Nibelungenlied Chapter Summary & Analysis | Adventure 39, How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhild Were Slain

Adventure 39, How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhild Were Slain Summary

Sir Dietrich gives out a loud moan of grief as he dons his mailcoat and shield. Together, Dietrich and Hildebrand stride towards the hall where only Gunther and Hagen remain, leaning against the wall. Hagen sees the approaching men and says that if Dietrich has come for a fight, he will find an equal opponent in Hagen. Dietrich overhears these words, plants his shield in the ground before the two men, and asks to know what cause they had to slay Rudeger and all Dietrich's great warriors. Hagen replies that their actions were justified because Dietrich's men advanced on them in full armor. Gunther adds that they denied removal of Rudeger's body only to scorn Etzel.

Dietrich offers friendship to Gunther if the king will only hand over Hagen as captive. Hagen refuses the offer, preferring to fight rather than end the conflict as cowards. Dietrich takes up his buckler...
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