Gudrun is a female given name of Old Norse origin, derived from the elements guð (god) and rún (secret). The name is often associated with the character Gudrun in the Poetic Edda and the Volsunga Saga, which are medieval Icelandic texts that preserve Norse mythology and heroic legends. In these texts, Gudrun is a central figure known for her resilience and tragic experiences. The name has several translations and variations in other languages, such as Gudrún in Icelandic and Faroese, Gudrun in German, and Gudrun in Swedish and Norwegian. In Hebrew, the name can be transliterated as גודרון (Gudrun). The name has been used in various cultures and has been popularized by literary works and historical figures, making it a name with rich cultural and historical significance.
Legendary figure in Germanic lore
Gudrun or Kriemhild is the wife of Sigurd/Siegfried and a major figure in Germanic heroic legend and literature. She is believed to have her origins in Ildico, last wife of Attila the Hun, and two queens of the Merovingian dynasty, Brunhilda of Austrasia and Fredegund.