poet introduced one here to enhance Siegfried's fame as a
hunter.
(2) "Ure-oxen", the auerochs, or European bison, now practically
extinct.
(3) "Shelk" (M.H.G. "schelch"), probably a species of giant
deer.
(4) "Fragrance". It was believed that the odor of the panther
attracted the game. Compare the description of the panther
in the older "Physiologus", where the odor is said to
surpass that of all ointments.
(5) "Otter" translates here M.H.G. "ludem", whose exact
connotation is not known. Some interpret it to meau the
fish otter, others the "Waldschrat", a kind of faun.
(6) "Balmung", see Adventure III, note 7.
(7) "Spessart wood" lies forty to fifty miles east of Worms and
is therefore too distant for a day's hunt, but such trifles
did not disturb the poet.
(8) "Mulled wine", see Adventure VIII, note 5.
(9) "Feet". This was probably done as a handicap. The time
consumed in rising to his feet would give his opponent quite
a start.

ADVENTURE XVII. How Kriemhild Mourned Her Husband And How He Was Buried.

Then they waited for the night and crossed the Rhine. Never had heroes
hunted worse. Noble maids bewept the game they slew. Forsooth many good
warriors must needs atone for this in after days. Now ye may hear a tale
of great overweening and dire revenge. Hagen bade carry Siegfried of the
Nibelung land, thus dead, before the bower where Kriemhild lodged. He
bade place him stealthily against the door, that she might find him when
she went forth before the break of day to matins, which Lady Kriemhild
full seldom missed through sleep.

Men rang the minster bells according to their custom. Lady Kriemhild,
the fair, now waked her many maids and bade them bring a light and her
vesture, too. Then came a chamberlain and found Siegfried there. He saw
him red with blood, his clothes all wet. He wist not it was his lord,
but with the light in his hand he hasted to the bower and through this
Lady Kriemhild learned the baneful tale. As she would set out with her
ladies for the minster, the chamberlain spake: "Pray stay your feet,
there doth lie before the chamber a knight, slain unto death."

Kriemhild gan make passing sore wail, or ever she heard aright that it
was her husband. She began to think of Hagen's question, of how he might
protect him. Then first she suffered dole; she r