This poem, also known as Hildebrandslied, is the oldest surviving fragment of a Germanic epic. While it was written down in the 9th century by a Christian scribe, the poem itself is believed to be based on much older oral traditions, possibly dating back to the 6th century.
The poem tells the story of a legendary warrior, Hildebrand, who fights against his own son, Hadubrand, in a conflict between generations. The story reflects themes common to Germanic mythology such as honor, loyalty, and the warrior's code.
While the Christian scribe who recorded the poem may have made some changes to the original story, it is still considered a valuable source for understanding pagan Germanic culture and beliefs.