Men with courage do not slay dragons they ride them

Mythology Questions. For Elprofessori Only!

1. How do specific actions of the heroes illustrate these values?

2. What different types of reward do the different characters seek?

Please take into account how harsh conditions, treachery and death are woven into this myth.

3.Does the end justify the means? Do intentions justify the end?

4. Where does evil come from and where does it breed?

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Many scholars con­ sider the Teutonic epic of Sigurd the Vo/sung to be The Iliad of the northern countries.

The story is found in Scandinavian, British, and German literature. The earli­ est existing version appears in the epic of Beowulf (written in about A.D. 1000), where a minstrel sings the tale as enter­ tainment for the nobility. Clearly, the story was already famous at that time. The Volsunga Saga, written in 1300 by an anonymous author, is the definitive Norse version because it is the most detailed, cohesive, and complete ver­ s ion of the story.

The saga of Sigurd reflects the unstable political conditions in north­ ern Europe between A.D. 400 and 600, before the arrival of Christianity in that part of the world. The wars between neighboring kingdoms produced many local heroes and villains, and their dar­ ing deeds became the subjects of pop­ ular songs and poems.

APPEAL AND VALUE

For hundreds of years the story of Sigurd disappeared from view, because its stark drama and pre-Christian val­ ues did not appeal to people living during those centuries. In the nine­ teenth century, Sigurd again became popular when writers recognized the saga's many attractions.

First, Sigurd is an outstanding adventure story. It contains magic, a monster, cursed treasure, passionate love, violent hatred, jealousy,treachery, danger, and death. Within its pages are both an early version of the Sleeping

Beauty tale and a major source for the tale of the cursed ring

that J . R. R. Tolkien

used in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Richard Wagner used in his cycle of four

operas, The Ring of the Nibelung.

Second, Sigurd is an ideal hero. His wisdom is as great as his courage. He chooses to lead an honorable Iife by putting the needs of others above his own personal desires.

Third, the story contains numerous complex characters who are loyal to their families and friends until circum­ stances lead them to act treacherously. They are intelligent but they act fool­ ishly, with tragic consequences. They cannot profit from prophecies because their human frailties doom them. No one in the saga is completely pre­ dictable or completely trustworthy, and this creates an atmosphere of sus­ pense, excitement, and danger.

The reader can easily identify with the problems and emotions of the characters in Sigurd. They struggle to find happiness and to lead meaningful lives in a world that is uncaring, brutal, and treacherous. Death is inevitable, and the Norse gods offer no comfort. The characters cannot control their fates. They can try only to control their values, attitudes, and behavior. Their struggle to create meaning in their lives is viewed on a bare stage under harsh lighting. Life is a tragic experience, and the best the characters can hope for is to live with dignity.

The story of Sigurd strikes a sympa­ thetic chord today because we too must create a meaningful life in a world that is often uncaring and dan­ gerous. Ultimately, we must accept the inevitability of death. We must not give

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in to despair but must concentrate on the aspects of our Iives that we can control. Like the characters in Sigurd, we cannot determine when we w ill die, but we can try to determine how we live.

THE NORSE HERO

In the Norse world, events are con­ trol led by an unalterable fate. Both gods and humans know that their inevitable destiny is death. Since immortality exists only in the memory of the living, achieving honor and fame is the hero's principal goal.

The Norse hero creates his own meaning by living in such a way that others honor him. His greatness is measured by the quality of his life and his courage and dignity in facing death. Honor is earned primarily on the battlefield, where the hero attains glory according to whom he kills and the amount of treasure he acquires. The heroic goal is fame after death, the only immortality that a mortal can achieve. The hero aims to accomplish feats worth remembering-the type of great and glorious deeds that inspire poets and singers.

In the Norse world, a person's first loyalty is to his or her king. Family comes second, and friends third. No one else seems to exist. Gold is the greatest treasure. The noble person shares it generously,but the temptation to hoard treasure and let it corrupt one's personal va lues is very strong. Only the best human beings can with­ stand the temptation.

Retribution dominates Norse soci­ ety. Justice is a private affair between one person and another or between one family and another. Even in the case of accidental death or murder, an

individua l takes full responsibility for his or her actions. The killer may choose to offer wergild (man-price), which is a designated payment as resti­ tution for the death, but the recipient is free to reject the offer. As often as not, blood vengeance is the rule. The char­ acter accepts his or her punishment­ death-without flinching, and the fam ily feud continues to demand one Iife after another.

The fittest survive for a time, but raw courage and strength are not enough. Although the man or woman who is generous and loyal is less likely to have to stand alone against the human and natural world, in the Norse world no one is safe.

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS*

SIGMUND: son of Volsung; king of Hunland; father of Sigurd

SIGURD: son of Sigmund; performs heroic deeds

HREIDMAR: father of Regin, Fafnir, and

Otter; skilled in magic

FAFNIR: son of Hreidmar; brother of Regin and Otter; takes the form of a dragon REGIN: son of Hreidmar; brother of Fafnir and Otter; tutors Sigurd

OTTER: son of Hreidmar; brother of Fafnir and Regin; often takes the form of an otter ANDVARI: dwarf; possesses a magic ring and a hoard of gold

BRUNHILD: disobedient Valkyrie; rescued by Sigurd; wife of Gunnar

ATLI: brother of Brunhild; husband of Gudrun after Sigurd's death

GIUKI: king of a land south of the Rhine; husband of Grimhild; father of Gunnar, Hogni, Guttorm, and Gudrun

GRIMHILD: wife of Giuki; mother of Gunnar, Hogni, Guttorm, and Gudrun; ski lled in magic

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 479

( GUNNAR: son of Giuk i and Grim hild ; brother of Ho g ni , Guttorm, and Gudrun; hu sband of Brunh il d HOGN I : so n of Giuki and Grim h ild; brother of Gunnar, Guttorm, a nd Gudrun GUTTORM: youngest c hild of G iuki a nd Grimhild; brother of G unn a r , H og ni , a n d Gudrun GUDRUN: daughter of Giuk i and Gr imhild ; s i ster of Gunnar , Ho g ni , a nd G uttorm ; w i fe of S i g urd a nd l ate r of Atli * For a li st of the Norse gods, see page 460 . )

SI G U R D TH E VO LSU NG

Chapter 1
Sigmund, son of Volsung,pulls the god Odin's swordfrom the trunk of a tree. On the day that Sigmund isfated to die, Odin smashes the sword. Sigmund tells his wife to save thepieces for their son and then dies.
Listen to this tale from the heart of the north country, a land of snow-capped mountains, icy hills, and cold, gray seas. Hear of Sigurd, hero bright as the sun, and of Brunhild and Gudrun, who loved him. Hear of the treachery and woe that form the dark side of love and j oy. Hear of men and women, heroes and villains, love and hate, life and death. Listen!

In days of old, Volsung, the great-grandson of Odin and the king of Hunland, was the greatest of all warriors-the strongest, most skilled, and most daring of all. He built his royal house around a huge oak tree, so the trunk of the tree grew through the center of the great hall and its many branches overshad­ owed the roof of the building.

The most noble of King Volsung's many children were his youngest, the twins Sigmund and Signy. King Volsung gave his daughter Signy in marriage to the king of Gothland. The Volsung family and their guests gathered in the great hall to enjoy the wedding feast. Suddenly a strange, old, long-bearded man walked, unannounced, into the room. He was barefoot and huge, and something about him seemed to speak of another, ancient time. He wore a blue cloak and a broad-brimmed hat that overshadowed his forehead, and he had only one eye. In his hand he held a shimmering long-bladed sword.

With broad steps, the old man strode up to the great trunk of the oak tree and plunged his sword deep into the wood, so that only the hilt of the sword was visible. While the family and their guests stood in amazed silence, the stranger announced, "Whoever draws this sword from this oak will have the sword as my gift to him, and will find that he never had a better friend in time of need." The old man then turned and left the hall. Everyone present realized that the visitor had been Odin, the All-Father.

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Immediately, all of the noblemen rushed toward the sword in the tree. But it would not budge, no matter how hard they tugged. Finally, Sigmund put his hand upon the hilt and withdrew the sword as easily as if it lay loosely in the wood.

Sigmund announced, "I am destined to own this sword, for I have with­

drawn it from its place in the tree. I will never give it up, even if a mighty king offers to pay me all the gold that he possesses!"

In time, Sigmund became the noble king of Hunland. So great were his courage and cunning, his skill in warfare, and the treasure he had won with his sword that his name was known throughout the northern lands.

After ruling wisely for many years, one day Sigmund was forced to fight an invading army. In spite of his age, he fought with great strength and skill. The bat­ tle raged furiously; the sky became gray with the passage of arrows and spears. Sigmund was covered with the blood of his enemies, yet he himself remained unwounded .

Suddenly, into the midst of the battle came an old, long-bearded man. He wore a blue cloak and a broad-brimmed hat that overshadowed his forehead, and he had only one eye. In his hand he carried a hooked spear. The old man approached King Sigmund and said, "Sigmund the Volsung, your time has come!" With that, he attacked the king.

Sigmund confidently struck the hooked spear with his own marvelous sword. But to his amazement the impact broke his sword into pieces, as if it were an ordi­ nary weapon.

From that moment, Sigmund's success left him . No matter how well he fought, his enemies remained strong, while his men fell to their deaths all around him. Finally Sigmund received his death wound.

That night, the queen came out of hiding and searched among the corpses that littered the battlefield for her husband 's body. She found Sigmund still alive.

While she comforted him, he said, "Odin, the All-Father, has brought an end to my days as a warrior. I am dying. Care for our son who is now within you and who is destined to be the most noble and famous of all the Volsungs. Preserve the pieces of my broken sword for him. They can be recast and will make a great sword called Gram, with which our son will accomplish deeds that will make his name live as long as there are bards on earth to tell the tale. Now let me rest here until Death claims me."

The queen sat with her husband throughout the night, and he died with the coming of dawn. The early morning light revealed many ships sailing toward them.

The young king of Denmark landed with his men and took Sigmund's queen and treasure back to his country. He promised the captive queen, "I will make you my wife, and you will live with honor in this kingdom . You will con­ tinue to be regarded as the best of women, and your son will be born into a royal home."

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g .-..., 481

Chapter 2
Odin helps Sigurd choose his horse, Grani. His tutor, Regin, tells Sigurd about the dwarf Andvari's hoard of gold and the curse that Andvari placed upon it.
Sigurd, the son of Sigmund, was extraordinary from the time of his birth . He was raised in the royal house of Denmark, where he was loved and honored . All who met him marveled at his size, his strength, his courage, his skill, his intelligence, and his good heart. No one in the north lands could match Sigurd's gifts.

Sigurd's tutor was a gifted man by the name of Regin, who had earned fame as a metalsmith. Regin taught Sigurd to speak many languages, understand the ancient letters called runes, use weapons, and master all the other skills a prince was expected to know.

One day Regin said to Sigurd, "I am amazed to see that you are treated like a

servant of the Danish king!"

"You are wrong!" Sigurd replied. "I can do whatever I want, and if I ever wish for anything, the king gives me what I desire with a cheerful heart."

"Then," Regin counseled, "I suggest that you ask him to give you a horse."

Sigurd went to the king and said, "I think that I am old enough now to have my own horse. I would like to train it myself."

The king replied, "Choose whatever horse you wish, Sigurd, and whatever else you desire as well."

Sigurd immediately left the great hall and set out to find the royal horses. He was walking through the forest when he came upon an old, long-bearded man whom he had never seen before. The man was wearing a blue cloak and a broad­ brimmed hat that overshadowed his forehead, and he had only one eye.

"Where are you going, Sigurd, son of Sigmund the Volsung?" the old man asked him.

"Sir, I am going to find the royal horses," Sigurd replied, "for I intend to choose the best one for myself. You appear to be a very wise man. Would you like to come along and advise me?" he asked.

"That is just what I had in mind," the old man replied. "Let us drive the horses into the fast-flowing river. That should test their courage and strength!"

So the old man and the youth found the royal horses and drove them into the fast-flowing waters. Horse after horse shied away from the turbulent water. Some were so skittish that they would not enter the water at all. Others reared up on their hind legs in fright, turned around, and quickly regained dry land. Only one horse forged across the river. He was beautiful to see: gray in color, unusually large and strong in build, and yet quite young.

"The gray horse is the one I would choose!" Sigurd exclaimed. "I do not remember seeing him among these horses before today, or surely I would have remembered him. What do you think of my choice?"

"You have chosen wisely and well, Sigurd the Volsung!" the old man replied. "That gray horse is related to my horse, Sleipnir. Feed him well, and care for him. He will repay you by being the best of all horses!" And with these words, the old man vanished.

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Then Sigurd realized that it was Odin, the All-Father, who had helped him.

He called his horse Grani and trained him well.

Regin was still not satisfied. One day he said to Sigurd, "I marvel that you are satisfied to play here upon the royal grounds as if you were a peasant lad. Out in the world you would find treasure for the taking, and you would earn fame and honor by winning it. You are old enough and skilled enough. You have within you the blood of the mighty Volsungs. But tell me, do you have the courage needed for adventure?"

"Of course Ido!" the youth replied. "What treasure do you have in mind?

Where is it? And why is it available for the taking?"

Regin replied, "I have in mind the treasure that is guarded by the dragon Fafnir, whose den is on the Gnita Heath. He sits upon more gold than you will ever find in one place, and even the most greedy king would be satisfied with such a treasure!"

'file you trying to help me or kill me?" Sigurd asked. "Young as Iam, even I have heard of that treasure and that dragon! The monster is unusually large and evil. He continues to guard that treasure because there is no man alive who has the courage to fight him! How do you expect me to succeed where all others have failed?"

"Clearly you are no Volsung!" Regin replied. "Your father would never let children's tales fill his heart with terror! He had courage in his heart, not mush. Among those whose deeds have earned them lasting fame and honor, Sigmund the Volsung stood tallest. How ashamed he would be to think that his son was afraid of an ordinary dragon!"

"I am still so young that I am certain that Ilack my father's strength and skill," Sigurd replied. "But Ido not deserve to have you call me a coward! Why are you treating me like this? You must have some reason hiding behind your taunt­ ing words!"

"I certainly do!" said Regin. "I have a tale that Ihave been waiting many a year to tell you. You have come of age, and Ihave trained you well. You are ready. Listen to my tale, for it is the story of my life."

My father, Hreidmar, was a man of great strength and great wealth, and he taught us his skill in the arts of magic. He had three sons: Fafnir, Otter, and me. Fafnir was most similar to our father, both in physical strength and in greed. He possessed one extraordinary gift. He could change his shape to please himself.

Otter was completely different from Fafnir. He was simple, gentle, and kind. He loved to fish, and he was quite skilled at that pursuit. Like Fafnir, he could change his shape. He particularly enjoyed becoming an otter. In that form he would spend each day, from dawn to dusk, by the side of the river near the base of a waterfall.

Otter loved to plunge into the water to catch a fish, swim back to shore, and place it on the river bank. By the time the sun was setting, he would have stacked a sizable pile of fish. He would gather the fish he had caught into a net and bring them to our father. Otter would eat alone and then go to sleep. Nothing on dry land interested him, so he spent most of his time in the appearance of an otter, and he lived from one day's fishing to the next.

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g r-.,, 483

I was different from my brothers. I excelled in a more ordinary way. I loved to work with metals, and I became quite skilled at creating objects in silver and gold, and in working with iron as well.

Behind the waterfa ll near Otter's favorite fishing place lived a dwarf named Andvari. The waterfall itself was called Andvari's Force. Like Otter, Andvari could change his shape, and he too loved to fish. The dwarf fished in the form of a pike, and he ate the smaller fish that came over the waterfall. So many fish swam over the waterfall that there were always more than enough for both Otter and Andvari.

One day the gods Odin, Loki, and Hoenir were wandering upon the earth disguised as ordinary mortals. They enjoyed leaving Asgard , the home of the gods, to visit the homes of country folk. So it happened that the three gods came upon Andvari's Force. The sun was low in the sky, and it was time for supper. Otter had caught a salmon and was lazily lounging upon the bank of the river, about to eat it.

Loki spied both the otter and the salmon and said, "I think that I can kill that otter with the toss of one stone, and then we will have both otter and salmon to eat! That surely will satisfy our hunger!" He picked up a large stone, tossed it, and killed Otter. The gods then collected the otter and the salmon and walked toward our father's house.

"May we spend the night with you?" Odin asked my father when he opened the door. "We have brought enough food for all of us!"

Hreidmar courteously invited the visitors inside. However, when he noticed the otter hanging from Loki's hand, he became enraged. "What kind of guests are you?" he roared. "You have killed my son! I will return your kindness in equal measure!"

With these words, my father secretly signaled to Fafnir and me. We quickly grabbed our visitors and placed chains around them.

"Now prepare to die!" Hreidmar exclaimed. "You will pay with your lives for the crime you have committed!"

"You are being unduly harsh, sir!" Odin complained. "Your son's death was an accident! My companion killed what appeared to be an ordinary otter. How could we know that your son had transformed himself into an animal? If you agree to free us, we will pay you as much wergild as you demand. Will you accept treasure instead of our deaths?"

"All right, then," Hreidmar replied. "As payment for slaying my son Otter, I demand that you pay me the value I have set upon his life. Fill the interior of his otter skin with gold, then stand the skin upon its tail and cover the entire exterior with gold. Not one hair on the skin must be visible. If you refuse, I will kill the three of you as you killed my son!"

Hreidmar concluded, "You may discuss among the three of you who will col­ lect the gold, for I intend to keep the other two here as my prisoners until you make this payment. "

Odin and Hoenir looked at Loki in dismay. Then Odin said to Loki, "I think it is best that you locate the wergild for us, for you are far more clever than we are and you know where to look for it. As I look upon our host, I can tell that he is a man who will keep his word."

484 .--...., N o r t h e r n E u r o p e

Once we had freed Loki, he went down to the bottom of the sea and bor­ rowed a large net from the sea goddess Ran. He returned with it to Andvari's Force. He swiftly cast his net over the waters with such skill that it enclosed the pike before the fish became aware of the danger and could swim out of reach. Loki then drew the thrashing pike from the water and placed it, still confined in Ran's net, upon the bank next to him.

"Pike," Loki began, "if fish you truly are, how is it that you survive in the waterfall without being crushed, and yet you do not have the good sense to be aware that nets are no friends of yours? Who are you?"

"People call me Andvari, " the pike craftily replied, "and in my true form I am a dwarf. The Norns, who determine the destiny of every mortal being, have changed me into the pike you see. They have forced me to spend all the days of my life swimming in rivers. I do not enjoy it, but I have no choice!"

"So you are Andvari!" Loki replied. "You need say no more! Nets are not the

only enemies you have! If you intend ever to leave Ran's net alive, you must promise to give me all of the gold that you guard behind Andvari's Force in that cave of yours. Do not try to deny it, for I will kill you before I believe any other tales you create in order to deceive me!"

Loki convinced Andvari to resume his dwarf shape and bring him the gold that the gods needed in order to free themselves from my father's wrath and make amends for the death of my brother. Andvari soon returned to Loki in his true shape, lugging an enormous bag of gold.

Loki opened the bag and grinned with delight. Then he spied a beautiful gold ring upon Andvari's finger. ''I'll take that, too!" he exclaimed.

"Let me keep just this one ring!" Andvari pleaded. "It is of little use to you.

However, because I am a dwarf, I can use it to create more gold."

"No," Loki replied , "I intend to take every piece of gold you have, including that ring!"

When Andvari made no effort to remove the ring, Loki grabbed the dwarf from behind and pulled it from his finger. Satisfied that he had acquired every ounce of treasure, Loki then released the dwarf.

Andvari ran to the rocks by the waterfall and shouted, "From this time forth, that gold ring and all of the treasure that accompanies it will be the bane of every being who possesses it! Death and destruction will follow the gold as surely as night follows day, and no one who owns it will remain untouched by its curse. Only when the ring and the gold have returned to the deep waters will the bane end."

Loki ignored the dwarf's curse. He put the beautiful ring on his own finger and walked toward Hreidmar's house, dragging the bag of gold behind him.

Odin admired Andvari's beautiful ring, so Loki gave it to him. Then Loki took the otter skin and stuffed it with gold coins until the skin looked as if it might burst. When not another coin would fit into it, he stood the otter skin upon its tail and began to pile the gold around it. As Hreidmar had anticipated, in order for the fur to be covered it had to be completely buried in gold.

Loki was forced to use every gold coin in Andvari's bag to fulfill the terms of Hreidmar's wergild. Finally, Loki had emptied the bag and had arranged the coins so that even Hreidmar would be satisfied.

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g r-.,, 485

Hreidmar examined rhe pile with great care. "Ah!" he exclaimed. "I see an exposed hair-right there!"

Loki immediately moved a coin to cover the hair, bur as soon as he did so, other coins moved also, uncovering more fur. Carefully, Loki set about rearrang­ ing them again so that they would completely cover the otter skin. When he had finished, he sat back with a smile of relief upon his face.

Hreidmar examined the pile again with great care. ''Ah!" he exclaimed, with a sharp gleam in his eyes. "I see an exposed whisker-right there! Ifyou do not have enough gold to cover that hair, I will be forced to take your three lives as pay­ ment for the life of my son Otter!"

Odin had so far made no attempt to add Andvari's beautiful gold ring to the pile. But when it became clear that the gold pieces were not sufficient, he said to Loki, "Take this ring and place it over the exposed whisker. Then we will have ful­ filled the wergild agreement."

Hreidmar was satisfied, so he allowed the three gods to leave his house. Loki turned in the doorway to face Hreidmar and the two of us. Now that he felt safe, he exclaimed, "You have the wergild that you demanded of us, and a wealth of treasure it is! But I m ust warn you that every last piece of that gold carries with it the curse of the dwarf Andvari. The gold ring and all the treasure that accompa­ nies it will be the bane of every being who possesses it! Death and destruction will follow the gold as surely as night follows day, and no one who owns it will remain untouched by its curse. Only when the ring and the gold have returned to the deep waters will the bane end."

As soon as our visitors had left, our father walked over to the otter skin and placed the beautiful ring on his own finger. Then he shook every last piece of gold out of the otter skin and locked it all away in a heavy wooden chest. He hung the key around his neck and said nothing more about it.

"Do you intend to keep the wergild all for yourself, Father?" I asked. "I think we should divide the treasure among the three of us!"

"You do not deserve a single coin!" Hreidmar replied. "Otter was my son, and the wergild is mine alone. I will not discuss the matter further!"

Fafnir was furious. Once we were alone, he exclaimed, "Regin, you and I each deserve one-third of that wergild! After all, Otter was our brother! Will you help me steal the key and remove our share of the treasure from the chest?"

"I am afraid that we may have to kill Father in order to get his key!" I objected. "You know how lightly he sleeps. The sound of grass growing is enough to awaken him! I am not certain I have what it rakes to murder my father! I will have to think about it."

As it happened, I did not have long to consider the matter. When I awakened the next morning, the house was strangely quiet and my brother's bed was empty. I found our father stabbed to death in his bed. The key that had hung around his neck was gone. The ring that he had placed on his finger was gone. All of the wergild that he had put into the chest was gone.

I found my brother outside. "Fafnir, you certainly are brave to have had the nerve to kill Father!" I exclaimed. "Now we only need to divide the wergild between the two of us. Thar is even better!"

486 N o r t h e r n E u r o p e

"I will never divide Andvari's treasure hoard with you, Regin!" Fafnir replied. "You were too cowardly to kill our father. Why do you think you deserve any of the gold? The risk was all mine, so the treasure is all mine! Ifyou want it, you will have to fight me for it. I doubt if you have the courage to do that, either! I am much stronger than you are, you know. If you know what is good for you, you will leave here before I kill you as I killed Father!"

Fafnir entered the house and immediately returned wearing our father's hel­ met upon his head. We called it the Helmet of Terror because it caused the heart of anyone who gazed upon it to flood with great fear.

I took one look at Fafnir in that helmet and, seeing his sword in his hand, I fled. I sought employment with the king of Denmark. My fame as a metalsmith had preceded me, so he welcomed me.

In time, I learned that my brother had taken refuge in a cave on Gnita Heath and had turned himself into a fearsome dragon to protect the wergild he had stolen. He spent every day and night in his lair, with his body draped over Andvari's treasure hoard.

Chapter 3
Sigurd's uncle reveals hisfate to him. Regi,n recasts Sigmund's sword, Gram, for Sigurd. With it, Sigurd kills Fafnir and then Regi,n. After taking Andvari's trea­ sure hoard, Sigurd sets out to rescue Brunhild, the sleeping Valkyrie.

"Not long thereafter, " Regin explained, "the king brought your mother to Denmark. I had bright hopes for my future, for I knew that the child she was carrying within her was a Volsung. I knew it was just a matter of time until I could avenge the death of my father and reclaim the treasure that is lawfully min'e. "I saw to it that your training would be in my hands. I have carefully reared

you to reach this day. You have the courage, the strength, and the skill to kill Fafnir. All you need is the desire to help me. May Icount on your help?"

Sigurd replied, "My heart is filled with sorrow to hear of your father's and your brother 's greed. Surely, Andvari's curse is the bane of your family. Nevertheless, if you wish me to slay the mighty dragon who is your brother, I will do so. Fashion a sword for me that is equal to such a task. Ifany smith possesses such skill, surely it is you."

"That Iwill indeed do for you, Sigurd," said Regin. "You can put your com­ plete trust in both my intent and my skill. For with that sword, Sigurd the Volsung will become known among all who walk the earth as Sigurd, Fafnir's Bane!"

Sigurd then decided to visit his mother's brother, who understood the lore of the dread Norns and could reveal the destinies of mortal folk. At first his uncle sat in silence. Then he said, "My nephew, it fills my heart with grief to speak of what those who rule men's fate have woven for you, for you are very dear to me.

"The fabric upon the loom of your life is a rich tapestry indeed, with intri­ cate designs woven throughout in silver and gold thread. Truly, your life shines with the brilliance of the noonday sun! The patterns reveal that you will earn

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 487

everlasting fame by slaying the fearsome Fafnir. You will also kill Regin, the tutor whom you trust, and win the treasure hoard.

"However," Sigurd's uncle added, "Andvari's treasure carries with it the curse of death and destruction to those who possess any part of it. This curse will destro.y your love for Brunhild, the Valkyrie. Brunhild's vengeance will set your dearest friends against you, and you will be treacherously slain. You will leave behind a loving widow, who will avenge your death.

"Although you will die young, death is the common lot of all mortal folk," he concluded. "Always remember that it is the deeds you do while the wind of life blows within you that will bring you glory, honor, and lasting fame. You will be the most valiant of heroes: kind, courageous, fair, and skillful. A more noble man will never live beneath the sun!"

As he had promised, Regin fashioned a special sword for Sigurd. When Sigurd took the sword in his hand and struck the anvil with its blade, the blade broke into pieces. "You will have to make a better sword than this, Regin!" Sigurd exclaimed.

So the smith constructed a second sword for Sigurd. Once again, when Sigurd took the sword in his hand and struck the anvil with its blade, the blade broke into pieces. "Can you fashion no better sword than this, Regin?" Sigurd asked. "Or does treachery lurk in your heart as it did in the heart of your father and Fafnir? Do you intend Fafnir to kill me after I have killed him?"

Sigurd then approached his mother and said, "I have heard that my father asked you to save the pieces of his sword for me. If that is true, I wish to have them cast into a new sword. I intend to earn fame for myself by doing great deeds in the world!"

Sigurd's mother replied, "Ir is indeed true. As he lay dying, your father said to me, 'Carefully keep the pieces of my broken sword for our male child who is about to be born. They can be recast into a great sword called Gram. With it, our son will accomplish the deeds that will make his name live as long as there are bards on earth to tell the tale!'"

Regin was angry that Sigurd would nor let him pursue his own craft in his own way. However, the master smith obeyed Sigurd's instructions and recast Sigmund the Volsung's sword. As Regin withdrew the finished blade from the fiery forge, blue flames burned all along its edges. "Here," he said to Sigurd. "Try this! Ifyou are nor satisfied I can do nothing more for you, even with all my tal­ ent."

Eagerly Sigurd grasped the sword that had been his father's. Raising it aloft, he swiftly brought it down on the anvil, as he had the other two swords. This rime, however, the blade remained in one piece. In fact, it sliced straight through the anvil, dividing it in two down to its base.

"I think this sword will do," Sigurd said, "but I must put Gram to a more dif­ ficult test. Come with me."

Sigurd went down to the river, where he took a piece of wool and tossed it upstream. As it floated by him, he struck the wool with his sword, slicing it apart as he had split the anvil. "You have indeed served me well, Regin!" Sigurd exclaimed. "Gram will surely defend me against Fafnir!"

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Sigurd and Regin set forth to find the mighty dragon . On the Gnita Heath they found the path that Fafnir traveled each day when he left his cave to quench his thirst . The path ended abruptly at the edge of a cliff, and they found them­ selves staring down at water splashing 180 feet below them.

"If your brother lies upon this path and drinks the water we see below us, then he has transformed himself into the largest dragon that has ever lived upon the earth!" Sigurd exclaimed.

"Fafnir's size should be of little matter to you, Sigurd!" Regin replied. "All you need to do is dig a hole where this path is. Make it deep enough for you to sit in it. Then, when Fafnir comes down the path toward the water, take your sword and thrust it up into his chest until it pierces his heart. What an easy way to earn glory, honor, and lasting fame! Fafnir's fiery breath will not scorch you with its venom. His spiked tail will not lacerate you. His scaly body will not foil Gram's search for blood. Intent on quenching his thirst, Fafnir will have no thought of the peril that awaits him as he glides forth on his vulnerable belly."

"That is all well and good," Sigurd replied. "Bue what if I should drown in the flood of Fafnir's blood? "

"You are hopeless, Sigurd!" Regin exclaimed. "No matter how well I advise you, your heart still overflows with fear! When your father died, he took the last of the Volsung courage with him! You will never be half the hero Sigmund was, for your heart is soft and weak! Ifyou can find a better way to kill Fafnir, do it. I will be satisfied as long as you slay him!" With these words, Regin cloaked his own terror and rode off, leaving Sigurd alone upon the heath.

Sigurd set about digging the pit as Regin had advised. While he was working, he suddenly felt as if someone were studying him. He looked up to find standing above him an old, long-bearded man. He wore a blue cloak and a broad-brimmed hat that overshadowed his forehead, and he had only one eye.

"Sigurd, son of Volsung, why are you digging such a pit?" the old man asked. "Whoever gave you that treacherous counsel intends to destroy you! You are dig­ ging your own grave, for the flood of dragon's blood will drown you in this hole. It would be far better to dig many pits leading off from this one. Then, while you sit here and let Gram pierce the dragon's heart, Fafnir's blood will drain off into the other pits." The old man abruptly vanished, and Sigurd realized that it was Odin, the All-Father, who had counseled him.

When the tremendous dragon next slithered down the path toward the water, Sigurd was prepared with a network of pits and his trusted sword, Gram. Yet the young hero was unprepared for the terror that faced him. The weight of the monster caused the earth to rumble and shake as he moved along the path. The rhythmic explosions of his fiery venom caused the cliffs to echo with a pro­ gressively louder thunder as he approached Sigurd.

But Sigurd courageously remained hidden in his pit. Soon the body of the monster covered the pit like a slab, extinguishing all light. Sigurd plunged Gram up to the hilt into the dragon's vulnerable, exposed chest. Although he quickly withdrew his sword, the blood from Fafnir's gaping wound enveloped him. Fortunately, the side passages drained off the excess blood so that Sigurd did not drown as Regin had hoped.

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 489

Fafnir bellowed like an enraged bull as excruciating pain engulfed him. Frantically, he lashed out with his head and his tail, hoping to destroy his invisible enemy. Finally, as he lay dying, his eyes spied Sigurd, who was watching him from a safe distance.

"Who are you that you dared to match your sword against my might?" he asked Sigurd. "Surely my brother, Regin, must have challenged you to perform this deed. For I have terrified all who live in northern lands with my monstrous form and my poisonous breath, and folk for miles around live in dread of arous­ ing my anger. I am comforted by the thought that he who led you to kill me also plans to kill you!"

"I am Sigurd, son of Sigmund the Volsung," Sigurd replied. "My courageous heart, my strength, and my sharp sword enabled me to bring your death upon you, and if Regin has cause to fear them, let him beware!"

"Litcle good your heart and your sword will be to you, Sigurd , son of Sigmund the Volsung, if you take my treasure," Fafnir replied. "The gold has been cursed by the dwarf Andvari. My beautiful gold ring and all the treasure in my cave are destined to be the bane of every being who possesses them! Death and destruction follow the gold as surely as night follows day, and no one who owns it will remain untou ched by its curse. Only when the ring and the gold have returned to the deep waters will the bane end. So beware, lest my bane become yours as well!"

Sigurd replied, "I would fear Andvari's curse and leave your treasure if, by leaving it, I could avoid my death. However, each of us is fated to die sooner or later, so to live in fear of death serves no purpose. It is far better to perform coura­ geous deeds and win treasure, glory, honor, and fame. If, like you, each of us can keep our treasure until the day of our death, we are indeed fortunate!"

When it was apparent that Fafnir was dead, Regin approached Sigurd. "Hail to you, Sigurd, son of Sigmund the Volsun g and Fafnir's Bane!" he cried. "You have shown the greatest courage to face Fafnir and kill him. The fame this deed has brought you will endure as long as bards live upon the earth to sing of it!"

"The deed will surely bring you no fame," Sigurd replied, "for you left me alone to fight this mightiest of dragons!"

"Do not forget that I am the one who forged your sharp-edged sword!" Regin exclaimed. "Without it you would not have dared to attack Fafnir, because he surely would have destroyed you!"

"You are wrong, Regin," Sigurd replied. "What deed can a man perform ,

even with the greatest weapon, if he lacks the heart ro do it? A brave man will win because he fights valiantly even if his sword is dull-bladed."

As Sigurd began to cut the dragon's heart out of his body, Regin said, "I have one small request to ask of you, Sigurd. Roast Fafnir's heart upon the fire, and let me eat it. I would like that token of my brother. "

Sigurd obediently took the heart to the fire and roasted it upon a wooden spit. When he burned his finger on the bloody juices dripping from it, he put that finger into his mouth . To his amazement, as soon as the heart's blood entered his mouth, Sigurd could understand the language of the birds who sat watching him.

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"There sits Sigurd," said one of the birds, "almost completely covered in Fafnir's blood. He cannot see that a linden leaf has stuck to his back between his shoulder blades and is pressed there by the dragon's caked blood."

"Sigurd does not realize that the dragon's blood possesses such protective powers that from this time forth, wherever Fafnir's blood has touched him no weapon of any kind will be able to harm him," added a second bird.

"If Sigurd could understand our words, he would protect his one vulnerable spot," said another bird. "For he can be wounded only where the linden leaf has prevented Fafnir's hot blood from touching his skin."

A fourth bird announced, "Sigurd foolishly is roasting Fafnir's shining heart for Regin. Sigurd should eat that heart himself, for then he, not Regin, would become the wisest of all men!"

"Regin is thinking about the best way to betray Sigurd," the second bird said. "He longs to avenge Fafnir's death. He will try to trick Sigurd with crooked words. Sigurd is foolish to trust him!"

"Sigurd should slice Regin's head from his neck. Then he would have all of Fafnir's treasure for himself]" added the third bird.

"Before Regin beats Sigurd to the deed!" the fourth bird exclaimed. ''As the saying goes: 'Where wolf's ears are seen, wolf's teeth are close at hand!' If Sigurd is wise, he will rake care of himself. He will ride to Fafnir's den, collect Andvari's hoard, then ride to Hindfell, where Brunhild sleeps. That is the road to wisdom!"

"Sigurd certainly has nothing to lose!" exclaimed the first bird. "He has killed one brother already. Thar is reason enough for the remaining brother to kill him." "The birds are right!" Sigurd thought to himself "Certainly, Regin will soon

become my bane. If he shares Fafnir's destiny now, I will not have to fear him."

Sigurd approached the unsuspecting Regin, quickly drew Gram from its sheath, and sliced off Regin's head. He drank both Regin's and Fafnir's blood. Then he ate most of Fafnir's heart and saved the rest.

The birds chattered in a chorus: "Place Andvari's ring on your finger, Sigurd. You have little to fear. Then ride to Hindfell, where the Valkyrie Brunhild sleeps. High is the shield-hall that stands upon Hindfell, gleaming with gold within a ring of flames. The most beautiful of all maidens lies surrounded by gold, while red flame-shadows dance upon her. Long has the shield-maiden of Odin slept, put to sleep by the All-Father for disobedience in battle. She had pity in her heart and let the wrong warrior live, despite the dread Norns' decree. The sleep-thorn protects her until you come to win her! Place Andvari's ring on your finger, Sigurd. You have little to fear."

Once again, Sigurd obeyed the counsel of the birds. He mounted Grani and rode to Fafnir's den. There he found treasure beyond dreaming. He found Andvari's ring in a special place and slid it on his finger. He placed Hreidmar's Helmet of Terror on his head. Then he put the remaining treasure into two great chests and loaded them upon Grani's back. He planned to walk beside Grani to spare the horse his additional weight, but Grani refused to move. So Sigurd climbed onto his back. As soou as Grani felt the familiar weight of his master, he took off at a gallop as if he were carrying nothing but the wind.

S i g u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 491

Chapter 4
Sigu.rd awakens Brunhild andfalls in /,ove with her.

As Sigurd rode in search of Brunhild , his fame spread across the northern lands with the speed of the winter wind. Sigurd towered above other men in strength. He carried himself with such confidence that his extraordinary skill in handling the sword, casting the spear, bending the bow, and shooting an arrow were evident to all who gazed upon him. He carried a shield of blazing gold with the image of a red and brown dragon upon it. His suit of armor and his weapons were all of gold, and a similar dragon image decorated his helmet, his saddle, and his armor. Clearly, this was the man who had slain the fearsome dragon Fafnir.

Moreover, Sigurd possessed wisdom beyond that of ordinary humans. Since he could understand the language of birds, few events took him by surprise. He spoke with such eloquence and conviction that he could persuade anyone to his point of view.

He took great pleasure in pursuing challenging adventures, yet he also loved to help the common folk. He was known to take wealth from his enemies and give it to his friends. He was as courteous as he was strong. His courage never failed him, and he was afraid of nothing.

Sigurd rode far to the south, into the land of the Franks. Suddenly he saw before him a great light shining forth from the top of a hill. As he drew nearer, he could see that the source of the glow was a huge fire, whose flames soared toward the heavens. Within the ring of fire was a castle hung round about with shields. A banner floated above the topmost roo£

Knowing no fear, Sigurd rode Grani through the blazing ring of flame. The shield-hall was completely deserted except for a lone figure encased in a golden helmet and golden armor. The person appeared to be dead.

Sigurd removed the helmet. To his amazement, he discovered a maiden beneath the war gear. Her face blushed with the vigor of life, and Sigurd decided to awaken her. He moved her gently, but she remained fast asleep. He then noticed a thorn stuck into the back of her hand, and he removed it.

The maiden's eyes opened. She looked appraisingly at Sigurd, undaunted by the Helmet of Terror on his head. The man who stood before her was fair of face and awesome in stature. His eyes were so piercing that few were comfortable meeting his gaze. A great head of golden red hair tumbled down in heavy locks, and a thick, short beard surrounded his strongly chisled, high-boned face. His shoulders were as broad as the shoulders of two men. He was so tall that he could wear his sword Gram, which was seven sword-lengths long, upon his waist.

"Who are you," she asked, "who have awakened me from my long sleep? You must be Sigurd, son of Sigmund the Volsung, because you are wearing Hreidmar's Helmet of Terror upon your head, and you are holding Fafnir 's Bane in your hand!"

"I am indeed!" Sigurd replied in surprise. "I have heard that you are the daughter of a mighty king and that you are as wise as you are beautiful. "

Brunhild replied, ''.At Odin's command, I have slept for time without mea­ sure, helpless to awaken from the prick of his sleep-thorn. I was a Valkyrie, one of

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the warrior-maidens of Odin who are destined to live forever. I would descend upon the battlefield, bring death to the warrior of Odin's choice, and return with the dead hero to Valhalla in Asgard. There the hero would j oin other heroes to wait for Ragnarok, when they will help the gods fight the Frost Giants in the great battle that will bring this world to an end.

"In my last battle, " Brunhild continued, "two great kings fought against one another. Since the old king was the greatest of warriors, Odin had commanded me to give the victory to him. I, however, decided to strike him down and let the younger king live instead. Odin's fury was implacable.

'"Because you have disobeyed my orders,' he told me, 'never again will I per­ mit you to be a Valkyrie. Instead, you must marry a mortal and live for an ordi­ nary span of years.'

"'If l must marry,' I replied, 'I promise you that I will marry only a man who

never lets fear enter his heart!'

'"Iwill agree to that ,' Odin replied. 'In your shield-hall on Hindfell, Iwill prick you with the sleep-thorn, and you will fall into a long, deep sleep. A ring of flames will rage around the walls of your castle to protect you.'

"He added, 'You will sleep undisturbed until the great hero Sigurd, son of Sigmund the Volsung, rescues you. Only he among mortals has the great courage you desire. He will ride through your blazing fire on his horse, Grani, who is kin to my own Steipnir. He will be carrying Andvari's hoard, for Sigurd, alone of all the men who walk the earth, will have had the heart to slay the fearsome dragon Fafnir and his brother Regin, the master smith.'

"An d what Odin revealed to me has, indeed, come to pass," Brunhild con­ cluded. "I have slept until this moment when you awakened me!"

"What knowledge can you teach me?" Sigurd asked. "You have a wisdom that belongs to the gods!"

"Let us drink together, " said Brunhild , "and into your ale I will mix knowl­ edge about life. Iwill give you knowledge of war to cut upon your sword, knowl­ edge of the sea to cut upon the stern of your ship, knowledge of healing for the wounds of war, and knowledge of helping the simple, good folk.

"I advise you to speak carefully, and always keep your word. Be kind to your family and friends, even when they injure you, so as to win lasting praise. Beware of the presence of evil around you, and remove yourself from it lest it harm you. Be alert to the schemes of your friends so that you will know if one of your wife's relatives hates you and plans to take vengeance upon you. No matter how young he is, never trust the close relative of one you have killed, for even the wolf cub is a wolf.

"May you prosper with this knowledge until the gods bring an end to your days," Brunhild concluded. "May my wisdom bring you success and fame. And may you remember in the future what we have talked about here."

Sigurd embraced and kissed Brunhild. "You are the most beautiful maiden who has ever lived, and surely you are the wisest of all women!" he exclaimed. "I swear that I will have you as my own wife, for Ihold you very dear to my heart." "Then Sigurd, son of Sigmund the Volsung, I choose you above all other

mortals!" Brunhild exclaimed. "You will be mine as I will be yours!"

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 493

As a token of his love, Sigurd gave to Brunhild Andvari's gold ring. "I will hold your love in my heart for as long as I live," he promised.

Brunhild looked at the ring that Sigurd had placed on her finger and replied, "We are not destined to live together, Sigurd. I am a shield-maiden. I wear a hel­ met as kings do in time of war, and I fight in battle. While I am enjoying the bat­ tlefield, you will marry Gudrun , the daughter of King Giuki."

"You cannot believe that I will be tempted by some king's daughter!" Sigurd exclaimed. "You alone have my heart, and I swear by the gods that I will have you as my wife or have no wife at all!"

Thus Sigurd and Brunhild pledged to love one another faithfully, and then Sigurd went on his way.

Chapter 5
Sigurd forgets Brunhild and marries Gudrun. Then he helps Gunnar win Brunhild as his bride. Gudrun revea/,s the truth to Brunhild.
After a journey of many days, Sigurd came to the palace of King Giuki, who ruled a kingdom south of the Rhine River. In addition to their beautiful daughter, Gudrun , King Giuki and his fierce-hearted wife, Queen Grimhild, had three sons: Gunnar, Hogni, and young Guttorm. All of their children were extraordi­ nary in both goodness and skill, and the two older sons had earned fame through deeds of war.

When one of the nobles saw Sigurd in their town, he immediately went before King Giuki and said, "I have seen a man, who in form is like a god, riding into our town. Not only does he far surpass any man I have ever seen, but he is wearing gold armor, carrying golden weapons, and riding a horse that is far greater than any other animal of its kind."

King Guiki left the palace to welcome Sigurd and invite him to stay with them. Before long, the King treated Sigurd like his own son, Gunnar and Hogni treated him like the best of brothers, and Queen Grimhild decided that he would be the perfect husband for Gudrun . In addition to being impressed with his great wealth, King Guiki's family loved Sigurd because he was such a good human being. He was kind, loving, loyal, and generous.

Sigurd often spoke of his love for Brunhild . So Grimhild decided that the only way to win Sigurd for her daughter was to make him forget Brunhild. She accomplished this by giving Sigurd a drugged drink. As he drank it, she said, "Consider us to be your family, Sigurd. Giuki, Gunnar, Hogni, and I will now swear that we are father, brothers, and mother to you." The potion caused Sigurd to forget Brunhild entirely.

Sigurd had spent five seasons with the family when Queen Grimhild said to her husband, "Sigurd has the greatest of all heam. Moreover, he is trustworthy and helpful. His strength makes our kingdom more powerful. Therefore, give him our daughter in marriage with wealth to spare and the right to rule what he chooses. Then he should be content to live with us forever. "

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Giuki replied, "Usually a king does not have to offer his daughter in mar­ riage. Suitors apply to him for her hand. Yet I would rather offer her to Sigurd than accept the suit of any other noble."

So it came to pass that Sigurd was offered both power and the beautiful and good Princess Gudrun. He accepted with great pleasure . The older members of the family again swore oaths of brotherhood, and the royal wedding was a time of special joy for all.

With King Giuki's sons, Sigurd pursued the arts of war, returning home vic­ torious and bearing great treasure in addition to glory, honor, and fame. He gave the part of Fafnir's heart that he had saved to Gudrun to eat, and she became even more wise and kind.

Now that her daughter was happily settled in marriage, Queen Grimhild turned her thoughts to her son Gunnar. "Surely Brunhild is the best choice for you,'' she told him. "I suggest that you set out to win her, and rake Sigurd with you." Gunnar knew of Brunhild 's beauty and fame, so he immediately agreed.

In high spirits, Gunnar, Hogni, and Sigurd approached Brunhild 's father. When Gunnar asked for her hand in marriage, her father replied, "Brunhild will wed only the man whom she freely chooses. In order to win her, you must go to her castle high on Hindfell and ride through the wall of roaring flames around her golden shield-hall."

When the brothers arrived at the castle, Gunnar could nor make his horse ride into the flames. No matter how he spurred and struck him, the horse would rear in terror and withdraw. So, Gunnar said to Sigurd, "My horse will never carry me through the fire. Will you lend me Grani?"

Sigurd did so willingly, but Grani would not rake one step with Gunnar on his back. "Grani will carry no one but you!" Gunnar exclaimed. "Let us practice the arr of shape-changing that my mother has taught us. Make yourself look just like me, and in my name ride Grani through the flames and win Brunhild for me. Meanwhile, I will remain here, looking just like you."

Having no memory of Brunhild and their love, Sigurd agreed to the adven­ ture. He assumed Gunnar's shape, climbed upon Grani, took his sword in his hand, and spurred Grani into the heart of the raging flames. As Grani passed through the fire, the flames roared with an even greater fury arid stretched their fiery fingers to the heavens above them, while the earth shook beneath the horse's feet. Nonetheless , Grani carried Sigurd safely through the blaze.

When Sigurd dismounted and entered Brunhild's palace, the warrior-maiden was sitting in the great hall with a helmet upon her head, armor encasing her body, and a sword in her hand. She looked at him and asked, "Who are you?"

"I am Gunnar, son of Giuki," Sigurd replied, "and I have come to claim you as my wife. For I have spoken with your father and have ridden through the flames that surround your hall."

"Do not speak to me of marriage, Gunnar," Brunhild replied, "unless you are the best of all men who walk upon the earth. You will have to combat all who would be suitors of mine, and I am reluctant to give up the life of a warrior, which I so enjoy."

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 495

"That may well be so," Sigurd as Gunnar replied, "but you swore a sacred oath that you would marry the man who rode through the ring of flames around your hall, and I have done so."

Brunhild then accepted the man she thought was Gunnar, and they exchanged rings as a sign of their love. Brunhild gave Andvari's ring to Sigurd, and Sigurd gave her a ring of Gunnar's to wear in its place.

Sigurd spent the next three nights with Brunhild . Since he was wooing her for Gunnar, Sigurd neither kissed Brunhild nor embraced her. Although they shared the same bed, each night Sigurd placed his sword between them. He told Brunhild that he could marry in no other way, and she did not question him.

Upon leaving Brunhild's castle, Sigurd had to spur Grani through the wall of flames once again. Then he and Gunnar exchanged shapes and rode to tell Brunhild's family of the news.

Later Brunhild visited her brother-in-law and said, "A king who claimed to be named Gunnar rode through the flames that surround my hall on Hindfell. I have promised to wed the man who possesses Andvari's hoard and who will ride Grani through the ring of flames that surround my shield-hall. But I know that only Sigurd could do this, for only he, of all the men who walk the earth, has the courage in his heart to have slain the fearsome dragon Fafnir."

Brunhild continued, "It is Sigurd whom I love, and Sigurd whom I pledged to marry. Now, what do I do about Gunnar? Rather than marry him, I would far pre­ fer to remain chief over one-third of your army and to spend my time defending your kingdom."

Brunhild's brother-in-law replied, "You must marry Gunnar, for you cannot prove that he did not ride through those flames. Besides, Sigurd has married Gudrun, Gunnar's sister. What is past is dead; you cannot revive it. Only the pre­ sent and the future are important. Ifyou wish to keep my friendship and avoid my anger, you will forget Sigurd and marry Gunnar!"

So it came to pass that a second great wedding feast was held in the hall of King Giuki, to honor the marriage of Brunhild and Gunnar. The new couple appeared to be very happy. As the celebration ended, Sigurd's memory returned to him. Although he remembered the promises he had made to Brunhild, he never revealed by look, word, or deed that he had ever seen her before. He loved Gudrun and Gunnar, and above all he wanted peace among the members of his adopted family.

All was well until one day when Brunhild and Gudrun went to the Rhine River to bathe. Brunhild immediately walked into the river upstream of Gudrun. "I deserve the fresh water for rinsing my hair because my father is greater than yours, and my husband is more valiant than yours," she said. "Gunnar is known for his many famous deeds, not the least of which was riding through the wall of flames around my castle in order to win my love. Your husband's deeds are cer­ tainly no match for that!"

Gudrun waded upstream past Brunhild and angrily replied, "I suggest that you remain silent instead of criticizing my husband. In fact, it is my right to wash my hair upstream of you. You are foolish to demean your first love; all who have tongues to speak acclaim Sigurd as the most courageous man the world has ever

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known. It was Sigurd who killed Fafnir and Regin. Those valiant deeds gave him rhe right to Andvari's hoard of treasure."

Brunhild replied, "Well, it was Gunnar, not Sigurd, who rode through the raging fire that surrounds my shield-hall, and that took far more courage than the slaying of Fafnir!"

Gudrun laughed and said, "Brunhild , do you really think it was my brother who rode through those flames? Only Sigurd could have done that! He wooed you in Gunnar's name and shape, because Gunnar could not do it himselfl You gave Andvari's ring to the man who shared your bed, and he gave it to me. Ifyou do not believe me, just look at my hand, for Iam wearing the ring that my hus­ band originally gave to you!"

Brunhild recognized the ring immediately and became as pale as a corpse.

She returned to the palace in silence and remained silent all evening.

Gudrun later asked Sigurd, "Why is Brunhild so silent? Is she not happy being famous, wealthy, and married to the man of her choice? I think I will ask her about it tomorrow!"

"Do no such thing, Gudrun," Sigurd replied , "for you will be very sorry if you do."

But Gudrun could not let the matter rest. The next day she said, "What is the matter, Brunhild? Did our conversation yesterday bother you, or is something else the matter?"

"You must have a cruel heart to return to that subject," Brunhild replied. "Do not pry into matters that are not good for you to know."

"What can you have against me?" Gudrun asked. "I have done nothing to hurt you!"

"I will not forgive you for having Sigurd, when he belonged to me! Gunnar may be wealthy and strong, but Sigurd killed the fearsome dragon Fafnir, and that is a greater deed than all of Gunnar's deeds. And Sigurd, not Gunnar, rode through the ring of flames that surround my shield-hall."

Brunhild added, "Your mother is to blame for this entire matter! Sigurd for­ got me because she gave him a drugged drink."

"That is a lie!" Gudrun exclaimed angrily.

"Enjoy your husband, Gudrun, knowing that he would not be yours but for the craft of your mother! I wish you only trouble!"

That night as Gunnar lay asleep, Brunhild left the palace. Over the snow­ capped mountains and rhe ice fields she wandered, letting evil rhoughts inflame her heart. "Sigurd lies in bed embracing Gudrun, his queen, while I must live wirhout his love and wirhout his treasure," she said to herself "My only joy will be in revenge!"

Chapter 6

Brunhi/,d persuades Gunnar to slay Sigurd. He arranges for Guttorm toperform the deed. Gudrun becomes an unwitting accomplice to the treachery.

When Brunhild returned to the palace, she retired to her room and lay there as if she were close to death. Gunnar was concerned about her health and pressed

S ig u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 497

her to tell him what was wrong. At first Brunhild remained silent. Finally she asked, "Gunnar, what did you do with that ring I gave you? I promised to wed the man who possessed Fafnir's hoard and who rode the horse Grani through my flaming ring of fire. That man could only have been Sigurd, for he alone, of all the men who walk the earth, has the courage in his heart to have slain the fearsome dragon Fafnir.

"You, Gunnar," she added, "have performed no great deeds in your life. What mighty treasure have you won? You may be a king, but you are not a noble leader. You have the courage of a dead man! I promised to marry the most noble man alive, and when I married you I broke that oath. Because Sigurd is not mine, I will cause your death. And I will reward Grimhild's treachery with the most evil of gifts, for never has a woman lived who is more vile than your mother!"

Gunnar quietly replied, "You are an evil woman who speaks with a poisoned tongue. You are criticizing a woman who is far superior to you. She has not spent her life killing folk, but has earned the praise of all."

"I have never performed evil deeds in secret, as your mother has," Brunhild replied. "However, my heart overflows with the wish to kill you! Never again will you find me in your hall happy to be your wife. Never again will you see me play­ ing chess or plying my gold embroidery, drinking among friends, speaking kind words, or giving you good advice. My heart is filled with sorrow that Sigurd is not mine, and never again will there be love in my heart for you!"

Brunhi ld left her bed, tore her needlework to shreds, and opened her doors and windows so her sorrowful wailing would be heard far and wide. For seven days and seven nights she remained alone in her room, refusing food and drink and all offers of companionship. One by one Gunnar, Hogni, and the servants tried to reach her heart, but Brunhild's sorrow and anger were implacable.

Finally Sigurd said to Gudrun, "I fear that evil winds are blowing upon us. As Brunhild remains aloof in her room , in her heart she is plotting dreadful deeds against me!"

"Then please go talk with her!" Gudrun replied, weeping. "Offer her gold.

Surely treasure will calm her grief and soothe her anger!"

Sigurd went to Brunhild's room, threw off her bed coverings, and exclaimed, "Awaken, Brunhild! You have slept long enough! The sun is shining, so let happy thoughts push grief from your heart."

"How dare you come before me!" Brunhild replied. "Of all who live upon the earth, I hate you the most, for you have been the most unjust to me."

"What evil spirit possesses you that you blame me for treating you cruelly? I have never had an unkind thought about you. You freely chose the husband that you have!"

"No, Sigurd!" said Brunhild . "I did not choose to wed Gunnar. He did not ride through my ring of flames; you did! I thought I recognized your eyes when I saw Gunnar standing before me in my hall. The Norns blinded me to what was good and what was evil, and so I accepted Gunnar in spite of my doubts. My heart has never loved him, although I have done my best to hide my true feelings. It was you who killed the fearsome dragon Fafnir and rode through the blazing fire for my sake, not Gunnar!"

498 N o r t h e r n E u r o p e

"Brunhild, it is rue that I am not your husband; yet you are wed to a famous man. Gunnar is the noblest of men! He has killed great kings. And he loves you with all his heart. You cannot buy such love with a hoard of treasure. How is it that you cannot love him? Why are you so angry?"

"My heart sorrows that a sword is not yet smeared with your blood!" she replied.

"I fear you do not have long to wait," Sigurd said. "We two are destined to

enjoy only a few more days upon the earth."

"It is all the same to me," said Brunhild. "Since you betrayed me, I do not care whether I live or die!"

"I urge you to live, and to love both Gunnar and me!" Sigurd exclaimed. "I

will give you all my treasure if you will but live!"

"You do not understand the feelings in my heart," Brunhild replied. "You, not Gunnar, are the best of all men, and you are the only man I have ever loved!" "I loved you better than I loved myself, " Sigurd replied, "and I love you still.

However, I became the victim of Queen Grimhild's treachery and lost you. It was not until after Gunnar married you that my memory of you returned , and then my love for you returned as well. My heart sorrowed that you were not my wife, but I made the best of it. After all, I lived in a royal household with a loving wife, and we were all together."

"I have no pity for you, Sigurd! Your tale of love for me and sorrow over our plight comes too late to warm my heart. I swore an oath that I would marry the man who rode though my ring of flames; if I cannot keep that sacred oath, I choose to die!"

"l cannot stand the thought of your death!" Sigurd exclaimed. "Ifit comes to that, I will leave Gudrun and marry you!"

"No, Sigurd, it is too late. I will not have you or any other man! Without you, power and wealth mean nothing to me, life means nothing to me, and I choose to die."

With no more words to be said, Sigurd left Brunhild. His heart was so heavy with grief that it swelled with the pain and burst the iron rings on his chain-mail shirt. He did not tell Gunnar of Brunhild's anger or of his own grief.

When Gunnar next saw Brunhild, she said to him, "Sigurd betrayed both you and me by sleeping with me when, in your shape, he rode through the ring of fire to win me for you. For this offense Sigurd must die, for he committed it. Or you must die, for you permitted it. Or I will die, for the shame of it. Unless you agree to slay Sigurd, I will cause you to lose your wealth, your land, and your life. I will then return to my family and spend the rest of my days overcome with sorrow."

As Brunhild expected, Gunnar could not see beyond the tale she chose to tell him. All day long he sat with a heavy heart, pondering what he should do. His heart was torn between his love for Sigurd and the oath of friendship they had sworn and his love for his wife and the loyalty he owed her. Finally, he realized that he could not live with the shame of his wife's leaving him. "Brunhild is the best of all women," he thought. "She means more to me than anything on earth, and I would die before I would risk losing her love and her wealth."

S i g u r d t h e V o 1 s u n g 499

Gunnar called his brother Hogni to him and said, "Evil times have come upon us. We must slay Sigurd, for he has been disloyal to us. Then we will divide his rule and his treasure between us."