Making Connections

As we have already discussed, it is difficult to draw a connection between the poetry of the Nibelungenlied and the Greco-Roman mythology with which we are all so familiar. The reason for this is that the mythology of Germany developed pretty much independently of the classical influence. Yet, we find ourselves seeing Charon in the ferryman, and it got me to wondering not about why we make the connections, but of what their value to us could be.

For example, we find in the myth of Perseus connections to Siegfreid. Both set out to do battle with great monsters, be they dragons, Gorgons, or sea monsters. Both did so not only in the hopes of earning greater glory, but with the knowledge that such glory would inevitably allow them a better choice of mate: Andromeda or Kriemhild. We know that Siegfreid had a cloak of invisibility, and that Perseus has a helm of invisibility, both of which allowed these heroes to not only achieve victory, but to walk away from the battle alive and whole. While Perseus slays Medusa in order to complete a challenge that will both free his mother from the unwanted attentions of a king as well as help him to secure his lovely bride, Siegfreid has no such obvious plan. The slaying of the dragon adds to his heroism and his reputation, which in turn allows him to seek and win the hand of Kriemhild. The relationship for Siegfreid is not as direct as that of Perseus, yet the means accomplish similar ends. They both, in their ways, establish dynasties from these unions, and the offspring, either the children of simply the products of the relationship, change the course of history. It is also interesting to note that Pegasus was said to have sprung from the decapitated corpse of Medusa, so that as from a monster comes great beauty, so does Brunhild, after her defeat, go from being rather monstrous/other in her not traditionally feminine nature to a beauty, a virtuous and obedient wife who all but disappears behind the walls of her husband’s home. This connection begins all because of one word: invisibility.

The other vibrant connection that can be made is between Brunhild and Atalanta. Both are strong women, more powerful than most, and they choose to remain single and unmarried. In order to keep their power from waning by being forced into the hands of an unworthy man, they concoct trials that, presumably, no one can win. We know of Brunhild’s trials and that her reputation for strength is directly related to her choice of contests. The same is true for Atalanta. As a skilled runner and huntress, she once participated in the Calydonian Boar Hunt, and she struck the first blow on the vicious beast. While she did not kill it, Meleager awarded her the hide to show that he knew that if not for her, the victory would have been different. But, she did not want to marry, so any suitors for her hand must engage in a foot race with her. The ;psers opf this race would be killed. But one intrepid man, Melanion, prayed to Aphrodite for help in winning Atalanta. The goddess gave him three golden apples, which he used during the race, dropping them so that she was distracted, which allowed him to win and become her husband, and heir to her father’s kingdom. Thus, Atalanta goes from being one of the most impressive women in history, powerful in her won right and more so than most men, to a wife. Though these women influence the tales simply by having been what they were, they are no longer themselves, they are their husband’s wives, and as such, not quite as heroic as they once were. Atalanta and Brunhild, once the wedding night is successful, fade from the stories, are no longer relevant.

When it comes down to it, our English system of education and knowledge can be tied back most accurately to classical times. We really did get a lot from the Greeks. So, even though we should refrain from making these connections, we do so because it is natural. It is what we have been taught to do. This does not eliminate the problem of their accuracy and value, but rather it indicates that we are products of the classical age. We make these connections because they better help us to understand what and who we are dealing with, so we line them up against the more familiar archetypes to see if that adds another level of meaning. It absolutely does, but the question becomes, what would a German student do? They too have the benefit/hindrance of classical themes as a part of their educational system, but they also have a unique perspective as, for this reading, they are looking within their own culture as well. How valid are our links and connections when lined up against those of an “authentic” audience?