Rudeger

Also known as: Knight Rudeger / Margrave Rudeger / Sir Rudeger / the good Sir Rudeger / the noble Margrave Rudeger · Family: Bechelaren · Role: margrave of Bechelaren · First appears: Adventure XX · How King Etzel Sent To Burgundy For Kriemhild · Part 1

In Adventure XX, Etzel commissioned Rudeger to woo Kriemhild as his wife. Rudeger told Gotelind of the mission, and she sent goods for his men before they departed. Though Kriemhild first refused Etzel’s proposal, Rudeger swore that he and his vassals would serve her faithfully and make amends for any wrong done to her. In Adventure XXI he provided food for her guests; in Adventure XXIV, he and Gotelind sent gifts to the Rhine.

In Adventure XXVI, Rudeger agreed to host Gunther and his company at Bechelaren. He welcomed Gunther, Gernot, Giselher, Hagen, Dankwart and Folker, promising to guard their men and possessions. In Adventure XXVII he gave his daughter in marriage to Giselher, promised her a rich dowry, and gave gifts to Gunther and Gernot. He also welcomed the Burgundian guests with the assurance, “that naught shall be lost, that might bring you harm, not even a single spur.”

In Adventure XXXIII, Gunther granted Rudeger and his men safe passage from the hall. But in Adventure XXXVII, Rudeger said his vow to Etzel required him to fight the Burgundians, entrusting his wife, children and the people at Bechelaren to Etzel and Kriemhild’s care. He ended his friendship with the Burgundians, yet gave Hagen his shield before rushing into the fight. Rudeger and Gernot slew each other; Rudeger and his men were slain. In Adventure XXXIX, Dietrich mourned him as a friend.