In our texts thus far we have most often discussed the characters in terms of strength, power, beauty and chivalric courtesy. Our heroes most often excel in these characteristics often othered or perceived as monstrous as a result. Beowulf is strong and handsom, Gawain carries himself with utmost chivalry and strength, Roland is brave and strong to the point invincibility, but never have we ever had a character who truly excelled in intelligence to the point that it really othered them as a character. Roland's pal Oliver seems to be the closest to that standard, but he is rather short lived as he easily succumbs and is overridden by Roland. This has held true for the most part until now when we have met Hagen.
His intelligence, influence and role within the court at Worms is desperately understated in the first half the text, and yet he is actually in control of all the events that occur. He is the dark puppet master who does not receive the glory associated with physical prowess, chivalric nobility and beauty. So I will expose his intelligence and give him the due he deserves.
First off we must notice his wealth of knowledge. He is the one that knows who Siegfried is and knows the stories and lore behind him. No one else has a clue. This knowledge and lore seems to carry beyond Siegfried as well as in later chapters he recognizes the minstrels of Etzel's court. "But nobody knew until Hagen of Troneck saw them" (182). The court is basically beholden to Hagen for information on anyone who arrives. He is always the first person consulted. The knowledge in and of itself is powerful, but then Hagen adds another element of conniving intelligence when pulling the strings behind decisions.
"why don't you tell Siegfried?"(34) is Hagen's advice upon learning of the Saxon threat. It is at his prompting that Gunther recruits the warrior to his bidding. Hagen's role in this is underplayed. After he initiates the idea, he disappears from the text and the actual action is carried out by Gunther in our eyes and as such more readily attributed to him. This happens again when Gunther desires Brunhild. He declares in the presence of Siegfried, "I should advise you to ask Siegfried to share these perils with you, seeing as he is so knowledgable about Brunhild's affairs" (53). It is his only contribution to the conversation and the only mention of him until it is revealed that he is accompanying them. And once in Iceland his puppetry continues as on page 69 he expresses fear after Gunther and Siegfried have bested Brunhild that Brunhild's coming vassals will destroy them. As a result of this Siegfried declares "I will prevent it" and sets off to get his vassals. All of these instances prove Hagen's subtle impetuous force the characters to dance while the poet seemingly hides him from view refusing to give the man's cunning it's due glory making it all the more underplayed and in a sense sinister. Hagen's next acts are less subtle, but again his cunning is involved as he tricks Kriemhild into revealing Siegfried's weakness. And his subtle power over the rest of the Kings who are supposed to be his masters is revealed as they fail to stop him despite their misgivings and desire for Siegfried to live on.
Hagen is in fact the greatest hidden power in this story and is comparable to Siegfried's cloak, which gives power to the invisible. Hidden in the shadows forcing events, controlling the scenes and always forcing the course in his vision. The story indicates that he will be undone by Kriemhild's trick in getting the Burgundians to come to Etzel's court. And yet though it was against his will, Hagen has provided that he be prepared not to go down without a fight. He has convinced his Kings of an honor guard and even at Etzel's court has put Kriemhild off her game by connection with Dietrich. He is othered by his intelligence and prudence which excels beyond all others and his own physical prowess. As an example, in his battle with Gelpfrat he understands his own tenuous grip in the face of overwhelming power and calls for support from his brother to finish his foe. He is a man of the shadows who subtly manipulates everyone else to do his bidding. As such it is easy to see that many shall perish for his sake though he be not the king, for in fact he is greater than the kings. He is the puppet master and all his puppets must die before him.
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I'm interested in how you came to the conclusion that during the first half the poem, Hagan is the "dark" puppet master.
He is shadowy and he does not often appear in scenes, but when he says something, it so powerful and so...correct that he cannot help but take center stage.
Even in scene where everyone is fighting, when Gunther and Sigfried are almost exposed, Hagan is the one who makes the single most compelling argument - are we to read cuckoos. He has this way of grabbing the spotlight and shining it right in his own face.
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