简介：VolkervonAlzey,theroyalbardoftheBurgunds(fargreaterthenmodernBurgundy),ruledbytheChristian,papistkingGunther,whohastwobrave,loyalbrothersandasisterKriemhild,tellsinrhymethetaleofSiegfriedofXanthen,whointhenorthernkingdomoftheLowlandswasaforgeryapprentice,tillhisjealousrival’sattackmadehimdrenchhisbladeinblood,whichmadeitall-splitting,therightmeanstoslaythefeared-mostdragon,Rachnir,whosebloodmakeshim,oncebathedinit,invulnerable;Alberich,kingoftheAlves,whosehelmetofinvisibilityhebeats,showshimthedragon-protectedringoftheNibelungen,andhesetsoutbyshipforIceland,toawakeitsmaidenqueenBrunhild,butrefusestostaywithher,returningsouthwardtorulefromXanthenontheRhineandseekhimselfaqueen.SiegfriedchallengesGuntheratEastertoaduelforbothrealms,ishoweverproposedinsteadapreferablemaritalalliancewithGunther’ssisterKriemhild…