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Was the princely knight Siegfried, hero of the Rhineland and Odenwald, really a wolf? Could Queen Brunhild have been a bear? Maybe not in the original story, but there is no reason why they can’t be now, or at least that’s the idea of local artist Tristani Leaptrott, who specializes in anthropomorphic art and works under the name "Dmitri Leaptrott".
Dmitri, who comes from the United States, recently moved to the Odenwald and quickly became enchanted with the story of Siegfried and the tale of the Nibelungs. It wasn’t long before he decided to put his talents to work to reinvent Siegfried and his companions, and while the hero’s exploits remain largely unchanged from the original Germanic sagas, the characters themselves have taken on a new appearance. Dmitri is currently working on a children’s picture book that will be written in English and feature the characters of the Nibelung saga in anthropomorphic form. I sat down with Dmitri to find out more about his work and what he envisions for his upcoming book.
Interview
English Speaking Odenwald (ESO): First of all, thank you for taking the time out to speak with me. Could you start off by telling us a bit about the story of Siegfried and the Nibelungs?
Dmitri: Yes. It’s a very interesting tale taken from Germanic sagas written down in the 12th century, though the action takes place during the 5th century. Most of the action occurs in and around the German city of Worms, which, at the time, was the capital of a Germanic tribe called the Burgundians.
Siegfried is a prince from the Netherlands, who comes to Worms to wed the sister of the Burgundian king, Gunther. The story begins with the Burgundian knight, Hagen, telling King Gunter about the exploits of Siegfried, how he acquired the hoard of the Nibelungs and how he later made his skin impenetrable by killing a dragon and bathing in its blood. Siegfried does end up marrying the king’s sister, Kriemhild, but he is later betrayed by the Burgundians and killed.
ESO: That sounds like an exciting story and one that would appeal to kids. They usually like a bit of blood and gore.
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| Dmitri Leaptrott at Work on his book "Siegfried and the Nibelungs |
ESO: What made you choose the Nibelung saga as the subject of your first picture book?
Dmitri: I think a lot of it has to do with just being here in the Odenwald. I enjoy hiking, and where I walk in the woods, I’ve encountered places associated with Siegfried and the saga, such as the spring where he was supposedly killed. Of course, I know that it’s a legend, but there are so many place and street names associated with the sagas that it almost seems as if it were real. Also, since coming here, I’ve spent a lot of time reading about the legend and have visited the Nibelungen Museum in Worms. I've always liked a good story with heroes and villains.
I also wanted to write about Siegfried because I find him to be such an heroic character. He is a nice guy, a loyal friend, who goes out of his way to do kind things for others, such as helping Gunther and the Nibelungs but he is always betrayed. He is a bit of a tragic hero.
ESO: I’ve read the saga myself and know that it’s a bit long. Will it really work as a picture book for children?
Dmitri: I’ve condensed the story and am really keeping the focus on Siegfried: his coming to Worms, the meeting with Gunter and Kriemhild, his helping Gunter win the hand of Brunhild and then the final betrayal in which he is killed. There is, of course, more to the story such as when the Burgundians fight Attila and the Huns, but I really want to focus on Siegfried.
ESO: You’ve chosen to portray the saga’s characters in anthropomorphic form. Can you tell me a bit more about that?
Dmitri: Well, I’m a huge fan of the furry community and most of my art centers around that style, so I coupled my appreciation of anthropomorphic art with the fact that animal characters normally appeal to children.
ESO: You say, "the furry community". Can you tell us what that is exactly?
Dmitri: It's a subculture where the members are interested in, and often dress up as, animal characters. The characters have the physical appearance of animals but also exhibit human characteristics and personalities. Members of the furry community usually meet up at conventions or other events. There are also internet groups where they exchange ideas, that kind of thing. Each person usually chooses an animal that they identify with. We call it a "fursona".
ESO: That sounds quite interesting. I'd like to ask you a bit more about that later, but first, could you tell me what animals have you chosen to portray Siegfried and his companions?
Dmitri: I decided to stick with animals that would have been found in the area during the 5th century, giving each Germanic tribe a different animal. Siegfried is a wolf, the Burgundians are various breeds of dog, the Nibelungs are boars and Brunhild is a bear.
ESFE: I really like that you've chosen animals that would have lived in the area in the 5th century. When do you anticipate having the book finished?
Dmitri: A large part of the work has already been done, which is the research part. First, I had to summarize the saga, which is fairly long, 178 pages in the translation I am working with. I also visited some the sites associated with the legend, researched period costumes, that kind of thing. The research took several months.
Now, I’m getting to the fun part, at least for me as an artist. I have just finished working on the concept sketches and have moved on to the final watercolors. I will then write the text of the story, or I may have someone else do that part. I’m more of an artist than a writer, and contracting that work out will allow me to move on to other projects.
ESO (laughing): I’m always looking for work. But, seriously, what other projects are you thinking of for the future.
Dmitri: I always have a few commissions on the go, and I'm starting up my costume and design manufacturing here in Europe. I am also toying with the idea of creating more picture books based on sagas from the Odenwald and maybe later, hosting a few small furry events here. This is such a beautiful part of Germany, and in my travels around, I often see venues that would be ideal for hosting informal furry meet-ups. Of course, I know it will take time to establish myself here, but I'm patient.
ESO: Those projects sound exciting. I wanted to ask you a bit more about your participation in the furry community. How did you get involved with it and do you have an animal character that you identify with?
Dmitri: Sure. I’ve been part of the fandom since I was eleven. Early cartoons such as Disney movies helped developed my interest in anthropomorphic characters. From there, I started attending conventions when I was 18. I’m primarily involved as an artist and costume maker. It’s a fun and interesting hobby where I meet lots of new and exciting people.
The animal I identify with, my fursona, is a spotted hyena; to be specific he’s a space pirate. He’s a Robin Hood-type character who travels throughout the galaxy, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. His name is Lazer.
ESO: Why did you want to move to Europe and how do you see your work progressing now that you're here?
Dmitri: I thought it would be an opportunity to have a better life in a beautiful country. I probably don't need to go into the current state of politics there, as everyone is aware of it. I have family here, as well. I wanted to be closer to them.
As far as how I see my work progressing, I would like to become more involved with local anthropomorphic conventions, so that I can share my art with a new market and make more amazing friends. I really hope to develop the costume-production side of my business and incorporate the sagas and legends of the area into both my digital and traditional art. I will see how successful this new children's book is and perhaps, if things work out well, I'll do a few more.
ESO: I'm sure the our community will be seeing lots more from you. I know that i interrupted your work, so I’ll let you get back to it. Thank you for taking them time to discuss your book and I wish you all the best.
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