Gernot Character Analysis in The Nibelungenlied

A renowned warrior and king of Burgundy, Gernot is the brother of Kriemhild, Gunther, and Giselher and son of Dancrat and Uote. He rules from Worms beside the Rhine. When Siegfried arrives in Burgundy, Gernot urges cooperation rather than bloodshed. Years later, however, he readily partakes in Hagen’s plot to murder Siegfried to protect Brunhild’s honor. In Hungary, Gernot is mortally wounded by Rüdiger, then kills Rüdiger moments later with the sword Rüdiger gifted him.

Gernot Character Timeline in The Nibelungenlied

The timeline below shows where the character Gernot appears in The Nibelungenlied. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Kriemhild is a princess, the sister and ward of the renowned kings Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher, and daughter of Dancrat and Uote. The family rules from Worms beside the... (full context)

...counsel over the matter, displeased at Siegfried’s provocations. While some, like Ortwin, call for battle, Gernot urges that the matter be settled courteously. He points out that the Burgundians would gain... (full context)

Gernot then encourages Gunther to present Siegfried to Kriemhild. “With this,” he counsels, “we shall attach... (full context)

Hospitality, Gifts, and Exchange Theme Icon

Gernot grants Siegfried a thousand knights for his household. Kriemhild wants to take Hagen and Ortwin... (full context)

...matter. As soon as he hears the story, he vows that Siegfried must pay. Ortwin, Gernot, and Hagen begin plotting Siegfried’s death. When Giselher comes upon this discussion, he defends Siegfried... (full context)

...Nibelung treasure to Burgundy. Gunther agrees to make overtures to Kriemhild through his brothers. After Gernot and Giselher entreat her, she agrees to see Gunther, though Hagen doesn’t dare enter her... (full context)

...long before the Nibelung treasure, her nuptial dower, is ferried over the Rhine. Giselher and Gernot, along with 8,000 men, travel to Nibelungenland to fetch it from Alberich the dwarf, who... (full context)

Giselher and Gernot accompany Kriemhild as far as the Danube before tearfully taking their leave. Rüdiger’s party then... (full context)

Gunther, Gernot, and Dietrich withdraw to discuss Kriemhild’s state of mind in private. Dietrich reveals that he... (full context)

...losses have been too great; the guests’ violence has made Hungary “a land of orphans.” Gernot argues that because they are so battle-weary, another round of fighting could finish them off.... (full context)

Gernot, Giselher, and Dancwart immediately speak up in Hagen’s defense, protesting that they cannot break faith... (full context)

...men try to appeal to Rüdiger, mentioning his wonderful gifts and hospitality in the past. Gernot laments having to fight Rüdiger with the very sword he had gifted him. Giselher bewails... (full context)

Rüdiger proceeds to fight boldly, until at last Gernot, seeing many of his vassals cut down by the Margrave, begins to pursue him with... (full context)