Das Nibelungenlied
The Nibelungenlied is an epic poem in Middle High German. The story tells of dragonslayer Siegfried at the court of the Burgundians, how he was murdered, and of his wife Kriemhild s revenge. The Nibelungenlied is based on preChristian Germanic heroic motifs preserved in oral traditions. Old Norse versions of the legend survive in the Völsunga saga, and the Poetic Edda. The image is a manuscript of the Nibelungenlied dating from the 13th century. The Nibelungenlied is often confused with Wagner s Ring Cycle of operas, a product of 19th century Romantic nationalism loosely inspired by material from the Völsunga saga and Nibelungenlied. The originals are quite different, both in story line and symbolism, and could even be interpreted as commentary on the tragic futility of violence. (1) In old stories we are informed of many wonders. Of famous heroes, of great struggles. Of happiness and festivals, of tears and lamentation. Of the strife between bold warriors, you br, br,
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