What is the plot of the nibelungenlied?
The Nibelungenlied combines two stories, each of long standing in Germanic tradition. The character of the Burgundian princess Kriemhild is used to link them. In the first half she is betrothed to the heroic Siegfried, a prince from the Rhineland who comes to the Burgundian royal palace at Worms.
What is the main theme of the story nibelungenlied?
The Nibelungenlied draws on history, mythology, and legend for its details. It encompasses themes such as heroism, feudalism, justice and revenge, honor, loyalty, deception, dreams, and the importance of “keeping up appearances.”
Was Siegfried a king?
Sigfred was an eighth century Danish king who is known to have reigned from before 777 to after 798. Fragments of his reign can be traced via Frankish sources.
How does the LitCharts work in the Nibelungenlied?
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Nibelungenlied, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work. The poet recalls “ancient tales […] of famous heroes,” “weeping and wailing, and the fighting of bold warriors,” promising that the reader will now hear of more such “wonders.”
What happens to Siegfried in the Nibelungenlied?
Siegfried spends the next year in the Burgundian court, secretly pining for Kriemhild, although he has yet to lay eyes on her. When foreign kings threaten to invade Burgundy, Siegfried offers to go to war on Gunther’s behalf. He leads the Burgundian forces to an overwhelming victory and takes many prisoners.
Who are the main characters in the Nibelungenlied?
It is also considered to be the inspiration for Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle. The Nibelungenlied is divided into two parts. The first part, “Siegfried and Kriemhild,” opens by introducing the court of Burgundy. Kriemhild, the sister of King Gunther, has a dream that is interpreted as a prophecy regarding the death of her future husband.
Who was Schilbung and what did he do with Nibelung?
With Nibelung, Schilbung is one of the princes of Nibelungenland who asked Siegfried to divide the massive Nibelung treasure, giving him the sword Balmung in payment. Siegfried ultimately slayed both him and Nibelung and took the treasure and kingdom for himself.