Gudrun · Character

Gerlind

Normandy's queen and Hartmut's mother, whose wolfish cruelty toward the captive Gudrun drives the story's long captivity.

supporting

Also known as old Gerlind, the wicked Gerlind, evil Gerlind, the wolfish Gerlind, Queen Gerlind

First appearance: tale xv how hartmut carried away gudrun

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Gerlind is Ludwig's wife and the mistress of the Norman court, a woman the poem calls wicked, evil, and wolfish without apology. Where her son wants Gudrun as a bride, Gerlind wants her broken, and she presses the captive princess with offers of a crown and threats of worse. Her scheming against Gudrun gives the middle of the poem its grinding tension, and her readiness to leave her sleeping husband's side at the first alarm shows a mind always calculating its own advantage.

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See Gerlind in tale xv how hartmut carried away gudrun

Character Web

13 connections

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Relationship types

Psychological
Other

Character groups

Norman and Hegeling characters
Protagonist

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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 and psychological peak of Gudrun’s su…

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Relationships

Gudrun
psychological · negative
Gudrun
psychological · negative
Gudrun
psychological · negative

Relationship notes

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See Gerlind in tale xv how hartmut carried away gudrun

In the story

Gerlind appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Gudrun
Hartmut's mother; torments Gudrun during her captivity.
Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun
Hartmut's mother; encourages the wooing, suggests sending letters and fine clothes, and later laments the failed mission.
Tale XI: How Herwic Sent to Seek Gudrun and How Hartmut Came Himself
Hartmut's mother; spurs him on with steady hatred toward war with Hettel.
Tale XIV: How Hettel Sent Tidings from Herwic’s Land
Urges the knights to attack Hettel, offers gold and silver, and plots to have Gudrun married to Hartmut.
Tale XX: How Hartmut Went Home to Normandy
Hartmut's mother, treats Gudrun harshly, forces her to perform menial labor, and plots to break her spirit.
How Gudrun Must Wash Clothes on the Beach
The wicked queen who sets Gudrun to hard labor, forcing her to wash clothes on the beach.
How Their Coming Was Made Known to Gudrun
Scolds the maidens for not washing quickly enough; forces them to wash barefoot in the snow; threatens them with worse treatment.
How Herwic and Ortwin Found Gudrun
Observes Gudrun's unusual laughter and suspects trouble; warns Hartmut of possible rescue by Gudrun's kinsmen.
How the Hegelings Landed Near Ludwig’s Castle
Hears the warder's cry, wakes King Ludwig, and ascends the castle roof to see the foemen, then returns to rouse the king.
How Ludwig and Hartmut Met the Hegelings
Advises Hartmut to remain in the castle and prepare for a siege, but her counsel is rejected.
Tale XXVIII: How Herwic Slew Ludwig
Bribes a man to kill Gudrun after Ludwig's death, but her plot is thwarted by Hartmut.
How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner
Gerlind begs Gudrun for protection but is recognized and killed by Wâ-te.

Chapter companion notes

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See Gerlind in tale xv how hartmut carried away gudrun