At this Siegfried made himself known, and releasing the dwarf, said: “In sooth, good Alberich, I did but try thee, to prove thy faith.”
Overjoyed, the dwarf cried: “Now is it indeed meet that such a master should be lord of all the land!”
The giant was set free and well praised for his valor; and thereafter Siegfried bade the dwarf awaken the Nibelungs, for that he had need of a thousand men. Alberich obeyed; and when they heard that Siegfried was come again, they sprang up joyfully and hastened to the lighted hall to greet him. By the next day full thirty thousand had assembled, but of these Siegfried chose but a thousand of the strongest and bravest, and with them sailed away.
Oft, meantime, did Günther watch anxiously across the sea, when one day, having mounted with Brunhild and all her court to the battlements of the castle, he saw the ships of Siegfried and his Nibelungs approaching. Marvelling greatly, Brunhild asked who might be these strangers whose sails gleamed so white, and whose armor shone so dazzlingly in the sunlight; and Günther answered joyously:
“Now, forsooth, are these my own bold warriors, come to fetch me home!”
Soon Siegfried strode to shore with the Nibelungs and the Queen gave them gracious welcome.
The King was eager to depart, nor did Brunhild gainsay him, but leaving her uncle to rule over Iceland in her stead, she took leave of her people and sailed away with Günther to Burgundy.
And with her from their native land
Went many a damsel fair.