Gudrun facts for kids
Gudrun, also known as Kriemhild, is a very important character in old German and Norse legends. She is known as the wife of the brave hero Siegfried (or Sigurd). Her stories are full of adventure, love, and revenge. People believe her character might be based on real historical figures like Ildico, the last wife of Attila the Hun, and two queens from a long time ago, Brunhilda and Fredegund.
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Her Story in Legends
Gudrun or Kriemhild is a central figure in many old tales from Germany and Scandinavia. These stories are part of what is called "Germanic heroic legend."
A Hero's Wife
In both the German and Scandinavian versions of her story, Gudrun/Kriemhild is the sister of the Burgundian king, Gunther (or Gunnar). She marries the famous hero Siegfried (or Sigurd).
A big part of her story involves a rivalry with Brunhild, who is Gunther's wife. They often argue about who is more important or has a higher rank.
Two Main Versions of Her Tale
After Siegfried is sadly murdered, Gudrun/Kriemhild marries Etzel (who is like Attila the Hun from history). Both traditions agree on this marriage, but what happens next is different.
In the Norse (Scandinavian) stories, Etzel wants the amazing treasure of the Nibelungen. The Burgundians had taken this treasure after Siegfried was killed. Etzel invites Gudrun's brothers to his court, planning to kill them and take the treasure.
Gudrun then gets revenge for her brothers. She kills Etzel and burns down his great hall. The Norse tales also tell about her later life, including being the mother of Svanhild and an enemy of Jormunrekr.
The German Version
In the Continental (German) stories, Kriemhild wants revenge for Siegfried's murder. Her own brothers were involved in his death. She invites them to visit Etzel's court, planning to kill them there.
Her plan for revenge leads to a huge battle that destroys both the Huns and the Burgundians. In the end, Kriemhild herself is killed.
Gudrun in Modern Stories
In Richard Wagner's famous opera series, Der Ring des Nibelungen, Siegfried's wife is called Gutrune. She plays the role of Gudrun/Kriemhild in the first part of the legend.
Images for kids
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Kriemhild accuses Hagen of murdering Siegfried. Painting by Emil Lauffer, 1879
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Kriemhild tells her mother Ute of a dream that predicts her tragic love for Siegfried. Hundeshagenscher Kodex
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Kriemhild, holding Gunther's head, prepares to kill Hagen with Siegfried's sword while Hildebrand watches. Hundeshagenscher Kodex
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Dietleib and Walther both receive a garland of roses from Kriemhild. Image from a text of the Berlin Rosengarten play, SB Berlin mgf 800, Bl. 2v.
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The dragon lays its head in Kriemhild's lap. Woodcut for an early modern printing of Das Lied vom Hürnen Seyfrid
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Gudrun agitating her sons.
See also
In Spanish: Krimilda para niños
