The Nibelungenlied: The Lay of the Nibelungs (Oxford World's Classics)

by Cyril Edwards

  1259

  has so many warriors, if I am to have command over them I can do whatever I will. Moreover, he is, I believe, so wealthy that I will have the wherewithal to make gifts. That accursed Hagen has robbed me of my wealth.’

  1260

  She said to Rüedeger: ‘If I had not heard that he is a heathen, then I would gladly go wherever he wished and would take him for a husband.’

  The margrave replied: ‘Do not speak so, lady. He has so many warriors

  1261

  of the Christian faith that you will never be sorry at the king’s side. What if you were to succeed in bringing about his baptism? For that reason you may gladly become King Etzel’s wife.’

  1262

  Then her brothers spoke again: ‘Give your promise, now, my sister. You must let your distress be.’ They pleaded with her so long until the sad queen at last promised before the heroes that she would be Etzel’s wife.

  1263

  She said: ‘I will take your advice, poor queen that I am, and will go to Hungary as soon as that may now be, once I have found friends to escort me into Etzel’s land.’ Fair Kriemhilt offered her hand on this oath before the heroes.

  1264

  Then the margrave said: ‘For any two men that you have, I have all the more. It will be carried out well, and we will take you across the Rhine in all honour. You must stay here no longer, lady, in Burgundy.

  1265

  I have five hundred men and also my kinsmen, who will be at your service here and do all that you command of them at home, lady. I myself shall do the same whenever you remind me of my words, provided I never do anything of which I might be ashamed. Now bid them prepare

  1266

  your riding habit for you! You will never rue Rüedeger’s counsels—and tell your maidens of this, those that you want to take there with you, that great numbers of excellent heroes will meet us on the road.’

  1267

  They still had such smithcraft on their horses, from their riding back in Sivrit’s times, that she could in all honour lead maidens in great numbers, whenever she wanted to leave. Ah, what fine saddles were found for the fair ladies! If they had ever before worn any sumptuous

  1268

  clothing, that was now made ready for their journey in abundance, for they had been told so much of King Etzel. They opened up the chests which had been well locked until then. They were fully occupied for

  1269

  a good four-and-a-half days, seeking out clothes from the folds in which they lay in abundance. Kriemhilt then set about having her treasury unlocked. She wanted to make all Rüedeger’s men rich.

  1270

  She still had so much gold from the land of the Nibelungs—she intended that her hands should share it out among the Huns—that a good hundred packhorses could never carry it. Hagen then heard tell of these tidings about Kriemhilt. He said: ‘Since I will

  1271

  never find favour with Lady Kriemhilt, then Sivrit’s gold must remain here. Why should I abandon so much wealth to my foes? I know full well what Kriemhilt will do with this treasure. If she

  1272

  were to take it away from here, I fully believe it would be shared out to incite enmity against me. They shan’t even have the horses to carry it. Hagen wants to keep it here—let Kriemhilt be told as much!’

  1273

  When she came to hear those tidings she was deeply grieved. It was also told to all three kings. They would gladly have forestalled this. When that did not come about, noble Rüedeger said merrily:

  1274

  ‘Mighty queen, why do you mourn over the gold? King Etzel is so well disposed towards you that, once his eyes have beheld you, he’ll give you so much that you’ll never be able to squander it away. This I swear to you, lady.’

  1275

  The queen replied: ‘Noblest Rüedeger, no king’s daughter ever gained such wealth as that of which Hagen has deprived me.’ Then her brother Gernot went into her treasury. With the king’s

  1276

  authority he thrust the key into the door. Thirty thousand marks or even more of Kriemhilt’s gold was handed out. He bade the guests take it. That met with Gunther’s approval.

  1277

  At that Gotelint’s husband, the Lord of Pöchlarn, said: ‘Even if my lady Kriemhilt were to possess all the gold that was ever brought from the land of the Nibelungs, neither mine nor the queen’s hands ought to lay hands on it. Now tell them to keep it, for I want nothing

  1278

  of it. I’ve brought so much of my own wealth from my land that we can easily do without that gold on the road, and our costs on the journey from here will be splendidly covered.’

  1279

  Meanwhile her maidens had filled twelve coffers with the very best gold to be found anywhere. That was taken away with them from there, along with many ladies’ ornaments for them to take on their journey. Grim Hagen’s power seemed too great to her. Of the offerings

  1280

  for Sivrit’s soul she still possessed a good thousand marks in gold. She shared them out for the sake of her dearest husband’s soul. Rüedeger thought that a deed of great loyalty.

  1281

  Then the lady, lamenting, said: ‘Where are my friends who for my sake want to go into exile, who must ride with me to Hungary? Let them take my treasure to buy horses, and also garments.’

  1282

  Margrave Eckewart said to the queen in reply: ‘Ever since I first joined your retinue, I have served you loyally,’ said the knight, ‘and will ever be in your service until my end. Moreover, I will take with

  1283

  me five hundred of my men, whose loyal service I grant you. We will remain unseparated unless death do us part.’

  Kriemhilt bowed to him for those words, as was only right.

  1284

  Then the packhorses were led up; they wanted to depart. Much weeping took place on the part of friends there. Most mighty Uote and many a fair maiden showed that they grieved at Lady Kriemhilt’s departure. She led away with her a hundred wealthy maidens, who

  1285

  were dressed as well befitted them. Tears fell down then from bright eyes. Afterwards she was to have much happiness at Etzel’s side.

  1286

  Then Lord Giselher, and also Gernot, came up with their retinues, as their courtesy commanded of them. They wanted then to escort their dear sister on her departure. They brought with them a good thousand of their gallant warriors. Along came bold Gere, and also

  1287

  Ortwin. Rumolt, the master of the kitchen, had of necessity to be of the company. They provided overnight quarters as far as the bank of the Danube. Gunther then only rode a little beyond the city. Before

  1288

  they departed from the Rhine they had sent ahead their speedy messengers to Hungary, to tell the king that Rüedeger had wooed that proud and noble queen for his wife.

  1289

  TWENTY-FIRST ADVENTURE

  HOW KRIEMHILT TRAVELLED TO THE HUNS

  LET the messengers ride! We must make known to you how the queen made her way through the lands—or where Giselher and Gernot parted from her. They had served her as their loyalty commanded of them. They rode as far as the Danube then, to Pföring.

  1290

  They asked leave of the queen, for they wanted to ride back to the Rhine. Good friends then could not part without weeping.

  1291

  Bold Giselher said to his sister: ‘Whenever, lady, you have need of me, if anything troubles you, let me know of it and I will ride to serve you into Etzel’s land.’

  1292

  She kissed those who were her kinsmen on the mouth. The bold Burgundians were seen on that occasion to part in all friendship from Rüedeger’s men. The queen then took with her well-favoured maidens in great numbers, one hundred and four of them, wearing sumptuous

  1293

  cloaks of richly dyed furs. The warriors carried many broad shields* close by
the ladies on the roads. Then proud knights in great numbers parted from the queen.

  1294

  They made hasty progress down through Bavaria. Then tidings were told that many unknown guests were fast approaching a place where a monastery still stands, and where the Inn flows into the Danube. In the city of Passau there resided a certain bishop. The

  1295

  lodgings there were emptied,* as was the prince’s court. They hastened to meet the strangers up in Bavaria, where Bishop Pilgrim* found fair Kriemhilt. The warriors of that land were not overly

  1296

  distressed then to see so many fair maidens in her train. Amorous eyes looked upon the noble knights’ daughters. Good lodgings were afterwards given to the guests.

  1297

  The bishop rode with his niece to Passau. When the townsfolk were told that Kriemhilt, the prince’s sister’s daughter, was arriving, she was given a warm welcome then by the merchants. The bishop

  1298

  had his hopes that they would stay there some time. Lord Eckewart then said: ‘That cannot be. We must go down into Rüedeger’s land. Many knights are expecting us, for they are all well aware of how things stand.’

  1299

  By now fair Gotelint was well aware of the tidings. She and her most noble daughter busied themselves with preparations. Rüedeger had sent her a message that it seemed good to him that she should comfort the queen’s mind by riding, together with his vassals, to meet

  1300

  her upriver by the Enns. When that took place, the roads were seen to be busy everywhere. Both on horseback and on foot they made their way to meet the guests.

  1301

  Now the queen had arrived at Eferding. Plenty of people from Bavaria might well have caused the strangers harm there if they had robbed them on the roads, as was their custom. That was easily

  1302

  forestalled by the proud margrave. He led with him a thousand knights, and even more. By then Gotelint had also arrived, Rüedeger’s wife; with her came hosts of noble warriors in great splendour.

  1303

  When they had crossed the Traun, on the plain near Enns, they saw huts and pavilions pitched there, where the guests were to stay overnight. Rüedeger had gone to this expense for the guests there.

  1304

  Fair Gotelint left the lodgings behind her. Along the roads walked many handsome horses, the bells on their reins chiming. The welcome that was given was most fair; it met with Rüedeger’s approval. Those

  1305

  who approached them on both sides of the roads rode in praiseworthy fashion; knights in great numbers were present. They practised chivalry, as great numbers of maidens saw. Nor did the knights’ service displease the queen. When Rüedeger’s men came to meet

  1306

  the guests, many splinters were seen flying high from the warriors’ hands,* according to knightly custom. They then rode before the ladies, meeting with great praise there.

  1307

  The jousting was brought to an end. Many men then greeted each other with great kindness. Then they led fair Gotelint into Kriemhilt’s presence. Those who knew how to serve ladies had little rest there.

  1308

  The overlord of Pöchlarn rode up to his wife. The noble margravine was not displeased that he had thus come back from the Rhine safe and sound. Some of her sorrow was taken from her, giving way to great joy. When she had welcomed him, he told her to alight upon the

  1309

  meadow with all the ladies she had with her there. Many a noble man busied himself there, taking great pains to serve the ladies.

  1310

  Then Lady Kriemhilt saw the margravine standing with her retinue—she let her palfrey go no further. She pulled at the reins and asked that she be quickly lifted down from the saddle. Next they saw

  1311

  the bishop—he and Eckewart—lead his niece over to Gotelint. Great numbers of people at once made way for them there. Then the exiled lady kissed Gotelint on the mouth. Rüedeger’s wife then spoke most

  1312

  charmingly: ‘Blessed am I, dear lady, that my eyes have seen your fair person here in these lands. No greater joy could ever befall me now.’

  1313

  ‘Now may God reward you,’ said Kriemhilt, ‘most noble Gotelint! If I and Botelunc’s son* keep our health, you may yet rejoice at having seen me here.’ (Neither had knowledge of what was to happen thereafter.)

  1314

  Maidens in great numbers walked courteously up to one another. The warriors were ready to serve them with alacrity. After greeting each other they sat down upon the clover. They made the acquaintance of many who had been complete strangers to them before.

  1315

  They ordered that wine be poured for the ladies. It was about midday. The noble company lay there no longer. They rode over to where they found many broad huts; great hospitality was at the disposal of the noble guests there. That night they rested until early morning.

  1316

  Those of Pöchlarn made preparations for accommodating great numbers of noble guests. Rüedeger had acted well in seeing to it that they lacked little there. They could see that the windows in the walls

  1317

  stood open, and that the castle of Pöchlarn had its gates ajar. Then the guests rode in, the people rejoicing to see them. The noble host ordered that they be given every comfort. Rüedeger’s daughter

  1318

  walked over with her retinue to welcome the queen most charmingly. Her mother, the margave’s wife, was also present. Damsels in great numbers were greeted fondly. They took one another by the

  1319

  hand and walked into a spacious palace, which was very beautiful, the Danube flowing beneath it. They sat facing the fresh air, taking their ease.

  1320

  What else they did there I cannot tell. Kriemhilt’s warriors were heard then to lament that they delayed so long, for it grieved them. Ah, what worthy knights rode away with her from Pöchlarn!

  1321

  Rüedeger offered them service in all friendship. Then the queen gave twelve torques of red gold to Gotelint’s daughter, and such good garments that she took nothing better with her into Etzel’s land.

  1322

  Even though the Nibelungs’ gold had been taken from her, she won the favour of all who beheld her with what little wealth she had at her disposal there. Great gifts were given to the host’s household.

  1323

  In return Lady Gotelint then offered such kindly hospitality to the guests from the Rhine that very few guests were to be found who did not wear her jewels or her sumptuous garments.

  1324

  When they had eaten and were to depart, Etzel’s wife was offered loyal homage by the lady of the house. The fair damsel, her daughter, met with many embraces there. She said to the queen: ‘Whenever

  1325

  you think it right, I know well that my dear father would willingly agree to send me to you in Hungary.’ Kriemhilt clearly discerned that she was loyal to her.

  1326

  The horses had been made ready and brought before Pöchlarn. By then the noble queen had taken her leave of Rüedeger’s wife and of his daughter. Then fair maidens in great numbers also parted from one another with farewells. They were seldom to see one another after those days.

  1327

  When they passed by Melk, sumptuous golden vessels were carried to them in great numbers, bringing wine to the guests on the road—they were made to feel welcome. A lord resided there who was called

  1328

  Astolt. He guided them along the road into Austria, towards Mautern, downstream alongside the Danube. There the mighty queen was afterwards given great service.

  1329

  The bishop parted lovingly from his niece. How firmly he pressed it upon her that she should bear herself well and purchase honour, as Helche had done before her! Ah, what great honour she afterwards won there among the Huns
!

  1330

  Then they took the guests to the Traisen. Rüedeger’s men took great care of them, until they came to where the Huns were riding across country. Much great honour was done then to the queen.

  1331

  The King of Hungary had a prosperous castle by the Traisen, which was very well known, called Traismauer.* Lady Helche had resided there before, practising such great virtue as perhaps will never be seen again—unless it were equalled by Kriemhilt, who knew how to make

  1332

  such gifts. After her sorrow she was able to experience the happiness of Etzel’s men also speaking of her honour, which she afterwards gained in great abundance among those heroes.

  1333

  Etzel’s power was so widely known that at all times at his court the boldest of warriors ever heard of were to be found, be it among Christians or heathens—they had all made their way there with him. Those of the Christian faith, and also those of pagan

  1334

  beliefs, were about him at all times, all practising their different ways of life—that may perhaps never come to pass again. The king’s generosity saw to it that plenty was given to them all.

  1335

  TWENTY-SECOND ADVENTURE

  HOW KRIEMHILT WAS WELCOMED BY ETZEL

  SHE stayed at Traismauer until the fourth day. All that time the dust never settled on the road, but flew into the air as if everywhere were ablaze. King Etzel’s men were riding through Austria. By now

  1336

  the king himself had been given a full account of how splendidly Kriemhilt was making her progress through the lands—at that his sorrows vanished from his thoughts. The king made haste to meet the well-favoured queen. On the roads ahead of Etzel many bold knights

  1337

  were seen to ride, conversing in many and various tongues, vast hosts in great numbers of Christians and pagans. In splendour they came to where they found the lady. There were riders in great numbers from

  1338

  Russia and from Greece there. The excellent horses of the Poles and the Wallachians* were seen to gallop fast, ridden hard. Little did they neglect all their native customs. Warriors from the land of Kiev rode