gave him their hands. Then he sent them with all their followers back
to their own land, laden with gifts.
_Chapter VIII_
_King Günther’s Voyage to Iceland_
At this time wondrous tales were brought to Worms of a beauteous and
warlike princess who dwelt in Iceland and was called Brunhild. Many
knights had sought her hand, but she chose to remain unwedded. At last,
to rid her of those that grew too bold, she set a task for him who
would be her lord. In a trial of skill must he meet her, three knightly
feats to perform, and win them all ere she would wed, but should he
fail in a single one his head must pay the forfeit.
Now, such was her skill in casting the javelin that no knight in all
the land could vie with her, while a ponderous stone she could hurl
as it were a ball in her hands, and bound after it so quickly as to
overtake it ere it fell. Wherefore there was none but lost in the test
and therewith his head. Thus did Brunhild think to free herself from
wooers, yet still were many bold knights drawn thither by the fame of
her beauty, only to perish thereby.
When King Günther heard all this, great was his desire to win the
beautiful warrior-maiden for his wife, and he determined forthwith to
try his fortune. Vainly did Siegfried seek to dissuade him, warning him
of Brunhild’s marvellous strength, but Günther was firm. Moreover, by
Hagen’s counsel he urged Siegfried to go with him, and aid him in his
venture; nor was Siegfried averse to sharing the danger; but first he
drew a promise from Günther that should his wooing be successful he
would grant him in return the hand of his sister Kriemhild. Thereupon
all was made ready for the voyage. Günther would fain have taken with
him thirty thousand of his stoutest warriors, but Siegfried warned him
that force would avail him little against the stalwart Icelanders. Only
in knightly fashion might Brunhild be won. So none went with them save
Hagen and his brother Dankwart.
Then Günther and Siegfried betook themselves to Kriemhild, and made
known their desire for rich court dresses for themselves and their
companions. Kriemhild besought them not to undertake so dangerous a
venture, for in her heart was a foreboding of evil; but when she saw
it was of no avail she promised them the garments. In seven weeks she,
with thirty of her women, prepared four splendid suits of silk and
other rich stuffs adorned with costly furs and precious stones.
Meanwhile, a ship had been laden with ample store of viands and good
Rhenish wine, and in this the four gallant knights now embarked with
their steeds and armor. The sail was spread, the oars unlocked, and
presently a fresh breeze bore them gayly down the Rhine and out into
the open sea. But Kriemhild sat at her window watching, till at last
they passed from sight and all the world was blotted out by her tears.
Siegfried was the helmsman. On the twelfth day Iceland loomed before
them, its lofty towers rising boldly from the mirror-like surface
of the water. Now a sudden fancy seized Siegfried, and he told his
comrades that not as a king’s son would he appear in Iceland, but as
vassal to King Günther.
As the ship drew near the mighty castle of Isenstein they saw that the
windows were filled with fair damsels; whereupon Siegfried asked the
King which of them seemed to him the most beautiful. Günther pointed
out the tallest, a stately maiden clad all in purest white, who,
Siegfried declared, was no other than Brunhild herself. But anon they
all vanished from the windows and hastened to adorn themselves, that
they might welcome the knights as was their due. Siegfried, in his part
of vassal, led forth from the ship a horse bridled with gold, and held
the stirrup for King Günther to mount, and thereafter fetched his own
horse and followed. The King’s steed and his rider were magnificently
decked with gold and jewels, while behind rode Hagen and his brother
Dankwart, clad all in sable and mounted on coal-black horses.
Eighty-six turrets rose above the outer wall of the castle; and within
the gates, which stood wide open, could be seen three palaces and a
vast hall, built all of green marble. As they rode into the courtyard
Brunhild’s retainers met them and demanded their weapons; whereat Hagen
frowned, nor would he yield up his till Siegfried, who had aforetime
been Brunhild’s guest, admonished him that such was the custom at her
court. Yet was it with bad grace that he obeyed. Meanwhile Brunhild had
questioned her followers concerning the strangers; whereupon one said:
“For myself, lady, I know them not. Yet hath yonder stalwart knight a
look of Siegfried; the other would seem a king, methinks; the third
frowns darkly, as he were of a sullen humor; while the fourth is but a
youth, yet frank and courteous withal.”
Then Brunhild descended the broad stairs to greet the knights, and
following her came a train of a hundred damsels most fair to see, and
five hundred knights bearing swords in their hands.
_Chapter IX_
_The Contest_
As Brunhild drew nigh, she greeted Siegfried, saying: “If it is to woo
me that thou comest hither, take heed, for peradventure it may cost
thee thy life!”
But Siegfried pointed to Günther and replied: “Yonder stands the King
of Burgundy, fair Queen, who comes to seek thy hand: as for me, I am
but his vassal.”
Then Günther stepped forward to urge his suit before the Queen, but
no reply would she vouchsafe, save to warn him that he must submit to
the trial. Then Siegfried whispered to the King to be of good heart
and rely on his aid; but Hagen became furious and defiantly offered
to do battle with the Queen on behalf of his lord. Thereupon Brunhild
threatened them all with death should the King not prevail; but finding
that even this failed to shake their purpose, she commanded that the
trial take place without delay. When they had come to the spot she
donned a golden coat of mail and over this a silken tabard, edged with
costly lace. Seven hundred knights then stepped forth and formed a
circle about them: these were to be the judges of the contest.
Brunhild called for her weapons, whereupon there came four men bearing
a golden shield, studded with steel and thickly set with gems even
to the strap thereof. This they held while Brunhild, pushing up her
sleeve, placed it on her arm, swinging it aloft as though it were but
a shadow. Next came the javelin borne by three men. It was huge and
heavy and tipped with a keen blade of steel. When Hagen saw the ease
with which Brunhild wielded these mighty weapons, he was awed by her
well-nigh superhuman strength, and for the first time in his life, fear
crept into his heart.
“Would we had never left the Rhine,” he thought, “for here shall we
surely meet our death!”
And to Dankwart he said: “Were it the devil himself, methinks he must
succumb to this woman!”
Even Günther felt his courage sink, while Dankwart, overcome with grief
for his lord, whose life he held for lost, exclaimed: “Now, had we but
our arms, brother Hagen, with my own hand would I strike down that
beauteous she-devil, ere I would see my dear lord slain!”
But Brunhild overheard these words; whereat she looked around with a
scornful smile upon her lips, and gave orders that the arms of the two
knights should be restored to them. And when Dankwart felt his sword
within his grasp once more his face flushed with joy. Now the contest
was about to begin, and Günther, well-nigh despairing, stood over
against his beauteous adversary when of a sudden he heard a voice in
his ear. He could see no one, but the voice said:
“It is I, Siegfried. Have no fear!”
Unobserved, the hero had hastened to the ship and put on the magic cap,
which not only made him invisible but gave him the strength of twelve
men.
“Do thou make a show of performing the feats,” he whispered to the
King, “while I will bear the shield and cast the javelin.”
At these words Günther’s spirits rose. Now the signal was given and
Brunhild hurled her spear. Fire flew from the King’s shield as the
spear drove clean through it, striking sparks from the mail beneath,
and bearing both heroes to the earth. Blood poured from Siegfried’s
mouth but they quickly sprang to their feet again, and now was it
Siegfried’s turn to cast the javelin, albeit Günther seemed to make the
throw. Siegfried had turned the spear about lest the sharp point should
wound the Queen. Away it sped, whizzing through the air, and struck her
shield with such force that it rang again. Down fell Brunhild, but she
rose undaunted and smilingly praised Günther for his throw, for still
was she confident the victory would be hers. Then she called for the
stone, whereupon was brought a round stone so huge and massive that
twelve men could scarce raise it from the ground. This she lifted,
poised a moment, and then flung from her with so powerful an arm that
it flew twelve fathoms length; nor was this amazing feat all, for
with a mighty bound she sprang after the stone, overleaping it ere it
touched the ground. Again Günther lost heart, but when it came to his
turn, Siegfried not only cast the stone far beyond Brunhild’s mark,
but, taking Günther with him, he bounded so quickly after it that he
caught it again before it fell.
Brunhild grew red with wrath, but was forced to own herself vanquished;
wherefore turning to her courtiers, and with a gesture of the hand
toward Günther, she said:
“Now are ye henceforth true lieges to King Günther, one and all!”
Then came all the chiefs to lay their arms at the feet of the King; and
after he had saluted Brunhild with courtly words, she bade him repair
with her to the marble palace, while Hagen and Dankwart followed to
share in the honors of their lord.
But Siegfried had made all speed to the ship to lay aside the cap and
now returning, sought the Queen and asked her if the contest would not
soon begin. Brunhild confessed that she had lost the wager; whereupon
Siegfried said:
“Right joyful news is this, fair Queen! Now of a truth must thou fare
with us to the Rhine!”
To this Brunhild made no reply, but she forthwith summoned all her
kinsmen and followers to the castle. Then from all quarters there began
to assemble so vast a number of knights and warriors that Hagen grew
uneasy, and said:
“Methinks this bodeth us no good. Albeit Brunhild’s court hath sworn
fealty to our King, yet may her people look upon him as a foe and evil
befall us thereby.”
“Thy words are wise,” replied Siegfried. “Now will I go hence and
summon to our aid such warriors as never yet hast thou beholden. A
thousand mighty champions will I fetch hither; but should any mark my
absence, do thou, King Günther, say that thou hast despatched me hence.”
And thereto the King gladly agreed, but bade him return as speedily as
might be.
_Chapter X_
_Siegfried Visits the Nibelungs_
Hastening to the ship, Siegfried once more donned the cap and put out
to sea. The ship seemed to be moving of itself, for Siegfried was
invisible, but urged on by his strong arm and a favoring wind that
filled the sails, it sped along so fast that the end of a day and
night found him an hundred miles from Iceland. On the second day he
came to the shores of the land of the Nibelungs, which he had once
conquered and made subject to him. Before the King’s castle he landed,
and wishing to discover first of all if the treasure was well guarded,
knocked at the gate. The porter, who was a giant, asked:
“Who knocks?”
And Siegfried, disguising his voice, replied: “One who would fain
exchange blows with thee!”
[Illustration: _SIEGFRIED vanquishes Alberich_]
Thereupon the giant, seizing his iron staff, rushed forth and attacked
Siegfried, who defended himself stoutly, till a mighty blow split his
shield Goldrand. Then was he in great peril, yet it pleased him well
to find such zeal in his service. At last Siegfried smote the giant so
that he stumbled and fell; whereupon he quickly seized and bound him.
The clash of arms, however, had reached the ears of Alberich the dwarf,
who was guardian of the treasure; and now, clad in helm and shirt of
mail, his terrible whip in hand, he sprang upon Siegfried. Thereupon
Siegfried grasped him by his long gray beard and soon overpowered him.
Then Alberich besought him to spare his life, saying:
“I would gladly own thee master, but I have already sworn faith to
another--the mighty Siegfried.”
At this Siegfried made himself known, and releasing the dwarf, said:
“In sooth, good Alberich, I did but try thee, to prove thy faith.”
Overjoyed, the dwarf cried: “Now is it indeed meet that such a master
should be lord of all the land!”
The giant was set free and well praised for his valor; and thereafter
Siegfried bade the dwarf awaken the Nibelungs, for that he had need of
a thousand men. Alberich obeyed; and when they heard that Siegfried was
come again, they sprang up joyfully and hastened to the lighted hall to
greet him. By the next day full thirty thousand had assembled, but of
these Siegfried chose but a thousand of the strongest and bravest, and
with them sailed away.
Oft, meantime, did Günther watch anxiously across the sea, when one
day, having mounted with Brunhild and all her court to the battlements
of the castle, he saw the ships of Siegfried and his Nibelungs
approaching. Marvelling greatly, Brunhild asked who might be these
strangers whose sails gleamed so white, and whose armor shone so
dazzlingly in the sunlight; and Günther answered joyously:
“Now, forsooth, are these my own bold warriors, come to fetch me home!”
Soon Siegfried strode to shore with the Nibelungs and the Queen gave
them gracious welcome.
* * * * *
The King was eager to depart, nor did Brunhild gainsay him, but leaving
her uncle to rule over Iceland in her stead, she took leave of her
people and sailed away with Günther to Burgundy.
And with her from their native land
Went many a damsel fair.
No longer might they seek delay
Their sovereign’s lot to share.
With bitter tears, farewells they spoke;
They hasten to the strand,
For nevermore shall they return
Unto the fatherland.
The sails are spread, a favoring gale
Soon speeds them on their track;
Of joyous sports to pass the time
In truth was there no lack.
Yet when bold Iceland’s rocky shores
Had passed from sight at last,
What sorrow fills each maiden breast!
Their tears fall thick and fast.
_Chapter XI_
_The Welcome_
When they had come once more to land, Siegfried rode on before to
proclaim the glad tidings, for much he craved sight of Kriemhild, nor
was the maiden’s joy less when she again beheld the gallant hero for
whose fate she so long had trembled. As a token of her happiness at
his safe return she gave him four-and-twenty golden armlets, set with
precious stones, to be divided among his bravest followers.
There was great stir in Worms to prepare for the home-coming of Günther
and his bride. The spacious hall was magnificently decorated and set
with long tables and benches, for all the lords and knights of the
realm were bidden to the feast, while the whole court made ready to go
forth to meet the returning company. At the head of the long train rode
Kriemhild with her mother, mounted on noble steeds; and after them a
hundred ladies of the court, all on white palfreys, richly caparisoned,
their bridles gleaming with gold. Each horse was led by a man-at-arms,
bearing lance and shield, while the robes of Kriemhild and her women
sparkled with gold and jewels. Behind them rode a troop of armed
knights. Soon the two trains met, and joyous greetings followed.
Then did the Lady Kriemhild
Advance with modest mien
To where with her attendant maids
Stood Günther’s beauteous Queen;
Deft hands unbinding head gear,
Fresh charms thereby disclose,
And when the twain with love embraced,
What shouts of joy arose!
Then spake in courtly fashion,
Kriemhild, the maiden fair:
“Right cordially we welcome thee;
Our joy the people share.
For sure your coming to our court
Good will with gladness blends!”
“I thank your courtesy,”--replies
Brunhild, and toward her bends.
Gladly the knights beheld the greetings of the two princesses, and much
debate was there as to which was the fairer; but those best versed in
womanly beauty declared themselves in favor of Kriemhild.
Forthwith was a tournament held in honor of the bride, the Burgundians
on one side, Siegfried with his Nibelungs on the other; whereby there
arose such clouds of dust it seemed the whole earth were burning,
while showers of sparks flew from shield and harness. Silken tents
had been raised meanwhile, and thither the noble ladies repaired with
the King and his kinsmen and Siegfried, to refresh themselves with a
repast, after which the whole company set out for Worms. Along the road
as they passed were bands of stout yeomen wrestling or wielding their
staves, and Siegfried offered prizes for the most skilful and daring.
At last they reached the city and, greeted by strains of music and
waving banners, rode into the ancient castle of the King.
_Chapter XII_
_Siegfried strives with Brunhild_
Not long thereafter did Siegfried claim his promise from the king,
saying: “Thou hast sworn, so I did aid thee in thy wooing, thy sister
Kriemhild should be my wife!”
“Nor will I break my oath!” replied Günther, and straightway sought his
sister. When Kriemhild learned that she was to be wedded to Siegfried,
she made no demur, but joyfully gave her hand to the young hero who so
long had held her heart.
That night there was a great feast in the castle hall and Siegfried
with his fair betrothed sat opposite to Günther and his bride, whereat
Brunhild wondered greatly. Much it grieved her that the sister of her
lord should be given in marriage to a vassal, for as such had Siegfried
appeared in Iceland, and presently she began to reproach the King
therefor, tears falling from her beautiful eyes. This alarmed Günther,
and he sought to soothe her, saying that Siegfried was no vassal,
but a great prince like himself, with lands and subjects. Thereupon
Brunhild demanded wherefore Siegfried had chosen to appear at her
court as Günther’s liegeman; but this the King refused to make known
to her until some future day, nor would he yield, though more and
more she urged him, being now full of curiosity to learn the secret.
At last she could bear it no longer, but springing angrily from her
seat she left the hall and retired to her own chamber. Thither Günther
followed, thinking to appease her and found her in a storm of tears
and rage. Again she besought him to tell her the truth, and again he
refused, whereupon her fury knew no bounds. Seizing her offending lord,
she bound him hand and foot and tied him to an iron hook on the wall,
and there, despite all his entreaties, was he forced to stay till the
morning. Meanwhile Brunhild slumbered peacefully; but when at daylight
the steps of the servitors were heard in the passage without, she
loosed him, lest he be brought to shame before them.
As the midday hour approached, the royal couples, attired in all the
splendor of their robes of state, repaired to the cathedral, where
after holy mass was sung, the coronation took place amid great pomp and
rejoicing. Six hundred noble squires were knighted in honor of the day
and a grand tournament followed, wherein they had full scope to prove
their skill and valor. All were joyous save the King. Perceiving his
gloomy and troubled look, Siegfried took him aside and asked the cause
of his sadness, and Günther told how he had spent the night in his
wife’s chamber. Thereupon Siegfried bade the King take heart and swore
so to punish Brunhild that nevermore should she desire to lay hands
upon her lord; and forthwith they agreed upon a plan whereby this might
be brought about.
That night Brunhild again retired early to her chamber and Günther
approached her with courteous words; but she scorned him, stormed as
before, and at last threatened to fasten him once more with her girdle
if he would not disclose the secret. With that Günther blew out the
tapers as a signal to Siegfried, who waited without the door, wearing
the magic cap. He entered, and as Brunhild was about to seize her royal
spouse, he stepped quickly into Günther’s place, nor was she aware in
the darkness that Siegfried it was whom she had grasped. Then followed
a mighty struggle. Siegfried was violently hurled to the floor, but
quickly sprang to his feet again, only to be seized once more by the
warrior Queen and crushed between the wall and an oaken press with
such giant strength that Günther began to despair for the hero’s life.
But rage and shame lent new strength to Siegfried; and now, although
so terrible was Brunhild’s grasp that the blood started from beneath
her nails, with a mighty effort he regained his feet and overthrew his
formidable adversary, forcing her down till her joints cracked. Then
was she fain to yield and cry for mercy; whereupon Günther, taking
Siegfried’s place again, drew from his unruly wife a vow to restrain
her curiosity till he should see fit to reveal the secret, and to
strive against him no more. And thereafter he released her, Siegfried
meanwhile having left the room, bearing away with him as spoils of his
victory Brunhild’s ring and girdle, of which he had possessed himself
during the struggle.
After the wedding festivities, which lasted for a space of two weeks,
Siegfried made ready to set out with his fair bride for Niderland.
Günther and his brothers, out of gratitude for the services Siegfried
had rendered them, would have bestowed much land upon him as a dowry
for Kriemhild, but this the hero refused, having no wish for reward.
At Kriemhild’s desire, however, an escort of a thousand knights was
granted her, and these she was permitted to choose, whereupon she
bespoke Hagen and his men. But Hagen grew very wroth at this. He swore
he would be the gift of no man, for his forefathers had ever served
the Court of Burgundy, and there would he also bide. No other lord
than Günther would he own as liege. The grim knight was forgiven his
harsh words, and Kriemhild made other choice; nor was this difficult,
for many professed themselves ready to lead the band, among these the
Margrave Eckewart.
At last was come the time for Siegfried’s departure, and the King rode
far upon the way with him. After they had parted with many professions
of good-will and friendship, Siegfried sent messengers on before with
word to his parents that he was returning with the beautiful Kriemhild
to Santen, there to abide thenceforth. Glad news was this indeed to
Siegmund and Sieglind, and their hearts were filled with joy.
“Happy am I,” said Siegmund,
“Thus to behold the day
Which sees the beauteous Kriemhild
Enthroned, with us to stay.
With praises of her virtue,
Let all the country ring!
Now shall our dear son Siegfried
Henceforward reign as King.”
_Chapter XIII_
_The Two Queens_
Another wedding festival was held at Santen, even more splendid than
that at Worms. King Siegmund made over the crown and kingdom to
Siegfried, and in due time a son was born to Kriemhild, whom she named
Günther, for her brother. Messengers were sent to Burgundy to announce
the joyful event, but at the same time came news to Santen of the birth
of a son likewise to King Günther, and him they called Siegfried. And
now for Siegfried and Kriemhild ten happy years went by. Great was
their love for each other, and much were they beloved, for Siegfried
ruled the kingdom wisely and with a mighty arm.
Many times had Brunhild questioned King Günther concerning Siegfried,
seeming to marvel greatly that he no longer paid service to his liege;
but Günther, though greatly displeased thereat, ever held his peace,
nor would he make reply to her words. At length she professed a great
desire to see Siegfried and Kriemhild once again, declaring that
Günther as his sovereign might command Siegfried’s presence whensoever
it pleased him. Günther, foreboding evil, made for excuse the great
distance between them, but so strongly did Brunhild urge the matter
that at last the King was forced to yield and bid his sister with her
lord as guests to Worms.