Tarnkappe

Tarnkappe, the ‘cloak of darkness’ which, in the Nibelungenlied, Siegfried obtains by force from the dwarf Alberich (3. Âventiure). He later uses it in assisting Gunther to win the contest of strength over Brünhild in Iceland (7. Âventiure) and in subduing her after Gunther has failed to tame her on the wedding night (10. Âventiure). Except for Wagner (see Tarnhelm), all major treatments of the subject have adapted this device.