The Nibelungenlied · Character

Volker

Burgundian minstrel and warrior, Hagen's sworn companion, whose fiddle-bow becomes a weapon the Huns will not soon forget.

supporting

Also known as the fiddler Volker, gallant Volker, Volker the quick

First appearance: adventure xxv how the lords all went to the huns

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

Appointed to lead the van and fights bravely in the battle.

In the storyAdventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the SaxonsOpen this moment free

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Volker is a knight who carries a fiddle as readily as a sword, and his friendship with Hagen makes him one of the most feared men in the hall. When the slaughter begins he springs from the table and plays a music of…

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See Volker in adventure xxv how the lords all went to the huns

Character Web

22 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Burgundian and Hun nobility

+17 more in the full Character Web

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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

Volker appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons
Appointed to lead the van and fights bravely in the battle.
Adventure XXIV: How Werbel and Schwemmel Did Their Errand
Joins the company with thirty liegemen and prevents the envoys from seeing Brunhilda.
Adventure XXVI: How Gelfrat Was Slain by Dankwart
Offers to guide the company through the land, carries a red pennon as signal, and helps provide for the people.
Adventure XXVII: How They Came to Bechelaren
Greeted by Rüdeger, kissed by the margrave's daughter, and plays his fiddle for Gotlinda.
Adventure XXVIII: How the Burgundians Came to Etzel’s Stronghold
Comments on the inevitability of fate as the Burgundians ride to court.
Adventure XXIX: How He Stood Not Up Before Her
The fiddler-warrior sits beside Hagen; his fierce gaze and reputation deter the Huns from attacking; he advises Hagen and later leads the group to court.
Adventure XXX: How They Kept Watch and Ward
The gallant minstrel keeps watch with Hagen, plays soothing music, and boldly challenges Kriemhild's men.
Adventure XXXI: How They Went to Church
Stands with Hagen at the Minster, refusing to yield space to Kriemhilda's retinue, and helps maintain the Burgundians' defiant stance.
Adventure XXXIII: How the Burgundians Fought with the Huns
Fights fiercely with his fiddle-bow, killing many Huns and earning Etzel's dread.
Adventure XXXIV: How They Cast Forth the Dead
Stands with Hagen, taunts the Huns as cowards, kills a margrave with a lance, and mocks the Huns for their reluctance to attack.
Adventure XXXV: How Iring Was Slain
Fiddler who fights Iring, kills Irnfried, and stands guard after the battle.
Adventure XXXVI: How the Queen Bade That the Hall Be Set on Fire
Keeps watch with Hagen and taunts the Huns.
Adventure XXXVII: How the Margrave Rüdeger Was Slain
Volker defends Rüdeger's honor against Kriemhilda's accusations, stating that Rüdeger served her to the end.
Adventure XXXVIII: How Lord Dietrich’s Warriors All Were Slain
Volker taunts Wolfhart and the Amelungs, provoking them with sharp words and threatening violence.

Chapter companion notes

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See Volker in adventure xxv how the lords all went to the huns

See Volker in Adventure IV: How Siegfried Fought the Saxons