Gudrun

Hartmut

Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim.

Hilda

Hilda is Gudrun's mother, deeply protective and grieving over her daughter's captivity.

Hettel

Hettel is Gudrun's father, who desperately seeks to rescue her from captivity.

Gerlind

Gerlind is Hartmut's mother and Gudrun's cruel tormentor, constantly manipulating and abusing her.

Ludwig

Ludwig is Hartmut's father and king, who supports his son's claim on Gudrun and opposes her family.

Herwic

Herwic is Gudrun's betrothed, who leads a rescue expedition to free her from captivity.

Ortwin

Ortwin is Gudrun's brother, who fights to free her from captivity.

Hilda

Hilda is Gudrun's mother, deeply protective and grieving over her daughter's captivity.

Hartmut

Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim.

Ortwin

Ortwin is Gudrun's brother, who fights to free her from captivity.

Gerlind

Gerlind is Hartmut's mother and Gudrun's cruel tormentor, constantly manipulating and abusing her.

Hilda

Hilda is Gudrun's mother, deeply protective and grieving over her daughter's captivity.

Names of Persons

Daughter of Hettel and Hilda, central figure of the epic.

Gudrun

The central figure of the chapter; her birth, wooing, captivity, and rescue are the main focus.

Tale IV: How Hagen Was Met by His Father and Mother

Referenced as the daughter of Hagen and Hilda, also named Hilda, whose beauty attracts many suitors.

How Gudrun Was Sought by Siegfried

The lovely daughter of Hettel and Hilda, praised for her beauty beyond all other women; she is sought by Siegfried but not given to him.

Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun

The maiden sought by Hartmut; her beauty is praised by the messengers, but she does not appear directly in this chapter.

Tale XI: How Herwic Sent to Seek Gudrun and How Hartmut Came Himself

The sought-after maiden; she receives Hartmut kindly but warns him to leave the court.

How Herwic Made War on Hettel, and How Gudrun Was Betrothed to Him

The lovely maiden who watches the battle, intercedes for peace, and freely gives her love to Herwic, accepting his betrothal.

How Siegfried Made War Against Herwic

Pleads with her father Hettel to help Herwic, showing her loyalty and concern for her lover.

Tale XIV: How Hettel Sent Tidings from Herwic’s Land

Hears the news from Hettel and prays for the safe return of Herwic and the Hegelings.

How Hartmut Carried Away Gudrun

Refuses Hartmut's suit, reaffirms her betrothal to Herwic, and is carried away by Hartmut.

How Hettel Came to the Wulpensand in Search of His Daughter

The captive princess, weeps bitterly as the battle rages around her.

Tale XVIII: How Ludwig Slew Hettel, and Stole Away in the Night

Mourns her father Hettel and is carried away by the Normans.

How the Hegelings Went Home to Their Own Land

Gudrun is mentioned as being held captive by the Normans, the cause of Hilda's sorrow and the motivation for future war.

Tale XX: How Hartmut Went Home to Normandy

Refuses to marry Hartmut, is thrown into the sea by King Ludwig and rescued by Hartmut, then subjected to harsh servitude under Gerlind for seven years.

How Gudrun Must Wash Clothes on the Beach

Refuses Hartmut's marriage offer and is forced to wash clothes on the beach as punishment.

How Their Coming Was Made Known to Gudrun

Receives the angelic swan's message of hope; asks about her mother, brother, betrothed, and other kinsmen; endures Gerlind's cruelty.

How Herwic and Ortwin Found Gudrun

Found washing clothes on the shore; recognizes Herwic and Ortwin; feigns agreement to Hartmut's suit to secure better treatment.

How the Hegelings Landed Near Ludwig’s Castle

Seen washing clothes on the seashore by Herwic and Ortwin; later learns of the approaching Hegeling army and expresses sorrow for the coming battle.

How Ludwig and Hartmut Met the Hegelings

Mentioned as the object of Hartmut's theft and as a captive forced to wash clothes; she watches the warriors from the roof.

Tale XXVIII: How Herwic Slew Ludwig

Watches the battle from the castle, screams when threatened by Gerlind's hired killer, and pleads with Herwic to save Hartmut.

How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner

Gudrun is sought by Ortrun and Gerlind for protection; she agrees to shield Ortrun but refuses Gerlind, recalling past hatred.

How Gudrun Was Brought Home to Hilda

Returns home after long captivity; orchestrates reconciliations and marriages.

How the Four Kings Were Wedded in Hilda's Land

Shows a friendly will toward Hildeburg, recalling their shared hardships; orders a hoard of goods to be given to those who shared her kindness.

How They All Went to Their Homes

Bids farewell to her mother Hilda and brother Ortwin, then departs with Herwic for his home.