Rüdiger

Rüdiger (Rudiger) was a margrave of Pochlarn. Rudiger married Gotelind, and they had a daughter who was unnamed in the epic. Gotelind was a cousin of Dietrich. In the Thiðrekssaga, he was Roðingeir of Bakalar.

Rudiger was a vassal of Etzel. Rudiger was living in exile with his family in Pochlarn. Rudiger was also the friend of the Burgundian royal family.

When Etzel decided to marry after the death of his wife, Rudiger was chosen as the envoy to Burgundy, to ask for Kriemhild's hand in marriage. She was chosen because of her great beauty.

When Rudiger brought Gunther and his brothers to Pochlarn, Giselher asked for his daughter's hand in marriage. Rudiger happily agreed. Rudiger gave each of his distinguished guests a gift. Among them, he gave Gernot a sword. Rudiger decided to join and escort the Burgundian kings to Hungary.

When fighting broke out between the Burgundians and the Huns, Rudiger, as well as Dietrich, refused to fight for either side, Rudiger preferred to remain neutral. However, on the second day of battle, Kriemhild demanded that Rudiger fulfill his promise to her, to avenge any wrong that had been done to her. Etzel also pleaded with Rudiger, since the margrave owed fealty to Etzel.

Rudiger was driven into despair. Not only was Giselher his new son-in-law, but he had given his guests friendship and gifts. Since Rudiger had also escorted them to Hungary, it was his duty to protect the Burgundian kings. Yet, Rudiger had no choice but to enter the conflict against the Burgundians.

When the Burgundians encountered Rudiger and his men, they realised Rudiger had no choice in the matter. Hagen and Giselher refused to face Rudiger in combat. Giselher, because the young king was married to Rudiger's daughter. And Hagen, because Rudiger had freely given him a new shield. During the fighting between the Burgundians and Etzel's vassals, Rudiger and Gernot (Giselher's brother), they killed one another. Rudiger died on the sword that he had given to Gernot, back at Pochlarn.

Rudiger's death brought Dietrich's men (the Amelungs) into the conflict. This also led to Gunther and Hagen's capture and death at Kriemhild's hand.