The Nibelungenlied · Chapter
Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns explained
The Burgundian lords, led by King Gunther, begin their journey to King Etzel's court.
What happens
The Burgundian lords, led by King Gunther, begin their journey to King Etzel's court. Hagen, acting as guide, leads them to the Danube, where they find the river overflowing and no ferry. Hagen seeks a ferryman, encounters prophetic water-maidens who foretell doom for all except the king's chaplain, and eventually kills the ferryman to cross. He ferries the army across, then throws the chaplain overboard to test the prophecy.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dietrich, the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Fate and Foreboding
The water-maidens' prophecy foretells doom for all except the chaplain, setting a fatalistic tone for the journey.
- Betrayal and Deception
Hagen deceives the ferryman by claiming to be Amelrich, leading to the ferryman's death.
- Loyalty and Friendship
Hagen's loyalty to Gunther is shown through his leadership and determination to cross the river despite obstacles.
Characters to notice
- Hagen
Leads the army, kills the ferryman, and tests the prophecy by throwing the chaplain overboard.
- King Gunther
Leads the Burgundian lords on the journey and questions Hagen about the missing ferryman.
- Gernot
Expresses concern about crossing the river without a ferryman.
- Giselher
Curses Hagen for throwing the chaplain overboard.
- Dankwart
Serves as marshal for the Burgundian host.
Key passages
“Still wrought the wounds of Siegfried in Kriemhild bitter pain.”
Kriemhild's grief over Siegfried's death continues to torment her.
This line connects the current journey to the ongoing revenge plot.
“The stream was overflowing, no skiff was there to see, The Nibelungs misdoubted, in great anxiety, How they should e'er get over; the flood was all too wide.”
The river was flooded and no boat was in sight, causing the Nibelungs to worry about how they would cross.
Describes the immediate obstacle faced by the Burgundians.
“False was it what my sister to get her clothing said: For comest thou to Hunsland, thou'lt sorely be betray'd.”
The second mermaid warns Hagen that her sister lied; if he goes to the Huns, he will be betrayed.
Reveals the true prophecy of doom.
“None with life escapeth who to that land doth go, Save only the king's chaplain; that can we surely tell; He unto Gunther's kingdom will come back safe and well.”
No one will survive the journey to the Huns except the king's chaplain, who will return safely.
The prophecy that Hagen later tests by throwing the chaplain overboard.
