The Nibelungenlied · Character

Bloedel

Etzel's brother, a Hunnish lord whose eagerness for glory and grievance draws him into the fatal quarrel with the Burgundian guests.

supporting

Also known as the Lord Bloedel, Lord Bloedel, Sir Bloedelin

First appearance: Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain

As a supporting figure in The Nibelungenlied, Bloedel is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Etzel's brother, who comes from Hungary and distributes gold and silver at the wedding.

In the storyAdventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused KriemhildaOpen this moment free

See Bloedel in Adventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused Kriemhilda Book page

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Bloedel stands close to Etzel's throne as brother to the Hun king, a noble whose pride is easily pricked and whose ambition runs ahead of his judgment. When tensions rise between the Huns and the visiting Burgundians,…

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See Bloedel in Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting characters and minor figures
Burgundian and Hun nobility
Protagonist

+8 more in the full Character Web

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.

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In the story

Bloedel appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Adventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused Kriemhilda
Etzel's brother, who comes from Hungary and distributes gold and silver at the wedding.
Adventure XXXI: How They Went to Church
Agrees to attack the Burgundians after Kriemhilda promises him land and Nudung's betrothed, though he fears Etzel's reaction.
Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain
The Hunnish lord who leads the attack on Dankwart's men, citing revenge for Siegfried, and is beheaded by Dankwart.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Bloedel unlock in the free preview.

See Bloedel in Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain

See Bloedel in Adventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused Kriemhilda