Nibelungenlied

What it is

The Nibelungenlied is an epic poem in Middle High German written by an anonymous poet around 1200, likely from the Passau region. It survives in dozens of manuscripts, the oldest dating to the early-to-mid 13th century, and draws on older oral Germanic heroic legend rooted partly in real 5th- and 6th-century events.

Why it matters

In its second half, the poem's widow Kriemhild marries Etzel, king of the Huns — a legendary figure derived from Attila. The story of the destruction of Etzel's court shows how Attila's historical memory was reshaped over centuries into Germanic legend, far removed from the real events of his life. The poem later became central to German national identity and, in the 20th century, was misused in nationalist propaganda.

Look closer

• How different is this legendary Etzel from what historical sources say about Attila?
• Why might a story centuries old still be reworked and retold by new generations?
• What does the later political use of this poem teach about how legends can be misused?