The Roman Empire is in decline in the 5th century AD. Wild barbarian tribes raid its borders. Out of political considerations, Gunther, the Nibelung king of the Roman federate of Burgundy, decides to marry off his sister Kriemhild to the Lombard king. Ute, the queen mother, fiercely opposes the marriage and resorts to intrigue, bribery and poison to thwart it. Rumor of the beauty of the young Kreimhild reaches the northern lands of Frisia. Prince Siegfried goes to Burgundy to win the heart of the beautiful princess. There he succumbs to the intrigues of Gunther and his adviser. At the instigation of the queen mother, Siegfried takes a vassal oath of allegiance to Gunther in exchange for Kriemhild's hand. Meanwhile, the Saxons and their allies are threatening war with Frisia and Burgundy. Gunther repels the invaders. Siegfried washes his sword with the blood of his enemies. King Gunther holds a feast to celebrate the victory over the Saxons and the engagement of Kriemhild and Siegfried. At the feast, the king learns about a certain maiden-warrior Brunhild, the beauty and courage of which is extolled by minstrels. Gunther decides to win Brunhild's love and travels to the far northern lands, accompanied by Siegfried. Gunther faces many trials but manages to win the hand of Brunhild. However, the warrior-maiden falls in love with Siegfried and he returns her affection. After returning to Burgundy, Gunther marries Brunhild and Siegfried marries Gunther's sister, Kriemhild. But soon Siegfried and the young queen become lovers. From their union, a boy is born. Gunther is sure the son is his. Siegfried is wearied by the queen and decides to return to Frisia along with Kriemhild. The queen cannot accept the loss of her lover and vows revenge on him. Years pass. The passion of the queen flares up with renewed force. But Siegfried rejects her. The dejected queen decides to destroy her former lover with a sophisticated plot

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