# Ludwig — Gudrun character guide

> Ludwig in Gudrun by Anonymous.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** King Ludwig, the glad King Ludwig, old King Ludwig

**First appearance:** 0018-tale-xv-how-hartmut-carried-away-gudrun

## Snapshot

Normandy's old king, Hartmut's father, who rides out against the Hegeling host and falls to Herwic's sword before his own walls.

## Who they are

Ludwig rules Normandy beside his fierce queen Gerlind and their son Hartmut, and it is under his roof that the abducted Gudrun is held. Old, proud, and slow to read the danger at his gates, he mistakes the arriving Hegelings for merchants until Hartmut names their banners. When he finally sallies out, his death before the castle becomes the spark that turns a siege into a blood-feud, and the wailing that follows him up from the walls shows how much the kingdom leaned on him.

## Relationships

### [Gudrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/gudrun)

_rivalry_

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

### [Hartmut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hartmut)

_family_

Ludwig is Hartmut's father, who supports his son's aggressive pursuit of Gudrun.

### [Hilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hilda)

_rivalry_

Hilda and Ludwig are opposing monarchs, with Ludwig's family holding her daughter captive.

### [Gudrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/gudrun)

_rivalry_

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

### [Hilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hilda)

_rivalry_

Hilda and Ludwig are opposing monarchs, with Ludwig's family holding her daughter captive.

### [Hilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hilda)

_rivalry_

Hilda and Ludwig are opposing monarchs, with Ludwig's family holding her daughter captive.

### [Hartmut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hartmut)

_family_

Ludwig is Hartmut's father, who supports his son's aggressive pursuit of Gudrun.

### [Hartmut](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/hartmut)

_family_

Ludwig is Hartmut's father, who supports his son's aggressive pursuit of Gudrun.

## In the story

### [Tale X: How Hartmut Sent to Woo Gudrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-x-how-hartmut-sent-to-woo-gudrun)

King of Normandy, Hartmut's father; initially warns against the wooing but eventually supports the plan by providing treasure and guidance.

### [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)

Supports Hartmut's plan, assembles twenty thousand fighters, and leads the invasion fleet.

### [How Hartmut Carried Away Gudrun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xv-how-hartmut-carried-away-gudrun)

Joins Hartmut in the assault on Matelan castle and helps carry away Gudrun.

### [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)

King of the Normans, fights Wâ-te and is nearly killed, saved only by his silk shirt.

### [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)

King of the Normans; slays Hettel and orchestrates the night escape.

### [Tale XX: How Hartmut Went Home to Normandy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xx-how-hartmut-went-home-to-normandy)

King of Normandy, angry at Gudrun's refusal, throws her into the sea.

### [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)

King Ludwig, mentioned as the ruler of the Norman land where Gudrun is held.

### [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)

Awakened by Gerlind, he looks out from his castle and initially mistakes the Hegeling banners for pilgrims or merchants.

### [How Ludwig and Hartmut Met the Hegelings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxvii-how-ludwig-and-hartmut-met-the-hegelings)

King of the Normans, arms for battle alongside Hartmut, and overthrows Herwic in the fight.

### [Tale XXVIII: How Herwic Slew Ludwig](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/chapters/tale-xxviii-how-herwic-slew-ludwig)

Killed by Herwic in single combat; his death is mourned by Ortrun and the Norman court.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters/ludwig
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/gudrun_se/characters