Lex translation of Völsunga saga, composed in Old Norse in thirteenth-century Iceland. Informed by public-domain scholarly editions. The foundational Norse epic of Sigurd the dragon-slayer — the source for the Nibelungenlied and Wagner's Ring cycle.
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About The Saga of the Volsungs
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- The tale begins with Sigi, son of Odin, who is exiled for murder but becomes a powerful king. His son Rerir avenges him and, after a long wait, he and his wife are granted a child, Volsung, through a magical apple from Odin.
- 2
- Rerir dies before his wife gives birth to Volsung after a six-year pregnancy. Volsung grows into a strong king, marries Hljod, and they have ten sons and one daughter, Signy, with Sigmund and Signy being twins and the most distinguished.
- 3
- King Siggeir of Gautland proposes to Signy, and Volsung agrees despite Signy's reluctance. During the wedding feast, a one-eyed stranger (Odin) thrusts a sword, Gram, into the tree Barnstock, which only Sigmund can draw, angering Siggeir.
Key Themes
- Fate vs. Free Will
- The saga consistently emphasizes the power of fate, with characters often foreseeing their doom or being told their destiny by Norns or seers. Despite their actions, characters like Sigurd and Brynhild seem unable to escape the tragic paths laid out for them, suggesting a predetermined course for their lives. However, their choices, particularly acts of vengeance and betrayal, also actively contribute to the unfolding tragedies, creating a tension between what is fated and what is chosen.
- Vengeance and Retribution
- Vengeance is a driving force throughout the saga, beginning with Sigi's exile and Volsung's death, and continuing through Sigmund, Sigurd, and ultimately Gudrun and her sons. Each act of violence begets another, creating an endless cycle of retribution that consumes entire families and leads to widespread destruction. The pursuit of vengeance often overrides familial bonds, oaths, and even self-preservation, highlighting its destructive and all-consuming nature.
- Betrayal and Oath-breaking
- The narrative is rife with instances of betrayal, from Siggeir's treachery against Volsung, to Regin's manipulation of Sigurd, and most significantly, Gunnar's breaking of blood-oaths to Sigurd. Brynhild's sense of betrayal by Sigurd's enchantment also fuels much of the later conflict. These acts of broken trust lead directly to the deaths of major characters and the unraveling of alliances, demonstrating the severe consequences of violating sacred bonds and promises.
Characters
- Sigurd(protagonist)
- The greatest hero of the Volsung line, son of Sigmund and Hjordis, slayer of Fafnir, and destined for glory and tragedy.
- Brynhild(protagonist)
- A valkyrie and shield-maiden, cursed by Odin to marry, who falls deeply in love with Sigurd and orchestrates his death out of grief and betrayal.
- Gudrun(protagonist)
- Daughter of Gjuki, wife of Sigurd, then Atli, and later Jonakr, who endures immense loss and enacts terrible vengeance.
- Gunnar(supporting)
- Son of Gjuki, brother of Gudrun and Hogni, who marries Brynhild through deception and is later killed by Atli.
- Hogni(supporting)
- Son of Gjuki, brother of Gudrun and Gunnar, known for his wisdom and bravery, who is killed by Atli.
- Sigmund(supporting)
- Son of Volsung, father of Sigurd and Sinfjotli, a legendary warrior who wields the sword Gram and avenges his family.
