Volker Character Analysis in The Nibelungenlied

Volker of Alzei is a noble lord known as “the minstrel” because he plays the viol. He is Hagen’s faithful comrade-in-arms throughout the bloodbath in Etzel’s court. On the first night of the festival, he plays lullabies on his fiddle to help the other knights sleep. However, he also wields his fiddle-bow like a sword, making deadly “music.” He provokes Dietrich’s men into entering the fray and is killed by Hildebrand.

Volker Character Timeline in The Nibelungenlied

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

...sad end.” Some of these knights include famed warriors such as Hagen, Dancwart, Ortwin, and Volker. (full context)

...agrees and goes about gathering knights for the State visit. One of these knights is Volker, a noble lord who also plays the viol and so is known as “The Minstrel.”... (full context)

...and thus has acquired some enemies on the journey. Distressed, the men decide to appoint Volker as their guide through hostile country. (full context)

Hospitality, Gifts, and Exchange Theme Icon

...welcoming them with warm promises of hospitality in Pöchlarn, giving special attention to Hagen and Volker. That evening in Rüdiger’s hall, Rüdiger’s young daughter attracts the admiration of many knights. After... (full context)

...in private. Dietrich reveals that he hears Kriemhild weeping and grieving for Siegfried every morning. Volker points out that there’s no stopping whatever will befall them in Etzel’s court, so they... (full context)

Hagen asks Volker to accompany him as a comrade-in-arms. As the two sit in the palace courtyard, many... (full context)

...wait until she publicly upbraids him. When he sees the Queen approaching with armed men, Volker promises Hagen his aid. Hagen then insists that the two remain seated when Kriemhild passes,... (full context)

...that, in spite of her hospitable treatment, Kriemhild means to do them harm. Hagen and Volker offer to keep watch so that the rest can sleep. (full context)

The two take their stand outside the building, and Volker plays lullabies on his fiddle to help the other knights sleep. Overnight, Kriemhild tries to... (full context)

...this is probably the last time they will hear mass in their lives. Hagen and Volker stand guard outside the church. (full context)

Hagen and Volker force the Huns to jostle around them in order to enter the church. After church,... (full context)

Volker leaps up from the table, wielding his fiddle-bow like a sword, and makes “loud music.”... (full context)

...the fight along with Etzel, Kriemhild, and Rüdiger. Once outside the hall, Etzel laments that Volker’s “lays grate on the ear,” and that he has never had “so dreadful a guest.”... (full context)

...by this gesture, vowing that he must repay him by never touching him in battle. Volker joins him in this promise. (full context)

...civilly to learn what has happened. His nephew, Wolfhart, insists that they go armed. When Volker sees the group approach, he fears they will attack. (full context)

...the truth about Rüdiger’s death, they weep. Hildebrand wishes to bear the Margrave’s body away. Volker refuses to hand over the corpse; they must come and get it. He and Hagen... (full context)