Nibelungenlied

Further down the Rhine in the Netherlands, Prince Siegfried, son of King Siegmund and Queen Sieglind, comes of age in the city of Xanten. The poet proclaims Siegfried to be a valiant young man “reared with all the care that befitted his high station” (20). Old enough to ride to court, he is a favorite among many, especially women. He possesses great prowess as a knight while maintaining a sense of chivalry and gentility.

When the time comes for Siegfried to be knighted, Siegmund and Sieglind throw a celebration for him and invite people from across the map. Newly knighted men take part in spectacular bohorts (jousting tournaments) until Siegmund asks them to stop. The royals serve rare food and wine, and Sieglind distributes gifts to the extent that “no wandering minstrel remained poor there—it rained horses and clothes as though their donors had not a day to live!” (21).

The nobles hold Siegfried in high regard and wish for him to be king, but Siegfried himself clarifies that he would prefer to be a knight while his parents are still alive.

Rumors of Kriemhild’s beauty reach the Netherlands, and Siegfried becomes interested in marrying her. He appeals to his parents, declaring that he must go to Burgundy to woo her. Fully aware of the Burgundians’ ferocity, Siegmund and Sieglind are horrified and fear that Siegfried might be killed. But after some time, Siegmund agrees to help. He warns his son about Gunther’s vassals, but Siegfried proclaims, “Whatever I fail to get from them by friendly requests, I shall take by my own valour. I fancy I shall wrest their lands and people from them” (23). He sets out with 12 companions and arrives in Worms in a week.

Gunther learns of Siegfried’s arrival but does not know who he is. He sends his most trusted vassal, Hagen, who correctly identifies the prince. Hagen recounts Siegfried’s many valiant deeds, from slaying the Nibelung princes and plundering their treasure to vanquishing a dragon and bathing in its blood to become nearly invincible. He ends his monologue by advising, “that it is best to have [Siegfried’s] friendship” (28).

Gunther welcomes Siegfried and questions his coming to Burgundy. Siegfried announces that he wishes to wrest Burgundy from him. Displeased, Gunther and his closest companions debate over how they will handle Siegfried’s threat: The vassal Ortwin suggests they declare war on Siegfried, but Gunther’s younger brother Gernot advises against it.

Gunther extends a more gracious welcome and promises to treat Siegfried as his equal and share his wealth. The gesture pleases Siegfried, who joins his fellow knights in sports. Kriemhild watches Siegfried from her window and though they never speak, she begins to develop feelings for him. The poet clarifies that Siegfried spends a year at court without ever seeing Kriemhild

Envoys arrive in Worms and inform Gunther that Liudeger, sovereign of Saxon, and Liudegast, King of Denmark, wish to invade Burgundy in 12 weeks. Gunther turns to his friends for counsel—with Hagen suggesting that he call upon Siegfried for assistance. Later, Siegfried finds Gunther brooding and asks what vexes him. Gunther refuses to divulge his trouble since “one should complain of one’s wrongs to proven friends” (34). In response, Siegfried proclaims that he is Gunther’s friend and can be trusted. Gunther lets his guard down and tells Siegfried about the possible invasion, and Siegfried agrees to help him. Gunther sends the envoys back to their countries with gifts and a warning for Liudeger and Liudegast.

Liudegast is stunned when he learns that Siegfried plans to fight with the Burgundians, and he and Liudeger summon 40,000 knights to invade Burgundy. Siegfried instructs Gunther to stay home as he plans to lead the defense himself. The Burgundians “[lay] waste the [Saxon] countryside with fire and pillage” (36) while Siegfried rides ahead to spy on the enemy. While engaging in reconnaissance, he stumbles upon Liudegast, whom he captures. Siegfried proceeds to kill 29 men by himself before placing Liudegast under Hagen’s watch. The armies finally meet and clash in a bloody battle. Liudeger recognizes Siegfried and sues for peace; the Burgundians take 500 captives (including Liudeger and Liudegast) and their wounded back to Worms.

Kriemhild summons a messenger to recount the battle and let her know how Siegfried fared. She is pleased to know “no man rode so well in battle” (41) as Siegfried, and she presents the messenger with clothes and gold. Once the Burgundians and their prisoners return from battle, Gunther treats everyone with magnanimity and plans for festivities that will last six weeks. Siegfried tries to return to the Netherlands, but Gunther implores him to stay. He agrees to do so in hopes of finally seeing Kriemhild.

The festivities begin, and many guests arrive in Worms bringing “numerous saddles red with gold, and sumptuous shields and robes” (46). Gunther becomes aware of Siegfried’s adoration of Kriemhild, and Ortwin suggests that he let the prince see “the pride of Burgundy” (46). Gunther calls for Kriemhild, their mother Uote, and their maidens to appear before the guests—and Siegfried sees Kriemhild for the first time. As he gazes upon her, Siegfried feels inadequate but he “would rather be dead than shun her company” (47). Gernot asks Gunther to present Kriemhild to Siegfried so they can be acquainted. After exchanging pleasantries and holding hands, Kriemhild kisses Siegfried and leaves for church. For 12 days, Kriemhild appears at court with Siegfried, and they become close.

The Danes seek a treaty with Gunther and wish to be released. Uncertain, Gunther asks Siegfried for advice: The prince tells him to let Liudeger, Liudegast, and their men return home on the promise not to invade again. Gunther sets his prisoners free and hands out extravagant gifts. Siegfried tries to leave Burgundy once more, but Giselher dissuades him.