Gudrun · Character

Hartmut

Norman prince who sends envoys to claim Gudrun as his bride, then rides to war when she refuses him, setting the poem's central feud in motion.

major

Also known as King Hartmut, young Hartmut, brave young Hartmut, the kingly Hartmut, the brave Sir Hartmut, Lord Hartmut, the Norman Hartmut

First appearance: Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun

See Hartmut in Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun Book page

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With Gudrun (psychological): Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim. With Hilda (rivalry): Hartmut is the enemy of Hilda, as he holds…

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See Hartmut in Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Hartmut sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Family

Character groups

Protagonist
Norman and Hegeling characters

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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
Hilda
rivalry · negative
Hettel
rivalry · negative
Hagen
rivalry · negative
Ludwig
family · positive
Horant
professional · ambivalent
Gudrun
psychological · negative
Hilda
rivalry · negative
Hilda
rivalry · negative
Hettel
rivalry · negative
Gudrun
psychological · negative
Horant
professional · ambivalent

Gudrun
Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim.
Hilda
Hartmut is the enemy of Hilda, as he holds her daughter captive and opposes her family.
Hettel
Hartmut is a direct antagonist to Hettel, having abducted his daughter and defied his kingdom.
Hagen
Hagen is a fierce enemy of Hartmut, fighting to rescue Gudrun and avenge the abduction.
Ludwig
Ludwig is Hartmut's father, who supports his son's aggressive pursuit of Gudrun.
Horant
Horant is a minstrel and spy in Hartmut's court, secretly working for Gudrun's rescue.
Gudrun
Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim.
Hilda
Hartmut is the enemy of Hilda, as he holds her daughter captive and opposes her family.
Hilda
Hartmut is the enemy of Hilda, as he holds her daughter captive and opposes her family.
Hettel
Hartmut is a direct antagonist to Hettel, having abducted his daughter and defied his kingdom.
Gudrun
Gudrun is held captive by Hartmut, who is obsessed with forcing her into marriage, creating a dynamic of captor and victim.
Horant
Horant is a minstrel and spy in Hartmut's court, secretly working for Gudrun's rescue.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Hartmut in Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun

In the story

Hartmut appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Names of Persons
Son of Ludwig and Gerlind, a suitor for Gudrun.
Gudrun
Woos Gudrun and is rejected; later carries her away and holds her captive.
Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun
Norman prince who resolves to woo Gudrun despite his father's warnings; sends sixty messengers with letters and treasure.
Tale XI: How Herwic Sent to Seek Gudrun and How Hartmut Came Himself
Comes in person to woo Gudrun; is kindly received but warned away, and returns home resolved to win her by force.
Tale XIV: How Hettel Sent Tidings from Herwic’s Land
Plans to invade Hegeling land and seize Gudrun as his bride; gathers forces with his father Ludwig.
How Hartmut Carried Away Gudrun
Sends messengers to woo Gudrun, threatens force, and leads the attack that captures her.
How Hettel Came to the Wulpensand in Search of His Daughter
Along with his father Ludwig, rests on Wulpensand with Gudrun; engages Irold in combat.
Tale XX: How Hartmut Went Home to Normandy
Returns to Normandy with Gudrun, rescues her from drowning, attempts to woo her, and eventually leaves her in his mother's care.
How Gudrun Must Wash Clothes on the Beach
Offers Gudrun castles and lands, but she refuses him; he grows wroth at her stubbornness.
How Herwic and Ortwin Found Gudrun
Gudrun pretends to accept his suit; he dismisses Gerlind's warnings about her sudden cheerfulness.
How the Hegelings Landed Near Ludwig’s Castle
Wakened to hear the news of the besieging army; he recognizes the banners of twenty princes and understands the threat.
How Ludwig and Hartmut Met the Hegelings
Identifies the approaching Hegeling banners, rejects his mother's advice to stay besieged, and wounds Ortwin and Horant in battle.
Tale XXVIII: How Herwic Slew Ludwig
Prevents the murder of Gudrun and her maidens; is captured by Wâ-te despite Herwic's intervention.
How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner
Hartmut is captured and taken prisoner, later brought before the Hegelings; he pleads for freedom but is denied.
How Gudrun Was Brought Home to Hilda
Brought as a captive; freed at Gudrun's request and agrees to wed Hildeburg.
How the Four Kings Were Wedded in Hilda's Land
Marries Hildeburg; gives generously despite his kingdom having been wasted; gains peace and forgiveness through Gudrun's intercession.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Hartmut unlock in the free preview.

See Hartmut in Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun