The Nibelungenlied · Character

Gernot

A Burgundian king and brother to Gunther, steady in counsel and sword until the hall's violence swallows every voice of restraint.

supporting

Also known as King Gernot, noble Gernot, Lord Gernot, Stout Gernot

First appearance: Adventure I: Kriemhilda

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

The second Burgundian king, known for deeds of honor.

In the storyAdventure I: KriemhildaOpen this moment free

See Gernot in Adventure I: Kriemhilda Book page

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Gernot stands beside Gunther as one of the three Burgundian kings, a warrior whose authority rests on kinship and long service. He shares his brothers' pride and their obligations, and when the fighting erupts he fights…

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See Gernot in Adventure I: Kriemhilda

Character Web

25 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Burgundian and Hun nobility

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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

Gernot appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Adventure I: Kriemhilda
The second Burgundian king, known for deeds of honor.
How Siegfried Came to Worms
King Gunther's brother, speaks in opposition to Siegfried's challenge.
Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons
Urges defiance against the invaders, fights in the battle, and later sends a messenger to Worms with news of the victory.
How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhilda
Assists in receiving guests; advises Gunther on distributing treasure.
How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms
Greets Siegfried and inquires anxiously about Gunther's fate.
Adventure XVI: How Siegfried Was Slain
Kriemhilda's brother who remains at home during the hunt.
Adventure XVIII: How Siegmund Went Back to His Own Land
Brother who joins in persuading Kriemhilda to remain, and expresses his innocence regarding Siegfried's death.
How the Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms
Helps fetch the Nibelung hoard, later protests Hagen's theft, and suggests sinking the treasure to end the conflict.
Adventure XX: How King Etzel Sent to Burgundy After Kriemhilda
Brother of Kriemhilda, supports the marriage and advises loyalty to their sister.
How Kriemhilda Went to the Huns
Accompanies Kriemhilda part of the way and then departs with Giselher back to the Rhine.
Adventure XXIII: How Kriemhilda Thought to Avenge Her Injury
Kriemhilda's brother, to whom she sends a loving message, asking him to bring their kinsmen.
Adventure XXIV: How Werbel and Schwemmel Did Their Errand
Supports the journey, arguing it would be wrong to avoid seeing their sister.
Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns
Expresses concern about crossing the river without a ferryman.
Adventure XXVI: How Gelfrat Was Slain by Dankwart
Included among the kings sending greetings to Rüdeger.
Adventure XXVII: How They Came to Bechelaren
Given a sword by Rüdeger, which later proves fateful.
Adventure XXVIII: How the Burgundians Came to Etzel’s Stronghold
Among the Burgundian kings who confer with Dietrich.
Adventure XXIX: How He Stood Not Up Before Her
Accompanies Gunther to court; welcomed by Etzel.
Adventure XXXIII: How the Burgundians Fought with the Huns
Fights valiantly with a sword given by Rüdeger, killing many Huns.
Adventure XXXV: How Iring Was Slain
Fights Iring and nearly kills him, later fights in the hall.
Adventure XXXVI: How the Queen Bade That the Hall Be Set on Fire
Rejects giving Hagen as hostage, preferring death for all.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Gernot in Adventure I: Kriemhilda