On this page, I will give an extended summary of Thidrekssaga chapters 171-275.
I disclaim all attempts to scientifically study
the saga on basis of this summary alone.
For easy reference, I have divided the saga into small parts. I do largely,
but not entirely, follow the division of Von der Hagen.
I also give the chapter-numbering of the Membrame-manuscript.
For a discussion of the internal (in)consistency of the saga, see
Boer.
(2nd href)
History of | Dietrich, Witig and Heime |
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History of | Hildebrand and Hornboge |
History of | Fasold and Sintram |
History of | Detlef |
History of | Amelung and Herbrand |
History of | Wildeber |
History of | Hagen |
History of | Siegfried |
History of | Etger |
D |
First, the saga describes in excessive detail the coats of arms and appearance of Dietrich, his heroes and Siegfried.
The heroes are gathered at a banquet in Bern and Dietrich boasts that never before so many brave heroes have gathered under so splendid a king. Then Herbrand the Well-Traveled rises and warns Dietrich not to be so vain. Herbrand has heard of another hero, who might even be mightier than the great Dietrich von Bern. He is standard-bearer to king Isung of Bertangaland, who is no mean warrior himself, and who has sired eleven brave and strong sons. Nevertheless their standard-bearer is superior to them all. His name is Siegfried!
Of course, Dietrich immediately decides to fight him. His heroes can come along: there is one Isung-son for each and king Isung himself for king Gunther. His proposal is immediately accepted and Herbrand guides them towards Bertangaland.
T |
After this they enter Bertangaland and are seen by Siegfried, who immediately notifies Isung by giving endless descriptions of the heroes' coat-of-arms. Then he returns to the heroes' camp and demands a toll. Lots are drawn and Amelung loses his horse.
Amelung wants his horse back and demands another horse to pursue Siegfried. His father Hornboge refuses, but Witig borrows his horse. Amelung challenges Siegfried, who asks for his name. Amelung refuses and loses the fight (and Witig's horse). Then Siegfried again asks for his name, although he has already cleverly deduced this must be his blood-relation Amelung. When Amelung admits this, Siegfried gives him back the horses and makes Amelung bind him to a tree, so that everyone will think Amelung has defeated him.
T |
Next, Hornboge and Hagen are defeated and bound. Then Detlef enters the field and fights the longest fight until now. He ends by narrowly defeating his opponent and releases Hagen. Then Hildebrand is defeated, followed by king Gunther, who fights king Isung himself.
Finally, Witig enters the list and defeats the last Isung-son. By threatening to kill his opponent, he manages to obtain the release of all bound heroes. Then Dietrich himself draws his sword and fights Siegfried.
T |
Follow | Hildebrand, Wildeber and Heime |
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Follow | Witig |
Follow | Detlef and Fasold |
Follow | king Isung |
Up |
History of | Brunhild |
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A |
Siegfried marries Grimhild, sister to Hagen and Gunther. Furthermore, Siegfried advises Gunther to marry Brunhild. Gunther agrees and he, Hagen, Siegfried and Dietrich set out. At first, Brunhild indignantly refuses and says something that might point to some romantic involvement with Siegfried during his first stay at Seegard. Later, Dietrich persuades Brunhild to marry Gunther after all.
During their first night, Brunhild does not suffer Gunther to enter her bed. Instead, she hangs him on a nail in the wall. The next two nights are the same.
Gunther tells Siegfried everything and Siegfried explains: as long as Brunhild remains a virgin, her strength is greater than that of any man, except (of course) Siegfried. Siegfried offers Gunther to take his place and during the next night he deflowers Brunhild. As a souvenir, he takes a ring from her arm.
Follow | Siegfried and the Nibelungen |
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Up |
History of | Detlef and Fasold |
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History of | the Queen with the Nine Daughters |
This part is generally considered to be an interpolation
D |
Then Dietrich, Detlef and Fasold each marry one of the Nine Daughters of the Queen of the Drekanfels. Fasold and Detlef jointly rule the kingdom of the Queen.
Follow | Dietrich |
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Follow | Detlef and Fasold |
Up |
History of | Hagen |
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History of | Attila |
This part is the only one that is not in its chronological place. It describes events taking place at a much earlier date than the previous chapters. Hagen loses his eye in this part, while he has already been described as having only one eye in the Bertangaland-part. Walther is not yet jarl of Gerimsheim.
W |
They decide to run. Attila immediately sends Hagen after them, with 11 knights. Walther kills all the knights and when Hagen suddenly appears, throws a bone of a boar in his eye. Hagen loses the eye. Walther and Hildegund escape.
Follow | Hagen |
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Follow | Walther |
Follow | Attila |
Up |
History of | Witig |
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History of | Ake |
History of | Ermenrik |
This part, too, is generally considered to be an interpolation.
V |
Shortly after, Ake dies. Witig marries his widow, who is also one of the Nine Daughters. Ermenrik agrees on Witig becoming his follower and warding Ake's sons.
 
Load the fifth part of the summary.