Gudrun · Character

Ortrun

Hartmut's sister, the one kind heart in the Norman court, who alone treats the captive Gudrun as a friend.

supporting

Also known as the youthful Ortrun, fair Ortrun, Young Ortrun

First appearance: tale xv how hartmut carried away gudrun

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Ortrun is Ludwig and Gerlind's daughter and Hartmut's sister, raised in the same castle where Gudrun is held against her will. Against her mother's cruelty and her brother's frustrated desire, she keeps trying to soothe Gudrun and win her love, and Gudrun shows a friendly face to no one else. Her quiet loyalty makes the Norman household more than a den of villains, and it gives the captivity passages their only warmth.

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Character Web

11 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Norman and Hegeling characters
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

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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In the story

Ortrun appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Tale XX: How Hartmut Went Home to Normandy
Hartmut's sister, shows kindness and honor to Gudrun despite her mother's cruelty.
How Gudrun Must Wash Clothes on the Beach
Hartmut's sister, who sits with Gudrun and tries to befriend her.
Tale XXVIII: How Herwic Slew Ludwig
Mourns her father Ludwig and begs Gudrun to help save her brother Hartmut.
How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner
Ortrun seeks refuge with Gudrun, who promises to protect her and her maidens.
How Gudrun Was Brought Home to Hilda
Hartmut's sister; betrothed to Ortwin.
How They All Went to Their Homes
Betrothed to Ortwin, thanks Gudrun for sparing Hartmut and thanks Hilda for allowing her to marry Ortwin.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ortrun in tale xv how hartmut carried away gudrun