Siegmund Character Analysis in The Nibelungenlied

Siegmund is King of the Netherlands, husband of Sieglind and father of Siegfried. Though he has misgivings about his son’s plan to woo Kriemhild, he sends him off to Burgundy with due honor. When he returns with his new bride, Siegmund grants him his crown. He accompanies his son and daughter-in-law to Burgundy for the festival where Siegfried is killed, and he returns to the Netherlands alone.

Siegmund Character Timeline in The Nibelungenlied

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

Hospitality, Gifts, and Exchange Theme Icon

...Rhine, in the Netherlands city of Xanten, lives a prince named Siegfried, the son of Siegmund and Sieglind. His youth is filled with marvelous deeds, and women admire his valor and... (full context)

...in part by the lavish gifts—Siegfried isn’t interested in becoming king of the Netherlands while Siegmund and Sieglind are still living. He simply desires to be a valiant knight in his... (full context)

Siegmund finally agrees to help his son in this endeavor, but warns Siegfried to be wary... (full context)

...leave, taking Kriemhild’s retinue of 32 maidens and 500 vassals. Messengers are sent to inform Siegmund and Sieglind that their son, Siegfried, is on the way with his new bride. The... (full context)

...journey. His friends persuade him to go, traveling with a large party of warriors, and Siegmund accompanies them as well. Siegfried and Kriemhild outfit their guests with fine clothes for the... (full context)

Siegfried, Kriemhild, and Siegmund set out for the festival expecting great joy, though, the poet notes, “it turned out... (full context)

...ladies and warriors, ride out with great magnificence the next day. Gunther welcomes Siegfried and Siegmund joyfully. The two queens also greet one another courteously. (full context)

When Siegmund is awakened with news of his son’s death, he and his men are so shocked... (full context)

Siegmund urges Kriemhild to return to the Netherlands with him, as she seems to be an... (full context)