The Nibelungenlied is a medieval German epic poem from around 1200. It tells of Siegfried, a Dutch prince who kills a dragon and gains a hoard, and who then comes to the court of Burgundy to marry Kriemhild, sister of King Gunther. He helps Gunther win the warrior queen Brunhild through trickery, and a quarrel between the two queens leads to Siegfried's murder, arranged by Hagen. Kriemhild spends years planning her revenge, which brings catastrophe at the court of her second husband, Etzel, the Hun king.
It suits readers of epics and medieval literature, and anyone who wants the source behind Wagner's Ring cycle. It is a dark story of honor, betrayal, and vengeance, written in strophic verse that is easy to follow in prose retellings.
Deep; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1200
- Language
- EN
