9.1 Origins and historical context of the Nibelung legend

The Nibelung legend, rooted in Germanic and Norse mythology, evolved from oral traditions during the Migration Period. It incorporated elements from various tribes, historical events, and folklore before transitioning to written form in Old Norse and Middle High German versions.

The Nibelungenlied, a 12th-13th century German adaptation, reflects the cultural and literary trends of the High Middle Ages. It blends heroic epic traditions with contemporary medieval values, showcasing the influence of historical events, feudalism, and changing social norms on the narrative.

Nibelung Legend: Origins to Medieval Form

Germanic and Norse Roots

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• Nibelung legend originates from Germanic and Norse mythology during Migration Period (4th-6th centuries CE)
• Evolved through oral traditions incorporating elements from various Germanic tribes and their historical experiences
• Early Norse versions (Völsunga saga) contributed significantly to narrative development
  • Introduced key characters like Sigurd (Siegfried) and Brynhild
  • Established core plot elements such as dragon-slaying and magical rings
• Story underwent transformations spreading across regions, incorporating local folklore and historical events
  • Frankish elements added in some versions
  • Anglo-Saxon influences in others (Beowulf)

Transition to Written Form

• Gradual shift from oral tradition to written form occurred over centuries
• Early written versions appeared in Old Norse and Middle High German
  • Poetic Edda (Old Norse) compiled in 13th century, contains earlier material
  • Þiðrekssaga (Old Norse) composed in 13th century, shows German influence
• Medieval German form (Nibelungenlied) emerged in late 12th or early 13th century
  • Distinct adaptation of earlier Norse versions
  • Anonymous author, likely from Austria or Bavaria
• Nibelungenlied's composition reflects cultural and literary trends of High Middle Ages
  • Influence of courtly literature and chivalric ideals
  • Blending of heroic epic traditions with contemporary medieval values

Shaping the Nibelungenlied

Historical Events

• Fall of Burgundian kingdom to Huns in 436 CE serves as significant historical basis for epic's narrative
  • Burgundian king Gundaharius (Gunther in the epic) defeated by Huns
  • Event likely merged with later stories about Attila the Hun
• Reign of Attila the Hun (434-453 CE) and interactions with Germanic tribes influenced portrayal of Etzel in Nibelungenlied
  • Attila's marriage to Germanic princess Ildico parallels Etzel's marriage to Kriemhild
  • Hun's reputation as both fearsome conqueror and generous ruler reflected in Etzel's character
• Christianization of Germanic peoples, beginning in 4th century, impacted religious elements and moral framework of epic
  • Blend of Christian and pagan elements in characters' beliefs and practices
  • Tension between Christian virtues and Germanic warrior ethics

Cultural Influences

• Rise of feudalism and development of courtly culture in medieval Europe shaped social structures and behavioral codes depicted in Nibelungenlied
  • Hierarchical relationships between kings, nobles, and knights
  • Importance of oaths and loyalty in feudal society
• Crusades (11th-13th centuries) influenced portrayal of chivalric ideals and concept of heroic quests in epic
  • Emphasis on martial prowess and knightly virtues
  • Theme of journey to distant lands for glory or duty
• Evolving role of women in medieval society, particularly in courtly circles, reflected in complex female characters of Nibelungenlied
  • Kriemhild's transformation from courtly lady to vengeful queen
  • Brünhild's portrayal as both warrior-queen and wronged wife
• Political landscape of Holy Roman Empire in 12th and 13th centuries, including power struggles between noble houses, informs epic's depiction of royal conflicts
  • Rivalries between different courts and kingdoms
  • Importance of dynastic marriages and alliances

Nibelungenlied: Medieval Society and Values

Feudal System and Warrior Culture

• Nibelungenlied serves as literary mirror of feudal system, depicting complex relationships between lords, vassals, and subjects in medieval German society
  • Detailed descriptions of oaths of fealty and obligations between rulers and followers
  • Conflicts arising from competing loyalties and duties
• Epic reflects importance of honor, loyalty, and vengeance in Germanic warrior culture
  • Characters' actions driven by need to maintain personal and family honor
  • Loyalty to lord or kin often supersedes other moral considerations
  • Cycle of vengeance as central plot driver illustrates cultural emphasis on blood feuds

Social Norms and Material Culture

• Portrayal of courtly love and marriage in Nibelungenlied provides insight into medieval German attitudes towards romance, gender roles, and political alliances
  • Wooing rituals and tournaments as means of courtship
  • Marriage as tool for political alliances and social advancement
• Epic's depiction of wealth, particularly Nibelung treasure, reflects material culture and economic concerns of medieval German society
  • Detailed descriptions of luxurious clothing, weapons, and feasts
  • Treasure as source of power and conflict, mirroring importance of wealth in feudal hierarchy
• Religious elements in Nibelungenlied illustrate complex spiritual landscape of medieval Germany
  • Christian practices (masses, prayers) coexist with pagan remnants (prophecies, supernatural beings)
  • Characters invoke God while also believing in fate and magic

Moral and Philosophical Themes

• Tension between individual desires and societal obligations portrayed in epic highlights moral dilemmas faced by medieval German nobility
  • Characters torn between personal feelings and duties to family or lord
  • Consequences of prioritizing individual ambition over social harmony
• Nibelungenlied's exploration of fate and human agency reflects medieval German philosophical and theological debates about free will and divine predestination
  • Characters struggle against prophesied doom
  • Question of whether tragic events result from fate or human choices
• Epic serves as cautionary tale about dangers of excessive pride and the destructive power of unchecked ambition
  • Downfall of great heroes and kingdoms due to hubris and vengeance
  • Reflection on transient nature of worldly power and glory