Myths and legends
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Nibelungs. (2026). In Q-files Encyclopedia, Culture, Myths and legends. Retrieved from
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"Nibelungs." Culture, Myths and legends, Q-files Encyclopedia, 13 May. 2026.
https://www.q-files.com/culture/myths-and-legends/nibelungs.
Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.
Nibelungs 2026. Culture, Myths and legends. Retrieved 6 August 2026, from
https://www.q-files.com/culture/myths-and-legends/nibelungs
Culture, Myths and legends, s.v. "Nibelungs," accessed August 6, 2026.
https://www.q-files.com/culture/myths-and-legends/nibelungs
Nibelungs
The Nibelungenlied (Song of the Nibelungs) is a German epic poem, based on old Norse legends, dating from around 1200. The Nibelungs were dwarfs who inhabited an underground land called Nibelheim. They had a treasure of gold. Sigurd, a German prince (also known as Siegfried), seized this treasure after defeating a dragon, Fafnir, who had been guarding it. The dragon warned that all who possessed the treasure would be cursed to die, but Sigurd ignored this warning. Although the Nibelung legends originate in pre-Christian Scandinavia, they reflect a Christian view of chivalry and courtly life. The legend provided the characters for a series of four operas, Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung), written by German composer Richard Wagner (1813–83) between 1853 and 1873.
Gunther and Brunhilde
One day, Sigurd heard of a princess, called Kriemhild, a woman of great beauty, and set out to woo her. Kriemhild noticed the prince while gazing from her window and fell in love with him. Sigurd asked her brother Gunther for her hand in marriage, who agreed—but on one condition: Sigurd must help him win the hand of Brunhilde, Queen of Iceland, who had vowed to marry only a man who could match her strength and skill.
On arriving in Iceland, Gunther became fearful of the task he had set himself. But Siegfried stepped in and, donning a magic cloak which made him invisible, hurled a spear farther than Brunhilde could—although the feat was made to look as if was achieved by Gunther. Defeated, Brunhilde agreed to marry Gunther. Sigurd was thus granted the hand of Kriemhild.
Death of Sigurd
Later, Brunhilde turned against Sigurd and persuaded Gunther's friend Hagen to kill him. Having bathed in the blood of Fafnir the dragon, Sigurd was now almost completely protected from harm. However, Hagen discovered that there was a small spot between Sigurd's shoulders where he was still vulnerable. While out hunting one day, Hagen thrust a spear through that very spot, killing him. Kriemhild discovered the identity of her husband’s murderer and cursed Hagen. Hagen had also seized Sigurd’s gold, and Kriemhild demanded it be returned to her. Kriemhild married King Etzel of Hungary, who agreed to help her avenge Sigurd’s death and regain the treasure. The story ended with the violent deaths of Gunther, Hagen—and Kriemhild herself. The curse had come true.
Consultant: Philip Wilkinson
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