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Epics - 7

A medieval German epic poem known as The Nibelungenlied or The Song of the Nibelungs is regarded as one of the most important pieces of Germanic literature. This epic dates back to the 13th century AD, describes the valiant actions, betrayals, and eventual downfall of strong queens and honorable warriors. The Nibelungenlied, with its themes of loyalty, retribution, and the complexities of human emotions, provides an engrossing look into the medieval Germanic society.

Nibelungenlied: Kriemhild kissing the corpse of Siegfried

Authored by an unidentified Danube-Region Austrian, it is based in part on historical events and figures from the 5th and 6th centuries and is an oral tradition of Germanic heroic legend. Three primary copies from the 13th century have survived the poem: 1) (currently at Munich), 2) (St. Gall), and 3) (Donaueschingen). The copy at St. Gall is regarded as the most reliable by modern scholars. 

Author of The Nibelungenlied captured the intricate political and social climate of medieval Germanic countries during the height of the Middle Ages. The poem is set in a bygone era of feudal civilizations, knights, and chivalry. This era was characterized by wars between competing kingdoms and the valiant quest of honor and glory.

Siegfried, the brave knight at the center of the Nibelungenlied, is the main character. He slays a dragon, finds the Nibelungs’ riches, and wins Kriemhild, a princess from Burgundy. But the story takes a terrible turn when Siegfried's allegiance is betrayed, which results in his premature death.

Kriemhild marries the strong King Attila (also known as Etzel) of the Huns out of a craving for vengeance. When she brings her brothers, the Burgundian monarchs, to Attila’s court, they get into a lethal fight. Following that, there is a carnage that results in the Nibelungs’ demise and Kriemhild’s tragic end.

The Nibelungenlied examines a number of topics, including honor, fidelity, and the fallout from treachery. It explores the depths of human emotions, showing how devastating vengeance can be and how feuds can have disastrous results. Since the treasure of the Nibelungs brings hardship and sorrow to those who possess it, also represents avarice and doom.

The poem places a lot of emphasis on the roles that women play. The way that Kriemhild changed from being a devoted wife to a spiteful widow demonstrates how powerfully women are portrayed in medieval Germanic literature.

As a pillar of Germanic literature and folklore, The Nibelungenlied has enormous cultural value. Its enduring popularity over the ages influenced later works, such as the opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen by Richard Wagner in the 1800s. The poem, which captures the principles, aspirations, and complexity of medieval Germanic culture, is still regarded as a crucial component of German legacy.

The epic is divided into two sections, that each relates the tale of Gunther, Brünhild, Siegfried, and Kriemhild.

Here are a few verses from The Nibelungenlied with their meanings

1. "Uns ist in alten mæren wunders vil geseit"
    (In old tales many wonders are told to us).

This is the opening line of the poem and sets the stage for the epic tale that is about to unfold.

2. "Dô erbiten si ir vrouwen, daz si ir kindes nâmen: Kriemhilt geheizen wart diu maget schœne"
    (Then they asked their wives to name their child: the beautiful maiden was called Kriemhild).

This verse introduces Kriemhild, one of the main characters of the poem, and tells us that she was named by her mother.

3. "Er was starc als ein lewe, vilfalt was sîn kraft"
    (He was as strong as a lion, his strength was manifold).

This verse describes Siegfried, another main character of the poem, and tells us about his great strength.

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