Siegfried, who apparently possesses some knowledge of this lady, vainly tries to dissuade Gunther, and, when he decides to accompany him in his quest, suggests that Hagen and another knight form their train.

Kriemhild provides the travellers with suitable garments, made by her own hands, and the four embark on a small vessel, in which they sail down the Rhine and out to sea, reaching Isenland only twelve days after their start.

As they near this land, Siegfried strictly charges his companions to tell every one he is Gunther's vassal, and immediately begins to act as if such were indeed his real station.
_7th Adventure._ Gazing out of her window, Brunhild perceives the approaching ship, and, recognizing within it Siegfried,--who visited her realm once before,--her heart beats with joy at the thought that he has come to woo her.

She is, however, amazed to see him hold Gunther's stirrup when they land, and to learn it is the king of Burgundy who sues for her hand.

In her disappointment Brunhild grimly warns the new-comer that, unless he prove successful, he and his men must die.
"He must cast the stone beyond me, and after it must leap, Then with me shoot the javelin; too quick a pace you keep; Stop and awhile consider, and reckon well the cost," The warrioress made answer, "ere life and fame be lost." Undeterred by this threat, Gunther volunteers to undergo the test, but he quails when he sees the heavy spear which Brunhild brandishes and when he perceives that twelve men stagger beneath the weight she proposes to throw.