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Nibelungenlied

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Student Question

Is Kriemhild portrayed as evil in the Nibelungenlied?

Quick answer:

Kriemhild in the Nibelungenlied is not portrayed as inherently evil; rather, her actions are driven by a desire for revenge against Hagen and Gunther for Siegfried's death. Her motivations align with the cultural norms of the time, where avenging a loved one's death was considered honorable. If Kriemhild were male, her actions might even be seen as heroic, suggesting that her portrayal as "evil" is influenced by gender perceptions.

Expert Answers

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In my opinion, no.  She's not evil.  In fact, I would argue that if she were a man she would be seen as a hero and there wouldn't have been any need for her to die at the end of the story.

It seems to me that Kriemhild's only motivation for doing any of the things that make her look evil is revenge.  She knows that Hagen and Gunther are responsible for the death of her husband.  Given that this is true, why should she not want to kill them?

During the time when this epic is set, defending one's honor and avenging insults was an important part of life.  If this is so, how can we say Kriemhild is evil for seeking revenge for the death of Siegfried?

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