Volker and Other Vassals

Volker of Alzei was a vassal to Burgundian princes. Volker was an exceptional warrior, probably the second best, next to Hagen. Volker knew how to play the viol, so he was nicknamed the Minstrel or the Fiddler. In the Thiðrekssaga, he was called Folkher.

Volker was a close friend of Hagen and joined the princes’ retinues to Hungary, bringing 30 knights. During the battle between the Burgundians and Etzel’s vassals, he killed many enemy knights before he was killed by Hildebrand.

Dancwart

Dancwart was the son of Aldrian and the brother of Hagen. His brother served Dancwart as Marshal of Burgundy.

Dancwart was among those who went to Hungary. Dancwart was killed by Helpfrich, a vassal of Dietrich.

Ortwin

Ortwin of Metz was the nephew of Hagen and Dancwart. As vassal of the Burgundian kings, Ortwin served as the King’s Seneschal. He was one of those who supported Hagen in a conspiracy to murder Siegfried.

Rumold

Rumold was Lord of the Kitchen. Rumold supported Hagen, saying that the Burgundian kings should stay home, rather than visit their sister in Hungary. Rumold was appointed regent of Burgundy when the three Burgundian kings departed for Hungary.

Eckewart

Eckewart was a margrave and vassal of the Burgundian kings. Eckewart became Kriemhild’s steward when she lived with her husband Siegfried in the Netherlands, and served her again when she lived with her second husband Etzel in Hungary.

Gere

Gere was a margrave and vassal of the Burgundian kings.

Bishop Pilgrim

Bishop Pilgrim of Passau was the brother of Utoe. Pilgrim was also the uncle of Kriemhild and her brothers.