Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Nibelungen Hoard explained
This chapter describes the mythical treasure of gold and precious stones that Siegfried obtained from the Nibelungs, given to Kriemhild as her wedding portion, seized by Hagan after Siegfried's murder, buried beneath the Rhine, and lost for
What happens
This chapter describes the mythical treasure of gold and precious stones that Siegfried obtained from the Nibelungs, given to Kriemhild as her wedding portion, seized by Hagan after Siegfried's murder, buried beneath the Rhine, and lost forever when Hagan was killed by Kriemhild.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Jealousy and Revenge
The hoard is seized by Hagan after Siegfried's murder and ultimately lost when Kriemhild kills Hagan, reflecting themes of betrayal and vengeance.
Characters to notice
- Siegfried
Obtained the Nibelungen hoard from the conquered Nibelungs and gave it to Kriemhild as her wedding portion.
Key passages
“’Twas as much as twelve huge wagons in four whole nights and days Could carry from the mountain down to the salt sea bay; Though to and fro each wagon thrice journeyed every day.”
The treasure was so vast that twelve large wagons, making three trips each day, took four days and nights to transport it from the mountain to the bay.
Illustrates the immense size of the Nibelungen hoard.
