# Gudrun — Gudrun character guide > Gudrun in Gudrun by Anonymous. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Gudrun the lovely, fair Gudrun, young Gudrun **First appearance:** 0003-gudrun ## Who they are Hettel's daughter, praised as the fairest of women, whose betrothal to Herwic is shattered when Hartmut's wooing turns to abduction and her long captivity begins. ## Relationships ### [Hartmut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hartmut) _psychological_ Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim. ### [Hilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hilda) _family_ Hilda is Gudrun's mother, deeply protective and grieving over her daughter's captivity. ### [Hettel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hettel) _family_ Hettel is Gudrun's father, who desperately seeks to rescue her from captivity. ### [Gerlind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/gerlind) _psychological_ Gerlind is Hartmut's mother and Gudrun's cruel tormentor, constantly manipulating and abusing her. ### [Ludwig](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/ludwig) _rivalry_ Ludwig is Hartmut's father and king, who supports his son's claim on Gudrun and opposes her family. ### [Herwic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/herwic) _romantic_ Herwic is Gudrun's betrothed, who leads a rescue expedition to free her from captivity. ### [Ortwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/ortwin) _family_ Ortwin is Gudrun's brother, who fights to free her from captivity. ### [Hilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hilda) _family_ Hilda is Gudrun's mother, deeply protective and grieving over her daughter's captivity. ### [Hartmut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hartmut) _psychological_ Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim. ### [Ortwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/ortwin) _family_ Ortwin is Gudrun's brother, who fights to free her from captivity. ### [Gerlind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/gerlind) _psychological_ Gerlind is Hartmut's mother and Gudrun's cruel tormentor, constantly manipulating and abusing her. ### [Hilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hilda) _family_ Hilda is Gudrun's mother, deeply protective and grieving over her daughter's captivity. ## In the story ### [Names of Persons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/names-of-persons) Daughter of Hettel and Hilda, central figure of the epic. ### [Gudrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxxii-how-they-all-went-to-their-homes) Bids farewell to her mother Hilda and brother Ortwin, then departs with Herwic for his home. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/gudrun - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters