Jüngeres Hildebrandslied

Jüngeres Hildebrandslied, title given to a Middle High German poem which is a version of the story of Hildebrand and Hadubrand (see Hildebrandslied). It has a happy ending. ‘Maister Hiltebrant’ rides home after thirty-two years, and on the way does battle unwittingly with his son Alebrant, whom he overcomes. There is a recognition scene, following which Alebrant escorts his father to his home, where a reunion takes place with Hiltebrant's wife Ute. The poem, in rhyming verse, is of ballad-like character. It exists in two forms of different length, both written in the 13th c., and enjoyed a considerable popularity well into the 17th c. (See also Dietrichsage.)