Nibelungenlied

“No wandering minstrel remained poor there—it rained horses and clothes as though their donors had not a day to live! I cannot imagine that any royal household ever practiced such munificence.”

The poet demonstrates Siegmund and Sieglind’s remarkable wealth and ability to bestow expensive gifts upon their guests (largesse). He sets a precedent for the many instances in which nobles such as Gunther, Kriemhild, and Rüdiger distribute clothing and riches in accordance with chivalry—an important thing to keep in mind considering The Nibelungenlied is primarily an epic about chivalry and transgressions against it.

“Whatever I fail to get from them by friendly requests, I shall take by my own valour. I fancy I shall wrest their lands and people from them.”

Siegfried tells his parents that he will take the Burgundians’ property by force if Gunther refuses to give into his diplomatic request to marry Kriemhild. Through this quote, the poet portrays Siegfried as overconfident in his might, or “valour,” and willing to go to war to get the things to which he feels entitled. Only little more than a boy, Siegfried will eventually mature and become more grounded.

“Word was given to lodge the envoys in town, and whatever the hatred that was felt for them, it was right of mighty Gunther to have them well cared for till he should learn from his friends who was going to stand by him.”

The poet characterizes Gunther as a hospitable king who is willing to lodge Liudeger and Liudegast’s envoys rather than mistreat them. Furthermore, the poet passes moral judgement on Gunther by saying that his action is “right.” This quote is significant because it helps categorize Gunther as a chivalrous royal and exemplifies the poet’s tendency to cast judgement and critique characters.