Nuodung (Nauðung)

Nuodung or the Norwegian Nauðung was a vassal of Attila (Etzel). Nuodung was a kinsman of Gotelind (Gudilinda), the wife of Rudiger (Rodingeir).

Nuodung was only briefly mentioned in the Nibelungenlied, where Witege (Viðga) killed him in battle. When the Burgundian kings visited Rudiger, the host gave each king a gift. Hagen (Hogni) also received a gift from Rudiger, Nuodung's shield.

A more detailed account of his death can be found in the Norwegian epic, Thiðrekssaga. In it, he appeared as Duke Nauðung of Valkaborg. Nauðung was an ally of Thiðrek in the war against Erminrek (Ermanaric).

Nauðung fought bravely, killing many of Erminrek's warriors, causing Sikha to flee. Viðga (Witege), the son of Wayland the Smith, seeing Nauðung routing the Amelungs, attacked Nauðung. Fierce fighting broke out between these two warriors, but Nauðung was no match against Viðga, who was armed with Mimung, the sword made by his father. Viðga swept off his head.

Erp, son of Attila, seeing Nauðung fall to Viðga, attacked his enemy, but he was slaughtered - including Thether, brother of Thiðrek, who was meant to protect the prince. Thiðrek avenged their death by killing his former friend (Viðga).

Like the Nibelungenlied, Hogni (Hagen) later received Nauðung's shield as a gift from Rudiger (Rodingeir) and Gudilinda (Gotelind).