All are in favor of accepting this invitation save Hagen, who remarks that such friendliness seems suspicious.

When his master retorts a guilty conscience harbors fear, Hagen stoutly avers he is ready to serve as guide, suggesting, however, that they journey fully armed, with an escort of a thousand men, so as to cope with treachery should such occur.
"Turn, while there's time for safety, turn, warriors most and least; For this, and for this only, you're bidden to the feast, That you perforce may perish in Etzel's bloody land.
Whoever rideth thither, Death has he close at hand." _25th Adventure._ Dismissed with the old queen's blessing, the Burgundians leave Brunhild and her son in charge of a steward, and set out.

As they are now sole possessors of the great Nibelung hoard, the poet terms them Nibelungs in the remainder of his work.

Under the guidance of Hagen, who alone knows the way, the party reaches the banks of the Danube, where, finding no vessels to ferry them across, Hagen bids them wait until he provide means of transportation.

Walking down the river, he surprises three swan-maidens bathing, and by capturing their garments induces them to predict the future.