunther and Giselher, Gernot and Hagen, likewise Folker and

the doughty Dankwart. Know ye not that Kriemhild still mourneth sorely

for the hero of the Nibelung land?"

"Let her weep long time," quoth Hagen. "He hath lain these many years,

done to death. Let her love now the Hunnish king. Siegfried cometh not

again, he hath long been buried."

"Let us not talk of Siegfried's wounds, but if Kriemhild still live,

scathe may hap again," so spake Sir Dietrich, the lord of Berne. "Hope

of the Nibelungs, guard thee well against this."

"Why should I guard me?" spake the high-born king. "Etzel sent us envoys

(why should I question more?) to say that we should ride to visit him,

hither to this land. My sister Kriemhild sent us many a message, too."

"Let me counsel you," quoth Hagen, "to beg Sir Dietrich and his good

knights to tell you the tidings further, and to let you know the Lady

Kriemhild's mood."

Then the three mighty kings, Gunther and Gernot and Sir Dietrich, too,

went and spake apart. "Pray tell us, good and noble knight of Berne,

what ye do know of the queen's mood?"

Answered the lord of Berne: "What more shall I tell you? Every morning I

hear King Etzel's wife wail and weep with piteous mind to the mighty God

of heaven over the stalwart Siegfried's death."

"That which we have heard," spake bold Folker, the fiddler, "cannot be

turned aside. We must ride to court and abide what may hap to us doughty

knights among the Huns."

The brave Burgundians now rode to court. In lordly wise they came after

the fashion of their land. Many a brave man among the Huns wondered what

manner of man Hagen of Troneg be. It was enough that men told tales,

that he had slain Kriemhild's husband the mightiest of all heroes. For

that cause alone much questioning about Hagen was heard at court. The

knight was fair of stature, that is full true; broad he was across the

breast; his hair was mixed with gray; his legs were long, and fierce his

glance; lordly gait he had.

Then one bade lodge the Burgundian men, but Gunther's fellowship was

placed apart. This the queen advised, who bare him much hate, and

therefore men later slew the footmen in their lodgings. Dankwart,

Hagen's brother, he was marshal. The king earnestly commended to him his

followers, that he purvey them well and give them enow to eat; The hero

of Burgundy bare them all good will. Kriemhild, the fair, went with her

maids-in-waiting to where, false of mood, she greeted the Nibelungs.

Giselher alone she kissed and took by the hand. That Hagen of Troneg

saw, and bound his helmet tighter. "After such a greeting," quoth Hagen,

"doughty knights may well bethink them. One giveth kings a greeting

different from their men. We have not made a good journey to this

feast." (4)

She spake: "Be welcome to him that be fain to see you; I greet you not

for your kinship. Pray tell me what ye do bring me from Worms beyond the

Rhine, that ye should be so passing welcome to me here?"

"Had I known," quoth Hagen, "that knights should bring you gifts, I had

bethought me better, for I be rich enow to bring you presents hither to

this land."

"Now let me hear the tale of where ye have put the Nibelung hoard? It

was mine own, as ye well know, and ye should have brought me that to

Etzel's land."

"I' faith, my Lady Kriemhild, it is many a day sith I have had the care

of the Nibelung hoard. My lords bade sink it in the Rhine, and there it

must verily lie till doomsday."

Then spake the queen: "I thought as much. Ye have brought full little of

it hither to this land, albeit it was mine own, and I had it whilom in

my care. Therefore have I all time so many a mournful day."

"The devil I'll bring you," answered Hagen. "I have enough to carry with

my shield and breastplate; my helm is bright, the sword is in my hand,

therefore I bring you naught."

Then the queen spake to the knights on every side: "One may not bring

weapons to the hall. Sir Knights, give them to me, I'll have them taken

in charge."

"I' faith," quoth Hagen, "never shall that be done. In sooth I crave not

the honor, O bounteous princess, that ye should bear my shield and other

arms to the lodgings; ye be a queen. This my father did not teach me, I

myself will play the chamberlain."

"Alack for my sorrows," spake Lady Kriemhild. "Why will Hagen and my

brother not let their shields be taken in charge? They be warned, and

wist I, who hath done this, I'd ever plan his death."

To this Sir Dietrich answered in wrath: "'Tis I, that hath warned the

noble and mighty princes and the bold Hagen, the Burgundian liegeman. Go

to, thou she-devil, thou durst not make me suffer for the deed."

Sore abashed was King Etzel's wife, for bitterly she feared Sir

Dietrich. At once she left him, not a word she spake, but gazed with

furious glance upon her foes. Two warriors then grasped each other

quickly by the hand, the one was Sir Dietrich, the other Hagen. With

gentle breeding the lusty hero spake: "Forsooth I rue your coming to the

Huns, because of what the queen hath said."

Quoth Hagen: "There will be help for that."

Thus the two brave men talked together. King Etzel saw this, and

therefore he began to query: "Fain would I know," spake the mighty

king, "who yonder warrior be, whom Sir Dietrich greeteth there in such

friendly wise. He carrieth high his head; whoever be his father, he is

sure a doughty knight."

A liegeman of Kriemhild made answer to the king: "By birth he is from

Troneg, his father hight Aldrian; however blithe he bear him here, a

grim man is he. I'll let you see full well that I have told no lie."

"How shall I know that he be so fierce?" replied the king. As yet he

wist not the many evil tricks that the queen should later play upon her

kin, so that she let none escape from the Huns alive.

"Well know I Aldrian, for he was my vassal (5) and here at my court

gained mickle praise and honor. I dubbed him knight and gave hint of my

gold. The faithful Helca loved him inly. Therefore I have since known

Hagen every whit. Two stately youths became my hostages, he and Walther

of Spain. (6) Here they grew to manhood; Hagen I sent home again,

Walther ran away with Hildegund."

He bethought him of many tales that had happed of yore. He had spied

aright his friend of Troneg, who in his youth had given him yeoman

service. Later in his old age he did him many a dear friend to death.

ENDNOTES:

(1) "Hildebrand" is the teacher and armor bearer of Dietrich.

He is the hero of the famous "Hildebrandslied".

(2) "Wolfhart" is Hildebrand's nephew. In the "Thidreksaga" he

falls in the battle of Gronsport.

(3) "Amelung land" is the name under which Dietrich's land

appears. Theodorich, the king of the East Goths, belonged

to the race of the Amali.

(4) "Feast". That Kriemhild kissed only Giselher, who was

innocent of Siegfried's death, aroused Hagen's suspicions.

(5) "Vassal". No other account speaks of Aldrian as being at

Etzel's court. He is probably confused here with his son,

for Hagen's stay with Etzel in various legends, as also in

our poem a few lines further down.

(6) "Walther of Spain" is Walther of Aquitania, a legendary

personage of whom the O.E. fragment "Waldere", the Latin

epic "Waltharius", a M.H.G. epic, and the "Thidreksaga"

tell. He flees with Hildegund, the daughter of the

Burgundian King Herrich, from Etzel's court, as related

here, but has to fight for his life against overpowering

numbers, in the "Thidreksaga" against the pursuing Huns, in

the other sources against the Burgundians. In both cases

Hagen is among his foes, but takes no part in the fight at

first, out of friendship for Walther.

ADVENTURE XXIX. How Hagen Would Not Rise For Kriemhild.

Then the two worshipful warriors parted, Hagen of Troneg and

Sir Dietrich. Over his shoulder Gunther's liegeman gazed for a

comrade-at-arms, whom he then quickly won. Folker he saw, the cunning

fiddler, stand by Giselher, and begged him to join him, for well he knew

his savage mood. He was in all things a bold knight and a good. Still

they let the lordings stand in the court, only these twain alone men saw

walk hence far across the court before a spacious palace. These chosen

warriors feared the hate of none. They sate them down upon a bench

before the house over against a hall, the which belonged to Kriemhild.

Upon their bodies shone their lordly weeds. Enow who gazed upon them

would than have known the knights; as wild beasts the haughty heroes

were stared upon by the Hunnish men. Etzel's wife, too, gazed upon

them through a window, at which fair Kriemhild waxed sad again. Of her

sorrows it minded her and she began to weep. Much it wondered Etzel's

men what had so quickly saddened her mood. Quoth she: "That Hagen hath

done, ye heroes brave and good."

To the lady they spake: "How hath that happed, for but newly we did see

you joyful? None there be so bold, an' he hath done you aught, but it

will cost him his life, if ye bid us venge you."

"Ever would I requite it, if any avenged my wrongs. I would give him all

he craved. Behold me at your feet," spake he queen; "avenge me on Hagen,

that he lose his life."

Then sixty bold men made them ready eftsoon for Kriemhild's sake. They

would hence to slay the bold knight Hagen and the fiddler, too. With

forethought this was done. When the queen beheld the band so small, grim

of mood she spake to the knights: "What ye now would do, ye should give

over. With so few durst ye never encounter Hagen. And however strong

and bold Hagen of Troneg be, he who sitteth by his side, Folker, the

fiddler, is stronger still by far. He is an evil man. Certes, ye may not

so lightly match these knights."

When they heard this, four hundred doughty warriors more did make them

ready. The noble queen craved sore to do them harm. Thereby the heroes

later fell in mickle danger. When she saw her followers well armed, the

queen spake to the doughty knights: "Now bide a while, ye must stand

quite still in truth. Wearing my crown, I will go to meet my foes. List

ye to the wrongs that Hagen of Troneg, Gunther's man, hath done me. I

know him to be so haughty that he'll not deny a whit. Little I reek what

hap to him on this account."

Then the fiddler, a bold minstrel, spied the noble queen walk down the

flight of steps that led downward from a house. When bold Folker saw

this, to his comrade-at-arms he spake: "Now behold, friend Hagen, how

she walketh yonder, who hath faithlessly bidden us to this land. I have

never seen with a queen so many men bearing sword in hand march in such

warlike guise. Know ye, friend Hagen, whether she bear you hate? If

so be, I counsel you to guard the better your life and honor. Certes,

methinks this good. They be wroth of mood, as far as I can see, and

some be so broad of chest that he who would guard himself should do so

betimes. I ween there be those among them who wear bright breastplates.

Whom they would attack, I cannot say."

Then, angry of mood, the brave knight Hagen spake: "Well I wot that all

this be done against me, that they thus bear their gleaming swords in

hand. For aught of them, I still may ride to the Burgundian land.

Now tell me, friend Folker, whether ye will stand by me, if perchance