The Nibelungen Tradition: An Encyclopedia

by Francis G. Gentry (Editor), Winder McConnell (Editor), Werner Wunderlich (Editor)

Within the English-speaking world, no work of the German High Middle Ages is better known than the Nibelungenlied , which has stirred the imagination of artists and readers far beyond its land of origin. Its international influence extends from literature to music, art, film, politics and propaganda, psychology, archeology, and military history.

Now for the first time all references to the vast Nibelungen tradition have been catalogued in this comprehensive encyclopedia containing nearly 1000 entries by several dozen international contributors, including the most distinguished scholars in the field. Readers will find illuminating passages on a variety of topics, including literary and extra-literary references, characters and place names, significant motifs and concepts, historical background, and cultural reception through the centuries. This monumental work is an invaluable guide to a fascinating, age-old tradition.

404 pages, Hardcover

First published December 21, 2001

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading on the Nibelungen tradition. Includes entries on all aspects of the legend. The book is divided into ten sections, which include primary works, personal and place names, manuscripts and historical analogues, scholarship, reception, music and composers, art and film and much more. All entries are written and collected by top Nibelungen scholars like Francis Gentry, Edward Haymes and Winder McConnell.