4) The fact that all but one of these names alliterate, shows
that the Norse version is here more original. Gunnar is the
same as Gunther (Gundaharius), Hogni as Hagen; Gutthorm
(Godomar) appears in the German version as Gernot. In this
latter the father is called Danerat, the mother Uote, and
the name Grimhild is transferred from the mother to the
daughter.
(5) In the prose "Edda", in the water which drips from Gudrun's
hair.

THE NIBELUNGENLIED (1)

ADVENTURE I (2)

Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of
praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting of bold
warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear wonders told.

In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none fairer
might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely woman she became,
for whose sake many a knight must needs lose his life. Well worth the
loving was this winsome maid. Bold knights strove for her, none bare her
hate. Her peerless body was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues
of this maid of noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.

Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and
Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the youth, a
chosen knight. This lady was their sister, the princes had her in their
care. The lordings were free in giving, of race high-born, passing bold
of strength were they, these chosen knights. Their realm hight Burgundy.
Great marvels they wrought hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8)
upon the Rhine they dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out
their lands served them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter
they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.

Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their father,
Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life was over; a
mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in youth worship full
great. These kings, as I have said, were of high prowess. To them owed
allegiance the best of warriors, of whom tales were ever told, strong
and brave, fearless in the sharp strife. Hagen (11) there was of Troneg,
thereto his brother Dankwart, (12) the doughty; Ortwin of Metz (13);
Gere (14) and Eckewart, (15) the margraves twain; Folker of Alzei, (16)
endued with fullness of strength. Rumolt (17) was master of the kitchen,
a chosen