The Journey

Through Eastern Frankland rode Gunther’s men toward the river Main, led by Hagen, for well he knew the way.  All men wondered when they saw the host, for never had any seen such lordly knights or such a rich and noble retinue.  Well might one see that these were princes.  On the twelfth day they came to the banks of the Danube, Hagen riding in the van.  He dismounted on the river’s sandy shore and tied his steed to a tree.  The river was swollen with rains and no boats were in sight.  Now the Nibelungs could not perceive how they were to win over the stream, for it was broad and strong.

And Hagen rebuked the King, saying:  “Ill be with you, lord.  See ye not that the river is swollen and its flood is mighty?  Many a bold knight shall we lose here to-day.”

“Not greatly do thy words help, Hagen,” spake the King.  “Meeter were it for thee to search for a ford, instead of wasting thy breath.”

But Hagen sneered back:  “I am not yet weary of life, O king, and I wish not to drown in these broad waves.  Better that men should die by my sword in Etzel’s land.  Stay thou then by the water’s edge, whilst I seek a ferryman along the stream.”

To and fro he sought a ferryman.  Soon he heard a splash of water and hearkened.  In a spring not far off some women were bathing.  Hagen spied them and crept stealthily toward them.  But they saw his approach and went swiftly away.  Hagen, approaching, seized their clothes.

Now these women were swan-maidens, or mermaids, and one of them, Hadburg, spake to him.  “Sir Hagen,” she said, “well wot I that ye wish to find a ferry.  Now give to us our garments and we will show you where one is.”  They breasted the waves like swans.  Once more spake Hadburg:  “Safely will ye go to Etzel’s land and great honours will ye gain there; aye, greater than hero ever rode to find.”

Right joyous was Hagen at this speech.  Back he handed to the maidens their weeds.

Then spake another mermaid, Sieglind:  “Take warning from me, Hagen.  Believe not the word of mine aunt, for she has sore deceived thee.  Go not to Etzel’s land, for there you shall die.  So turn again.  Whoso rideth onward hath taken death by the hand.”

“I heed not thy words,” said Hagen, “for how should it be that all of us die there through the hate of anyone?”

“So must it be,” said Sieglind, “for none of you shall live, save the King’s chaplain, who alone will come again safe and sound to Gunther’s land.”

“Ye are wise wives,” laughed Hagen bitterly.  “Well would Gunther and his lords believe me should I tell him this rede.  I pray thee, show us over the stream.”

“So be it,” replied Sieglind; “since ye will not turn you from your journey.  See you yonder inn by the water’s side?  There is the only ferry over the river.”

At once Hagen made off.  But Sieglind called after him:  “Stay, Sir Knight; credit me, you are too much in haste.  For the lord of these lands, who is called Else, and his brother, Knight Gelfrat, will make it go hard with you an ye cross their dominions.  Guard you carefully and deal wisely with the ferryman, for he is liegeman unto Gelfrat, and if he will not cross the river to you, call for him, and say thou art named Amelrich, a hero of this land who left it some time agone.”