WDieD-1: 1 In the monastery of Togemunt a book was found and sent to Bavaria to the bishop of Eistet, who reads the book full of adventures. After his death, the chaplain brought the book to the abbess. She has two masters copy and illuminate it and the adventurous tale spreads all over the country.

Motif References:

WDieD-2: 3,1 Wolfdietrich grows up. Berchtung and his sons educate him well. He learns service to man and God, Christian faith, chivalrous arts, shielding, fencing, shooting bow, jumping, riding, shooting with spears, and stone throwing.

Motif References:

P 30 Princes
J 146.2 (Li) The educated youth

WDieD-3: 3,5 Wolfdietrich is able to throw a big stone a distance of six fathoms. His brothers Bouge and Wahsmuot are eleven years old, Wolfdietrich is thirteen. A tournament is set in Greece as a test of valor by Hugdietrich. Hugdietrich orders that three hundred pages serve all knights. The queen equips the knights with garments.

Motif References:

F 624.2.0.1 Strong man throws enormous stone

WDieD-4: 3,9 While Wolfdietrich together with eleven young vassals rides out onto a quest for adventure in Sibenburgen, Olfân, a heathen king of Babylon, wages war against Greece. He appears with an army and Hugdietrich sends for help. A battle at Constantinople takes place. The heathen king challenges them with 500 banners, every banner has 1000 men. Hugdietrich has 400 banners, every banner 700 knights. The heathens defeat the Christian army. Wolfdietrich returns and hurries to help his father on the battlefield. He kills many heathens, fighting side by side with his eleven vassals. 80,000 heathens are killed and King Olfân is defeated. The Christians collect the booty. The overjoyed king thanks his son. Wolfdietrich again rides out for adventure. He asks Berchtung for his eleven sons. Berchtung begs him to stay in Greece but at last gives him his eleven sons as his vassals, who swear him loyalty.

Motif References:

P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

WDieD-5: 3,42 At this time, Ortnît of Garten, who had the power of twelve men, conquered all lands. He had won a heathen king’s daughter, baptized Sîdrât. One day the emperor decides to conquer Greece and demote King Hugdietrich and his three sons to vassals. Duke Gêrwart advises sending twelve counts as messengers to demand tribute. They travel for 17 days and arrive at Constantinople.

Motif References:

P 14.15.2 Court messenger
F 610.4 Man with strength of many men

WDieD-6: 3,55 Hugdietrich receives the message demanding tribute or threatening war. His sons Bouge and Wahsmuot advise paying tribute. Hugdietrich agrees to give the emperor one mule loaded with gold every year. Wolfdietrich grows angry, and challenges Ortnît on his own territory in Garten. The mule is sent and the messengers travel home in dismay and return in twenty days.

Motif References:

P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute

WDieD-7: 4, 1 Wolfdietrich and his knights take a rest in the forest. While they all disarm, the hero, still wearing his armor, wanders alone in the forest. Twelve giants watch them, capture the knights, and bring them to the fortress of Traimunt. Belmunt the heathen receives giants and prisoners, who are kept in a dungeon.

Motif References:

R 4 Surprise capture
R 11.3 Abduction by giant [wild woman]
R 41.3 Captivity in dungeon

WDieD-8: 4,2 Meanwhile Wolfdietrich comes to the well under the linden tree, where he left his vassals behind. He sits under the linden sadly and cries out in grief. The heathen Belmunt hears it and sends the giants to capture the hero. The giant Wilher approaches Wolfdietrich, demanding his sword, but Wolfdietrich challenges him, defeats and kills him.

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
P 556 Challenge to battle

WDieD-9: 4,3 Another giant fights with Wolfdietrich, who falls down under the heavy blows. He jumps up again, cuts off the giant’s legs and then kills him. He slays twelve giants. Then Duke Belmunt puts on his armor and goes down to meet Wolfdietrich. After a furious fight, the heathen retreats to the forest. A dwarf approaches Wolfdietrich and gives him a magic ring out of gratitude to his father Hugdietrich. When the heathen returns, the hero is able to defeat him, sticking the heathen’s sword in the sand so the metal becomes soft. However, the heathen returns with red armor and they fight until daybreak. The heathen Belmunt drinks from a well and gains the strength of fifteen men.

Motif References:

F 610.4 Man with strength of many men
D 812.12 Magic object received from dwarf
D 926 Magic well
D 1076 Magic ring
D 1335.2.2 Water as magic strengthening drink
D 1835 Other means of acquiring magic strength

WDieD-10: 4, 49 The dwarf Bibunc approaches Wolfdietrich and reveals to him the power of the magic well. He gives him two bottles of the magic water. Wolfdietrich drinks it and they fight again. Wolfdietrich cuts off the heathen’s armor and discovers that he is wearing a St. George’s shirt he had stolen from a monastery. Wolfdietrich demands that the heathen convert to Christianity. When the heathen refuses, Wolfdietrich cuts off his head. Then he hurries to the forest to free his captured vassals. The giant Olfân kicks Wolfdietrich, who charges him. They fight furiously and Wolfdietrich defeats and kills the giant by cutting off his head.

Motif References:

D 926 Magic well
D 1242.1 Magic water
D 1381.20 Sacred relics protect against attack

WDieD-11: 4,105 All the giants are sitting in the dining hall. Wolfdietrich holds watch at the entrance. They start a brawl, fighting with chairs and tables. He cuts off thirteen nobles’ heads and proceeds to the kitchen, asking for the prison keys. When they refuse to give him the keys, he hangs them in the chimney. One evil heathen has the key but wants to die rather than give it up. Wolfdietrich cuts off his head and takes the key. Wolfdietrich opens the dungeon. He finds a rope twenty fathoms long, fastens it to a tree and draws up his vassals. He nourishes the starved men with the food the giants left. Then they depart for the forest. They build a campfire. Wolfdietrich asks Berchtung about six of his sons. Berchtung admits that they have died in the fortress in Constantinople. Wolfdietrich grieves.

Motif References:

R 211 Escape from prison
R 211.8 Rescue from prison by beheading giant keeper

WDieD-12: 5,1 When the emperor is dead, Wolfdietrich takes the cross and travels to the holy grave. In a forest, he encounters twelve heathens. Their leader Kûmelher lusts for Wolfdietrich’s shield, Widergrîn wants his horse and Betewîn craves the helmet. Berolf wants his armor, Îserhart his weapons. Ortwîn desires his harness, Helmsanot the horse’s harness, Rotolf the collier, Beteî the helmet. Morgân requests they share equally. Now they charge Wolfdietrich, Rûmel is the first to strike but Wolfdietrich kills him. Now the eleven attack him, but he defeats and kills them all.

Motif References:

Z 71.8 Formulistic number: twelve
V 531 Pilgrimage to Holy Land
P 556 Challenge to battle

WDieD-13: 5, 27 Wolfdietrich leaves the forest passing the castle Grimiure and is welcomed by Duke Ernst, who has a daughter, Trintlint. When they learn of his royal birth, they offer everything possible. The daughter begs him to stay but he has to travel to the holy grave. He blesses Trintelint and bids farewell.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality

WDieD-14: 5, 49 He travels through Hungary and Austria and crosses Bavaria, Lamparten and Tuscany. Near the fortress Meffridûn, he embarks on a ship. A heavy storm forces the ships to land. Wolfdietrich explores the country but loses his way. A heathen giant enters the ship while all are asleep. He takes the sailor by his hair and carries him on his back to the mountain.

Motif References:

R 11.3 Abduction by giant [wild woman]

WDieD-15: 5, 55 The giant’s face is black, one yard broad with a wide mouth. He has yellow eyes, a bent nose, white hair, donkey ears. A little boy reports that a giant has captured the captain. He finds the giant who tries to fry the captain. The giant wears bearskin and a club. They attack each other. Wolfdietrich cuts off his arms and kills him. Back to the ship, he asks the boy for advice, if he knows how to sail the ship. He advises gripping the rope very tightly and steering. On the sea, pirates attack them. They shoot with arrows on fire. The boy gives him a ring when his shield starts to burn, he jumps to the pirate’s ship and fights and throws forty overboard.

Motif References:

G 11.2 Cannibal giant
F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.1.1.2 Giant with large gleaming eyes
F 531.1.7.2 Black giant

WDieD-16: 5,94 One heathen is left with the men of Gête. Wolfdietrich ask him if he wants to convert to Christianity and the heathen agrees. He dips him into the see thus baptizing him Wernhêr. They arrive at Ackers. The boy captain, Wernhêr and Wolfdietrich visit the holy grave and donate the golden ring. Back at the German house (hostel), the brothers complain that the heathens grow ever stronger and have killed many. Wolfdietrich demands forty brothers to defeat the heathens. In the morning, they put on their armor. The heathens blow their horn. On a plain, they battle. 18,000 heathens are killed. The rest drowns.

Motif References:

V 331 Conversion to Christianity
V 332 Baptism of heathen
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

WDieD-17: 5,138 They return to Ackers. After seven days, Wolfdietrich arrives in Jerusalem noticing a big army camp. A platoon of heathens carrying a red banner approaches them. A heathen with the name Delfiân insulting Christianity attacks Wolfdietrich, who prays to God for help. The heathen Dirolt charges the sailor waiting under a linden and kills him. Wolfdietrich immediately takes revenge and kills him. The baptized heathen Wernher kills many heathens. The battle lasts until daybreak and 1000 heathens are slain. Wolfdietrich and Wernher ride into a forest. King Merzîân learns of their big loss and demands they find Wolfdietrich. Two thousand warriors depart. When they find Wolfdietrich, he prays to God for help. Treferîw the heathen attacks him with his sword called Beierlant. He wants to take revenge for Delfiân. The heathen hits Wolfdietrich with his sword, and he falls to the ground. Wernher comes to his aid and cuts off the heathen’s head.

Motif References:

V 351 Duel (debate) to prove which religion is better

WDieD-18: 5,176 Wernher kills many heathens until Wolfdietrich jumps up again. Together they fight until daybreak and defeat the heathens. On the next morning, the battle continues and Wernher is killed. Wolfdietrich takes revenge on the heathens. At vesper time, 500 heathens are killed. Wolfdietrich fights cutting through the heathen formation until he reaches the king. Merziân blows his battle horn summoning 100,000 heathens. Schudân, the king’s brother, attacks Wolfdietrich until his horse is entangled in a tent rope and falls down dead. Wolfdietrich is captured, bound, and brought to Merzîân. The king threatens to have Wolfdietrich hanged.

Motif References:

R 5 Capture on field of battle

WDieD-19: 5,198 Wolfdietrich remains bound in a tent. A good-natured heathen approaches him, unties him and gives him back his horse and armor. He rides to the king, who has a meal together with his nobles. At this time, a Christian standing on the battlement notices Wolfdietrich recognizing him as Christian by his garments. Immediately he informs his companions in the fortress. 500 knights put on their mail and ride out on the plain to help Wolfdietrich, engaging in a furious battle. The heathens are defeated. Merzîân escapes with 15 heathens to Martigel. 200 Christians are killed. They bury their dead. Wolfdietrich prays to god on the holy grave with 1000 prostrations. He departs after mass on the next morning.

Motif References:

R 51.2 Prisoners confined in chains
R 169.15 Rescue by stranger [heathen]
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

WDieD-20: 6,1 He travels to Russia. On the fourteenth day, he comes to a castle on a beautiful plain. The castle is made of the finest marble and has a hundred towers and 500 battlements. King Belîân’s daughter has worked her magic on many men, depriving them of happiness. Every Christian knight who comes to the castle has to eat dinner with Marbaly and spend the night. The guests are stupefied with a sleeping potion. It is Belîân’s custom to come every morning to his daughter’s chamber. When he finds a man in her bed, he has him beheaded and his head is put on a stake on the battlement. Wolfdietrich notices 1000 heads on stakes. Wolfdietrich arrives at dusk and has to ask for accommodation. Belîân watches him from the castle and tells his daughter to receive the guest well; one spot on the battlement is still empty.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality
H 901.1 Heads placed on stakes for failure in performance of task
D 1364.7 Sleeping potion

WDieD-21: 6,21 Wolfdietrich dismounts, the gate opens, and he is welcomed. When a noble tries to take his arms, Wolfdietrich rebukes him, by telling him that it is the custom in his country that all guests wear their mail and arms. Then he offers his service. Belîân offers him his daughter as reward if he serves him. The daughter is still a virgin, because every man who spends the night and does not make love to her is beheaded the next morning. Wolfdietrich refuses and bids farewell. He rides out but by magic the plain has become a lake. Wolfdietrich rides into it, nearly drowns and has to return to the castle.

Motif References:

D 921.1 Lake (pond) produced by magic

WDieD-22: 6,35 Wolfdietrich prays to god and St. George for help. Then he demands to see the princess who appears with sixty maidens. The princess treats him well without her father’s knowledge. In the hall stands a golden linden tree where many birds made of precious stones and pearls sit. A silver tube runs through the trunk to the branches, two bellows provide air for the tubes. Under the linden, a table is set out of ivory. The mechanical birds sing and 1000 knights sit there. They have meal and Wolfdietrich has to sit at the head of the table. The heathen Gramabet advises Wolfdietrich to avoid the food and wine.

Motif References:

F 811.1.1 Golden tree
D 1620 Magic automata

WDieD-23: 6,63 Belîân tells his daughter to take Wolfdietrich as her husband. He refuses because of her being a heathen and he does not want to humiliate her by taking her as mistress. The king grows angry and demands that Wolfdietrich marry her and Wolfdietrich agrees. The princess offers him the wine goblet, but Wolfdietrich refuses because he has to fulfill the duty of love. The heathen waits outside the bedchamber. Belîân tells his daughter to treat the guest like the others before him. In the chamber, the princess warns him of the sleeping potion, which makes him sleep for three days. When the chamberlain brings the wine, the princess spills it. Wolfdietrich refuses to lie down saying that their belief separates them. If he makes love to her, he commits a heinous sin unless she becomes a Christian. The princess inquires about baptism. He tells her about crossing herself three times blessing herself with holy water, and then he will love her.

Motif References:

H 335.0.1.1 Otherworld mistress instructs hero how to perform tasks
P 616 Newcomers forced to pass the night with ruling princess. Given sleeping potion. Goods confiscated for failure to consummate marriage.
D 1364.7 Sleeping potion

WDieD-24: 6,88 The princess refuses to convert, because Mahmet grants her silk clothes and lets her live for 500 years. She is still a virgin and has been waiting for Wolfdietrich for fifty years. Wolfdietrich asks her how she knows his name. The princess owns a prophetic a book of divination: From the book, she knows Wolfdietrich’s exact age (he is thirty years, two days and twelve weeks old). The book, written by a wise man, has been in her possession for fifty years. It prophesies Wolfdietrich’s prowess and that he will be the crown of all kings in his old age.

Motif References:

M 310.1 Prophecy: future greatness and fame
V 351 Duel (debate) to prove which religion is better

WDieD-25: 6,94 Wolfdietrich asks her if she would accept baptism if Wolfdietrich himself were standing before her. She refuses but offers him her love for half a year. However, Wolfdietrich is dismay about the sin. She tells him that in Mahmet’s heaven they will be together. There the sun shines and the wind blows, their children will have great power. However, Wolfdietrich does not yield, and she tries to seduce him by taking off her clothes. She throws him on the bed trying to force his love. Wolfdietrich prays to St. Mary for help, who sends an angel to help Wolfdietrich.

Motif References:

V 232 Angel as helper
V 235 Mortal visited by angel
V 300 Religious beliefs
G 303.16.2.2 Person saved from devil [sin] by prayer to Virgin
T 317.2 Repression of lust through prayer
T 331 Man unsuccessfully tempted by woman

WDieD-26: 6,109 The princess works her magic making the chamber burn, but he bows with the sign of the cross. The princess is not able to injure him. In the morning, the king inquires if she lost her virginity and she complains about the hero, who has no love for her. The king challenges Wolfdietrich. The king shows Wolfdietrich the statue of death. The hero smashes it against the wall. The heathen wants to take revenge for the insult of his idol. One heathen warrior challenges his him: By magic, he is able to jump over a nine fathoms, Wolfdietrich must follow him or he will lose his head. Nevertheless, Wolfdietrich defeats him in the jumping contest carrying his horse and mail.

Motif References:

G 273.1 Witch [sorceress] powerless when one makes sign of cross
V 356 Christian hero (saint) overthrows heathen idols
D 788 Disenchantment by sign of cross
D 1766.6 Magic results from sign of cross
D 2158 Magic control of fires

WDieD-27: 6,120 The heathen demands another suitor test: They have to stand on chairs dressed only in a shirt. The seat is only three narrow boards. Both get three knives and a narrow shield. If the suitor touches the ground, he loses and is beheaded. Wolfdietrich asks to be the first to throw, but the heathen informs him that according to their custom, the host begins. The heathen orders six knives and two shields. Wolfdietrich dedicates his life to God. The chairs are set, Wolfdietrich prays to Jesus kneeling in front of his chair. The heathen sneers at him but tells him about the prophecy. However, Wolfdietrich does not reveal his identity.

Motif References:

H 331.7 Suitor contest: aiming with missile [knife]
P 557.4 Customs concerning single combat

WDieD-28: 6,145 The heathen warns Wolfdietrich to watch out for his left foot but the hero jumps up one fathom like a bird. The heathen asks him who taught him this because he himself learned this art from Berchtung eighty years ago. Even more suspicious, he asks the hero if he is Wolfdietrich. The heathen even promises to convert to Christianity to avoid further fighting. Wolfdietrich pretends anger. The heathen tells him to watch out aiming at his left eye, but only cuts two locks of Wolfdietrich’s hair because St. Pancratius helps him. The knife cuts through the shield but falls down and sticks in a stone. Now it is Wolfdietrich’s turn.

Motif References:

F 684 Marvelous jumper

WDieD-29: 6,163 Wolfdietrich aims at his left eye and both his feet. The heathen does not know how to avoid injury. Wolfdietrich pretends to aim at his eyes but pins his feet to the chair. The second knife goes right through the heathen’s body and sticks in the stone. Finally, Wolfdietrich reveals his identity. The heathen begs for mercy, promising to convert. However, Wolfdietrich refuses, taking revenge for all the Christians whose heads are on the battlements. The heathen in dismay has all the idols carried before him, but Wolfdietrich averts their magic by the sign of the cross. The heathen calls out to Mahmet and promises him his daughter Marbaly as wife.

Motif References:

V 350 Conflicts between religions
D 1766.6 Magic results from sign of cross

WDieD-30: 6,174 Wolfdietrich wonders about the dissimilarity in religious beliefs: The heathen god is supposed to have a wife and rules like an emperor. The hero throws his third knife, which pierces the heathen’s heart. 500 heathens charge him. The princess raises a fog by means of a magic box. Wolfdietrich in dismay takes out the third knife of the heathen’s heart and throws it at the princess, dispelling the magic mist. Wolfdietrich prays to St. George for help. 300 heathens charge him. Gramabet the gatekeeper gives him a sword, Wolfdietrich has to endure a furious battle. Gramabet supports him, 500 heathens are killed and 300 plead for mercy, surrender and want to convert.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 555 Defeat in battle [single combat]
N 857 Enemy’s servant as helper
D 2143.3 Fog produced by magic

WDieD-31: 6,192 As long as the heathens don’t believe in miracles, Wolfdietrich tells them that they can’t be Christians. When they all kneel, God works a miracle, water springs from the rocks, and the heathens accept that the Christian God is more powerful than Mahmet and all are baptized in the new well. Wolfdietrich has the heads brought down and given a funeral. He asks the princess if she wants baptism, but she refuses. However, she has to follow him. Garambet is enfeoffed with the castle.

Motif References:

V 316 Efficacy of prayer
V 331.1.3 Conversion to Christianity because the heathen gods prove to be less powerful
V 340 Miracle manifested to non-believers
F 933 Extraordinary occurrences connected with springs [fountains, wells]
D 1766.1 Magic results produced by prayer

WDieD-32: 6,204 Wolfdietrich’s mail and battle horse is brought. He rides out together with the princess. She creates a bridge over the lake by her magic. In the middle of the lake, the bridge vanishes. She wants to drown Wolfdietrich to take revenge for her parents. He wants to hold her to drown with him, but she tells him that the water can do her no harm. Wolfdietrich decides to return to the castle. Nevertheless, when he rides to the other side the bridge breaks. He threatens that if he dies he will take the princess with him. She cries and Wolfdietrich rides into the lake praying. The lake vanishes and the meadow appears again.

Motif References:

D 1149 Magic buildings and parts – miscellaneous
D 1258 Magic bridge.
D 1766.1 Magic results produced by prayer

WDieD-33: 6,215 The princess steps down, takes off her clothes, transforms herself into a crow and flies to a tree. Wolfdietrich is now convinced that she is a devil. She breaks a wind smelling of sulfur. All of a sudden a black man carrying a club appears and charges Wolfdietrich. The moment he defeats and kills him, two others attack him. God helps him to defeat the “hellhounds”. From the two, four others appear. When he defeats them, eight others come forward. Wolfdietrich prays to God for help. He defeats the eight and 16 attack him. Christ answers his prayer and helps him. Wolfdietrich falls unconscious and when he comes round, the demons disappear, taking the princess with them. She descends with them to hell. Wolfdietrich praises God.

Motif References:

R 11.2 Abduction by devil
V 52.8 Prayer brings death to enemy
Z 71 Formulistic numbers
F 81 Descent to lower world of dead [hell]
D 151.4 Transformation man [woman] to crow
G 303.9.6.1.1 Devil is overcome by man in fight
E 752.2 Soul carried off by demon (Devil)

WDieD-34: 7, 1 Wolfdietrich arrives at St. George (river) and encounters 500 heathens. The hero kills their leader and when 500 heathens attack him, he kills 200. The battle lasts until daybreak and Wolfdietrich has to retreat to the river. When his horse sinks to the ground, a dwarf calls out to him to keep towards the mountains, thus saving his life: The dwarf comes to him with a small boat, takes Wolfdietrich into the vessel and draws the horse behind. The dwarf reports that his brothers have captured his vassals, and conquered Constantinople. The vassals have to suffer in fetters, chained two by two, and have to stand guard on the moat. Wolfdietrich prays to God for advice on how to free his vassals.

Motif References:

F 451.5.1 Helpful dwarfs
F 614.10 Strong hero fights whole army alone

WDieD-35: 7,17 Together with the dwarf he rides to the moat and hears how Berchtung bemoans Wolfdietrich’s eleven years of absence. Sixty men guard his vassals. Wolfdietrich rides to the sea, embarks on a ship and travels to Sicily. He comes upon a marble fortress and asks for accommodation. On the plain in front of the fortress, he meets an extraordinarily tall giant: taller than trees. The giant Baldenar wears a horny armor and carries a staff eight fathoms long. His shield is wide as a wall. He demands a hand or a foot as tax. Wolfdietrich refuses to pay and attacks him instead.

Motif References:

F 531.4.5.1 Giant with iron club [pole] as weapon
F 531.2.1 Extremely tall giant
F 531.4.5 Giant’s enormous weapons
P 531 Taxation and payment of fines and tribute

WDieD-36: 7,42 Wolfdietrich knocks the staff out of the giant’s hand and cuts it in two pieces. The giant takes an enormous sword to attack him, but the hero cuts him under his knee so he falls down. He cuts him open so that his liver and lung are visible. The giant prays to Mahmet Apollo Tervîant, but Wolfdietrich cuts off his head. An old noble reports the death of the giant to king Marsiejân, saying Wolfdietrich has slain the giant and rescued them. Overjoyed, the merchants learn about the abolishment of taxes after the giant’s death. Hundred knights hurry to welcome him. Wolfdietrich first mistakes them for enemies and attacks them, kills twenty. Marsiliân approaches him and welcomes him, promising safety, giving him his own sword.

Motif References:

F 531.6.12.6 Giant slain by man
F 531.5.8 Giants and Christians

WDieD-37: 7,67 The queen, his relative, welcomes Wolfdietrich. The noble ladies all admire him and he is treated well. The queen offers him one of her ladies, but he refuses, because he doesn’t fight in the service of a lady (for Minne). The queen orders her ladies to undress him, but he is embarrassed, begging them to leave him alone. He puts on the precious silk garments. A lady brings him trousers and shoes, suit and coat ornamented with precious jewels. The queen brings a crown.

Motif References:

WDieD-38: 7,97 The queen leads him to a beautiful hall, where nobles sit who welcome him. He tells them the fate of his vassals. The king has the cupbearer and steward bring an ivory table. Expensively clad musicians entertain the courtiers. Wolfdietrich stays twelve days, then bids farewell. Wolfdietrich rides to Lamparten. In a mountain, he meets an extraordinary tall wild woman. She has long breasts, black skin, an extremely broad mouth, extremely long gray hair and wears two cattle skins as shoes. She greets him and smiles at him. She knows his parents and offers her friendship and allegiance.

Motif References:

F 460.1.2 Mountain-wife [wild woman] has breasts so long that she throws them over her shoulder
F 531.1.6 Other bodily characteristics of giant
F 531.1.5 Breasts of giantess [wild woman]
F 531.5.1 Giant friendly to man

WDieD-39: 7,128 The wild woman Rome takes him to her home where seven other wild women live. They supply him with wine, food, and everything possible. He stays for four days. When he tells Rome that he has to ride to Lamparten, she carries him and his horse twenty miles through the mountains to an even path. On the fifth morning, he arrives at Tervîs. From Tervîs he comes to Meilân where 800 knights gather for a contest from all over Lamparten. The princess, Duke Wernhêr’s daughter, is the offered prize. The bravest knight of Tuscâny is called Herman. There is a golden ring hanging on a silk thread. The knights have to hit the mark to get a kiss as reward. No one hits it.

Motif References:

P 320 Hospitality
H 331 Suitor contests: bride offered as prize
H 331.7 Suitor contest: aiming with missile [knife]
N 812 Giant or ogre as helper

WDieD-40: 7,144 The duchess notices Wolfdietrich and sends for her father. Wolfdietrich jousts with him, knocks him to the ground and learns afterward that he only wanted to invite him to the contest: if he hits the mark, he earns three kisses. All ride at once. When Wolfdietrich’s horse grows tired, the duke gives him his own good horse. Wolfdietrich mounts and presses it down, declaring that the horse cannot carry him. Wolfdietrich asks for fodder for his own horse, which jumps great distances. He wins the ring and rides away. The duchess hurries after him and kisses him three times.

Motif References:

F 610.8 Strong man so heavy that only his own horse can carry him

WDieD-41: 7,163 The count of Tuscâny asks if he wants to fight for a thousand mark pledge. Wolfdietrich pledges his horse and armor. The count insults him because he considers him a poor knight and not their equal. The daughter begs the duke to give the pledge. The father refuses, not willing to support an unknown knight. At last he gives in. The duchess declares Wolfdietrich as her champion and herself as his bail. If Wolfdietrich loses, she will belong to the count, but she demands two weeks rest for Wolfdietrich, who is treated well. On a Wednesday, the count appears with 500 knights and demands that his opponent come forward. The lady answers that her knight has fallen ill. When the count demands her, she makes him promise that in case her knight defeats him, his 500 knights mustn’t attack him. He allows it and swears on oath. The lady brings him a mail and arms him.

Motif References:

P 33.4 (Bm) Impecunious prince fights in borrowed armor

WDieD-42: 7,182 The duke has 800 men prepared in case Wolfdietrich is defeated and the count wants to take his daughter by force. Wolfdietrich defeats the count. The count’s knights bemoan him, take their swords and 300 men attack Wolfdietrich, who carries his spear transverse to the saddle. He beats down sixty and puts a end to the attack. The daughter begs the father to give her Wolfdietrich as husband. But the father refuses, he wants to marry her to a nobleman with castles and land. The daughter remarks that they have enough riches, castles and lands. Now the father gives in and approaches him in person as his daughter’s emissary.

Motif References:

T 50.2.1 King unwilling to marry his daughter to a man not her equal
T 51 Wooing by emissary

WDieD-43: 7,212 Wolfdietrich refuses the proposal: he has to ride to Ortnît. Now the duke tells him that the dragons killed Ortnît four years ago. Ortnit once had fought with a giant and his wife and defeated them. Out of revenge, they had brought the dragons to the country that killed Ortnît. After two fights, he fell asleep under a magic linden tree and the dragons carried him away. Wolfdietrich asks if Ortnit’s widow, the empress, is still unmarried. If so, he will kill the dragons and receive cross and crown. He promises the duchess the bravest of his vassals as husband. The duke gives him hundred mails. Wolfdietrich takes twelve, smashes them and tells the duke they are of bad quality. The duke provides better mail and gives him sixty knights as retinue.

Motif References:

F 611.3.3 Strong hero tests weapons. Breaks first sword

WDieD-44: 8, 1 At daybreak, they arrive at Garten. Wolfdietrich asks his companions if he should seek accommodation in the castle or stay outside. They answer him that the real adventure is outside, inside he will see the empress bemoaning her husband’s death. Wolfdietrich dismounts his horse and hides near the moat. He hears how the guards enthuse about the past good life when the Emperor Ortnît was alive. The empress equivocally bemoans her husband; since he died the nobles avoid her. She looks at the two painted shields in front of her: One pictures Ortnît, the other herself. She remembers that her father, the heathen king, destroyed Ortnît.

Motif References:

F 824.2 Extraordinarily painted shield

WDieD-45: 8 ,21 When Wolfdietrich hears her wailing, he can’t stand it any longer and throws a stone on the wall which falls down in front of the guard’s feet. The empress faints. When she comes to her senses, she suspects that a strong man has to be outside. She remembers Wolfdietrich who once had defeated Ortnît. If he comes back and slays the dragons, she will give him her country. She calls out for him and Wolfdietrich answers that he has thrown the stone without magic help. If she does not believe him, he will prove it with another stone. However, she believes him. He tells her that he intends to free the country of the dragons. She promises her countries, but not herself. She favors a celibate life.

Motif References:

F 624.2.0.1 Strong man throws enormous stone

WDieD-46: 8,35 Now Wolfdietrich regrets his promise and refuses to fight the dragons. The empress gives in, promises to marry him, if he slays the dragons. When she invites him in, he refuses, postponing it after the dragon fight. She gives him her ring as token. The ring endows him with the power of two men. Wolfdietrich bids farewell, promising to avenge Ortnît. When she demands his name, he refuses to tell her. In the forest, he comes upon a corpse. He dismounts and realizes that it is a nobleman whose bloodstained clothes lie around. Suddenly he hears a female voice praying to Virgin Mary. He comes upon a lady in shreds naked to the belt. The dead is her husband. Wolfdietrich covers her with his coat.

Motif References:

W 10 Kindness
D 1335.5 Magic ring gives strength

WDieD-47: 8, 62 She tells him that she is a countess and with her first child. The count traveled with her to her mother, but the dragon Schadesan killed eleven knights and the count. In her agony, she gripped the tree trunk and the dragon tore off her dress. She begs Wolfdietrich to bring her water because she has been in labor for three days. He carries the water to her in his helmet. Meanwhile the countess gives birth, but mother and child die. Wolfdietrich covers the countess and the newborn child in his coat and carries them to a chapel, leaving the bodies at the altar. He digs a grave with his sword, lays them into it and prays for the dead.

Motif References:

V 60 Funeral rites
V 68.4.1 Dead not to be buried naked
T 581.1 Birth of child in forest

WDieD-48: 8, 77 After a while he reaches the mountain where Ortnît was killed and calls out to the dragon Schadesam. Wolfdietrich looks for it and hears a terrible noise. A lion fights with the dragon. Because Wolfdietrich has a golden lion on red ground as coat of arms, he comes to the lion’s aid. He dismounts his horse. Together they attack the dragon, but the dragon’s skin protects it against attack. The dragon is twelve fathoms long and has twenty-four eyes. Wolfdietrich fights until dusk. Wolfdietrich is in dismay because the sword cannot cut the dragon skin. While Wolfdietrich rests, the lion fights, but the dragon pushes him until he has to take to flight. Angrily, Wolfdietrich attacks the dragon with heavy blows jumping on its back. Soon the dragon holds him in its grip.

Motif References:

B 11.11.6 Dragon fight in order to free lion
B 11.12.1 Dragon cannot be killed with weapons
B 264 Single combat between animals

WDieD-49: 8,104 The lion leaps forward, attacks the dragon, but is defeated and killed. The dragon carries Wolfdietrich and the lion in its mouth to feed his young. The young share the lion. Wolfdietrich hides under all the dead knights in the dragon lair. The young grow so angry that they bite the old dragon. He tears Wolfdietrich’s horse in two parts to feed the young. After their heinous meal, they begin to play ball with the corpses, and then fall asleep. Wolfdietrich comes out of his hideaway and wanders off into the mountain where he finds a good sword, which belonged to the giant Eckeleit. He tries it out on a rock but it breaks in pieces. He prays to God for help. Incidentally, he falls over the dead Ortnît whose good sword with the pommel of carbuncle lies near. He tries it out on a rock; it surpasses the test without a scratch. He attacks the old dragon.

Motif References:

B 11.6.8 Dragon flies to its nest with human being
B 11.6.8.1 Dragon flies away with lion
S 139.2.2.4 Part of corpses used in sport
S 139.2.2.4.1 Head used as ball

WDieD-50: 8,128 Wolfdietrich attacks and wounds the dragon. Whenever he feels tired, he hides under a rock and then continues the fight. He aims at the dragon’s mouth and kills it. Then he has to fight with the female dragon that has a tail with a horn knob at the end. He cuts off the knob and the furious dragon charges him but he finally cuts off its head. He slays eleven dragons, one old female and a young escape. Although the old has ten feet, finally he is able to kill it. He cuts out the dragon’s tongues. He goes back to where he had found Ortnît’s corpse and finds the sword’s sheath, pushes the sword back in and lays it on top of Ortnît.

Motif References:

B 11.2.8 Tail of dragon
B 11.2.4.1 Feet of dragon- number [ten]

WDieD-51: 8,149 God works a marvel and sends an angel, who speaks with Ortnît’s voice, bestowing Wolfdietrich with the precious armor and crown and advises him to marry his widow. Wolfdietrich puts on the mail, grows tired and falls asleep under a beech tree. At the time, Duke Gêrwart marches to Garten with eighty men to fight the dragons. The empress wants to hold him back because of Wolfdietrich. However, the jealous Gêrwart takes to the forest. When he comes up on the slain dragon’s head, he is overjoyed and sends messengers to the empress. The duke finds the body of the old dragon in the cave and hits it with his sword until he thinks he has slain it himself. He even forces his men to swear that they witnessed the slaying, demanding an oath of secrecy. Two counts, Hartman and Herman, refuse to swear. He bans them.

Motif References:

V 232 Angel as helper
V 235 Mortal visited by angel
V 246 Angel counsels mortal
E 545.10 Corpse exclaims over miracle
E 545 The dead speak
F 900.1 Miracles (at certain times)
K 1933 Impostor forces oath of secrecy

WDieD-52: 8,173 Duke Gêrwart and his men come upon Wolfdietrich and ask him if he fought the dragon, but he hesitates to tell his adventure. Triumphantly, the duke shows him the dragon’s head. Wolfdietrich asks him how he saved himself from the young ones and the lion. Now the duke grows suspicious, commanding that his men attack the troublesome Wolfdietrich, who defends himself bravely and kills 25. Gêrwart beats Wolfdietrich down, but Hartman and Herman shield him. When Wolfdietrich comes up again, he wounds Gêrwart, who begs for mercy and propositions as Wolfdietrich’s subject. Wolfdietrich rejects the traitor, but demands a good horse, food and drink.

Motif References:

K 2010 Hypocrite pretends friendship but attacks

WDieD-53: 8,188 Then Wolfdietrich shows him the dragon’s tongue to prove that he has slain it. An old knight repeats it to the empress. She asks after the dragon slayer’s coat of arms. A short time later, the count reports to the empress. She asks if the unknown knight has wounded Duke Gêrwart. They tell her and she sends one count as messenger to Wolfdietrich.

Motif References:

H 105.1 Dragon-tongue proof. Dragon slayer cuts out the tongues and uses them later to prove his identity as slayer

WDieD-54: 8,207 He brings the message to Wolfdietrich to invite him to the empress’s court. But the hero has to pursuit the old female dragon which is still alive. The count demands a token of the empress, giving Wolfdietrich surety. He swears an oath of loyalty to Wolfdietrich, who gives him the empress’s ring. When the empress sees the ring she cries, thinking the hero scorns her love and the country. However, the duke tells her that Wolfdietrich promised to slay the old dragon first and then he will come for her. Duke Gêrwart appears, demanding the treatment for his wounds, but the empress sends the coward away.

Motif References:

H 94.4 Identification by ring dropped into a glass (cup) of wine

WDieD-55: 8,225 When Wolfdietrich reaches Gartensêwe, he comes upon a wounded lion fighting with a wild animal (dragon). When it hears Wolfdietrich’s voice, it turns to the hero, who attacks it but cannot pierce its skin. It breathes fire setting the hero’s shield on fire. He has to jump into water to extinguish the fire. When the wild animal pursues the hero, it grows wet, thus becoming vulnerable and the hero cuts it in two pieces. When the lion throws the head into water, it burns. The animal’s name is Sarabant in German, in Sicily it is called viper.

Motif References:

B 11.2.11 Fire-breathing dragon
B 264 Single combat between animals

WDieD-56: 8,237 The horned viper always comes in a pair, the female eats the male. When the young ones are strong enough, they bite the mother and eat their siblings. They live until it happens to them. Wolfdietrich asks the lion if he wants to take to the forest or accompany him. The lion nods in agreement. He takes the lion on his horse and rides to Garten.

Motif References:

B 16.6 Devastating insects
B 91.3 Horned snake

WDieD-57: 8,241 On the way, he finally finds the female dragon. Wolfdietrich attacks the dragon, which pushes him down. The lion hurries to his help, but the dragon makes them retreat. Wolfdietrich rides to Garten to bring the lion to the empress to treat its wounds. Wolfdietrich returns to slay the dragon.

Motif References:

B 11.11 Fight with dragon
N 838 Hero (culture hero) as helper

WDieD-58: 8,253 The empress sends for a priest to sing mass before midnight. The count wakes up and asks the empress what happened. She pretends that she had a dream that the dragon slayer had brought a wounded lion to the moat and begs him to go with her to find out if it has come true. They find the lion. The count wants to hunt it down with his bloodhounds, but the empress forbids it.

Motif References:

F 1068.1 Tokens from a dream
K 1956.7 Sham wise man [woman] pretends knowledge from dream (:really overheard conversation)

WDieD-59: 8,260 The empress has the lion carried into the castle and dresses its wounds (washing with wine). She feeds it and lets it rest in her chamber. She takes a black fur coat and stands near the guard on the battlement. Wolfdietrich comes back for the lion. When he does not see it, he thinks that the lion has returned to the forest. The empress tells him of the lion and invites him in. Finally, he accepts.

Motif References:

B 380 Animal grateful for relief of pain

WDieD-60: 8,272 Wolfdietrich thanks her for treating the lion and the invitation. The empress leads him to the bedroom. When he wants to make love to her, she declines, fearing pregnancy and an illegitimate child. He respects her refusal and they lie down separately. All of a sudden, the count knocks on the chamber window, accusing her of betrayal. She has allowed a knight to enter who wears Ortnit’s mail. Wolfdietrich wakes up, calling out for the lion.

Motif References:

B 360 Animals grateful for rescue from peril of death

WDieD-61: 8,285 The count and his men break the door, but the lion pushes down more than a hundred knights. Lion and hero attack the enemies bravely. The count’s nephew throws a spear at the lion’s old wounds and kills it. Wolfdietrich takes revenge by pulling out the spear and killing the knight. Wolfdietrich has to retreat but the two faithful counts shield him. The empress approaches him, begging him to stop; otherwise, they will have no vassals in the future.

Motif References:

N 839 (Bm) Noble [vassal, knight] as helper

WDieD-62: 8,297 The empress demands that they all go the forest to have proof that Wolfdietrich has slain the dragons. The count with his knights, the empress with her retinue rides to the forest and there they find the dragon’s head. The Count of Tuscâny doubts that Wolfdietrich, allegedly without land and inheritance, should be fit to rule them, although he has slain the dragons. The empress in dismay prays for a sign.

Motif References:

P 33 (Bm) Impecunious prince [king]

WDieD-63: 8,303 The female dragon attacks them. All take to flight except Wolfdietrich. The shattered empress promises never to stop him again. Wolfdietrich takes his sword, attacks the dragon, striking a heavy blow, but it charges him. When the dragon realizes that its mate and its young are dead, it attacks Wolfdietrich furiously. The empress advises to look for Ortnit’s shield.

Motif References:

B 11.11 Fight with dragon

WDieD-64: 8,310 Wolfdietrich finds Ortnit’s shield and sees the dragon lying near its dead young. He sticks the sword in its jaws. Again, it attacks him so furiously that he is almost defeated. Finally, Wolfdietrich cuts the dragon in two. From its belly jump the young ones and charge him. He cuts off their heads. All the nobles swear an oath to Wolfdietrich. Ortnit’s bones are carried out of the mountain together with sixty dead knights. The empress weeps at Ortnit’s corpse and takes a lock of his hair. The corpse is buried, and a grand funeral takes place.

Motif References:

V 60 Funeral rites
V 63 Bones of dismembered person assembled and buried
M 100.0.1 (Li) Oath of allegiance
G 510.4 Hero overcomes devastating animal

WDieD-65: 9, 1 Wolfdietrich still bemoans his eleven vassals and tells the empress about them. She tries to comfort him, has letters written to summon an army of 30,000 men. After a while she grows jealous, accusing him to prefer his vassals to her. Hearing this the knight wants to take revenge, but an old knight holds him back. A good vassal is so rare one has to lament him.

Motif References:

P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war

WDieD-66: 9, 12 Wolfdietrich tells his life story and of his eleven vassals. Now she knows that he is Wolfdietrich and pleads for mercy to have his grace again, she begs because of Ortnit and he pardons her. Of the 30,000 he takes 12,000 for the warfare to free his vassals. The two faithful counts sail with him. The empress has him swear that he does not take his unfaithful brother’s life, coat of arms: eagle

Motif References:

H 11.1 Recognition by telling life history

WDieD-67: 9, 35 They arrive at Constantinople and decide to camp near the shore. When Count Herman advises against it, they camp unseen near the mountain. Due to Count Hermann’s proposition they choose twelve knights who disguise themselves as pilgrims and go into the fortress. They are to spread the rumor that Wolfdietrich is dead. After that, they should reveal their identity and summon the others by blowing their horn.

Motif References:

K 1817.2 Disguise as palmer (pilgrim)
K 2357.2 Disguise as pilgrim to enter enemy’s camp (castle)

WDieD-68: 9, 52 At daybreak, Wolfdietrich takes his choice among the knights. When they come to the moat, they hear Wolfdietrich’s vassals talk to each other. Herbrant tells them that he had a dream that an eagle would free them and bring death to the kings. Wolfdietrich calls out to them for help, pretending to be a poor pilgrim. They want to give them a good harness to sell. They do it for their dead father and Wolfdietrich. Wolfdietrich inquires about Berchtung’s death. They tell him that at Pentecost, they had to wear gray garments and cow-hide clogs. Berchtung lamented to God, bemoaning the absence of Wolfdietrich and died of grief. Hearing this, Wolfdietrich grows desperate, mourning Berchtung in al loud voice.

Motif References:

Q 482 Punishment: noble person must do menial service
D 1812.3.3 Future revealed in dream

WDieD-69: 9, 77 Herbrant hears his lamenting and asks him what befell him. Wolfdietrich reveals his identity. They joyfully receive him. Then they hold council on how to force Wolfdietrich’s brothers to acknowledge his inheritance. First, they propose to burn the city down. Wolfdietrich rejects the idea because of the seven apostles who have lived here. So they decide to burn the city on two ends. They open the gates and fight furiously on the plain. Wolfdietrich blows his battle horn to summon the army. An old knight in the city speaks up that they all should yield to Wolfdietrich who came to claim his inheritance. They surrender and Wolfdietrich installs Gêrwart as captain.

Motif References:

R 75 Surrendering
P 91 (Li) Heraldic figures and symbols – coat-of-arms
R 187 Horn of Roncevalles. Hero calls aid of waiting soldiers on horn

WDieD-70: 9,109 They march to the fortress Atîns. The guard has to tell the brothers that Wolfdietrich has arrived. Allies, heroes, knights gather to fight at Constantinople, 40,000 men against 14,000. When King Wahsmuot is convinced that Wolfdietrich and his allies are victorious, he gives in and surrenders. King Bouge charges Wolfdietrich, but Hacke beats him to the ground. Then the two kings become captives. All the nobles have to swear loyalty to him and become his subject.

Motif References:

P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

WDieD-71: 9,150 They celebrate mass. Wolfdietrich notices a coffin and learns that it belongs to his master Berchtung. A voice from the coffin asks why they disturb the soul. Wolfdietrich humbly replies if they can help the soul and learns that seventy masses are customary; he orders a hundred to be held. After mass, the bones become white. He appoints many virtuous men and returns to Garten. The empress receives him and the ten vassals well; they enjoy their rest for nine days. Wolfdietrich asks after his brothers because he wants to take revenge. But the empress reminds him of his oath to her. Therefore, Wolfdietrich gives them back the conquered lands and enfeoffs them with castles and lands.

Motif References:

E 545 The dead speak

WDieD-72: 9,176 Wolfdietrich is crowned in Rome. Back in Garten, he remembers the lord in Tervîse and his daughter. He sends Count Hartman to Wernhêr, who brings the message. Amî and a retinue travel to Garten and are received with a tournament and courtly entertainment. Herbrant and Amî exchange rings and are married by the royal couple.

Motif References:

P 13.5 Crowning [and making] of kings
T 135 Wedding ceremony
P 561 Tournaments

WDieD-73: 9,208 Wolfdietrich enfeoffs many nobles and divides the empire. Westerîche (West country) goes to Hartman and Herman, Herbart receives Garten. Hâche is lord over Rhineland, Berhtêr rules Mêran, Berchtung rules Carinthia, Berchtwîn and Albrant rule Saxonia and Brabant.

Motif References:

P 50.0.1 King and vassals: obligations of vassals to king [Feudality: mutual relationship between king and vassals]

WDieD-74: 9, 219 Wolfdietrich and the empress have two children, Sîdrât and Hugdietrich. Amî has another three children, Nêre, Eesân and Mergart, the mother of the Wülfings and Wolfhart. Hugdietrich and Hiltebrant become companions. When Hugdietrich is twelve years of age, his mother dies. Wolfdietrich retreats to the order of St. George. He gives up knighthood and gives his mail to St. John’s altar. His son Hugdietrich is crowned. However, when Wolfdietrich wants to give food to the poor, the monks rebuke him. The hero ties their beards together and hangs them up. They swear never to rebuke him again. Then he orders that the poor have food.

Motif References:

P 16.1 King (prince) retires from world (becomes hermit [monk, pilgrim], swineherd [beggar])
P 17 Succession to the throne

WDieD-75: 10, 22 The heathen King Tarîas often attacked the order and wanted to convert them to heathendom. He sends a letter to the monastery to serve him or he threatens to destroy it. The monks inform Wolfdietrich who dispatches a message to the heathens that not one monk will serve them, unless they defeat him.

Motif References:

M 161.2 Vow to revenge (king, friends, father, [husband, queen]) (or die)
V 330 Conversion from one religion to the other
M 500 (Bm) Threats

WDieD-76: 10, 31 The messenger tells the heathen king about the terrible Wolfdietrich. At the court, Wolfdietrich’s enemies, Bâruc of Palacher and his brother Limhêr Belmund gather. 40,000 heathen assemble, five kings march to the monastery and besiege it for half a year.

Motif References:

P 557.0.4 (Li) Siege

WDieD-77: 10,49 Wolfdietrich and the monks hold a council of war. The monks send messengers for help. Wolfdietrich sends for Hugdietrich. Hiltebrant summons 80,000 heroes, 30,000 men go to war, and Herbrant leads them and the four sons of Berchtung. When they arrive at the monastery, Wolfdietrich receives them. A council of war decides the battle formation. Herbrand marches in front of the heathens, Wolfdietrich with 500 templars in the back. Heathens and Christians engage in a furious battle. Hugdietrich and Hiltebrant fight bravely, but 2000 heathens attack them at once, their horses are killed. King Herbrant takes the battle flag and rides to help them. He attacks the heathen army from the backside.

Motif References:

P 550.1.2 (Li) Defense of legitimate rights by war
P 550.1 (Li) Battle. War
P 552.6 (Tu) Conscription of troops: summoning allies as preparation for war
P 557.0.1 (Li) Council of war

WDieD-78: 10, 82 Although Wolfdietrich kills many heathens, they have to suffer casualties on both sides, Berchtung’s six sons are killed. Wolfdietrich fights with Tarîos and defeats him. The heathen surrenders to Wolfdietrich and is taken prisoner. Wolfdietrich cuts off the heathen’s head who had carried the battle flag. The heathens take to flight, Christians pursue and kill many.

Motif References:

R 74.4 (Tu) Defeated king [nobleman, knight] becomes conqueror’s vassal
F 1084 Furious battle [fight]

WDieD-79: 10, 99 2000 Christians are dead. They bury their dead and the injured are treated. Then they have to decide about the heathen king’s fate: Herbrant advises to bind him on oath that he has to serve the monastery and convert to Christianity on pain of death. Many heathens convert and are baptized. Hugdietrich and Herbrant bid farewell and promise to visit Wolfdietrich once a year. Young Hiltebrant asks for a good shield emblazoned with three golden wolves on a green ground surrounded by a blue ring to honor him. Wolfdietrich grants it. From now on, the family calls itself the Wülfinge. Wolfdietrich wishes to do penance and asks the brothers for an extraordinarily hard punishment to free himself of his sins during one night. The monks prepare a stretcher in the dome. Wolfdietrich has to sit and wake all night long. Wolfdietrich has to fight with all his dead enemies. His hair becomes white and he faints. In the morning, the monks revive him. He lives in the monastery for sixteen years and then the ages take his soul to heaven.

Motif References:

R 74 Defeated warriors [adversaries] go into [are forced to join] the conqueror’s service
V 331.2 Conversion to Christianity on pain of death [by force]
V 514 Non-religious visions
Q 520 Penances

Heroic Epic

Wolfdietrich D (ca. 1250) Jänicke, O.(ed.): Deutsches Heldenbuch IV, Berlin 1873. Reprint Berlin 1968.

Wolfdietrich D (ca. 1250)
Jänicke, O.(ed.): Deutsches Heldenbuch IV, Berlin 1873. Reprint Berlin 1968.