Dietrich von Bern is a character in the Nibelungenlied where he captures Gunther and Hagen and is portrayed as a Christian knightly hero. He is based on Theodoric the Great.

In the Hildebrandslied Dietrich flees from Odoacer (who is vanquished by the historic Theodoric the Great) and lives for thirty years at the court of Attila the Hun.

In the Book of Bern (Buch von Bern, authored partly by Henry the Fowler), Dietrich tries to regain his empire with the help of the Huns.

The Nordic Thidrekssaga deals with Dietrich's return home.

Dietrich also figures in the "Wormser Rosengarten" (Rose Garden of Worms), the Epos of Biterolf, of Goldemar, of Ecke, Sigenot and Laurin.