Gudrun · Character

Horant

Wâ-te's son, the Danish singer whose voice once won Hilda for Hettel and whose line now marches to win Gudrun back.

supporting

Also known as young Horant, Horant the Dane, brave Horant, Sir Horant, the Danish Horant

First appearance: Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor

See Horant in Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor Book page

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Horant is a Hegeling vassal of Danish birth, celebrated less for his sword than for his singing, which in an earlier generation helped Hettel woo Hilda of Ireland. That gift places him at the court's emotional center even as the story turns to harder business, and his kinship with the aged Wâ-te ties him to the campaign's most trusted counsel. When the Hegelings sail for Normandy, Horant belongs to the company whose loyalty to Gudrun's family gives the rescue its long memory and its music.

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See Horant in Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor

Character Web

15 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Norman and Hegeling characters
Protagonist

+10 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

Hartmut
professional · ambivalent
Hilda
professional · positive
Hartmut
professional · ambivalent
Hartmut
professional · ambivalent
Hilda
professional · positive
Hilda
professional · positive

Hartmut
Horant is a minstrel and spy in Hartmut's court, secretly working for Gudrun's rescue.
Hilda
Horant serves Hilda as a loyal messenger and spy, aiding in the plot to rescue Gudrun.
Hartmut
Horant is a minstrel and spy in Hartmut's court, secretly working for Gudrun's rescue.
Hartmut
Horant is a minstrel and spy in Hartmut's court, secretly working for Gudrun's rescue.
Hilda
Horant serves Hilda as a loyal messenger and spy, aiding in the plot to rescue Gudrun.
Hilda
Horant serves Hilda as a loyal messenger and spy, aiding in the plot to rescue Gudrun.

Relationship notes

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

See Horant in Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor

In the story

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

Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor
Wâ-te's nephew, a brave and upright knight from Denmark, joins the mission and wins favor with the ladies.
How Sweetly Horant Sang
The Danish knight whose enchanting singing wins the favor of Hilda and the Irish court, advancing Hettel's suit.
Tale VIII: How Hagen Followed His Daughter
Spots Hagen's ships and alerts the Hegelings; later leads Hilda to her father.
How Gudrun Was Sought by Siegfried
Lord of Denmark and vassal of Hettel, known for bringing costly gifts to court.
Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun
Lord of Daneland; receives the messengers and arranges safe passage to Hettel's court, later blamed by Hettel for bringing them.
How Siegfried Made War Against Herwic
Brings four thousand warriors from Denmark to aid Herwic.
How Hilda Sent to Hettel and Herwic to Ask Their Help Against Hartmut
Spots the messengers from Hilda and informs Hettel.
Tale XVIII: How Ludwig Slew Hettel, and Stole Away in the Night
Accidentally kills a Danish follower in the dark.
How Hilda Made War to Bring Back Her Daughter
Horant is sent for by Hilda and promises to bring ten thousand warriors from Denmark.
How Their Coming Was Made Known to Gudrun
Mentioned as coming from Denmark, leading followers and bearing Queen Hilda's banner.
How Ludwig and Hartmut Met the Hegelings
Takes up Hilda's banner after Ortwin is wounded, fights Hartmut, and is also wounded.
How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner
Horant is entrusted with guarding the captured foes and is left behind with Morunc to hold the Norman kingdom.

Chapter companion notes

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See Horant in Tale V: How Wâ-te Was Sent to Ireland as a Suitor