Folker

Also known as: Folker of Burgundy land / the fiddler / the fiddler Folker · Family: Burgundians · Role: warrior of Alzei · First appears: Adventure I

In Adventure I, Folker of Alzei is among the warriors owing allegiance to Gunther, Gernot and Giselher. In Adventure IV, Siegfried names him to bear the banner in the defense of Gunther’s land. He joins the journey to Kriemhild’s court in Adventure XXIV with thirty men. At Bechelaren in Adventure XXVII, Rudeger promises to guard the guests’ possessions, and Gotelind gives Folker twelve rings for Etzel’s court.

In Adventures XXIX and XXX, Folker pledges to stand by Hagen if Kriemhild’s men attack and joins him in keeping watch; armed men turn back when they find them guarding the guests. In Adventure XXXI, Folker advises the Burgundians to ride a joust, kills a Hun during it, and is protected by Etzel, who orders the Huns to leave his guests in peace. In the battle in Adventure XXXIII, Folker helps Dankwart guard the hall entrance and strikes down a champion trying to attack Etzel.

In Adventure XXXV, Iring attacks Folker but leaves him standing; Folker kills Irnfried when he rushes at him. In Adventure XXXVII, Folker tells Rudeger that he will offer him peace as steadfastly as Hagen has. In Adventure XXXVIII, Folker and Wolfhart strike each other, Folker kills Siegstab, and Hildebrand kills Folker. Hagen mourns him and avenges his death.