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

by Cyril Edwards

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  did Gernot, Dancwart, and Volker—many of the enemy lay dead at their hands. Sindolt and Hunolt, and Sir Ortwin, proved capable of felling many dead in that battle.

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  The noble princes, Sivrit and Liudeger, were not to be parted in battle. Many javelins were seen flying over helmets, piercing bright shields, thrown by the heroes’ hands. Splendid shield-rims in great numbers bore the mark of blood there. In that fierce onslaught

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  many dismounted from their chargers. Valiant Sivrit and Liudeger ran at one another. Shafts were seen to fly there and many a sharp javelin. Shield-bolts flew apart at Sivrit’s hands. The hero of the

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  Netherlands thought, then, that he would win victory over the bold Saxons, many of whom were seen to be wounded. Ah, what bright chainmail bold Dancwart broke apart there!

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  Then Lord Liudeger recognized a crown painted on the shield in front of Sivrit’s hand. He well knew that it was that mighty man. The hero called out loudly to his allies then: ‘Abandon the attack, all my

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  men! I have seen Sigmunt’s son here, I have recognized mighty Sivrit here! The foul fiend himself has sent him here to Saxony!’

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  He ordered the banners to be lowered in the battle. He then asked for a truce, which was afterwards granted to him, but he had to go as a hostage into Gunther’s land. Bold Sivrit’s hands had wrung that from him. By common counsel they abandoned the battle. They took

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  off many hole-riddled helmets and laid down their broad shields. All the shields and helmets there bore the mark of blood that had flowed at the hands of the Burgundians.

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  They took captive all whom they wanted, as it lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, those valiant warriors, ordered the wounded to be laid on stretchers. They led five hundred fighting men as captives away with them to the Rhine.

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  The vanquished warriors rode back to Denmark. Nor had the Saxons fought so valiantly there that they could be accorded praise—those heroes were sorry for it. Those doomed to die were then sorely lamented over by their friends. They ordered that all the weapons

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  be loaded onto packhorses and taken back to the Rhine. Sivrit the warrior, along with his heroes, had won the day there—he had excelled, as all Gunther’s men had to concede him.

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  Lord Gernot sent tidings to Worms. He told his friends at home in his own land how he and his men had succeeded, and that those valiant men had performed most honourable deeds. The pages

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  ran to tell the news. Those who had been sorrowful there before rejoiced at the happy tidings that had come to them. Much questioning was heard on the part of noble ladies there as to the

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  success of the powerful king’s men. One of the messengers was told to go before Kriemhilt. That happened in all secrecy—indeed, she didn’t dare be open about it, for she had her dearest heart’s beloved among the men in the army. When she saw the messenger

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  coming to her chamber, fair Kriemhilt spoke most graciously: ‘Now tell me happy tidings, for I’ll give you my gold. If you tell no lie, I’ll hold you dear forever. How did my brother Gernot and other

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  friends of mine emerge from the battle? Are many of our men dead? Or who did best there? This you must tell me.’

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  The messenger was quick to reply: ‘We had no cowards amongst us at all. When it came to battle in earnest, no one rode as well,

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  most noble queen, since I’m bound to tell you about it, as the most noble guest from the Netherlands. Bold Sivrit’s hands wrought many marvels there. No matter what all the warriors did in battle,

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  Dancwart and Hagen, and other men of the king, honourably as they fought, it was all as nothing compared with what Sivrit, King Sigmunt’s son, achieved single-handed. They caused many heroes

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  to be slain in the onslaught, yet no one could give you a full account of the marvels Sivrit wrought there whenever he rode into battle. He caused the ladies great grief over their kinsfolk. Many a lady’s beloved

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  inevitably lay dead there. His blows were heard to rain down so loud upon helmets that they caused blood to flow from their wounds. He is a bold and worthy knight, full of prowess. Despite all that

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  Ortwin of Metz achieved there—all those he could reach with his sword were bound to be left lying there wounded, most of them dying—it was your brother who there brought about the greatest peril

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  ever to happen in battles. The truth must be conceded to those excellent warriors—the proud Burgundians have acted in such a way that they can guard their honour well against all disgrace. Saddles in great

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  numbers were seen emptied there at their hands, where the plain resounded so loudly with the clash of bright swords. The warriors from the Rhine have ridden to such effect that their foes would have been better off refraining from it. The bold men of Tronege caused

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  great suffering when the army rode into battle in full force. Bold Hagen’s hands caused the death of many there; much might be said of that here in Burgundy. Sindolt and Hunolt, Gernot’s men, and

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  bold Rumolt did so much that Liudeger may forever regret declaring hostilities on your kinsmen by the Rhine.

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  The greatest battle of all that happened there, first and last, that anyone beheld, was fought most willingly by Sivrit’s hands. He is bringing wealthy hostages into Gunther’s land. That handsome man

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  won them by the force of his valour, to the detriment of King Liudegast, and also his brother, Liudeger of Saxony. Listen to my tidings, now, noble, proud queen: Sivrit’s hands took them both captive. Never

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  were so many hostages brought into this land as now come to the Rhine by his doing.’ No tidings could ever be dearer to her.

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  ‘They are bringing here into our land five hundred or more who are healthy, and—lady, let me tell you—some eighty red stretchers for the mortally wounded, most of whom were hewn down by bold Sivrit’s hands. Those who in their arrogance declared hostilities

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  against the Rhineland must now be Gunther’s captives. To our joy, they are being brought here into this land.’

  Her bright complexion blushed when she heard those tidings told in full. Her beautiful countenance turned rose-red at the news that

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  the handsome warrior, young Sivrit, had emerged happily from the great peril. She was pleased for her friends also, as was only right.

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  Then the lovely maiden said: ‘You have told me good tidings. As a reward for this you shall have rich clothes and ten marks of gold, which I’ll order to be carried to you.’ For a reward like that such tidings may readily be told to wealthy ladies.

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  They gave him his reward, the gold and also the garments. Then fair maidens in great numbers walked over to the windows. They looked out onto the road—many men in high spirits were then seen riding into Burgundy. The healthy arrived, as did the wounded.

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  They could hear their friends’ greetings without any shame. The lord of the land rode towards his guests, full of joy—his great sorrows had ended in happiness. He then gave a good welcome to his men, as he

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  did to the foreigners, for it was only fitting that the powerful king should thank warmly those who had returned to him, for having won victory honourably in the onslaught.

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  Gunther asked for tidings about his friends and who of his men had been slain in the campaign. He had lost only sixty men. They had to resign themselves to that, as has been done for heroes since.
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  Those who were in good health brought many lacerated shieldrims and many helmets, hewn to pieces, into Gunther’s land. The army dismounted outside the king’s great hall. To give them a friendly welcome, a merry clamour was heard. Then they ordered

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  that lodgings be found for the warriors in the town. The king asked that his guests be given the best of care. He ordered that the wounded be tended and given good quarters. His merits could readily be observed by the way he dealt with his foes. He said to Liudegast:

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  ‘Now, I bid you welcome here. I have suffered great harm at your hands, for which I will now be compensated, if fortune favours me. May God reward my allies—they have brought me joy!’

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  ‘You have good cause to thank them,’ replied Liudeger. ‘No king ever won such high-born hostages. We will give possessions in plenty in return for being guarded kindly, if you will act graciously towards your foes.’

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  ‘I will let you both walk free,’ he said, ‘provided my foes remain here with me. I want pledges that they will not leave my lands without permission.’

  Liudeger offered his hand, swearing that on oath. They took them

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  to their rest and prepared chambers for them. Their wounded were seen to be given the best of beds. For the healthy, mead and good wine were poured. The retinue could never have been in better spirits then. Their hewn shields were then taken into safe-keeping. The

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  order was given that many bloody saddles—there were plenty of those there—were to be hidden so that the women would not weep. Many worthy knights returned battle-spent. The king entertained his guests

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  magnificently. The lands around were full of both strangers and acquaintances. He asked that the sorely wounded be cared for with all kindness. The enemies’ pride had suffered a great fall there. Those

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  who were skilled in medicine were offered rich rewards, silver beyond weighing and bright gold also, to heal the heroes after the perils of battle. Moreover, the king offered liberal gifts to the guests.

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  Those who had it in mind to make the journey back home were asked to stay there for the time being, as friends are still asked to do today. The king then took counsel as to how he should reward his men. They had carried out his wishes most honourably.

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  Then Lord Gernot said: ‘We should let them ride. In six weeks’ time, let it be announced to them, they shall come back for a festivity—by then many will be healed, who lie sorely wounded now.’

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  Then Sivrit of the Netherlands also asked for leave. When King Gunther found that was his intent he asked him amicably to remain with him as yet. If it were not for his sister, that would never have happened. Moreover, he was too wealthy to accept any reward.

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  He had well earned the king’s favour, as also that of Gunther’s kinsmen, who had seen what had happened in the battle because of his mighty strength. On account of the beautiful maiden he intended

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  to remain there for the time being, thinking that he might perhaps behold her. Afterwards it did come to pass—the maiden became acquainted with him, all as he had wished. In time to come he was to ride merrily to Sigmunt’s land.

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  The lord of the land commanded that chivalry be practised at all times. Young knights in great numbers did so willingly then. Meanwhile he ordered that seating be set up on the shore outside Worms for those who were to come to him in Burgundy. At the time when they

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  were due to arrive, fair Kriemhilt had heard the tidings that Gunther wanted to hold a festivity for the sake of his dear friends. Beautiful ladies were very hard at work then at the garments and head-dresses

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  they were to wear there. Wealthy Uote heard the tidings of the proud warriors who were due to arrive. Then many sumptuous clothes were taken out of their folds. For her daughter’s sake she ordered clothes

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  to be made ready to adorn many ladies and maidens, and many of the young warriors of Burgundy. She also had many splendid garments prepared for the strangers.

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  FIFTH ADVENTURE

  HOW SIVRIT BEHELD KRIEMHILT FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

  DAILY now they could be seen riding to the Rhine, those who wanted to be present at the festivity. Many chargers and sumptuous garments were offered to those who came into the country for the sake of the king. Seating was fully ready for them all, for the highest and the

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  best, as we are told, for thirty-two princes at the festivity there. The fair ladies vied in attiring themselves to meet the occasion. Young

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  Giselher was very busy there. He and Gernot, and also their vassals, duly welcomed both strangers and acquaintances most graciously. They greeted the knights as honour demanded. They took with them

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  into the land red-gold saddles in great numbers, splendid shields and sumptuous garments, which they brought to the Rhine for the festivity. Many who before had lacked health were seen be in joyful spirits. Those who lay in the beds and were suffering from their

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  wounds had now to dismiss death’s harshness from their minds. They had to overcome their laments for the sick and unhealthy. They looked forward to the days of the festivity, to how they would meet

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  with hospitality there, to happiness beyond measure. All the people to be found there enjoyed delight in plenty. This caused great happiness to arise all over Gunther’s land.

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  One Whitsun morning* people saw bold men in great numbers emerging from their dwellings, splendidly dressed, five thousand or more, to go to the festivity there. People vied with one another in pastimes in many places.

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  The host was well aware in his mind that the hero of the Netherlands loved his sister from his very heart, although he had never seen her—she whose great beauty was praised above all other maidens.

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  Then Sir Ortwin said to the king: ‘If you wish to do full honour to the festivity, then you should let the lovely girls be seen—those who are present amid such great honour here in Burgundy. What would

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  delight a man and cause him to rejoice, unless it were beautiful maidens and noble women? Let your sister walk before your guests.’ That counsel brought joy to many heroes.

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  ‘I will gladly agree to that,’ replied the king. All who came to hear of this were delighted. Gunther sent a message to Lady Uote and her well-favoured daughter that they should go to court with their maidens. Then fine garments were sought and taken out of the

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  trunks. All the elegant clothes that were to be found in their folds, the torques and the braids, lay at their disposal. Comely maidens in great numbers took pains over their attire.

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  Young warriors in great numbers were intent that day on looking their best before the ladies, and would not have accepted a rich king’s land in exchange for the privilege. They were delighted to see those they had never been acquainted with before. Then the mighty king commanded a good hundred of his men to

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  walk alongside his sister to be at her service, kinsmen of hers and his—they bore swords in their hands. That was the retinue of the Burgundian court.

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  Uote, that most wealthy queen, was seen to approach with Kriemhilt. She had assembled some hundred or more beautiful ladies to bear her company—they wore sumptuous clothing. Her daughter was also followed by comely maidens in great numbers. The people saw them all

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  emerge from a chamber. Then there was a great deal of jostling on the part of heroes pressing in that direction, who hoped it might come to pass that they should have the pleasure of seeing the nobl
e maiden.

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  Then the charming damsel walked forward, like dawn emerging from dim clouds. He who bore her in his heart there, and had long done so, was then parted from much anguish, now that he saw the lovely lady standing in great splendour there. Precious stones in

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  great numbers gleamed from her garments. Her rose-pink complexion shone most charmingly. Even if anyone wished to do so, he could not aver that he had ever seen anyone more beautiful in this world.

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  Just as the bright moon stands before the stars, its beams radiantly descending from the clouds, so she now stood out against many a noble lady. That raised the spirits of the gallant heroes there. The

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  powerful chamberlains were seen to walk before her. The proud knights insisted on pressing forward to where they could see the charming maiden.

  Lord Sivrit was both joyful and sorrowful. He thought to himself:

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  ‘How could it have come about that I should love you? It is a foolish hope. Yet if I am to be estranged from you,* I would rather be dead!’ These thoughts caused him to turn pale and blush time and again.

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  Sigmunt’s son stood so charmingly there, as if he had been painted on parchment by a masterly artist’s skills.* They said of him that no such handsome hero had ever been beheld.

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  Those who walked alongside the ladies ordered that all the ways be cleared to make space for them—many knights saw to that. The ladies’ high-spirited hearts brought joy to many. Many noble women could be seen in great good-breeding there.

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  Then Lord Gernot of Burgundy said: ‘He who offered you his service so graciously—Gunther, dearest brother—you must act the same way by him before all these warriors. That is advice of which I shall never be ashamed. Tell Sivrit to approach my sister so that

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  the maiden may give him her greeting—we’ll never be the poorer for that! She who has never greeted any warrior before must take pains to give him her greeting, and by that we shall have won over this most gallant knight.’

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  Then the host’s kinsmen went to find the hero. They said to the warrior from the Netherlands: ‘The king has given you leave to go to court. His sister is to give you her greeting—this is to do you honour.’