Siegfried went swiftly where the stone lay. Gunther lifted it, but it
was the man they saw not that threw it. Siegfried was mighty, bold and
big. He hurled the stone further, and he leaped further; moreover,
through his magic, he had strength enow to bear King Gunther with him.
The spring was made, the stone lay on the ground, and none was seen there
but Gunther, the knight. Fair Brunhild was red with anger.

So Siegfried saved Gunther from death.

Then Brunhild said aloud to her folk, when she saw the hero at the far
end of the ring unhurt. "Come hither at once, my kinsmen and my lieges.
Ye are subject henceforth to King Gunther."

The bold men laid the weapons from their hands at the feet of great
Gunther of Burgundy. For they deemed he had won the game by his own
strength.

He greeted them fair, for he was a courteous man, and he took the
beautiful maiden by the hand. She gave him power in her kingdom, whereat
bold Hagen rejoiced.

She bade the noble knight to the hall, where a multitude was assembled,
that showed much observance through fear of his prowess. So, by
Siegfried's might, they were delivered from all peril.

But Siegfried was wise, and stowed away his _Tarnkappe_ with care; then
he went back where the women sat, and said feigningly to Gunther,
"Wherefore delayest thou to begin the sports that the queen proposed, let
us now behold the issue thereof" - as if the cunning man knew naught of
the matter.