The period that followed the decline of
the Roman Empire (from the 5th century
onwards) was a rich time for myths and
legends in Europe. As new rulers began to
expand their territories by conquest, tales
of military heroism and chivalry becamepopular, and sword-wielding heroes – men
who were strong, proud, and brave, and who
sometimes had to deal with supernatural foes- feature in many of these stories. There were
heroines too, who often struggled to make
their mark in a world dominated by men.
Tales of Heroism and Chivalry
Grim the giant
Many legends of Northern Europe
speak of giants, who are usually
fearsome, strong, and warlike,
but not too intelligent.
Dietrich engaged Grim in a
long-drawn-out conflict before
killing the giant with his sword.Dietrich and Laurin
Dwarfs made up for their
small size with their fine
weapons and excellent
skills in battle. Laurin the
dwarf was a formidable
opponent, even for a man
who was as strong and as
brave as Dietrich.Broadswords
Among the weapons commonly used in Europe from the 5th
century onwards were strong broadswords, usually held in
two hands to make powerful slashing strokes in battle.NORTHERN EUROPETHE ADVENTURES OF DIETRICH
Dietrich was a figure from a German medieval legend, supposedly based
on Theodoric (454–526), the King of the Ostrogoths. He had many
adventures in his youth. When a dwarf-king named Laurin abducted the
maiden Kunhild, Dietrich decided to rescue her. Fighting valiantly, Dietrich
overpowered Laurin, but graciously spared his life. The dwarf rewarded
Dietrich by giving him a sword so well forged it was virtually unbeatable.
Among Dietrich’s other enemies was a giant called Grim, and his wife,
Hilde. Dietrich killed the giant, who had robbed many people, but the
giantess trapped Dietrich’s companion, Hildebrand. Dietrich cut
Hilde in two, but she healed magically. This happened many times
until Hildebrand suggested that Dietrich force his foot between
the two halves. Thus, Hilde was killed and Hildebrand freed.62