Adventure 20, How King Etzel Sent Into Burgundy to Propose for Kriemhild Summary

King Etzel's wife dies and his men counsel him to seek Kriemhild's hand. However, Etzel worries that the Christian woman will not accept an offer of marriage from a heathen man. The warriors urge their king at least to try to woo the widow. Rudeger, who is familiar with Kriemhild's brothers, volunteers to journey to Burgundy on Etzel's behalf. As when Siegfried first journeyed to the Rhineland, Rudeger says he must travel with five hundred men properly outfitted to approach the Burgundian lady.

The king welcomes the visitors warmly and beseeches Rudeger to give news of Etzel and his wife, and tell out the message they have sent. Rudeger stands before the king and shares that Queen Helca has died, throwing King Etzel...