Full many a wonder is told us in stories old, of heroes worthy of
praise, of hardships dire, of joy and feasting, of the fighting
of bold warriors, of weeping and of wailing; now ye may hear
wonders told.

In Burgundy there grew so noble a maid that in all the lands none
fairer might there be. Kriemhild (3) was she called; a comely
woman she became, for whose sake many a knight must needs lose
his life. Well worth the loving was this winsome maid. Bold
knights strove for her, none bare her hate. Her peerless body
was beautiful beyond degree; the courtly virtues of this maid of
noble birth would have adorned many another woman too.

Three kings, noble and puissant, did nurture her, Gunther (4) and
Gernot, (5) warriors worthy of praise, and Giselher, (6) the
youth, a chosen knight. This lady was their sister, the princes
had her in their care. The lordings were free in giving, of race
high-born, passing bold of strength were they, these chosen
knights. Their realm hight Burgundy. Great marvels they wrought
hereafter in Etzel's (7) land. At Worms (8) upon the Rhine they
dwelt with all their power. Proud knights from out their lands
served them with honor, until their end was come. Thereafter
they died grievously, through the hate of two noble dames.

Their mother, a mighty queen, was called the Lady Uta, (9) their
father, Dankrat, (10) who left them the heritage after his life
was over; a mighty man of valor that he was, who won thereto in
youth worship full great. These kings, as I have said, were of
high prowess. To them owed allegiance the best of warriors, of
whom tales were ever told, strong and brave, fearless in the