Characters
Siegfried
Siegfried (ZEEG-freed), the illustrious prince of Niderland, is celebrated for his remarkable feats, most notably securing the Nibelung treasure hoard. His invulnerability results from a dragon's blood bath, save for a small patch between his shoulders shielded by a linden leaf. As Lord of the Netherlands, Norway, and Nieblungland, he embarks on a journey to Burgundy, where he wins Kriemhild's heart and marries her. Despite his triumphs, Siegfried's life meets a tragic end when he is treacherously murdered by the Burgundian knight Hagen due to court conspiracies. His legendary sword, Balmung, is seized by Hagen posthumously. Kriemhild later wields it to exact vengeance on Hagen, avenging Siegfried's untimely demise. Siegfried's bravery and tragic fate are central to the narrative's unfolding.
Kriemhild
Kriemhild (KREEM-hihlt), the captivating sister of Burgundy's king, becomes the beloved wife of Siegfried, the esteemed warrior, following his assistance to her brother Gunther in winning Brunhild's hand. Her marriage to Siegfried is overshadowed by tragedy when she is misled into divulging his sole vulnerability, resulting in his death. After enduring a lengthy period of widowhood and mourning, she marries Hun King Etzel, with whom she has a son, Ortlieb. Consumed by a desire for vengeance, she invites the Burgundian court to Hunland, culminating in a devastating conflict where all Burgundians perish. Kriemhild's relentless pursuit of vengeance ends with her death at the hands of Hildebrand, under Etzel's orders.
Gunther
Gunther (GEWN-tehr), the Burgundian king and eldest of the royal siblings, promises Siegfried that he can wed Kriemhild in exchange for his help in winning Brunhild. With Siegfried's assistance, Gunther accomplishes the challenging feats of strength and skill required by Brunhild. After their marriages, Gunther again relies on Siegfried, who masquerades as him to overcome Brunhild. Complicit in Siegfried's murder due to the ensuing treachery, Gunther is ultimately slain in Kriemhild's vengeful massacre in Hunland, sealing his tragic fate.
Brunhild
Brunhild (BREWN-hihlt), the daughter of Wotan and queen of Iceland, is renowned for her exceptional strength and beauty. Gunther, seeking her hand in marriage, triumphs in her set competitions thanks to Siegfried's concealed aid through a cloak of invisibility. Following her marriage and the loss of her immense power when Siegfried, disguised as Gunther, subdues her, Brunhild remains oblivious to Siegfried's involvement until Kriemhild unveils the truth during a heated dispute. Her wounded pride sets off a series of events culminating in Siegfried's murder and the Burgundians' downfall.
Hagen
Hagen (HAH-gehn), a shrewd and troublesome Burgundian knight, orchestrates Siegfried's assassination, aiming to claim the Nibelungen treasure, which now belongs to Kriemhild. After ordering the treasure to be submerged in the Rhine, he is subsequently killed by Kriemhild, taking the secret location of the treasure with him to the grave. Known as the Lord of Troneck and a former hostage at Etzel's court, Hagen's actions ignite Kriemhild's vengeful quest, ultimately leading to his demise.
Etzel
Etzel (EHT-tsehl), also known as Attila, is the formidable king of the Huns and Kriemhild's second husband. Following the death of his first wife, Helche, Kriemhild marries him as part of her elaborate scheme for retribution against the Burgundians. His court becomes the stage for Kriemhild's vengeful machinations, resulting in a catastrophic conflict that seals the fate of the Burgundians.
Gernot
Gernot (GEHR-noht), the second-eldest brother of Gunther and Kriemhild, conspires alongside Giselher and Hagen against Siegfried, believing their family’s honor tarnished. He meets his end during the climactic battle against the Huns, falling at Rudiger's hands amidst the chaos.
Giselher
Giselher (GEE-seh-lehr), the youngest of Kriemhild's brothers, becomes embroiled in the deadly plot against Siegfried. Betrothed to Rudiger's daughter, his life tragically ends...
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when Wolfhart kills him during the battle at Etzel's court, marking another casualty of Kriemhild's relentless revenge.
Ortlieb
Ortlieb (OHRT-leeb), the young son of Kriemhild and Etzel, is given to the Burgundians as a hostage. His life is brutally cut short by Hagen, making him one of the first casualties as the conflict erupts into violence.
Sir Dietrich
Sir Dietrich (DEE-trihkh), a noble knight aware of Kriemhild's simmering fury, warns the Burgundians of the looming peril. His counsel goes unheeded, leading to disastrous consequences. Respected by both Huns and Burgundians, Dietrich plays a pivotal role by capturing Hagen and Gunther, contributing to the narrative's tragic resolution.
Dankwart
Dankwart (DHANK-vahrt), Hagen's younger brother and a steadfast vassal to the Burgundian kings, finds himself embroiled in the volatile events in Hunland, killing Gelfrat in a skirmish. His life ends violently at Helpfrich's hands, marking him as a significant figure in the saga's tragic conclusion.
Brunhild
Brunhild (BREWN-hihlt), the enigmatic daughter of Wotan, is won by Gunther through Siegfried’s secretive support. Her longing to see Siegfried again precipitates a hunting party invitation, which ignites a fierce rivalry between the women. Kriemhild’s revelation of the wedding night's true events wounds Brunhild’s pride deeply, sparking conflict among Gunther’s brothers and contributing to the ensuing chaos.
Hildebrand
Hildebrand (HEEL-deh-brahnd), a trusted retainer to Etzel and a Master-at-Arms to Dietrich, plays a crucial role in the story's climax. At Etzel's behest, he ends Kriemhild's life, putting a stop to her relentless pursuit of revenge and closing the chapter on the bloody saga.
Sir Bloedel
Sir Bloedel (BLEW-dehl), Etzel's brother, becomes ensnared in Kriemhild's vendetta against the Burgundians. Confronting Dankwart with demands for vengeance, he is killed, igniting the final ferocious battle that engulfs all in a tide of violence.
Iring
Iring (IH-rihng), a valiant defender of Kriemhild's cause, exemplifies loyalty and bravery. Fighting courageously in her name, he ultimately falls at Hagen's hands while striving to fulfill the queen's wishes in the unfolding tragedy.
Sir Bloedel
Sir Bloedel (BLEW-dehl), a knight who confronts Dankwart seeking retribution for Kriemhild, is slain by him, triggering the final bloody conflict. His death marks the beginning of the vicious and tragic resolution of Kriemhild's vendetta.
Hunold
Hunold (HEW-nohlt), a valorous Burgundian hero, serves as the Lord Chamberlain of Burgundy. Though his role is largely supportive, he participates in the saga's key events, embodying the courage and loyalty of the Burgundian court.
Queen Uta
Queen Uta (EW-tah), the matriarch of the Burgundian royal lineage, is the mother of Kriemhild, Gunther, Giselher, and Gernot. Widowed and wise, she endeavors to dissuade her sons from venturing to Hungary, foreseeing the impending tragedy. Her foresight and maternal concern underscore the narrative's themes of family and fate.
King Siegmund
King Siegmund (ZEEG-mewnt), Siegfried's father and husband to Queen Sieglind, rules the Netherlands with a just hand. Following Siegfried's union with Kriemhild, he visits Burgundy but retreats to his realm after his son's tragic death, mourning the loss of his noble heir.
Queen Sieglind
Queen Sieglind (ZEEG-lihnt), mother of Siegfried and wife to King Siegmund, stands as a steadfast matriarch within the narrative. Her presence underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Siegfried's storied life and tragic end.
Ludger
Ludger (LEWT-gehr), the Saxon king, encounters the Burgundians and witnesses Kriemhild for the first time during his stay at their court. His defeat by Siegfried, aiding Gunther, strengthens the alliances among the characters, further intertwining their fates.
Gelfrat
Gelfrat (GEHL-fraht), a Burgundian knight, meets his demise at Dankwart's hands during a quarrel at the journey's onset to Hunland. His death serves as one of several ominous portents overlooked by the protagonists, foreshadowing the grim events to unfold.
Albric
Albric (AHL-brihk), also known as Alberich, is a dwarf who loses his magical cloak of invisibility to Siegfried. Appointed as the Lord Treasurer by Siegfried after his conquest, Albric's role reflects the mystical elements that thread through the heroic tale.
