The Nibelungenlied: Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Liudeger, King of Saxony, and Liudegast, King of Denmark, send messengers to warn Gunther that they intend to invade Burgundy in 12 weeks’ time, unless Gunther should choose to negotiate with them. Gunther summons his men to court for advice. Hagen suggests asking Siegfried for help. Gunther continues to brood over the matter, and when Siegfried asks what troubles him, Gunther replies that “one should complain of one’s wrongs to proven friends.” Siegfried appears to be affronted by this, telling Gunther, “If you are looking for friends, I shall assuredly be one among them.”

Gunther tells Siegfried about the threatened invasion. Siegfried urges Gunther to allow him to win honor on Gunther’s behalf. When Gunther agrees, Siegfried tells him to muster a thousand men, as well as his kinsmen and vassals. Gunther then sends the envoys home with gifts and a warning that the Burgundians will be prepared to repel any attack.

When the envoys return to Denmark, Liudegast is alarmed to hear the report of mighty Siegfried’s support of Burgundy. He and Liudeger accordingly muster more than 40,000 men for the invasion. The Burgundians prepare for battle as well, Siegfried urging Gunther to remain at home while he leads the defense of Burgundy himself.

After the Burgundians pillage the Saxon countryside, Siegfried rides out by himself to observe the enemy position. He encounters King Liudegast doing the same, and the two gallop towards one another, engaging in fierce single combat. Before any of the Danish king’s men can come to his aid, Siegfried wounds him and takes him prisoner. Siegfried then slays 29 of Liudegast’s men single-handedly and hands over his captive to Hagen.

When the two armies meet each other, “they hacked wound on gaping wound, and blood was seen flowing over saddles—so boldly did those knights woo honor.” Siegfried and Liudeger are soon locked in combat, but when Liudeger learns Siegfried’s identity, he immediately stops the fighting and sues for peace. The Burgundians take the wounded and 500 prisoners, including the two kings, back to Worms with them. The poet comments that “gallant Siegfried had done what he had set out to do,” and Gunther’s men can’t help but acknowledge it.

Back in Worms, Kriemhild secretly summons one of the returning messengers into her chamber to report on the battle. She doesn’t want anyone to suspect that Siegfried is “the darling of her heart.” The page tells her that no warrior’s achievements compare to the marvels done by Siegfried that day. In fact, Siegfried “has all the qualities that go to make a brave, good knight.” Moreover, the Burgundians’ “honor is free of all tarnish” after joining with him in the fight.

Hearing the news, Kriemhild blushes with delight and rewards the page with fine clothes and gold. (Such gifts, the poet observes, “encourage one to tell such news to great ladies.”) Gunther rides out to greet the returning warriors, sees that the wounded are cared for, and addresses his enemies with respect. Liudeger promises that if Gunther treats them mercifully, they will pay him handsomely. Gunther allows the kings to move freely within his court.

Following the battle, Gunther treats both friends and foes with magnanimity, richly rewarding the physicians who treat the wounded, and giving lavishly to his allies. A festivity is planned for six weeks after the battle so that the wounded will be able to celebrate, too. When Siegfried asks to return to the Netherlands, Gunther begs him to stay, and Siegfried agrees, in hopes of meeting Kriemhild. Everyone begins to plan the magnificent clothes they will wear to the festival.