# Hagen — The Nibelungenlied character guide > Hagen in The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Hagen of Tronjé, Tronjé, bold Hagen, grim Hagen, the doughty Hagen, Tronian Hagen **First appearance:** 0004-adventure-iii-how-siegfried-came-to-worms ## Snapshot Gunther's grim vassal, who sees Siegfried's treasure and power as a threat to Burgundy and decides — coldly, deliberately — that the hero must die. ## Who they are Hagen of Tronjé is the poem's most unsettling figure because he is not a villain in his own mind: he is a loyal councillor doing what the security of his king requires. He watches Siegfried's wealth and invincibility with the same calculating eye he turns on Brunhilda's humiliation, and when the moment comes he arranges the hunt, the spear, and the body laid at Kriemhilda's door with the efficiency of a man who has thought it all through. His boast that the Nibelung hoard could one day come to Burgundy is the poem's quietest and most terrifying line — it tells you exactly what he is willing to do for his kingdom. ## Relationships ### [Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/kriemhilda) _rivalry_ Hagen is Kriemhilda's mortal enemy, having murdered Siegfried and later opposing her revenge at Etzel's court. ### [Siegfried](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/siegfried) _rivalry_ Hagen despises Siegfried's strength and status, plotting and executing his murder to protect Gunther's honor. ### [Etzel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/etzel) _rivalry_ Etzel initially hosts Hagen as a guest, but Hagen's defiance and murder of Etzel's son turn them into bitter enemies. ### [Giselher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/giselher) _friendship_ Giselher is a young Burgundian prince who follows Hagen and his brothers, loyal to the end. ### [Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/kriemhilda) _rivalry_ Hagen is Kriemhilda's mortal enemy, having murdered Siegfried and later opposing her revenge at Etzel's court. ### [Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/kriemhilda) _rivalry_ Hagen is Kriemhilda's mortal enemy, having murdered Siegfried and later opposing her revenge at Etzel's court. ### [Etzel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/etzel) _rivalry_ Etzel initially hosts Hagen as a guest, but Hagen's defiance and murder of Etzel's son turn them into bitter enemies. ### [Siegfried](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/siegfried) _rivalry_ Hagen despises Siegfried's strength and status, plotting and executing his murder to protect Gunther's honor. ### [Siegfried](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/siegfried) _rivalry_ Hagen despises Siegfried's strength and status, plotting and executing his murder to protect Gunther's honor. ### [Etzel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/etzel) _rivalry_ Etzel initially hosts Hagen as a guest, but Hagen's defiance and murder of Etzel's son turn them into bitter enemies. ### [Giselher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/giselher) _friendship_ Giselher is a young Burgundian prince who follows Hagen and his brothers, loyal to the end. ## In the story ### [Editor's Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/editor-s-preface) Mentioned as an example of contrasting ethical motives in the poem, alongside Rüdeger. ### [The Nibelungenlied](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/the-nibelungenlied) Antagonist and key figure in Siegfried's betrayal and murder. ### [Adventure I: Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-i-kriemhilda) Foremost vassal of the Burgundian court, of Tronjé, mentioned among the loyal knights serving the kings. ### [How Siegfried Came to Worms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-iii-how-siegfried-came-to-worms) Warns Gunther of Siegfried's might, recounts his deeds (Nibelung hoard, dragon-slaying), and advises a friendly reception. ### [Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-iv-how-siegfried-fought-the-saxons) Advises Gunther to consult Siegfried, then fights valiantly in the battle alongside the other knights. ### [How Siegfried First Saw Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-v-how-siegfried-first-saw-kriemhilda) Participates in games and feats during the festival. ### [How Gunther Went to Iceland After Brunhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-vi-how-gunther-went-to-iceland-after-brunhilda) Advises Gunther to take Siegfried along and is chosen as one of the four companions. ### [How Gunther Won Brunhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-vii-how-gunther-won-brunhilda) One of Gunther's liegemen; expresses concern and anger at Brunhilda's strength and the danger to the king. ### [How Siegfried Went to Fetch the Nibelungs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-viii-how-siegfried-went-to-fetch-the-nibelungs) Hagen reassures Brunhilda that King Gunther has enough wealth and laughs with Gunther at her worries. ### [How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-ix-how-siegfried-was-sent-to-worms) Advises Gunther to send Siegfried as herald instead of going himself; stays to attend the women on the journey. ### [Adventure X: How Brunhilda Was Received at Worms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-x-how-brunhilda-was-received-at-worms) Lord of Tronjé, attends the reception and assists the host. ### [Adventure XI: How Siegfried Went Home with His Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xi-how-siegfried-went-home-with-his-wife) Refuses to serve Kriemhilda, declaring loyalty to Gunther. ### [How Gunther Bade Siegfried to the Festival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xii-how-gunther-bade-siegfried-to-the-festival) Comments on Siegfried's wealth from the Nibelung treasure, hinting at future conflict. ### [How They Journeyed to the Festival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xiii-how-they-journeyed-to-the-festival) Along with Ortwein, demonstrates his power and authority in serving the guests. ### [Adventure XIV: How the Queens Railed at One Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xiv-how-the-queens-railed-at-one-another) Seizes on the queens' quarrel to plot Siegfried's murder, persuading Gunther to feign a war to lure Siegfried into a trap. ### [Adventure XV: How Siegfried Was Betrayed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xv-how-siegfried-was-betrayed) Masterminds the betrayal; extracts Siegfried's vulnerable spot from Kriemhilda; plans the hunting trip. ### [Adventure XVI: How Siegfried Was Slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xvi-how-siegfried-was-slain) The treacherous vassal who plots and executes Siegfried's murder. ### [Adventure XVII: How Kriemhilda Mourn'd for Her Husband, and How He Was Buried](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xvii-how-kriemhilda-mourn-d-for-her-husband-and-how-he-was-buried) Implied as the murderer, having placed Siegfried's body near Kriemhilda's door. ### [Adventure XVIII: How Siegmund Went Back to His Own Land](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xviii-how-siegmund-went-back-to-his-own-land) Though not directly present, Kriemhilda expresses that she cannot bear to see him, as he is the cause of her sorrow. ### [How the Nibelung Hoard Was Brought to Worms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xix-how-the-nibelung-hoard-was-brought-to-worms) Schemes to bring the Nibelung hoard to Worms, then seizes it from Kriemhilda and sinks it in the Rhine to prevent her from gaining allies. ### [Adventure XX: How King Etzel Sent to Burgundy After Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xx-how-king-etzel-sent-to-burgundy-after-kriemhilda) Hagen of Tronjé, strongly opposes the marriage, warning that Kriemhilda will use Etzel's power to seek revenge. ### [Adventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxii-how-etzel-espoused-kriemhilda) Not directly present in this chapter, but referenced indirectly through Kriemhilda's past sorrows. ### [Adventure XXIII: How Kriemhilda Thought to Avenge Her Injury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxiii-how-kriemhilda-thought-to-avenge-her-injury) Kriemhilda's primary target for revenge; she specifically instructs the envoys to ensure he does not stay behind in Rhineland. ### [Adventure XXIV: How Werbel and Schwemmel Did Their Errand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxiv-how-werbel-and-schwemmel-did-their-errand) Warns against the journey, citing his killing of Siegfried and Kriemhilda's likely vengeance. ### [Adventure XXV: How the Lords All Went to the Huns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxv-how-the-lords-all-went-to-the-huns) Leads the army, kills the ferryman, and tests the prophecy by throwing the chaplain overboard. ### [Adventure XXVI: How Gelfrat Was Slain by Dankwart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxvi-how-gelfrat-was-slain-by-dankwart) Warns the company of the mermaids' prophecy, admits to killing the ferryman, fights Gelfrat and is knocked down, then calls for Dankwart's help. ### [Adventure XXVII: How They Came to Bechelaren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxvii-how-they-came-to-bechelaren) Greeted as an old friend by Rüdeger; receives a valuable shield from Gotlinda. ### [Adventure XXVIII: How the Burgundians Came to Etzel’s Stronghold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxviii-how-the-burgundians-came-to-etzel-s-stronghold) Confronts Kriemhilda about the treasure and refuses to surrender his weapons; warned by Dietrich of the queen's hostility. ### [Adventure XXIX: How He Stood Not Up Before Her](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxix-how-he-stood-not-up-before-her) Sits with Volker in the courtyard; confronts Kriemhilda and does not deny his role in Siegfried's death; his reputation intimidates the Huns. ### [Adventure XXX: How They Kept Watch and Ward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxx-how-they-kept-watch-and-ward) Takes charge of the watch, advises caution, and vows to guard the guests until morning. ### [Adventure XXXI: How They Went to Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxi-how-they-went-to-church) Warns the Burgundians to wear armor to church, stands defiantly with Volker at the Minster, and later insults King Etzel's son Ortlieb, provoking the king's anger. ### [Adventure XXXII: How Bloedelin Was Slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxii-how-bloedelin-was-slain) Dankwart's brother, blamed by Bloedel for Siegfried's death; Dankwart seeks to reach him for aid. ### [Adventure XXXIII: How the Burgundians Fought with the Huns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxiii-how-the-burgundians-fought-with-the-huns) Kills the child Ortlieb and the minstrel Werbel, then leads the slaughter of the Huns. ### [Adventure XXXIV: How They Cast Forth the Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxiv-how-they-cast-forth-the-dead) Leans on his shield with Volker after battle, follows Giselher's counsel to cast out the dead, and later taunts Etzel and Kriemhild. ### [Adventure XXXV: How Iring Was Slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxv-how-iring-was-slain) Engages Iring in single combat, is wounded but ultimately kills Iring with a javelin, then slays Haward. ### [Adventure XXXVI: How the Queen Bade That the Hall Be Set on Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxvi-how-the-queen-bade-that-the-hall-be-set-on-fire) Boldly guards the hall, advises drinking blood to quench thirst, and remains defiant. ### [Adventure XXXVII: How the Margrave Rüdeger Was Slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxvii-how-the-margrave-r-deger-was-slain) Hagen comments on the dire situation after Rüdeger's fall, noting the great injury suffered. ### [Adventure XXXVIII: How Lord Dietrich’s Warriors All Were Slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxviii-how-lord-dietrich-s-warriors-all-were-slain) Hagen wounds Hildebrand and remains defiant alongside Gunther, representing the last of the Burgundian resistance. ### [Adventure XXXIX: How Gunther and Hagen and Kriemhilda Were Slain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxxix-how-gunther-and-hagen-and-kriemhilda-were-slain) Refuses Dietrich's offer of surrender, fights valiantly, is captured, and defiantly withholds the treasure's location before being slain by Kriemhilda. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/hagen - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters