f", 7801. The quarrel
arose from the fact that, according to ancient law,
Siegfried acquired with the sword the rights of the first
born, which the brothers, however, refused to accord to him.
(7) "Balmung". In the older Norse version and in the
"Thidreksaga" Siegfried's sword bore the name of Gram.
(8) "Alberich" is a dwarf king who appears in a number of
legends, e.g., in the "Ortnit saga" and in "Biterolf".
Under the Romance form of his name, "Oberon", he plays an
important role in modern literature.
(9) "Cloak of Darkness". This translates the M.H.G.
"tarnkappe", a word often retained by translators. It is
formed from O.H.G. tarni, 'secret' (cf. O.E. "dyrne"), and
"kappe" from late Latin "cappa", 'cloak'. It rendered the
wearer invisible and gave him the strength of twelve men.

ADVENTURE IV. How He Fought with the Saxons. (1)

Now there came strange tales to Gunther's land, though messengers sent
them from afar--tales of unknown warriors, who bare them hate. When they
heard this word, in sooth it pleased them not. These warriors will
I name to you: there was Liudeger of Saxon land, a great and lordly
prince, and then from Denmark Lindegast, the king. For their journey
they had gathered many a lordly stranger.

To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent. Men asked
the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them soon to court
unto King Gunther. The king gave them greeting fair; he spake: "Be
ye welcome. I have not heard who sent you hither, but let that now be
told." So spake the right good king. But they feared full sore King
Gunther's warlike mood.

"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we shall
not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have sent us
hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon this land. Ye
have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both lords bear you mortal
hate. They would harry at Worms upon the Rhine and have the aid of
many a knight; that may ye know upon our faith. Within twelve weeks the
journey must befall. And ye have aught of good friends, who will help
guard your castles and your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be
carved by them many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let
messengers be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes will
not ride so near you, to give you pain