Virginal (ca. 1250)
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Heroic Epic
Virginal (ca. 1250)
Zupitza, J.(ed.): Deutsches Heldenbuch V. 1870, Reprint Berlin 1968.
Virg-1:
A heathen grows up to do evil. When he is twelve years old, he conquers many lands. In order to gain honor and fame he rides together with eighty men towards a mountain in Tyrol.
Motif References:
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
F 611.3.2 Hero’s precocious strength
Virg-2:
The heathen robbed, killed, and burned in Tyrol, the queen’s country. Dietrich von Bern and Hildebrand learn the story. Hildebrand advises going there to help the queen. The heathen is extraordinarily strong and has an excellent armor, many thousand mark’s worth. He owns a very good horse. He wants to be a champion. He has an extraordinarily good sword. The hilt and knob are made of gold. The sword’s blade glows like a mirror. His helmet has inlays of precious stones. His shield has red and gold drawings of wild animals. His breastplate is made of steel of such a value that it would suit an emperor.
Motif References:
R 150 Rescuers
F 824 Extraordinary [part of] armor
F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield
F 833 Extraordinary sword
H 910 Assignment of tasks in response to a suggestion
H 945 Tasks voluntarily undertaken
Virg-6:
Whenever the heathen puts on his armor, the forest shines with light. His spear is made of ivory, and it has a nightingale attached, which begins to sing when he raises his arm
Motif References:
F 834 Extraordinary spear
D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal
Virg-7:
Meanwhile Dietrich von Bern feasts with the ladies, who beg him to tell an adventure. Hildebrand tells them the story of the heathen, and Dietrich wants to go out to fight immediately. He gives his country and riches to a Milan citizen and designates him as governor in his absence.
Motif References:
P 193 (Bm) Guardian [regent]
Virg-13:
Hildebrand and Dietrich put on their armor and mount their horses. When they leave Bern, a young citizen asks them where they are going and if he may join them. He owns armor worth 450 marks. Hildebrand refuses, because it is Dietrich’s adventure.
Motif References:
Virg-22:
Hildebrand and Dietrich take off. Hildebrand wants to reach a certain area where dragons dwell. Suddenly they hear a voice, which they cannot identify as either human or inhuman. Dietrich waits, and Hildebrand rides into the forest. He finds a beautiful lady standing under a tree who cries out loud. She is in distress. Hildebrand dismounts his horse and asks her what has happened.
Motif References:
B 11 Dragon
Virg-24:
Hildebrand asks her what has happened and promises to take revenge on anyone who has harmed her. The lady reveals that a heathen has done awful things in the mountain and is so strong that nobody is able to defeat him. Now her lady has to survive for one year, because she substituted for her at the mountain. Her father once ruled the country and lived in a hollow mountain. A heathen killed all the relatives of the lady except her. Every year the heathen demands rent and a virgin.
Motif References:
S 262.2.1 Youths and maidens as yearly tribute to monsters
S 262.4 Girl offers to sacrifice herself to dragon [heathen] in place of her parents [queen]
G 400 Person falls into ogre’s power
F 759.2 Hollow mountain
Virg-29:
Hildebrand asks about the heathen. The damsel tells him that he is invincible, but Hildebrand wants to fight nevertheless. The damsel tells him that he can be defeated if alone, but he is always accompanied by a troop of eighty heavily armed men. They own precious armor. The heathen has a spear inlayed with precious stones and a hyacinth and a carbuncle, which helps him to see in the dark. The spear is gold plated, and at one end sits the artificial nightingale automata.
Motif References:
F 826 Extraordinary jewels
D 1620.2 Automatic statue of animal
Virg-34:
His shield is gold plated and very broad. His new helmet glows with light. The helmet’s inlay is a carbuncle. When he touches the tree branches, it sounds like a bell. His sword is from the queen of a mountain and is hardened in dragon’s blood. There is an inscription on the sword. Suddenly a horn blows, and the damsel advises Hildebrand to take to flight.
Motif References:
B 11.2.13 Blood of dragon
F 833 Extraordinary sword
Virg-45:
Hildebrand decides to stay. He puts on his armor and mounts his horse. The heathen asks what he wants and who has sent him. Hildebrand answers that he is the virgin’s fighter. The heathen agrees to a single combat. They mount their horses and fight spear to spear. There is a furious fight. Fire sparks from the helmet. The heathen wounds Hildebrand deeply.
Motif References:
P 550.2 (Li) Single combat
Virg-56:
They fight with such great noise that in the queen’s castle they notice that Hildebrand is fighting for the virgin. The lady sends a dwarf to watch. The heathen’s breastplate shatters. He prays to Mohammed, Apollo, and Tre, and calls on the dragons for help. Hildebrand kills him by cutting off his head.
Motif References:
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 628.2 Strong man kills men
Virg-68:
The queen treats Hildebrand’s wounds. Hildebrand leaves to meet Dietrich. The queen warns him of the heathen’s fellow men. She wants to meet Dietrich and asks about him. Hildebrand praises him and says that he is getting older, wiser, and braver. She wants to welcome Dietrich.
Motif References:
N 837 Queen as helper
Virg-72:
In the meantime, Dietrich is in distress because of the heathen’s men. He has to fight them, although he doesn’t feel able to. Dietrich fights first one heathen, then three, then the fourth. The last warns him that forty heathens will come, because Hildebrand has killed their lord Orkise.
Motif References:
F 628 Strong man as mighty slayer
Virg-86:
The dying heathen reveals the story of queen Virginal in the mountain of Jeraspunt. Orkise has dishonored her and told his lady at home that he wants Virginal to serve him. His lady advises him to let her go, to leave her land in peace, and to gain honor by honorable fights.
Motif References:
T 471 Rape
Virg-100:
The heathen dies. Dietrich rides into the forest. Twelve men fight with Dietrich. The battle is so noisy that Hildebrand hears it. Hildebrand advises the lady to sit down and wait until he has found out what the noise is about. He appears at the battlefield. Dietrich fights with the heathen Trivreiz. Hildebrand aids him, and together they slay the rest. Then he explains that this is “aventiure.”
Motif References:
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
Virg-110:
Dietrich refuses. If “aventiure” is gaining honor and the love of women, then it means nothing to him. The ladies have a strange attitude. If they are pleased by death and blood, he wishes that the ladies could feel the pain they are causing.
Motif References:
P 52.1 Knight’s duty to perform as lady bids
Virg-113:
Dietrich wants to return to Bern. Hildebrand tells him that they have to bring the damsel back. The damsel greets them, praises their bravery, and wants to take them to the court, where they will be rewarded according to their deeds. The damsel rides as a court messenger/herald to her queen. She finds a beautiful tent ornate with gold, silk, pearls, and precious stones. The tent has three rooms, a kemenate, a stable, and a chapel. The queen has a feast arranged for them.
Motif References:
Q 10 Deeds rewarded
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Q 53 Reward for rescue
P 634 Feasts
F 775 Extraordinary tent
Virg-139:
The damsel tells the queen that she has seen the young dragons in the forest and that she does not know what has caused Dietrich’s delay. The queen stops her from going and sends the dwarf Bîbunc. The dwarf puts on his armor and rides on a horse the size of a stag. The dwarf finds them while they are fighting the dragons. Dietrich fights with a dragon that is twenty fathoms long. The head is copper colored. Dietrich fights so hard that he spits fire, which burns the grass and flowers.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
B 11.2.12 Dragon of enormous size
F 451.5.1.7 Dwarfs serve mortals
F 451.6.2 Dwarf rides
F 1041.16 Extraordinary physical reaction to anger
F 1041.16.1 Man spits fire when enraged
Virg-146:
Hildebrand finds the dragon’s lair. The old dragon comes out to help his kin. In dismay, they suddenly hear the voice of a knight screaming for help in the old dragon’s body. Hildebrand fights with his good sword, Vreise. He beats the old dragon, which lets the knight out of his mouth. Hildebrand kills the dragon. He finds the knight lying unconscious at the bottom of the mountain, treats his wounds, and asks how the dragon has swallowed him.
Motif References:
B 11.3 Habitat of dragon
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal
F 910 Extraordinary swallowings
F 911.3 Animal swallows man (not fatally)
F 911 Person (animal) swallowed without killing
F 913 Victims rescued from swallower’s belly
Virg-152:
The knight reveals that his father is Helferich von Lune and his mother, Partalaphe von Tuschen, a duchess. His name is Rentwîn. He came for fame and honor and now the dragon has greatly dishonored him. Hildebrand disagrees and advises him never to sleep in the forest again. Rentwîn’s mother is Hildebrand’s niece. Hildebrand also knows Rentwîn’s father. Rentwîn says that his mother wants to meet him. Hildebrand has to refuse, because he has to aid Dietrich. Hildebrand takes Rentwîn on his horse.
Motif References:
N 838 Hero (culture hero) as helper
Virg-171:
Dietrich fights with a dragon. Dietrich’s sword breaks. Dietrich throws stones at the dragon and stuffs his shield into its mouth. Hildebrand jumps in front of Dietrich to shield him. Dietrich is angry because he has to suffer aventiure again, which has given him nothing but pain and distress. Hildebrand offers him his sword. Dietrich refuses, but finally takes Rentwîn’s sword.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
Virg-175:
Dietrich kills the dragon and cuts off its head. Helferich von Lune hears the battle noise in his fortress and finds Dietrich in the forest. He asks his son where all the blood came from. Rentwîn suggests he should accommodate the guests.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
P 320 Hospitality
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal
Virg-180:
Rentwîn tells his story. He had watched the dragons sleeping on a big rock. In the morning, a dragon found him, swallowed him up to his armpits, and took his horse. Hildebrand rescued him, killed the dragon, and aided him. They joined Dietrich and visited the fortress together.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal
F 910 Extraordinary swallowings
F 911.3 Animal swallows man (not fatally)
F 911 Person (animal) swallowed without killing
F 913 Victims rescued from swallower’s belly
Virg-184:
A moat with a strong bridge surrounds the well-built fortress. On the gate to the bridge stands an automatic statue. The fortress has three towers; its roof is made of lead. In front of the fortress grows a very broad linden tree, which provides shade for a thousand people. They sit down under the extraordinary tree.
Motif References:
F 811 Extraordinary tree
D 1620 Magic automata
J 1794 Statue mistaken for living original
Virg-190:
Rentwin’s mother is overjoyed. She welcomes Dietrich and Hildebrand. Dietrich inquires about the statue on the bridge admitting that he was frightened. Hildebrand teases Dietrich, who complains about the strain of the “aventiure”. The ladies lead Dietrich to his room, which has a beautiful bed. The duchess treats his wounds and gives him an imperial garment to wear. Dietrich still complains about Hildebrand. Helferich, Rentwin, and their men come to court. Hildebrand praises Dietrich’s luck and apologizes for having given Dietrich a hard time with “aventiure”. Hildebrand praises the virtues of knighthood.
Motif References:
P 320 Hospitality
Virg-212:
The duchess brings her twelve-year-old daughter to show her to Hildebrand. Musicians entertain the guests playing harp, rotte, and violin.
Motif References:
P 634 Feasts
Virg-227:
The dwarf Bibunc rides into the woods and reaches the battlefield, where Dietrich and Hildebrand have slain the dragons. Then he arrives at the fortress. The statue at the bridge scares him at first sight, and he blows his horn to announce his presence. They welcome him. He asks for Dietrich and Hildebrand and is lead to them. He greets them and brings a message from his lady, who awaits their arrival. Dietrich is in a tent on a meadow. The message orders them home to receive their reward for their rescue from the dragons. Dietrich wants to go. Helferich praises Dietrich’s bravery, but Hildebrand adds that Dietrich is still like an untamed falcon.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
J 1794 Statue mistaken for living original
Virg-237:
Dietrich complains that Hildebrand forces him to ride night and day because of women, and he has suffered much distress and injuries. Hildebrand answers that Dietrich should be grateful for his strong body, which is able to help the weak. Dietrich is not interested in conquering countries by fighting. It is easy for a lady to start a war and then send for his help. Hildebrand tells Dietrich that it is his duty to serve the weak and women.
Motif References:
Virg-241:
They rest a fortnight and let their wounds heal under the care of the ladies. Then Bibunc calls for departure. Dietrich asks for Hildebrand’s advice on how to reward the ladies for their kindness and hospitality. Hildebrand advises him to grant friendship and a fine greeting. Dietrich has a letter written about their battle with the heathens and the dragons. Helferich seals it. They depart. Bibunc says that the frightening statue would serve his lady well to scare away her enemies. Bibunc is rewarded with beautiful armor and spurs of gold as a present. Dietrich puts Bibunc on the horse.
Motif References:
Q 40 Kindness rewarded
Q 45 Hospitality rewarded
Q 114 Gifts as reward
R 169.14 Wounded hero restored in peasant’s [lady’s] house
Virg-255:
They bid farewell to their hosts and ride to the queen who asks them what has delayed them. The queen herself disarms them, offers them food and drink, and gives them fine garments. Dietrich asks for a cleric who is able to read the letter, which Helferich had written for them. The cleric recites their story about the heathens and the dragons. The letter closes with Helferich’s seal and a request that Helferich might visit the queen, in order to arrange a marriage for his daughter.
Motif References:
T 53 Matchmakers
P 320 Hospitality
Virg-268:
Bibunc reports to the queen and mentions the stone knight. The queen asks about Rentwîn. They are due to arrive in one week. The queen prepares for the tournament. Bibunc advises that they should meet them and that the ladies should form a row, so they can watch the knights coming. So it is done. Knights show off their most beautiful armor. The ladies are brought in chariots to the queen’s precious tent, Tamiât, in the meadow.
Motif References:
Virg-317:
Dietrich follows a small river in the forest and eventually reaches castle Mûter. There he encounters a giant named Wicram. Dietrich asks the name of the fortress and after the queen. The giant does not know about a queen and makes fun of Dietrich: he answers that the castle belongs to Duchess Simelîn and Duke Nîtgêr. Dietrich wants to leave, as it is obviously the wrong path, but the giant takes him as hostage.
Motif References:
K 700 Capture by deception
N 771 King (prince) (lost) on hunt has adventures
Virg-326:
The giant beats Dietrich with an iron rod and carries him to a tree. Dietrich wants to pay ransom to free him. The giant makes Dietrich swear never to reveal what the giant has done to him, and then carries him to Mûter. The duke learns that the giant has caught a nobleman.
Motif References:
R 4 Surprise capture
M 188 Oath not to mention what has been seen (happened)
G 410 Person betrayed into ogre’s [giant] power
G 420 Capture by ogre
G 440 Ogre [giant] abducts person
F 531.4.5.1 Giant with iron club [pole] as weapon
Virg-335:
They bring Dietrich and his horse. Dietrich tells the duke the story of his task. The duke has him brought to a tower and chained. Then duke and giant disagree about Dietrich. The giant claims Dietrich’s weight in silver. The duke asks if Dietrich has killed somebody, and says that it is disrespectful and beyond his state to demand a ransom for Dietrich, being only the duke’s servant.
Motif References:
R 41.2 Captivity in tower
R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains
P 531.1.1 Tribute required of conquered foreigners
F 531.6.10 Other occupation of giants
Virg-338:
Dietrich’s oath to the giant binds him, and the duke takes him as hostage. The giants mock him and call him women’s servant.
Motif References:
P 533.1 Hostages
Virg-341:
Meanwhile, Hildebrand and all the other guests arrive at the queen’s place. Two hundred knights come. The queen meets them with one hundred and twenty men, and has them put their banners in the field near the tent, to recognize the guests. Helferich von Lune, with his goshawk, is introduced to the queen.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
P 320 Hospitality
P 324.1 Host treats guest with food and everything possible
Virg-356:
A dwarf tries to carry Hildebrand’s shield, but finds it is too heavy, so Hildebrand carries it himself. They ask if Dietrich has not arrived, and assume that he is prisoner in Mûter. Hildebrand decides that he must ride to Mûter to free him because Dietrich is without arms.
Motif References:
F 839.2 Extraordinary shield
Virg-366:
There is a council on how to free Dietrich. Helferich knows the way to Mûter. A knight tells them that near the fortress there is a mill where the giants sleep at night. It is best to rescue Dietrich during the night, because the giants will not hear it, due to the noise inside the mill.
Motif References:
R 121 Means of rescue from prison
K 2350 Military strategy
Virg-370:
The duke’s beautiful sister treats Dietrich well. She wants to give Dietrich the ransom money. She unchains him for the night and gives him a fine bed. During the daytime, he is allowed to stay at court. Dietrich tells her that the giants eat his food. When the duke learns that the giants want to starve Dietrich, he sends after them and threatens to starve the giants. They answer that they took revenge, because Dietrich, Hildebrand, Witege, Wolfhart, Biterolf, and Dietlieb have given them a hard time and killed 200 men. Dietleib burned their land and three fortresses, causing damage of 10,000 marks.
Motif References:
R 51 Mistreatment of prisoners
R 51.1 Prisoners starved
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
Virg-380:
The duke asks if Dietrich is the prisoner. He wants no part in this matter and complains that the giant had better take his revenge outside the duke’s territory. If the giant lets him starve again, he will be punished. The giant complains to the other giants. They threaten to kill Dietrich by night. The giant’s son wants to kill Dietrich immediately with his rod. When the young giant arrives and tries to beat him, Dietrich throws rocks at the giant and kills him. The noise is heard everywhere.
Motif References:
F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
Virg-387:
Meanwhile the duke learns what has happened and is very angry. The giant named Wolfrât reports that Dietrich has killed Grandengrûs, Wicram’s son. The giants want to have revenge. Mambolt takes his rod, but the duchess hides Dietrich in a strong vault. The duke is furious about the giant’s disobedience and demands that they carry Grandengrûs away. They bury him in an old chapel. Loud cries of grief are heard four miles away. The duchess faints. The animals listen. Lions, bears, and dragons get scared and stampede through the woods, as if in a wild hunt. The dwarves hear it and think it is the end of the world.
Motif References:
F 531.6.13 Graves of giants
F 531.3.8 Giants’ shouts are storms or great noise
F 1041.17 Extraordinary result of fear
J 1769 Other creatures with mistaken identity
Virg-398:
The duke’s sister, Ibelin, asks Dietrich’s advice concerning the screaming of the giants. Dietrich persuades her to help him out of prison. Dietrich escapes. Since she cannot give him a horse, she fears that he might get lost in the forest. She asks him where he left his men, and he tells her about the queen whose country he came to free.
Motif References:
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
Virg-403:
Dietrich relates the story about the lady in distress. Description of dragon: scales like a fish, and thick horn. Dietrich cuts his throat – according to Hildebrand’s advice- where the neck has no scales.
Motif References:
B 11.2.1.3 Dragon as modified fish
Virg-440:
Lady sends a messenger to the queen. She writes a letter and sends food and beverages. The court messenger arrives and finds the beautiful tents. A knight asks him the whereabouts of Dietrich and then shows him the tent. The messenger delivers a letter to Hildebrand who reads it to the queen. The letter tells the story of Dietrich’s imprisonment. Hildebrand wants to free Dietrich. The messenger Beldelin informs him that the fortress can’t be conquered, not even with 12,000 men.
Motif References:
P 557 Military customs
Virg-466:
Bibunc puts on a beautiful crown given to him by his brother. The crown came all the way from Troy. Baldunc and Helferich write a letter. The queen seals it, puts it in a drawer, and gives it to Bibunc, who rides to Hungary. The messenger Beldelin departs for Mûter, with twelve Marks in gold as reward, and two letters from Hildebrand: one for Ibelin and one for Dietrich. Beldelin looses his way and passes the dead dragons that smell terribly. Then he reaches the fortress and delivers his message.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
F 451.2.7.7 Dwarf king wears costly crown
F 828 Extraordinary crown
Virg-467:
Hildebrand wants to summon Dietrich’s heroes. Helferich advises him to make a council. He asks the messenger about his lord, duke Nitger. The messenger relates the story of Dietrich’s conflict with the giants. Baldunc advises them to inform King Imian, who would bring good soldiers, bowmen, and Biterolf’s son, a great giant fighter. The queen sends Bibunc to Hungary.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war
Virg-499:
After reading the letter, Ibelin wants to free Dietrich by giving him clothes, but he refuses. He wants to walk around the fortress and offers to swear an oath that he will do no harm. The duke’s sister wants Dietrich’s advice concerning the siege of the fortress.
Motif References:
M 150 Other vows and oaths
P 550.1.1 (Li) Aggression: rebellion; usurpation; invasion; assault
Virg-509:
Nitger curses Wicram. The duke wonders why the giants are so eager to take revenge and asks if the devil possesses Wicram. Angrily, the giant Vellenwalt blows his horn. An extremely tall giant who lives three miles away follows the call. When he learns that Grandengrus has died a shameful death, he swears revenge and spies at Dietrich.
Motif References:
M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
F 531.2 Size of giant
Virg-518:
The giant watches Dietrich and the duchess playing the lord’s game. The duchess is scared and goes inside. She gives him a pair of dice and he throws a six. The duchess informs her brother of the giant’s plan to take revenge on Dietrich. The duke refuses to help Dietrich, because he needs them as allies against king Imian. The duchess arms Dietrich.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
P 557.0.3 (Li) Military aid (alliance)
N 831 Girl [woman] as helper
Virg-526:
Meanwhile, the giant climbs into the fortress. He announces that he will take revenge for the dead giant. Dietrich challenges him. In the following fight, the giant shatters Dietrich’s shield with his club. They fight until noon. Dietrich injures the giant with twelve wounds. They fight back and forth. At last Dietrich defeats the giant, cuts off his head, carries it by the hair to the giants lair using it as a ball.
Motif References:
S 139.2.2.4.1 Head used as ball
S 139.2.1 Head of murdered (defeated) man displayed before his own house
Q 491 Indignity to corpse as punishment
F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.5.11 Giant in contest [combat] with man
Virg-531:
The giants’ mournful cries are heard in the castle. The duke sends a messenger and learns about the killed giant. Now the other giants want to take revenge. The duke states that the giants deserved it for their vanity and presumption. Ibelin advises Dietrich to fight the giants.
Motif References:
M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
F 531.3.8 Giants’ shouts are storms or great noise
J 950 Presumption of the lowly
Virg-538:
Bibunc rides to King Imian in Hungary. He arrives at the beautiful court of the king. He finds the king under a linden tree. All the knights and servants look at the awesome creature. All instruments stop, and everybody sits down on the grass. They send for the chaplain to have the letter read. He reads of Dietrich’s capture and that queen Virginal is in distress. He tells of the marriage plans of Helferich’s foster daughter, and that Imian’s nephew is attending.
Motif References:
P 14.15.2 Court messenger
Virg-543:
Bibunc relates the story of queen Virginal, of the eighty heathens they have slain, and of the dragons. Then he tells of Dietrich’s fate: that the giants caught him without armor. The king admits that he has a very skilled knight at his court now in Styria. The dwarf begs him to summon this knight. The knight Eliant rides as a messenger to Styria. Soon he arrives at the court where Biterolf, his son, and all the knights are gathering. Dietleib is ready to perform the task. His father is proud of him. An old man warns them that they will lose the fight because of bad omens in the stars. However, Dietleib neglects the warning and promises to come with his army of 2000 men.
Motif References:
D 1291.2.1 Sign in stars as portent
Virg-567:
Back in Hungary, the knights arrive in beautiful armor. They are welcomed. The dwarf again tells the whole story of the queen and the heathens, how Hildebrand has freed them. The king gives him two beautiful banners as a gift for the queen and asks for a big camp. The dwarf promises good prey: deer, stags, wild swans, and birds. He promises good accommodation: a well-furbished camp and many dwarves as servants. The dwarf seems to be a very young man, but, to Dietleib’s astonishment, reveals that he is thirty years old.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
P 320 Hospitality
Virg-574:
The dwarf brings the banners and the message that the king will arrive soon. Helferich advises them to put on rich clothes. The queen selects an extraordinary silk dress embroidered with jewels, a gold inlaid jacket, and belts with sapphires and rubies. She wears a crown for her hair. Hildebrand has new clothes made for all his knights. Bibunc has sable fur for his dwarves and squirrel fur for their hats. Since Hungary, his hair has become gray. The queen asks when they will see Dietrich. Hildebrand wants to ride to Bern to get his nephew Wolfhart. Meanwhile, Helferich is commander-in-chief.
Motif References:
P 550 Military affairs
F 821 Extraordinary dress (clothes, robe, etc.)
Virg-588:
The queen and her court get Hildebrand to bring Ute from Bern, but he is afraid to lose her. Hildebrand departs demanding his extraordinarily heavy shield. In Bern, Ute and Wolfhart hear the story about how a griffin has taken Dietrich. Wolfhart and Hildebrand have a dispute. Hildebrand tells the story of the virgin in chains, eighty heathens, and the dragon fight. Ute agrees to come with Hildebrand. He leaves with Wolfhart and 500 knights. Wolfhart suggests riding to Ravenna to summon Witege and Heime. There they tell the story of Mûter.
Motif References:
B 17.2.2 Hostile griffin
B 42 Griffin
F 628.2.4 Army of strong men
Virg-615:
Witege and Heime agree to aid them against the giants. Wolfhart returns and begs Hildebrand to begin the fight. Hildebrand tells him that he knows a place near the lair of 80 dragons. If he slays only one, he rightfully may be called brave and will be allowed to start.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
H 1561 Tests of valor
Virg-622:
All the other young knights crave for their first fight, otherwise they refuse to depart. Hildebrand informs them that it will not be a fight against children, but giants. They are so tall that humans barely reach their knees. Many of them have beards meters long. He tells the story of stone-throwing Dietrich and the giants crying out. They want to go, but Hildebrand advises them to wait for Witege and Heime. Nevertheless, Wolfhart rides to the forest.
Motif References:
F 531.2 Size of giant
F 531.1.6.4 Giant with long beard
Virg-636:
In the forest they encounter a dragon with a gaping mouth. Wolfhart sticks his spear into its mouth, but it breaks. He dismounts and takes his sword. The dragon whips its tail with a loud noise. The dragon’s back is shining like a mirror. Wolfhart attacks, but falls to the ground. The fight continues. The dragon intends to swallow Wolfhart, but the knight puts his shield into the dragon’s mouth and cuts it in little pieces. Wolfhart sticks the sword into the dragon’s mouth and kills it. The dragon’s death cry is heard very far. When it falls, many trees fall over, uprooted.
Motif References:
B 11.11 Fight with dragon
B 11.2.12 Dragon of enormous size
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal
F 556 Remarkable voice
Virg-637:
He passes a cold well and a hollow mountain, where he meets a dwarf who is dressed in fine garments. He asks the dwarf after the builder of the mountain and learns that it had been Virginal. She had six hollow mountains built. Wolfhart tells him about the dragon fight and asks the dwarf to show him how to ride back to Bern. The dwarf agrees, but shows him the hollow mountain first. The dwarves welcome him with food, drink, and music. After the meal, four dwarves, clad in precious armor and silk embroidered with an eagle accompany Wolfhart to the end of the forest.
Motif References:
P 324.1 Host treats guest with food and everything possible
F 451.4.1.11 Dwarfs live in hills and mountains
F 451.5.1 Helpful dwarfs
F 451.6.3.1 Dwarfs feast mortals in their home
F 451.6.3.3 Dwarfs have music
F 759.2 Hollow mountain
Virg-649:
Home in Bern, Wolfhart reports his dragon fight. Hildebrand mentions that it is eighty years now since he had his first fight. They all agree to ride to Mûter to free Dietrich. Meanwhile, Witege comes. He carries a banner with hammer and tong of gold and a white silver snake, his father’s symbol. Lady Ute advises them to greet with honor. First come Hildebrand, Wolfhart, Bloedelin and Herebrant.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
Virg-655:
Heime’s banner: white silk ermine as ground for a black lion and black eagle, done in sable. It was a gift from King Ermenrich.
Motif References:
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
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