The Nibelungenlied: Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Siegfried sneaks away to Nibelungenland. Upon arriving at a castle, he subdues a burly watchman and then Alberich the dwarf, who helps Siegfried gather the thousand gallant knights he requires. Siegfried and the knights sail back to Iceland and are received by Brunhild.

Brunhild lets Dancwart distribute some of her treasure to the foreign guests, but is soon dismayed at his excessive generosity, telling him that she trusts herself to squander her own inheritance. Hagen tries to convince her that Gunther has such riches that her own won’t be needed, but she insists on filling her own coffers in preparation for the journey to Burgundy. She then appoints a governor, gathers her retainers, and takes leave of Iceland for the last time. She declines to consummate her marriage with Gunther, however, until they have arrived in Burgundy.