Waldhere

This is a poem whose fragments are preserved in Royal Library in Copenhagen. It inspired the Latin epic poem Waltharius by Ekkchard of St. Gall, from the first half of the tenth century, and a Bavarian poem of the thirteenth century. Vilkina Saga of Norway contains two episodes in the poem. There is also said to be a Polish version of the story.

Summary and Analysis

Walharius is the son of King Aquitaine; Alpere was betrothed to Hiltgund the only daughter of Herircus, King of Burgundy. Attila the King of the Huns attacked Gaul and the kings gave up their children along with a huge treasure as hostages. Renowned Frankish King Gibicho also sent a youth Hogano to Attlia as a hostage. Both Hogano and Walharius earned great fame as exceptional warriors. Slowly, Whalharius became Attlia’s chief general while Hogano, looking for a chance, made good his escape from the clutches of Attlia.

Waltharius never forgot his engagement with Hiltgund. After a triumphant campaign, a great banquet was arranged for the King and his court, and after everyone dropped asleep, having drunk wine, Waltharius and Hiltgund ran away together. On the banks of the river Rhine near Worms, the ferryman betrayed the lovers and the King of the Franks, Guntharius, Gibicho Flogano and eleven other soldiers surprised them while they were resting in a cave in the Vosges.

Waltharius tried to win peace by offering Hogano a great deal of gold but later all the treasure and also Hiltgund. A fierce fight ensued in which Waltharius showing great powers and courage slew all the eleven warriors. The next day both Hogano and Guntharius fell upon Waltharius. In the fight, all three were severely injured, but Waltharius managed to escape with Hiltgund. The story ends with their happy marriage.