Siegfried of the Netherlands has allied with the Burgundians, he and King Liudeger muster over 40,000 troops. Meanwhile, Gunther assembles his own forces. Siegfried requests that Gunther remain in Worms while he leads the battle. The Burgundians, led by Siegfried, march through Hesse towards Saxony, destroying enemy towns and villages along the way.

In the ensuing battle, Siegfried captures both King Liudegast and King Liudeger. The Burgundians also take many Saxon prisoners and bring the wounded back to Worms for care. Defeated, most of the Danes return to Denmark. Gunther rides out to meet the returning army and learns of their victory. Everyone is welcomed back, including the prisoners, who are treated as honored guests. King Liudeger promises to stay with his captured troops until they are allowed to return home. Gunther dismisses the warrior-vassals who had gathered to fight for Burgundy alongside Siegfried, asking them to return in six weeks for a grand feast. He invites Siegfried to remain in Worms, and Siegfried agrees due to his secret love for Kriemhild.

Chapter 5

The promised festivities begin. The narrator reveals that Gunther has noticed Siegfried's secret affection for Kriemhild and has arranged for Kriemhild and their mother Uote to join the celebration. Gunther introduces Kriemhild and Siegfried, and the narrator elaborates on their immediate attraction to each other.

The Danes return home after requesting a pledge of peace between themselves and the Burgundians, to which Gunther agrees. Siegfried again considers leaving, but young Giselher persuades him to stay in Worms. Once more, Siegfried remains, hoping to win Kriemhild's hand.

Chapter 6

Gunther, having heard tales of many beautiful maidens in distant lands, decides to seek one as his wife. Among them, Queen Brunhild of Iceland stands out for her exceptional strength and beauty. Suitors must undergo three tests of strength to win her hand, and those who fail lose their heads. Determined to marry Brunhild, Gunther enlists Siegfried's help, promising him Kriemhild's hand in marriage in return. Gunther agrees.

Chapter 7

The Burgundians arrive in Brunhild's kingdom. Siegfried poses as Gunther's vassal, or liegeman (a servant or subordinate to a noble person), and speaks on his behalf, extolling his lord and explaining their mission to win Brunhild's hand for Gunther. Brunhild outlines the tests required to win her: Gunther must "cast the weight" (a heavy boulder that twelve men can barely lift), perform a leap (a type of long-jump), and throw a javelin (a long spear). Gunther accepts the challenge.

During each event, Siegfried secretly aids Gunther while wearing his magic cloak of invisibility. Together, they defeat Brunhild, who reluctantly accepts Gunther as her husband and king, merging her kingdom with his. A feast and games follow, after which Siegfried departs to visit the land of the Nibelungs, which he had previously conquered.

Chapter 8

Upon arriving in the land of the Nibelungs, where he is lord over immense treasure and lands, Siegfried is confronted by the gatekeeper, leading to a fight. Siegfried triumphs and restrains his attacker, and news of the encounter spreads swiftly. Alberich, the dwarf from whom Siegfried had taken the magic cloak, arrives and attacks Siegfried, failing to recognize him. Siegfried prevails again and binds Alberich. Realizing his captor's identity, Alberich is relieved and welcomes him.

When the Nibelungs reach Iceland, Brunhild is taken by surprise but welcomes them. The Burgundians then prepare to return to Worms with Brunhild as their new queen.

Chapter 9

On their journey back, Siegfried is asked to travel ahead to deliver the good news, ensuring everyone is prepared to welcome Gunther's new bride. Gifts are arranged for Brunhild, and when Gunther and his entourage arrive, a ceremonious reception awaits them.

Chapter 10

Kriemhild, Uote, and all the king's vassals eagerly await the arrival of the guests. Kriemhild extends a particularly warm welcome to Brunhild, and initially, it seems the two queens are poised to become friends. A grand wedding celebration ensues, featuring games and a lavish feast. Siegfried reminds Gunther of his promise to let him marry Kriemhild, and Gunther gladly agrees. Gunther informs Kriemhild of his wish, and she joyfully accepts, leading to their immediate marriage. Brunhild is taken aback by Gunther's decision to let his sister wed Siegfried, as she had been led to believe in her homeland that Siegfried was merely a vassal of the prince, and thus not a suitable match for a princess.

On their wedding night, Gunther discovers that Brunhild intends to remain a virgin. When he tries to embrace her, she becomes furious. Using her immense strength, she binds him and hangs him from a hook on the wall, leaving him there until morning. She releases him just before the attendants arrive, sparing him the humiliation of being discovered by the entire court.

The next morning, Gunther confides in Siegfried about the humiliation he endured. Siegfried, who had a delightful wedding night, offers to use his magic cloak to help Gunther consummate his marriage, assuring him that he will not exploit the situation for his own gratification. That night, when Brunhild again resists Gunther's advances, the invisible Siegfried intervenes. He aggressively subdues Brunhild, holding her down on the bed for Gunther. Siegfried takes a silk girdle and a golden ring from Brunhild before returning to his own chamber, where Kriemhild is waiting. She is suspicious of his whereabouts, but he dodges her inquiries. He gives her the silk belt and ring without revealing their origin. Meanwhile, Brunhild realizes that along with her virginity, she has lost her extraordinary strength and is now no more powerful than any other woman.

This episode can be offensive to a late twentieth-century reader. However, in the context of the era when the Nibelungenlied was written, it was considered gravely wrong—perverse and unwomanly—for Brunhild to refuse to consummate her marriage with Gunther. Although disturbing to modern sensibilities, Gunther's virtual rape of his new bride was seen as his right and the logical next step after she refused to submit to him. Nonetheless, Siegfried's involvement, even within the context of the times, raises serious ethical questions.

Chapter 11

Siegfried and Kriemhild prepare to return to the Netherlands, but first, Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot arrange to transfer the lands that are part of Kriemhild's inheritance to them. (Brunhild is absent from this exchange, and scholars speculate that her absence might be due to her realizing that Siegfried is not actually Gunther's vassal.) Siegfried and Kriemhild receive a warm welcome at Siegfried's home, where King Siegmund immediately crowns Siegfried as king. The narrator quickly summarizes the following months, mentioning only that Siegfried and Kriemhild have a son named Gunther, after his uncle. Meanwhile, Brunhild also gives birth to a son, whom she and Gunther name Siegfried.

Chapter 12

Brunhild starts to question why Siegfried has not paid any tribute to Gunther, his supposed "lord," in a long time. She keeps her suspicions to herself but persuades Gunther to invite Siegfried and Kriemhild for a visit. Gunther initially resists, arguing that the journey is too long for them. However, Brunhild insists, citing Siegfried's duties as a royal vassal (which Gunther does not dispute) and her desire to see Kriemhild again. When the invitation reaches them, Kriemhild is eager to visit her homeland. Siegfried accepts and decides to bring his father and many warriors along.

Chapters 13 and 14

Siegfried and Kriemhild arrive in Burgundy, where a grand feast is held, and war games are played. Tension arises between Brunhild and Kriemhild as they each boast about their husbands' bravery and honor. Brunhild objects to Kriemhild's claims, as she still believes Siegfried is Gunther's vassal. When Brunhild explains her perspective, Kriemhild denies it, asserting that Siegfried and Gunther are equals. The argument escalates, with both women insisting on their own higher status. The conflict peaks when Brunhild tries to stop Kriemhild from entering a cathedral before her, claiming her higher status entitles her to enter first. Brunhild accuses Kriemhild of being no more than a paramour and alleges that Siegfried, not Gunther, was the first to be intimate with her. The narrative does not confirm any sexual contact between Siegfried and Brunhild, nor does it reveal whether Siegfried or Gunther ever told Kriemhild about Siegfried using his magic cloak to help Gunther subdue Brunhild. Regardless of how she learned it, Kriemhild presents the golden ring that Siegfried took from Brunhild as evidence.

Brunhild demands the truth from Gunther. Siegfried denies tarnishing Brunhild's honor and even publicly rebukes his wife Kriemhild for making such claims. Gunther accepts Siegfried's word and is willing to let the matter go. However, Hagen vows to Brunhild that he will avenge her public humiliation (despite the lack of evidence) and conspires with his knights to kill Siegfried. Although Gunther tries to stop the plot, he eventually agrees to participate in Hagen's scheme. The narrator ends Chapter 14 lamenting that many men will die as a result of "the wrangling of two women."

Chapter 15

Unaware that Hagen has sworn to avenge Brunhild by killing Siegfried, Kriemhild asks him to protect her husband. She also nonchalantly admits that Siegfried struck her for publicly humiliating Brunhild. Hagen inquires how he should protect Siegfried, specifically asking about his weak spot. Kriemhild reveals that Siegfried's vulnerable spot is between his shoulder blades. The narrator notes that while she believes she is safeguarding her husband, she is actually providing Hagen with the means to kill him.

Chapter 16

The knights prepare for a hunt. Kriemhild is deeply troubled, likely due to her indiscretion with Hagen. She recounts to Siegfried a dream in which two boars chase him through a field of blood-red flowers. Siegfried reassures her that he will return safely from the hunt. Kriemhild then describes another dream where two mountains collapse on Siegfried, killing him. He dismisses her concerns.

The narrator provides a detailed account of the hunt, emphasizing its importance and nobility in the Middle Ages. Siegfried displays great bravery and skill, killing many animals. Eventually, Siegfried and a few others, including Hagen and Gunther, stop to rest. As Siegfried drinks from a stream, Hagen hurls Siegfried's own spear at him, targeting the cross Kriemhild had stitched onto his tunic for holy protection. The spear pierces Siegfried's body. Enraged and in agony, Siegfried reaches for his weapons, only to find that Hagen has removed them. With only his shield at hand, Siegfried uses the last of his strength to deliver a powerful blow to Hagen, shattering the shield. Siegfried collapses in a bed of flowers (echoing Kriemhild's dream) and condemns Hagen and his comrades for their treachery. Gunther regrets his involvement at Siegfried's words. The chapter ends with the image of blood-soaked flowers.

Chapter 17

The hunting party returns, and in an act of "pride and grisly vengeance," Hagen places Siegfried's corpse outside Kriemhild's door so she will find him on her way to matins (morning church services). A servant discovers the body the next morning but cannot identify it. Only Kriemhild recognizes Siegfried and collapses in grief. Her sorrow is intensified by guilt for having told Hagen how to "protect" Siegfried. Suspecting Brunhild and Hagen, she vows revenge. News of Siegfried's death spreads, deeply affecting Siegmund. He immediately goes to Kriemhild, and they mourn together. The Nibelung warriors, now with Siegmund, arm themselves, intent on finding Siegfried's murderer. However, Kriemhild persuades them to wait for proof.

At the funeral, Gunther and Hagen join the mourners. Kriemhild challenges both to approach Siegfried's body. There is a belief that a murder victim's wounds would bleed in the presence of the killer, which happens when Hagen approaches Siegfried's body. Despite Gunther and Hagen's protests of innocence, Kriemhild remains unconvinced.

Chapter 18

Kriemhild decides to stay at Worms with her brothers while Siegmund returns to the Netherlands. She entrusts the upbringing of her son to his grandparents at Xanten. Although Kriemhild remains among her people, she relinquishes her position as queen. The rift between her and Brunhild remains unresolved.

Chapter 19

For three and a half years, Kriemhild stays at Worms without speaking to Gunther or Hagen. She remains convinced of Hagen's guilt, especially since she revealed Siegfried's weak spot to him. Meanwhile, Hagen schemes to bring the Nibelung treasure, now Kriemhild's, to Worms. Gunther sends his brothers to plead with her to see him. She eventually agrees, and once reconciled with Gunther, she consents to send for the treasure. Eight thousand men are dispatched to retrieve it. However, against the kings' wishes, Hagen secretly sinks the treasure in the Rhine River, ensuring its location is known to few.

Chapter 20

In Hungary, Helche, the wife of King Etzel of the Huns, has passed away, and he seeks a new bride. Hearing of Kriemhild's beauty, he sends his trusted vassal, Rudiger of Pochlarn, to propose on his behalf. Rudiger arrives at Worms with five hundred warriors and secures an audience with the kings. He informs Gunther of his mission and is promised a response within three days. Gunther is willing to let Kriemhild decide whether to marry Etzel, but Hagen cautions against it, fearing Kriemhild will use Etzel's forces to seek vengeance on the Burgundians for Siegfried's death.

Kriemhild is initially reluctant to accept Etzel's offer until Rudiger swears an oath to avenge any wrongs she suffers. She then agrees to marry Etzel.

Chapter 21

Kriemhild and her entourage journey through Bavaria to Passau, where she meets her uncle, Bishop Pilgrim. They proceed to Rudiger's lands, where they stay briefly. During their stay, Kriemhild is introduced to Rudiger's wife, Gotelind, and their daughter. They then travel through Austria, where the narrator notes that Christians and pagans coexist (Etzel is a pagan). The group stays at the fortress of Traisenmauer for four days before continuing to Etzel's court.

Chapter 22

As they travel through Austria, Kriemhild observes many unusual customs and encounters numerous knights and kings from different principalities. All these rulers are loyal to King Etzel and are eager to meet their new queen. When Kriemhild meets Etzel, she is warmly welcomed. Celebrations and jousting events follow. Etzel and Kriemhild, accompanied by a large retinue, proceed to Vienna, where more festivities are held in Kriemhild's honor. They marry in Vienna, and the celebrations last for seventeen days. Despite the festivities, Kriemhild continues to mourn Siegfried. Eventually, they leave Vienna for Hungary, where Kriemhild is welcomed at court by royal princesses, especially Herrat, the niece of the former Queen Helche, who is betrothed to a lord named Dietrich.

Chapter 23

In the seventh year of her marriage to Etzel, Kriemhild gives birth to a son named Ortlieb. By this time, she is loved, respected, and even feared by the Hungarian people. However, she still harbors plans for revenge against Hagen. One night, she dreams of walking with her brother Giselher, and the narrator hints that everyone at Giselher's court will soon experience great suffering.

Kriemhild asks Etzel to invite her countrymen to visit them. Etzel sends two minstrels, Swemmel and Werbel, to extend the invitation to the summer festival. Kriemhild speaks to the messengers privately, instructing them to pretend that she no longer grieves for Siegfried and holds no resentment over his death. She expresses a desire to see all her brothers, including Hagen. The minstrels, unaware of Hagen's involvement in Siegfried's death, remain oblivious to Kriemhild's true intentions for luring Hagen to Hungary.

Chapter 24

Werbel and Swemmel pause in Pochlarn on their route to Worms to visit Rudiger and Gotelind, who send their regards to the Worms court. They are warmly received after Hagen identifies them. They deliver the invitation and are assured an answer within a week. Meanwhile, Gunther debates whether to travel to Hungary. Hagen strongly opposes the idea, openly stating that his murder of Kriemhild's husband endangers them all if they visit her. Gunther, however, believes Kriemhild's anger has subsided. Gunther suggests that Hagen, aware of his guilt, should stay behind—implying that Hagen lacks the courage to face Kriemhild and her new allies (Gunther omits his own passive role in Siegfried's death). Hagen accepts the challenge and agrees to go but insists they travel armed.

Chapter 25

As the Burgundians prepare for their journey to Hungary, Uote dreams that all the birds in Burgundy have died. She interprets this as a bad omen and cautions her sons against going, but they ignore her warning. The Burgundians head towards Hungary and reach the Danube River on the twelfth day. Hagen encounters water sprites or faeries bathing in the river and steals their clothes, returning them in exchange for a promise of a safe trip. However, once their clothes are returned, the faeries reveal that great danger awaits them in Hungary and they are all destined to die.

Then, Hagen fights and kills a boatman who refuses to ferry them across the river. After everyone safely crosses the Danube, Hagen destroys the ferry, claiming it is to prevent any cowards in the group from retreating.

Chapter 26

Upon reaching the other side of the river, Hagen informs the others of the prophecy he received from the faeries. He also confesses to killing the ferryman, warning that the ferryman's lord, Gelphrat, will likely seek revenge. Soon, the Burgundians are confronted by Gelphrat, his brother Else, and their men. Gelphrat is killed by Dancwart, causing the rest of his men to flee. The Burgundians press on and arrive at Rudiger's residence, where they find rest.

Chapter 27

Rudiger honors his guests with a warm welcome, especially Hagen, whom he had met before. His wife, Lady Gotelind, and their daughter also extend their hospitality. The (unnamed) daughter garners much admiration and is betrothed to Giselher before the Burgundians depart. Several days later, the Burgundians set out for Etzel's court, bearing gifts from Rudiger, who accompanies them on the final leg of their journey.

Chapter 28

The Burgundians arrive in Hungary and are welcomed by Hildebrand and Wolfhart, two valiant knights from Amelungland and vassals of Dietrich, Lord of Verona. They caution the Burgundians that Kriemhild still grieves Siegfried's death. Unfazed, the Burgundians proceed to the court.

Kriemhild greets the visitors but does not hide her fury towards Hagen. She immediately demands to know where he has concealed her treasure, the Nibelungs' hoard she inherited after Siegfried's death. Hagen responds that her brothers ordered it to be sunk in the Rhine River.

Chapter 29

Kriemhild weeps, prompting Etzel's warriors to inquire about her distress. She reveals her desire for vengeance for Siegfried's death and offers a substantial reward. Sixty men vow to kill Hagen, but she insists they muster more forces, which they do. Nevertheless, the knights later retract their promise, fearing Hagen and Volker.

Gunther, his brothers, and their men then enter Etzel's court and are warmly received by the King, who is unaware of the impending threat.

Chapter 30

As the evening concludes, Gunther and his men request permission to retire. However, as they exit the hall, a jostling crowd surrounds them, enraging Volker and heightening tensions between the two groups of knights. The Burgundians are directed to a large hall with beds prepared. Hagen and Volker stand guard outside as the others sleep.

Chapter 31

After the morning mass, the celebrations begin, featuring games and mock battles. One such event is the "bohort," a ceremonial sport played on horseback using shields and lances. Rudiger, noticing the hostility among Gunther's men, suggests canceling the bohort, but it proceeds regardless. Volker participates in the game, and during his charge, his lance accidentally kills one of the Huns. Everyone reaches for their swords, but Etzel intervenes to resolve the issue, declaring the death accidental.

Meanwhile, Kriemhild once again pleads with her vassals to help avenge Siegfried. Although angered by the recent death, they hesitate to attack the Burgundians. She then implores Lord Bloedelin for assistance, but he remains reluctant until Kriemhild promises him wealth, land, and the young woman Herrat, who is already pledged to Dietrich as a bride. With these promises, Bloedelin agrees.

Chapter 32

Bloedelin launches an attack on the Burgundians. He confronts Dancwart and his men while they are eating in the hall. Dancwart swiftly beheads Bloedelin, and a fierce battle ensues. The Burgundians manage to drive the Huns out of the building, but both sides suffer heavy losses. Dancwart fights his way out to inform his brother Hagen about the attempted massacre.

Chapter 33

Dancwart bursts into the hall where Hagen is dining with Etzel and Kriemhild. He calls for his brother's help, reporting that Lord Bloedelin and his men have slaughtered many Burgundians. Together, they prevent the pursuing Huns from entering and barricade the room, standing guard at the stairs. Hagen then steps forward and beheads Kriemhild's and Etzel's son, Ortlieb, whose head lands in Kriemhild's lap. A battle erupts between the Huns and the Burgundians. Kriemhild begs Dietrich to help her and Etzel escape, and he complies. Rudiger of Pochlarn is also allowed to leave with his men, as the Burgundians do not seek conflict with them.

Chapter 34

The Burgundians kill or severely injure all the Huns in the hall. They clear the hall by throwing the dead and dying down a flight of stairs, causing many more to perish from the rough treatment. Hagen and Volker address King Etzel, who stands with a crowd outside. They mock and insult him and Queen Kriemhild. Furious, she urges her men to kill Hagen, promising them great wealth in return.

Chapter 35

Iring of Denmark calls for his weapons, determined to fulfill his queen's wishes. He confronts the Burgundians in battle, and Giselher strikes him down, leaving him stunned. Believing him dead, they are surprised when he leaps to his feet. He runs toward Hagen, manages to wound him, and then retreats to the crowd outside. Kriemhild is overjoyed upon hearing this. Iring, now more determined, reenters the hall. Enraged, Hagen wounds Iring with a spear through his head.

Chapter 36

Kriemhild and Etzel dispatch twenty thousand soldiers into combat, but the Huns fail once more. By now, Etzel is determined not to let any of the Burgundians survive. The situation has escalated beyond control.

Giselher pleads with his sister for mercy, but she remains unmoved. Her heart is hardened. She proposes that if they surrender Hagen as a prisoner, she might consider sparing her brothers. However, Gernot and the others refuse to betray their friend. Kriemhild then commands the Huns to set the hall ablaze. As the heat intensifies, those trapped inside resort to drinking the blood of the dead to quench their thirst. They decide to move to the palace's gathering hall and stay silent, hoping the Huns will think they have died. Yet, at dawn, the Huns attack, driven by loyalty to their king and Kriemhild's promise of riches. The narrator notes that twelve hundred men attacked, but all were slain.

Chapter 37

Rudiger is summoned to assist the Huns but hesitates because he has pledged friendship and given his daughter in marriage to the Burgundians. He grapples with the choice of fighting his new friends, while Etzel scolds him for his perceived disloyalty. Both Etzel and Kriemhild are distressed by his reluctance to fight. Kriemhild reminds him of his loyalty oath to her. Rudiger is tormented by his role in bringing the Burgundians to Etzel's court, only to see them attacked, and struggles to prioritize between feudal duty and a vow of friendship and kinship.

Both Kriemhild and Etzel kneel before Rudiger, who is agonized by the decision he faces. There is no right choice for him; either way, he will betray one of his commitments. He even offers to exile himself to avoid making the decision. However, Etzel's pleas ultimately convince him, against his will, to fight the Burgundians.

When Giselher and the others see Rudiger and his men approaching, they initially believe help has arrived, but soon realize their friend is there to fight them. The Burgundian kings attempt to dissuade him from his course. Rudiger even gifts Hagen his shield, as Hagen's was destroyed. Emotions run high, and the knights weep at the tragic turn of events that pits friends against each other. They engage in battle, resulting in Rudiger and Gernot killing each other. All of Rudiger's men are slain.

Chapter 38

Dietrich of Verona sends an emissary to the Huns to inquire about the situation. He then dispatches Hildebrand, his Master-at-Arms, to the Burgundians for more details. When Volker sees Hildebrand and his knights approaching, he assumes they will attack, but instead, Hildebrand addresses them. Hildebrand asks if it is true that they have killed Rudiger, as Dietrich will never forgive them if so. Hagen confirms the news.

Hildebrand requests Rudiger's body but is informed that they must battle for it. Defying Dietrich's orders, Hildebrand and his men engage in combat. Wolfhart provokes the Burgundians into a fight, resulting in heavy casualties among Hildebrand's forces. Hildebrand slays Volker after Volker kills Dietrich's nephew, Sigestap. Hagen is deeply affected by Volker's death. Dancwart is also slain by Helpfrich, a vassal of Dietrich. Wolfhart, Hildebrand’s nephew, and Giselher kill each other. Ultimately, all of Dietrich's men perish except Hildebrand. He and Hagen fight, and Hildebrand retreats from the hall, injured. Only Hagen and Gunther survive.

Dietrich is furious with Hildebrand for engaging the Burgundians, as he was only supposed to negotiate. Dietrich, saddened by the confirmation of Rudiger's death, resolves to confront the Burgundians himself but is dismayed to learn he has no warriors left. Without his men, he cannot serve Etzel as a vassal or defend himself.

Chapter 39

Dietrich and Hildebrand return to the hall where Hagen and Gunther await. Dietrich offers the Burgundians protection if they surrender to him, but they refuse. Hagen argues that surrender would be disgraceful. He insults Hildebrand for fleeing the earlier battle, provoking Dietrich. Dietrich and Hagen fight, with Dietrich capturing and binding Hagen, then delivering him to Queen Kriemhild. Kriemhild has Hagen imprisoned in the dungeon.

Dietrich then fights Gunther, defeats him, and brings him, bound, to Kriemhild. She imprisons her brother as well, keeping the two prisoners apart. Kriemhild has Gunther killed and presents his head to Hagen. She then kills Hagen with the sword of her first husband, Siegfried, in the presence of Etzel, Dietrich, and Hildebrand. Hildebrand, unwilling to let her crime go unpunished, vows to avenge Hagen's death and kills Kriemhild. Even Etzel mourns Hagen's passing. "The King's high festival had ended in sorrow, as joy must ever turn to sorrow in the end."