Years later, the grown up Siegfried leaves in search of the treasure of the Nibelungs [de], and kills a dragon thanks to his invincible sword.

Bathing in its blood, the resulting almost invulnerability makes him the bravest fighter of his time.

He then goes to the court of the King Gunther of Burgund, where he wins the tournament for the hand of the beautiful princess Kriemhild, but finds an implacable opponent in Hagen von Tronje, who was defeated by him in a duel.

Hagen, meanwhile on Brunhild's side, discovers Siegfried's secret from Kriemhild: he has a vulnerable spot on his shoulder.

He manages to kill Siegfried during a hunting trip, but he perishes as well in the collapsing grotto, while trying to get hold of the treasure.