Nibelungenlied - Public domain dedication image

The Song of the Nibelungs is a medieval epic poem written in Middle High German. It tells the story of the dragon-slayer Siegfried, his wife Kriemhild, and the tragic events that follow when Siegfried is betrayed and killed by Hagen, a vassal of Kriemhild's brother Gunther. Kriemhild seeks revenge and ultimately brings about the deaths of Hagen, Gunther, and all the heroes of Burgundy. The Nibelungenlied is one of the most important works of German literature and has been adapted into various forms, including opera, drama, and film.