Pronunciation: [nˈa͡ɪblʌŋz] (IPA) 
The word "Nibelungs" is a challenging word to spell since it comes from Germanic mythology. The correct phonetic transcription for this word would be /ˈnɪbəlʊŋz/. The first syllable is pronounced as "nib" and rhymes with "dribble." The second syllable is pronounced as "luhngs" and ends with an "ng" sound, as in "singing." The main challenge when spelling this word is the use of the letter "u" and the combination of the letters "ng."
The Nibelungs, often referred to as the Nibelung family or Nibelung dynasty, are legendary characters of Germanic mythology and heroic sagas. Derived from the Middle High German term "Nibelunge," the word "Nibelungs" typically refers to a group of individuals connected through bloodlines and shared heritage.
In Norse mythology, the Nibelungs represent a powerful clan of dwarves known for their exceptional craftsmanship, renowned treasure, and enchanted artifacts. Their most celebrated creation is the cursed ring known as the Nibelung Ring, which is central to the epic Germanic poem, "Nibelungenlied." This epic tells the story of the heroic Siegfried, the valkyrie Brynhild, and the tragic downfall of the Nibelung dynasty.
The term "Nibelungs" can also be used more broadly to encompass the characters and events associated with the Nibelung saga, including various adaptations and retellings found in different works of literature, theater, and opera. These tales often feature themes of heroic quests, love, betrayal, and the consequences of power and greed.
In modern usage, the term "Nibelungs" is sometimes used metaphorically to allude to a family or group with a prominent or influential lineage or to describe a mythic or legendary dynasty. Additionally, it can be employed to denote a collective of individuals who possess remarkable craftsmanship or creative talents, akin to the mythical dwarves of Nibelung lore.
The word "Nibelungs" comes from Old Norse "Nibelunga" which itself is derived from the Germanic word "Niflunga" or "Niflungar". The original form "Niflungar" is believed to be composed of two elements: "Nifl" meaning "mist" or "darkness" and "unga" or "ungar" meaning "thing" or "people". Therefore, "Nibelungs" can be translated as "the people of the mist" or "the people of darkness". The term is widely known due to its use in the medieval German epic poem "Nibelungenlied", which tells the story of the hero Siegfried, the Burgundians, and the Nibelungs.
