“Siegfried, the noble prince, was a man of such strength that he killed a dragon and bathed in its blood, making his skin as hard as horn.”
— Introducing Siegfried's legendary feats, including the dragon slaying and the subsequent invulnerability.
Archivist's Choice
The Nibelungenlied
Anonymous (2022)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
274 min
Key Themes
See below
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A dragon-slaying hero's triumphant return is tragically overshadowed by treacherous kin, a queen's vengeful pride, and a hoard of cursed gold, igniting a blood feud that will consume kingdoms.
Synopsis
The Nibelungenlied tells the story of Siegfried, a powerful prince from Xanten. He becomes invincible and gains a vast treasure after slaying a dragon and bathing in its blood. Siegfried travels to Worms, the Burgundian court, hoping to marry Kriemhild, the king's sister. However, her brother King Gunther demands Siegfried's help to win the formidable Queen Brunhild of Iceland, who can only be defeated by a stronger man. Siegfried uses his cloak of invisibility and strength to help Gunther defeat Brunhild in various contests. This allows Gunther to marry her, and Siegfried marries Kriemhild in a double ceremony.
Years later, a bitter argument breaks out between Kriemhild and Brunhild about their husbands' status. Kriemhild reveals Siegfried's deception in helping Gunther. Enraged and humiliated, Brunhild incites Hagen, a loyal but ruthless Burgundian vassal, to murder Siegfried. Hagen ambushes and kills Siegfried during a hunt, leaving Kriemhild devastated. Consumed by grief and a fierce desire for revenge, Kriemhild later marries Etzel (Attila), the King of the Huns. She uses her new power to invite her Burgundian relatives to Etzel's court. This invitation is a trap, leading to a brutal conflict where almost all the Burgundian knights, including her brothers and Hagen, are slain. Kriemhild achieves her revenge by personally killing Hagen and Gunther, but Hildebrand then kills her, bringing the tragic story to an end.
Reading time
274 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Variable
Mood
Heroic, Tragic, Vengeful, Epic, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy classic heroic sagas, tales of tragic revenge, and medieval epic poetry with strong characters and intense battles.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer modern narrative styles, lighthearted fantasy, or stories without significant violence and morally ambiguous characters.
Plot Summary
Siegfried's Youth and Early Exploits
Siegfried, the young prince of Xanten, becomes a powerful and famous warrior. His most well-known feat is slaying the dragon Fafnir and bathing in its blood, which makes him invulnerable except for a small spot between his shoulder blades where a linden leaf fell. He also defeats the Nibelungs, a race of dwarves, winning their vast gold hoard and the magic cloak of invisibility, Tarnkappe, from the brothers Nibelung and Schilbung. With these treasures and his new power, Siegfried returns to Xanten, his fame preceding him everywhere.
Siegfried's Arrival in Worms
News of Kriemhild's beauty reaches Siegfried in Xanten, making him want to marry her. Despite his parents' concerns about challenging the powerful Burgundian court, Siegfried, with a small group of companions, travels to Worms, the capital of Burgundy. When he arrives, King Gunther and his loyal vassals, Hagen of Tronje and Volker of Alzey, initially view him with suspicion. However, Siegfried's reputation and skill are acknowledged, and he is eventually welcomed, though Kriemhild remains hidden from him for a year, as court custom requires.
The Saxon War and Siegfried's Heroism
Shortly after Siegfried arrives, King Gunther faces a serious threat from invading Saxons and Danes, led by King Liudegast and King Liudeger. Siegfried, eager to prove himself and win Kriemhild's hand, offers his help. He leads the Burgundian forces to victory alone, showing great bravery and strength. He captures both enemy kings and brings them back to Worms as prisoners, securing peace for Burgundy. His heroic deeds finally earn him public recognition and a formal introduction to Kriemhild, who is instantly drawn to him.
Gunther's Quest for Brunhild
King Gunther wants a wife of equal standing and sets his sights on Brunhild, the formidable warrior queen of Isenland. Brunhild demands impossible trials of strength and skill from her suitors. Gunther knows he cannot succeed alone and asks Siegfried for help, promising him Kriemhild's hand in marriage in return. Siegfried agrees, using his Tarnkappe to become invisible and subtly help Gunther overcome Brunhild's challenges. This makes it seem as though Gunther has superhuman strength. Brunhild, defeated, reluctantly agrees to marry Gunther.
Double Wedding and Brunhild's Suspicion
After their return to Worms, a grand double wedding is held for Gunther and Brunhild, and Siegfried and Kriemhild. Brunhild, however, is deeply troubled by Gunther's apparent lack of strength on their wedding night and by Siegfried's high status, questioning why a mere vassal should marry a king's sister. She refuses to consummate the marriage, binding Gunther and hanging him from a hook. Gunther, humiliated, again seeks Siegfried's magical help. Siegfried, again using the Tarnkappe, subdues Brunhild, taking her ring and girdle, which he later gives to Kriemhild, unaware of what this will lead to.
The Queens' Quarrel
Years later, Siegfried and Kriemhild, now with a son, visit Worms. During a procession to the cathedral, Kriemhild and Brunhild argue bitterly over whose husband has higher status. Kriemhild, in a fit of anger, reveals the truth about Siegfried's role in subduing Brunhild and presents Brunhild's ring and girdle as proof. Brunhild is completely humiliated and enraged by the deception. This public insult ignites her desire for revenge, starting the tragic events that follow, as Hagen of Tronje, fiercely loyal to Brunhild and Gunther, plans Siegfried's death.
Hagen's Treachery and Siegfried's Murder
Driven by a desire to avenge Brunhild's honor and perhaps to secure the Nibelung hoard for Burgundy, Hagen of Tronje devises a treacherous plan. He pretends there is a new war threat to trick Kriemhild into revealing Siegfried's only vulnerable spot, between his shoulder blades, under the guise of protecting him. During a royal hunting trip, Hagen waits for Siegfried to bend over to drink from a spring and then thrusts a spear into the unprotected spot, fatally wounding him. Siegfried dies, cursing his betrayers, and Hagen proudly takes responsibility for the murder, laying Siegfried's body before Kriemhild's chamber door.
Kriemhild's Grief and Vengeance Pledge
Kriemhild is overwhelmed with grief and fury when she finds Siegfried's body. She immediately suspects Hagen, whose guilt is confirmed when Siegfried's wounds bleed again in his presence. For years, Kriemhild remains in Worms, a widow consumed by sorrow and a burning desire for vengeance. She initially reconciles with her brothers, even allowing Hagen to manage the Nibelung hoard, but her heart holds an unyielding resolve to punish those responsible for her beloved husband's murder. This vow will shape the rest of her life and lead to the destruction of her family.
Kriemhild's Marriage to Etzel
After thirteen years of mourning, Kriemhild receives a marriage proposal from Etzel (Attila), the mighty king of the Huns, whose first wife has died. Despite her brothers' initial hesitation and Hagen's strong disapproval, Kriemhild, advised by Bishop Pilgerin, accepts the proposal. She sees this alliance as a way to gain the power and resources needed to avenge Siegfried's death. She travels to Etzel's court in Hungary, where she is welcomed as queen, slowly gaining influence and wealth, all while nursing her dark purpose.
The Invitation to Etzel's Court
Years pass, and Kriemhild gives birth to a son, Ortlieb, by Etzel. She eventually persuades Etzel to invite her brothers and their vassals, the Burgundians (now often called Nibelungs), to a feast at his court. Despite Hagen's dire warnings and premonitions of doom, King Gunther, urged by his other brothers Gernot and Giselher, decides to accept the invitation. The Burgundians, with Hagen leading them, embark on the dangerous journey to Hungary, unaware that they are walking into Kriemhild's carefully planned trap, designed to destroy them.
Arrival and Growing Tensions
Upon their arrival at Etzel's court, the Burgundians are met with a cold reception, especially from Kriemhild, who demands Hagen return Siegfried's Nibelung hoard. Hagen defiantly refuses, further angering her. The tension quickly rises, with skirmishes breaking out between the Huns and the Burgundians. Hagen, always watchful, understands the immediate danger and ensures his men are constantly armed, recognizing Kriemhild's true intentions and preparing for the inevitable fight that will decide their fate.
The Hall Battle and Burgundian Stand
During a feast, Kriemhild incites her Hunnish warriors to attack the unarmed Burgundians in the great hall. The battle is brutal and bloody. The Burgundians, though outnumbered, fight with incredible courage and skill, led by Hagen and Volker. They barricade themselves in the hall, repelling wave after wave of Hunnish attacks. Kriemhild, consumed by hatred, orders the hall set on fire, hoping to burn her brothers and Hagen alive, but the Burgundians survive the inferno, though with heavy losses.
The Death of the Kings and Hagen's Capture
The fighting continues without pause, claiming the lives of Gernot and Giselher. Eventually, only Gunther and Hagen remain alive among the main Burgundian warriors, fighting alongside a few loyal men. Dietrich of Bern, a powerful ally of Etzel who has stayed mostly neutral, intervenes. With his warrior Hildebrand, he manages to subdue and capture both Gunther and Hagen. Dietrich delivers them to Kriemhild, hoping she will spare their lives, but her thirst for vengeance is endless.
Kriemhild's Final Revenge
Kriemhild confronts Hagen, demanding he reveal the location of the Nibelung hoard. Hagen refuses, swearing he will never tell as long as Gunther lives. Enraged, Kriemhild orders Gunther's execution, presenting his severed head to Hagen. Still, Hagen remains defiant, stating that now, with Gunther dead, no one will ever know the hoard's secret. In a final act of savage vengeance, Kriemhild takes Siegfried's sword, Balmung, and personally beheads Hagen. This act, however, is considered too barbaric even by the Huns, and the old warrior Hildebrand, disgusted, strikes Kriemhild down, ending her life and the bloody story.
Principal Figures
Siegfried
The Protagonist/Hero
Siegfried rises to legendary status through his heroism, marries Kriemhild, but is ultimately betrayed and murdered due to his own good nature and the machinations of others.
Kriemhild
The Protagonist/Avenger
Kriemhild evolves from a loving princess into a widow consumed by vengeance, culminating in the destruction of her family and her own death.
Hagen of Tronje
The Antagonist/Loyal Vassal
Hagen maintains his ruthless loyalty to Gunther, orchestrating Siegfried's death and defying Kriemhild until his own brutal end.
King Gunther
The Supporting/Flawed King
Gunther's reign is marked by reliance on others, leading to a fateful decision that results in the destruction of his kingdom and his own demise.
Brunhild
The Supporting/Warrior Queen
Brunhild's initial strength and pride are shattered by deception, leading to her demand for vengeance that sets the tragic plot in motion.
Etzel (Attila)
The Supporting/Hunnish King
Etzel's initial role as a benevolent king is twisted by Kriemhild's vengeful machinations, leading to the destruction of his court and the deaths of many, including his own son.
Volker of Alzey
The Supporting/Loyal Vassal
Volker remains steadfastly loyal and brave until his death in the final battle, a testament to Burgundian honor.
Gernot
The Supporting/Burgundian King
Gernot serves as a loyal brother and king, fighting bravely but ultimately succumbing to Kriemhild's revenge.
Giselher
The Supporting/Burgundian King
Giselher, initially more conciliatory, is drawn into the family feud and tragically dies as a result of Kriemhild's revenge.
Themes & Insights
Revenge and its Destructive Cycle
The main theme of 'The Nibelungenlied' is the all-consuming and destructive nature of revenge. Kriemhild's change from a loving wife to a ruthless avenger drives the entire second half of the epic. Siegfried's murder, itself an act of vengeance for Brunhild's honor, starts Kriemhild's endless desire for retribution. Her quest for revenge leads to the deaths of her brothers, her son, countless Huns and Burgundians, and ultimately, her own death. The cycle shows how violence creates more violence, leaving only destruction. For example, Kriemhild's final, brutal act of beheading Hagen, and then Gunther, is the peak of this cycle, leaving no true victor, only widespread death and sorrow.
“He who stirs up strife will find sorrow at the last.”
Loyalty and Betrayal
Loyalty is a supreme virtue in the Germanic heroic code, yet it is constantly tested and ultimately betrayed. Hagen's unwavering loyalty to Gunther, and his interpretation of protecting his king's honor, directly leads to his betrayal and murder of Siegfried. Conversely, Kriemhild's loyalty to Siegfried's memory fuels her betrayal of her own family. The Burgundian vassals' fierce loyalty to their kings, even when facing certain death at Etzel's court, is a moving depiction of this theme. The epic explores the complexities of loyalty when conflicting duties and personal vendettas meet, questioning where one's true allegiance lies.
“For the sake of his masters, he had to risk his life.”
Honor and Pride
The idea of honor, both personal and familial, drives many of the characters' actions. Brunhild's wounded pride and public humiliation by Kriemhild directly cause Siegfried's murder. Hagen's belief that he is restoring his queen's and king's honor justifies his treachery. Kriemhild's honor, tied to Siegfried, demands vengeance. The desire to maintain one's reputation and status, even at the cost of lives, shapes much of the story. The queens' argument, a seemingly minor dispute over precedence, grows into a catastrophic conflict precisely because it touches on deeply held ideas of honor and respect.
“The queen had been put to shame, and she would have her revenge.”
Fate and Free Will
The story often hints at an unavoidable destiny, suggesting that events are predetermined, yet characters continually make choices that move the plot forward. Hagen often expresses forebodings of doom, especially about the journey to Etzel's court, implying a sense of inescapable fate. However, Kriemhild consciously chooses to marry Etzel to achieve her goal, and Hagen deliberately plans Siegfried's murder. The epic deals with the tension between a heroic ideal where individuals shape their destiny through bravery and a tragic worldview where characters are trapped by an overarching, inescapable fate, often linked to prophecies or curses like that of the Nibelung hoard.
“Many a wonder was destined to befall them ere the end.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Nibelung Hoard (Hort)
A vast treasure that brings both immense power and a curse to its owners.
The Nibelung Hoard is a magical treasure acquired by Siegfried from the Nibelungs. It is described as inexhaustible and carries a powerful curse, bringing misfortune and death to its possessors. Initially, it represents Siegfried's wealth and power, but after his death, it becomes a point of contention. Hagen seizes it for Burgundy, sinking it into the Rhine, ostensibly to prevent Kriemhild from using it to raise an army for revenge. The hoard symbolizes the corrupting influence of wealth and serves as a constant reminder of Siegfried's legacy and the underlying cause of Kriemhild's vengeance, even though it's never directly retrieved by her.
Tarnkappe (Cloak of Invisibility)
A magical cloak that grants invisibility and super strength.
The Tarnkappe is a magical cloak Siegfried wins from the Nibelungs. It not only renders the wearer invisible but also grants them the strength of twelve men. Siegfried uses this device twice to aid Gunther in his quest for Brunhild: first, to help him overcome Brunhild's physical challenges, and second, to subdue Brunhild on her wedding night. This device is crucial for enabling Gunther's marriage, but its use also sets up the deception that ultimately leads to Siegfried's downfall. It highlights Siegfried's selflessness in aiding his future brother-in-law, but also his unwitting complicity in a lie that will destroy him.
Siegfried's Vulnerable Spot
The single, unprotected spot on Siegfried's otherwise invulnerable body.
After bathing in the dragon's blood, Siegfried becomes invulnerable, except for a small spot on his back where a linden leaf fell. This Achilles' heel is a classic heroic vulnerability. It is a critical plot device because it is the secret that Hagen extracts from Kriemhild through deceit, allowing him to murder Siegfried. The existence of this single weakness in an otherwise invincible hero makes his death possible and underscores the theme of betrayal. It symbolizes that even the greatest heroes are susceptible to human flaws and treachery, ultimately leading to their tragic end.
The Queens' Quarrel
A public dispute between Kriemhild and Brunhild that reveals a crucial deception.
The quarrel between Kriemhild and Brunhild over precedence, and Kriemhild's subsequent revelation of how Siegfried helped Gunther win Brunhild, is the pivotal turning point of the epic. It is the catalyst that directly leads to Siegfried's murder. This seemingly petty dispute over status escalates into a public shaming that Brunhild cannot tolerate, prompting Hagen to act. It exemplifies how pride and honor, when wounded, can have catastrophic consequences, transforming a domestic squabble into a trigger for widespread tragedy and bloodshed.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Upon his shoulder, between the blades, there was a little spot where a linden-leaf had fallen, and there the dragon's blood had not touched him.”
— Describing Siegfried's single point of vulnerability, a crucial plot point.
“He brought with him twelve strong comrades, and they were all ready to fight for him, should need arise.”
— Siegfried arriving in Worms with his retinue, displaying his power and status.
“Then spoke Hagen, the grim warrior: 'I know a way to learn the secret of Siegfried's strength, if only Kriemhild will confide in me.'”
— Hagen plotting to discover Siegfried's weakness, manipulating Kriemhild.
“With a spear, he pierced the noble hero through the linden-leaf spot, and Siegfried fell, mortally wounded.”
— The moment of Siegfried's assassination by Hagen.
“Then Kriemhild swore a mighty oath that she would avenge her husband's death, no matter the cost.”
— Kriemhild's vow of vengeance after Siegfried's murder.
“She spent thirteen years in sorrow, but her heart never forgot the wrong done to her.”
— Kriemhild's prolonged period of mourning and simmering desire for revenge.
“The Burgundians, though brave, were greatly outnumbered, and their doom was sealed.”
— Describing the dire situation of the Burgundians as Kriemhild's forces close in.
“Hagen, ever defiant, refused to reveal the hiding place of the Nibelung treasure, even under torture.”
— Hagen's unwavering loyalty to his oath and his defiance in the face of death.
“Then Kriemhild, filled with a terrible wrath, took Siegfried's own sword and slew Hagen with her own hands.”
— Kriemhild's ultimate act of vengeance, personally killing Hagen.
“Though she had avenged her husband, the land was drenched in blood, and many noble lives were lost.”
— The tragic aftermath of Kriemhild's vengeance, highlighting the devastation.
“So ended the Nibelungs, in a great slaughter, and their glory and their treasure were forever lost.”
— The final tragic summary of the Nibelung's fate.
“A hero's fame endures longer than his life, but a hero's death brings sorrow to many.”
— A reflection on the lasting impact of heroic deeds and tragic loss.
“Great deeds are often born of great love, and great suffering, of great betrayal.”
— A thematic statement on the intertwined nature of love, suffering, and betrayal in the epic.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The central conflict arises from the murder of Siegfried by Hagen, instigated by Brunhild's wounded pride and Kriemhild's boastfulness regarding Siegfried's prowess. This act sets in motion Kriemhild's relentless quest for vengeance, leading to the destruction of the Burgundians and the ultimate demise of many heroes.
About the author
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