Þiðreks saga
Also known as: Thidrekssaga, Thidrek's Saga, Saga of Didrik of Bern, Þiðreks saga af Bern, Didrik's Saga, Saga of Dietrich of Bern
A Norse prose compilation of Germanic heroic legends centered on Dietrich of Bern (Theoderic), weaving his exile, battles, and alliances with Huns and Niflungs, alongside embedded cycles like Sigurd and Wayland.
Description
Þiðreks saga is a large thirteenth-century Norse prose compilation that gathers Germanic heroic material—especially the Dietrich of Bern cycle—into a continuous narrative. It follows Dietrich’s conflict with his kinsman Ermanaric, his exile and refuge at Attila’s court, and his campaigns against foes such as Osantrix, Odoacer, and various giants. The saga integrates extensive episodes from other traditions, including the Sigurd–Brynhild–Niflung cycle and the tale of the master smith Velent (Wayland) and his son Widia (Wittich). Its compiler foregrounds chivalric warfare, shifting loyalties, and the tragic fates of kingdoms, while preserving names and motifs that echo Late Antique and Migration-Age history. The work functions both as an entertaining romance-like saga and as a valuable witness to the transmission of continental heroic song into the North.
Historiography
The saga likely originated in Norway in the mid-13th century, drawing on Low German oral lays reportedly collected in Westphalia. It survives in multiple redactions and manuscripts (notably the Membrane text and later A/B versions), with Icelandic transmission ensuring its preservation. The compilation intersects with continental Dietrich epics and the Nibelungen tradition, and has been mined by scholars for the movement of heroic legend between Germany and Scandinavia.
Date Notes
Compiled in Norway/Iceland from German oral traditions; claims collection from Westphalia (Bremen–Münster) singers.
Major Characters
- Þiðrek (Dietrich)
- Hildebrand
- Siegfried
- Ermanaric
Myths
- Dietrich of Bern’s Exile and Battles
- The Story of Sigurd and the Dragon
- Wayland the Smith
- Hildebrand and Hadubrand
Facts
- Bern in the saga reflects Verona, linking the hero to the historical Theoderic the Great.
- The compiler states sources were German songs from the Bremen–Münster region.
- The work preserves Norse forms of continental names (e.g., Jörmunrekkr for Ermanaric).
- Velent (Wayland) and Widia episodes are integrated to explain Wittich’s lineage and sword.
- The saga embeds a full Sigurd–Brynhild–Niflung narrative within the Dietrich cycle.
- Attila’s court functions as Dietrich’s refuge and power base during exile.
- Multiple giant-combat episodes (Ecke, Fasolt, Sigenot) frame heroic testing motifs.
- Conflicts with Osantrix of Wilkinenland and with Odoacer echo historical–legendary syncretism.
- Manuscript tradition shows at least two main redactions (e.g., Membrane vs. A/B versions).
- The work is a key witness for the transmission of Germanic heroic legend into Old Norse prose.