# Rüdeger — The Nibelungenlied character guide

> Rüdeger in The Nibelungenlied by Anonymous.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Sir Rüdeger, Lord Rüdeger, the Margrave Rüdeger, Good Rüdeger

**First appearance:** 0028-adventure-xxvii-how-they-came-to-bechelaren

## Snapshot

Margrave of Bechelaren, whose spotless honor and sworn oaths to Etzel and Kriemhild become a trap no loyal man can escape.

## Who they are

Rüdeger holds the border march of Bechelaren for Etzel and is famed as the one lord whose word no one doubts. His daughter's betrothal to the Huns and his old ties to the Burgundians bind him to two sides of a feud he cannot reconcile. When he steps into the hall to lead his own men out in peace, the poem shows how a good man's integrity can be turned into the instrument of catastrophe.

## In the story

### [Editor's Preface](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/editor-s-preface)

Cited as a character representing a contrasting ideal to Hagen, illustrating the fusion of different ethical elements.

### [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)

The margrave of Bechelaren, sent by Etzel as chief envoy to woo Kriemhilda on Etzel's behalf.

### [How Kriemhilda Went to the Huns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxi-how-kriemhilda-went-to-the-huns)

The margrave escorts Kriemhilda, arranges hospitality, and is reunited with his wife Gotlinda.

### [Adventure XXII: How Etzel Espoused Kriemhilda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxii-how-etzel-espoused-kriemhilda)

The margrave arranges the meeting and wedding, advising Kriemhilda on whom to kiss and ensuring all is done honorably.

### [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)

Receives the request for hospitality with joy, orders his men to prepare to meet the guests.

### [Adventure XXVII: How They Came to Bechelaren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/chapters/adventure-xxvii-how-they-came-to-bechelaren)

As host, he warmly welcomes the Burgundians, arranges hospitality, and offers his daughter to Giselher.

### [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)

Escorts Giselher to court and speaks to Etzel of the guests' loyalty.

### [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)

The margrave is torn between his oath to Etzel and Kriemhilda and his bonds with the Burgundians, whom he hosted and gifted. He reluctantly leads his men into battle and is slain.

### [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)

Rüdeger is dead, slain by Gernot, and his body becomes the focal point of the conflict between the Burgundians and Dietrich's men.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters/rudeger
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nibelungenlied_se/characters