Gudrun · Character

Ortwin

Hettel and Hilda's young son, Gudrun's brother, whose banner rides into Normandy at the head of the Hegeling host.

supporting

Also known as young Ortwin, Young Ortwin, the youthful Ortwin, King Ortwin, the high-bred Ortwin, brave Ortwin

First appearance: tale xii how herwic made war on hettel and how gudrun was betrothed to him

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Ortwin is the heir of Ortland, raised in the Hegeling court alongside his sister Gudrun, and when she is carried off he becomes one of the war-leaders sworn to bring her home. Young enough to be called "the youthful Ortwin" even as he commands, he must prove himself in a campaign that pits his family's seasoned vassals against Norman steel. His banner before the castle gate signals that the Hegelings have come in earnest, and his growth from prince to battlefield captain measures the story's turn from grief to vengeance.

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See Ortwin in tale xii how herwic made war on hettel and how gudrun was betrothed to him

Character Web

14 connections

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Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Norman and Hegeling characters
Protagonist

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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

Hilda
family · positive
Gudrun
family · positive
Gudrun
family · positive
Hilda
family · positive
Hilda
family · positive

Hilda
Ortwin is Hilda's son and Gudrun's brother, who participates in the rescue efforts.
Gudrun
Ortwin is Gudrun's brother, who fights to free her from captivity.
Gudrun
Ortwin is Gudrun's brother, who fights to free her from captivity.
Hilda
Ortwin is Hilda's son and Gudrun's brother, who participates in the rescue efforts.
Hilda
Ortwin is Hilda's son and Gudrun's brother, who participates in the rescue efforts.

Relationship notes

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See Ortwin in tale xii how herwic made war on hettel and how gudrun was betrothed to him

In the story

Ortwin appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Names of Places
Ruler of Ortland (probably Jutland).
How Gudrun Was Sought by Siegfried
Son of Hettel and Hilda, entrusted to Wâ-te for knightly training.
How Siegfried Made War Against Herwic
Gudrun's brother, brings forty hundred warriors to help in the fight.
Tale XVIII: How Ludwig Slew Hettel, and Stole Away in the Night
Aims to avenge his father Hettel and later proposes building a church for the dead.
How the Hegelings Went Home to Their Own Land
Ortwin, Hilda's son, returns from Ortland and joins the mourning for his father Hettel.
How Hilda Made War to Bring Back Her Daughter
Young Ortwin, Hilda's son, is entrusted to the warriors' care during the campaign.
Tale XXIII: How Hilda’s Warriors Landed in Sight of Hartmut’s Kingdom
Insists on searching for his sister Gudrun himself, despite Wâ-te's objections.
How Their Coming Was Made Known to Gudrun
Mentioned as Gudrun's brother, alive and well, sailing to rescue her.
How Herwic and Ortwin Found Gudrun
Accompanies Herwic; initially doubts the washer is his sister Gudrun but later rejoices upon recognition.
How the Hegelings Landed Near Ludwig’s Castle
Reports to the Hegeling army that he has seen his sister Gudrun and Hildeburg washing clothes on the seashore.
How Ludwig and Hartmut Met the Hegelings
Fights Hartmut and is wounded by him, bleeding through his armor.
How Hartmut Was Taken Prisoner
Ortwin speaks in favor of sparing Hartmut and bringing him to Queen Hilda rather than killing him.
How Gudrun Was Brought Home to Hilda
Gudrun's brother; takes Ortrun as his bride after persuasion.
How the Four Kings Were Wedded in Hilda's Land
Gives finest clothes and is not outdone in generosity; accompanies the departing guests to the boats.
How They All Went to Their Homes
Bids farewell to Gudrun and swears eternal friendship with Herwic.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ortwin in tale xii how herwic made war on hettel and how gudrun was betrothed to him