The Nibelungenlied · Character

Dankwart

Hagen's brother and the Burgundian marshal, who holds the stairway door with a bloody sword and answers for the hall's only exit.

supporting

Also known as Sir Dankwart, bold Dankwart, Brother Dankwart, the gallant Dankwart

First appearance: Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns

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

Hagen's brother and the Marshal of the court, a swift-footed knight.

In the storyAdventure I: KriemhildaOpen this moment free

See Dankwart in Adventure I: Kriemhilda Book page

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Dankwart is Hagen's brother and the marshal of the Burgundian host, a plain-spoken fighter who kills Bloedel before the hall erupts. When Hagen asks him to guard the door, he accepts the post as a matter of honor and…

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See Dankwart in Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns

Character Web

30 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Burgundian and Hun nobility
Supporting characters and minor figures
Protagonist

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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…

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In the story

Dankwart appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Adventure I: Kriemhilda
Hagen's brother and the Marshal of the court, a swift-footed knight.
Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons
Fights alongside the other heroes, his strokes causing great damage to the enemy.
How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda
Selected as the fourth member of the small expedition to Iceland.
How Gunther Won Brunhilda
Hagen's brother; voices frustration and readiness to fight if necessary.
How Siegfried Went to Fetch the Nibelungs
Dankwart, brother of Hagen and liegeman of Giselher, takes the key to Brunhilda's treasure and distributes gold and clothing generously, causing Brunhilda's displeasure.
Adventure XXIV: How Werbel and Schwemmel Did Their Errand
Hagen's brother, ordered to lead four score knights to the Rhine.
Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns
Serves as marshal for the Burgundian host.
Adventure XXVI: How Gelfrat Was Slain by Dankwart
Kills Gelfrat with a blow, advises turning back after the rout, and later acts as marshal requesting lodging from Rüdeger.
Adventure XXVII: How They Came to Bechelaren
Greeted by Rüdeger, kissed by the margrave's daughter, and receives rich apparel.
Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain
The marshal and Hagen's brother, who slays Bloedel and fights alone against the Huns, eventually making his way to the court.
Adventure XXXIII: How the Burgundians Fought with the Huns
Enters the hall bloodied, announces the death of the Burgundian retainers and his slaying of Bloedel.
Adventure XXXVI: How the Queen Bade That the Hall Be Set on Fire
Fights fiercely and declares his brother Hagen will not stand alone.
Adventure XXXVII: How the Margrave Rüdeger Was Slain
Dankwart is among the Burgundian warriors who come to where Rüdeger and his men lie slain.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Dankwart in Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns

See Dankwart in Adventure I: Kriemhilda