'Fall of the Nibelungs' Summary

The story begins with the marriage of Siegfried, a prince of the Netherlands, to Kriemhild, the sister of Gunther, king of the Burgundians. Siegfried is a powerful warrior who has slain a dragon and possesses a hoard of treasure. After the wedding, Siegfried and Kriemhild travel to Burgundy, where they are welcomed by Gunther and his court. However, Siegfried's presence soon arouses the jealousy of Hagen, Gunther's treacherous advisor. Hagen plots to kill Siegfried, and he eventually succeeds with the help of Kriemhild's brothers. Kriemhild is devastated by Siegfried's death, and she vows revenge. She marries Etzel, the king of the Huns, and she incites him to invade Burgundy. The Burgundians are defeated, and Gunther and Hagen are killed. Kriemhild herself is killed by Hildebrand, Dietrich von Bern's loyal retainer. The story ends with the destruction of the Burgundian kingdom and the death of all its inhabitants.