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Fragments of the Lays of Sigurd and Brynhild.

        Sigurd then rides away from Hindarfiall, and journeys on till he comes to the habitation of Heimir, who was married to Beckhild, Brynhild's sister. Alsvid, Heimir's son, who was at play when Sigurd arrived at the mansion, received him kindly, and requested him to stay with him. Sigurd consented, and remained there a short time. Brynhild was at that time with Heimir, and was weaving within a gold border the great exploits of Sigurd.

        One day, when Sigurd was come from the forest, his hawk flew to the window at which Brynhild sat employed on weaving. Sigurd ran after it, saw the lady, and appeared struck with her handiwork and beauty. On the following day Sigurd went to her apartment, and Alsvid stood outside the door shafting arrows. Sigurd said: "Hail to thee, lady!" or "How fares it with thee?" She answered: "We are well, my kindred and friends are living, but it is uncertain what any one's lot may be till their last day." He sat down by her. Brynhild said: "This seat will be allowed to few, unless my father comes." Sigurd answered: "Now is that come to pass which thou didst promise me." She said: "Here shalt thou be welcome." She then arose, and her four maidens with her, and, approaching him with a golden cup, bade him drink. He reached towards her and took hold of her hand together with the cup, and place her by him, clasped her round the neck, kissed her, and said: "A fairer than thou was never born." She said: "it is not wise to place faith in women, for they so often break their promise." He said: "Better days will come upon us, so that we may enjoy happiness." Brynhild said: "It is not ordained that we shall live together, for I am a shield-maiden (skjaldmær)." Sigurd said: "Then will our happiness be best promoted, if we live together; for harder to endure is the pain which herein lies than from a keen weapon." Brynhild said: "I shall be called to the aid of warriors, but thou wilt espouse Gudrún, Giuki's daughter." Sigurd said: "No king's daughter shall ensnare me, therefore have not two thoughts on that subject; and I swear by the gods that I will possess thee and no other woman." She answered to the same effect. Sigurd thanked her for what she had said to him, and gave her a gold ring. He remained there a short time in great favour.

        Sigurd now rode to Heimir's dwelling with much gold, until he came to the palace of King Giuki, whose wife was named Grimhild. They had three sons, gunnar, Högni, and Guthorm. Gudrún was the name of their daughter. King Giuki entreated Sigurd to stay there, and there he remained a while. All appeared low by the side of Sigurd. One evening the sorceress Grimhild rose and presented a horn to Sigurd, saying: "Joyful for us is thy presence, and we desire that all good may befall thee. Take this horn and drink." He took it and drank, and with that drink forgot both his love and his vows to Brynhild. After that, Grimhild so fascinated him that he was induced to espouse Gudrún, and all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths. Sigurd gave Gudrún to eat of Fafnir's heart, and she became afterwards far more austere then before. Their son was named Sigmund.
        Grimhild now counseled her son Gunnar to woo Brynhild, and consulted with Sigurd, in consequence of this design. Brynhild had vowed to wed that man only who should ride over the blazing fire that was laid around her hall. They found the hall and the fire burning around it. Gunnar rode Goti, and Högni Hölknir. Gunnar turns his horse towards the fire but it shrinks back. Sigurd said "Why dost thou shrink back, Gunnar?" Gunnar answers: "My horse will not leap this fire," and prays Sigurd to lend him Grani. "He is at thy service," said Sigurd. Gunnar now rides again towards the fire, but Grani will not go over. They then changed forms. Sigurd rides, having in his hand the sword Gram, and golden spurs on his heels. Grani runs forward to the fire when he feels the spur. There was now a great noise, at it is said:

1. The fire began to rage,
and the earth to tremble,
high rose the flame
to heaven itself:
there ventured few
chiefs of people
through that fire to ride,
or to leap over.

2. Sigurd Grani
with his sword urged,
the fire was quenched
before the prince,
the flame allayed
before the glory-seeker
with the bright saddle
that Rök owned.

        Brynhild was sitting in a chair as Sigurd entered.
She asks who he is, and he calls himself Gunnar Giuki's son. "And thou art destined to be my wife with my father's consent. I have ridden through the flickering flame (vafrlogi) at they requisition." She said: "I know not well how I shall answer this." Sigurd stood erect on the floor resting on the hilt of his sword. She rose embarrassed from her seat, like a swan on the waves, having a sword in her hand, a helmet on her head, and wearing a corslet. "Gunnar," said she, "speak not so to me, unless thou art the foremost of men; and then thou must slay him who has sought me, if thou hast so much trust in thyself." Sigurd said: "Remember now thy promise, that thou wouldst go with that man who should ride through the flickering flame." she acknowledged the truth of his words, stood up, and gave him a glad welcome. He tarried there three nights, and they prepared one bed. He took the sword Gram and laid it between them. She inquired why he did so. He said that it was enjoined him so to act towards his bride on their marriage, or he would receive his death. He then took from her the ring called Andvaranaut, and gave her another that had belonged to Fafnir. After this he rode away through the same fire to his companions, when Gunnar and he again changed forms, and they then rode home.

        Brynhild related this in confidence to her foster-father Heimir, and said: "A king named Gunnar has ridden through the flickering flame, and is come to speak with me; but I told him that Sigurd alone might so do, to whom I gave my vow at Hindarfiall, and that he only was the man." Heimir said that what had happened must remain as it was. Brynhild said: "Our daughter Aslaug thou shalt rear up here with thee." Brynhild then went to her father, King Budli, and he with his daughter Brynhild went to King Giuki's palace. A great feasting was afterwards held, when Sigurd remembered all his oaths to Brynhild, and yet kept silence. Brynhild and Gunnar sat at the drinking and drank wine.

        One day Brynhild and Gudrún went to the river Rhine, and Brynhild went farther out into the water. Gudrún asked why she did so? Brynhild answered: "Why shall I go on along with thee in this more than in anything else?" "I presume that my father was more potent than thine, and my husband has performed more valorous deeds, and ridden through the blazing fire. They husband was King Hiálprek's thrall." Gudrún answered angrily: "Thou shouldst be wiser than to venture to vilify my husband, as it is the talk of all that no one like to him in every respect has ever come into the world; nor does it become thee to vilify him, as he was thy former husband, and slew Fafnir, and rode through the fire, whom though thoughtest was King Gunnar; and he lay with thee, and took from thee the ring Andvaranaut, and here mayest thou recognize it." Brynhild then looking at the ring, recognized it, and turned pale as though she were dead. Brynhild was very taciturn that evening, and Gudrún asked Sigurd why Brynhild was so taciturn. He dissuaded her much from making this inquiry, and said that at all events it would soon be known.

        On the morrow, when sitting in their apartment, Gudrún said: "Be cheerful, Brynhild! What is it that prevents thy mirth?" Brynhild answered: "Malice drives thee to this; for thou hast a cruel heart." "Judge not so," said Gudrún. Brynhild continued: "Ask about that only which is better for thee to know; that is more befitting women of high degree. It is good, too, for thee to be content, as all goes according to thy wishes." Gudrún said: "It is premature to glory in that: this forebodes something; but what instigates thee against us?" Brynhild answered: "Thou shalt be requited for having espoused Sigurd; for I grudge thee the possession of him." Gudrún said: "We knew not of your secret." Brynhild answered: "We have had no secret, though we have sworn oaths of fidelity; and thou knowest that I have been deceived, and I will avenge it." Gudrún said: "Thou art better married than thou deservest to be, and thy violence must be cooled." "Content should I be," said Brynhild, "didst thou not posses a more renowned husband than I." Gudrún answered: "Thou hast as renowned a husband; for it is doubtful which is the greater king." Brynhild said: "Sigurd overcame Fafnir, and that is worth more than all Gunnar's kingdom, as it is said:

"Sigurd the serpent slew,
and that henceforth shall be
by none forgotten,
while mankind lives:
but thy brother
neither dared
through the fire to ride,
nor over it to leap."

        Gudrún said: "Grani would not run through the fire under King Gunnar: but he (Gunnar) dared to ride." Brynhild said: "Let us not contend: I bear no good will to Grimhild." Gudrún said: "Blame her not; for she is towards thee as to her own daughter." Brynhild said: "She is the cause of all the evil which gnaws me. She presented to Sigurd the pernicious drink, so that he no more remembrest me." Gudrún said: "Many an unjust word thou utterest, and this is a great falsehood." Brynhild said: "So enjoy Sigurd as thou hast not deceived me, and may it go with thee as I imagine." Gudrún said: "Better shall I enjoy him than thou wilt wish; and no one has said he has had too much good with me at any time." Brynhild said: "Thou sayest ill and will repent of it. Let us cease from angry words, and not indulge in useless prattle. Long have I borne in silence the grief that dwells in my breast: I have also felt regard for thy brother. But let us talk of other things." Gudrún said: "Your imagination looks far forward."

        Brynhild then lay in bed, and King Gunnar came to talk with her, and begged her to rise and give vent to her sorrow; but she would not listen to him. They then brought Sigurd to visit her and learn whether her grief might not be alleviated. They called to memory their oaths, and how they had been deceived, and at length Sigurd offered to marry her and put away Gudrún; but she would not hear of it. Sigurd left the apartment, but was so greatly affected by her sorrow that the rings of his corslet burst asunder from his sides, as is said in the Sigurðarkviða:

"Out went Sigurd
from that interview
into the hall of kings,
writhing in anguish;
so that began to start
the ardent warrior's
iron-woven sark
off from his sides."

        Bynhild afterwards instigated Gunnar to murder Sigurd, saying that he had deceived them both and broken his oath. Gunnar consulted with Högni, and revealed to him this conversation. Högni earnestly strove to dissuade him from such a deed, on account of their oaths. Gunnar removed the difficulty, saying: "Let us instigate our brother Guthorm; he is young and of little judgement, and is, moreover, free of all oaths; and so avenge the mortal injury of his having seduced Brynhild." They then took a serpent and the flesh of a wolf, and had them cooked, and gave them to him to eat, and offered him gold and a large realm, to do the deed, as is said:

"The forest-fish they roasted,
and the wolf's carcase took,
while some to Guthorm
dealt out gold;
gave him Geri's flesh
with his drink,
and many other things
steeped therein."

        With this food he became so furious, that he would instantly perpetrate the deed. On this it is related as in the Sigurðarkviða, when Gunnar and Brynhild conversed together.

SigurÞarkviða Fafnisbana Þriðja

The Third Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide.

1. It was of old that Sigurd,
the young Völsung,
Giuki sought,
after his conflict,
received the pledge of friendship
from the two brothers;
oaths exchanged
the bold of deed.

2. A maid they offered him,
and treasures many,
Gudrún, Giuki´s
youthful daughter.
Drank and conversed,
many days together,
Sigurd the young
and Giuki´s sons.

3. Until they went
to woo Brynhild,
and with them Sigurd,
the youthful Völsung,
rode in company,
who knew the way.
He would have possessed her,
if her possess he might.

4. Sigurd the southern
laid a naked sword,
a glittering falchion,
between them;
nor the damsel
did he kiss,
nor did the Hunnish king
to his arm lift her.
He the blooming maid
to Giuki´s son delivered.

5. She to herself a body
was of no sin conscious,
nor at her death-day,
of any crime,
that could be a stain,
or thought to be:
intervened therein
the grisly fates.

6. Alone she sat without,
at eve of day,
began aloud
with herself to speak:
"Sigurd must be mine;
I must die,
or that blooming youth
clasp in my arms."

7. "Of the words I have uttered
I now repent;
he is Gudrún's consort,
and I am Gunnar's.
The hateful Norns
long suffering have decreed us."

8. Oftentimes she wandered,
filled with evil thoughts,
o'er ice and icebergs,
every eve,
when he and Gudrún
had to their couch withdrawn
and Sigurd her
in the coverings wrapt,
the Hunnish king
his wife caressed.

9. "Devoid I go
of spouse and pleasure;
I will beguile myself
with vengeful thoughts."

10. By those fits of fury
she was impelled to murder.
"Thou, Gunnar! shalt
wholly lose
my land,
and myself also.
Never shall I be happy,
king! with thee.

11. I will return
thither from whence I came,
to my near kindred,
my relations;
there will I remain,
and slumber life away,
cause to be slain,
and a king become
than the other greater.

12. Let the son go
together with the father,
the young wolf may not
longer be fostered.
For whom will vengeance
be the easier
to appease,
if the son lives?"

13. Wroth was Gunnar,
and with grief borne down;
in his mind revolved,
sat the whole day;
he knew not well,
nor could devise,
what were most desirable
for him to do,
or were most fitting
to be done,
when he should find himself
of the Völsung bereft,
and in Sigurd
a great loss sustain.

14. Much he thought,
and also long,
that it did not
often happen,
that from their royal state
women withdrew.
Högni he then
to counsel summoned,
in whom he placed
the fullest trust.

15. "Of all to me Brynhild,
Budli's daughter
is the dearest;
she is the chief of women:
rather will I
my life lay down
than that fair one's
treasures lose.

16. "With thou the prince
for his wealth circumvent?
good 'tis to command
the ore of Rhine,
and at ease
over riches rule,
and in tranquillity
happiness enjoy."

17. This alone Högni
for answer gave:
"It beseems us not
so to do,
by the sword to break
sworn oaths,
oaths sworn,
and plighted faith.

18. "We know not on earth
men more fortunate,
while we four
over the people rule,
and the Hun lives,
that warlike chief;
nor on earth,
a race more excellent,
if we five sons
long shall foster,
and the good progeny
can increase."

19. I know full well
whence the causes spring:
Brynhild's importunity
is over-great.

20. We will Guthorm,
our younger brother,
and not over-wise,
for the deed prepare:
he is free from
sworn oaths,
sworn oaths,
and plighted faith."

21. Easy it was to instigate
the ferocious spirit:
in the heart of Sigurd
stood his sword.

22. On vengeance bent,
the warrior in his chamber
hurled his brand after
the fierce assassin;
to Guthorm flew
dartlike Gram's
gleaming steel
from the king's hand.

23. Fell the murderer
in two parts,
arms and head
flew far away,
but his feet's part
fell backwards on the place.

24. Sunk in sleep was Gudrún,
in her bed,
void of cares,
by Sigurd's side:
but she awoke
of joys bereft,
when in the blood
of Frey's friend she swam.

25. So violently struck she
her hands together,
that the stout of heart
rose in his bed.
"Weep not, Gudrún!
so cruelly,
my blooming bride!
thy brothers live.

26. An heir I have,
alas! too young;
he cannot flee from
the hostile house;
among themselves they
recently have
dark and evil
counsels devised.

27. Never henceforth,
although seven thou bear,
will such a son
to the trysting with them ride.
Full well I know
how this has befallen:
Brynhild the sole cause is
of all the evil.

28. Me the maiden loved
more than any man;
but towards Gunnar
I sinned not;
affinity I held sacred,
and sworn oaths;
thenceforward I was called
his consort's friend."

29. The woman gave forth sighs,
and the king his life.
So violently she struck
her hands together,
that the beakers on the wall
responsive rang,
and in the court
the geese loudly screamed.

30. Laughed then Brynhild,
Budli's daughter,
once only,
from her whole soul,
when in her bed
she listened to
the loud lament
of Giuki's daughter.

31. Then said Gunnar,
the hawk-bearing prince:
"Laugh not thereat,
thou barbarous woman!
glad on thy couch,
as if good awaited thee.
Why hast thou lost
that beauteous colour?
authoress of crime!
Methinks to death thou art doomed.

32. Well doest thou deserve,
above all women,
that before thy eyes,
we should lay Atli low,
that thou shouldst see thy brother's
blood-streaming sore,
his gory wounds
shouldst have to bind."

33. Then said Brynhild, Budli's daughter:
"No one provokes thee, Gunnar!
complete is thy work of death.
Little does Atli
thy hatred fear;
his life will
outlast thine,
and his might
be ever greater.

34. Gunnar! I will tell thee,
though thou well knowest it,
how early ye
resolved on crimes.
I was o'er-young
and unrestrained,
with wealth endowed,
in my brother's house.

35. Nor did I desire
to marry any man,
before ye Giukungs
rode to our dwelling,
three on horseback,
powerful kings:
would that journey
had never been!

36. Then myself I promised
to the great king,
who with gold sat
on Grani's back.
In eyes he did not
you resemble,
nor was at all
in aspect like:
yet ye thought yourselves
mighty kings.

37. And to me apart
Atli said,
that he would not have
our heritage divided,
nor gold nor lands,
unless I let myself be married,
nor grant me any part
of the acquired gold,
which he to me a girl
had given to possess,
and to me a child
in money counted.

38. Then distracted was
my mind thereon,
whether I should engage in conflict,
and death dispense,
valiant in arms,
for my brother's quarrel.
That would then
be world-widely known,
and to many a one
bring heartfelt anguish.

39. Our reconciliation
we let follow:
to me it had been more pleasing
the treasures to accept,
the red-gold rings
of Sigmund's son:
nor did I another's
gold desire;
him alone I loved,
none other.
Menskögul had not
a changing mind.

40. All this will Atli
hereafter find,
when he shall hear of
my funeral rites completed;
for never shall
the heavy-hearted woman
with another's husband
pass her life.
Then will my wrongs
be all avenged."

41. Up rose Gunnar,
prince of warriors,
and round his consort's neck
laid his hands;
all drew nigh,
yet each one singly,
through honest feeling,
to dissuade her.

42. She from her neck
those about her cast;
she let no one stay her
from her long journey.

43. He then called Högni
to consultation.
"I will that all our folk
to the hall be summoned,
thine with mine -
now 'tis most needful -
to see if we can hinder
my consort's fatal course,
till from our speech
a hindrance may come:
then let us leave
necessity to rule."

44. To him Högni
answer gave:
"Let no one hinder her
from the long journey,
whence may she never
born again return.
Unblest she came
on her mother's lap,
born in the world
for ceaseless misery,
for many a man's
heart-felt sorrow."

45. Downcast he
from the meeting turned
to where the lady
treasures distributed.
She was viewing
all she owned:
hungry female thralls
and chamber-women.
She put on her golden corslet -
no good meditated -
ere herself she pierced,
with the sword's point.

46. On the pillow she
turned to the other side,
and, wounded with the glave,
on her last counsels thought.

47. "Now let come those
who desire gold,
and aught less precious,
to receive from me.
To every one I give
a gilded necklace,
needle-work and coverlets,
splendid weeds."

48. All were silent,
thought on what to do,
and all together
answer gave:
"Too many are there dead:
we will yet live,
still be hungry hall-servants,
to do what fitting is."

49. At length after reflection,
the lady linen-clad,
young in years,
words in answer uttered:
"I desire that none,
dead to entreaty, should
by force, for our sake,
lose their life.

50. Yet o'er your bones
will burn
fewer ornaments,
Menia's good meal,
when ye go hence
me to seek.

51. Gunnar! sit down,
I will tell to thee,
that of life now hopeless is
thy bright consort.
Thy vessel will not be
always afloat,
though I shall have
my life resigned.

52. With Gudrún thou wilt be reconciled,
sooner than thou thinkest:
that wise woman has
by the king
sad memorials,
after her consort's death.

53. There is born a maid,
which her mother rears;
brighter far
than the clear day,
than the sun's beam,
will Svanhild be.

54. Gudrún thou wilt give
to an illustrious one,
a warrior, the bane
of many men:
not to her wish
will she be married;
Atli will come
her to espouse,
Budli's son,
my brother.

55. Much have I in memory
how I was treated,
when ye me so cruelly
had deceived:
robbed I was of happiness,
while my life lasted.

56. Thou will desire
Oddrún to possess,
but Atli will
permit it not;
in secret ye will
each other meet.
She will love thee,
as I had done,
if us a better fate
had been allotted.

57. Thee will Atli
barbarously treat;
in the narrow serpent-den
wilt thou be cast.

58. It will too come to pass,
not long after,
that Atli will
his soul resign,
his prosperity,
and cease to live;
for Gudrún in her vengeance
him in his bed will slay,
through bitterness of spirit,
with the sword's sharp edge.

59. More seemly would appear
our sister Gudrún,
had she in death
her first consort followed,
had but good counsel
been to her given,
or she a soul possessed
resembling mine -

60. Faintly now I speak -
but for our sake
she will not
lose her life.
She will be borne
on towering billows
to King Jonakr's
paternal soil.
Doubts will be in the resolves
of Jonakr's sons.

61. She will Svanhild
send from the land,
her daughter,
and Sigurd's.
Her will destroy
Bikki's counsel;
for Jörmunrek
for evil lives.
Then will have passed away
all Sigurd's race,
and Gudrún's tears
will be the more.

62. One prayer I have to thee
yet to make,
in this world't will be
my last request:
Let in the plain be raised
a pile so spacious,
that for us all
like room may be,
for those who shall have died
with Sigurd.

63. Bedeck the pile about
with shields and hangings,
a variegated corpse-cloth,
and multitude of slain.
Let them burn the Hun
on the one side of me;

64. Let them with the Hun
burn on the other side,
my household slaves,
with collars splendid,
two at our heads,
and two hawks;
then will all be
equally distributed.

65. Let also lie
between us both
the sword with rings adorned,
the keen-edged iron,
so again be placed,
as when we both
one couch ascended,
and were then called
by the name of consorts.

66. Then will not clang
against his heel
the hall's bright gates,
with splendid ring,
if my train
him hence shall follow.
Then will our procession
appear not mean.

67. For him will follow
five female thralls,
eight male slaves
of gentle birth,
fostered with me,
and with my patrimony,
which to his daughter
Budli gave.

68. Much I have said,
and more would say,
if the sword would grant me
power of speech.
My voice fails,
my wounds swell:
truth only I have uttered;
so I will cease."

Brot af Brynhildarkviða

Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild.

Gunnar
1. "Why art thou, Brynhild!
Budli's daughter!
absorbed in evil
and murderous thoughts?
What injury
has Sigurd done thee,
that thou the hero wilt
of life bereave?"

Brynhild
2. "Sigurd to me
oaths has sworn,
all falsehoods.
He at a time deceived me
when he should have been
of all oaths
most observant."

Högni
3. "Thee Brynhild has
in anger instigated
evil to perpetrate,
harm to execute.
She grudges Gudrún
her happy marriage,
and thee,
possession of herself."

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4. Some a wolf roasted,
some a snake cut up,
some to Guthorm
served the wolf,
before they might,
eager for crime,
on the mighty man
lay their hands.

5. Without stood Gudrún,
Giuki's daughter,
and these words
first of all she uttered:
"Where is now Sigurd,
lord of warriors,
seeing that my kinsmen
foremost ride?"

6. Högni alone to her
answer gave:
"Asunder have we Sigurd
hewed with our swords;
his grey steed bends
o'er the dead chief."

7. Then said Brynhild,
Budli's daughter,
"Well shall ye now enjoy
arms and lands.
Sigurd would alone
over all have ruled,
had he a little longer
life retained.

8. Unseemly it had been
that he should so have ruled
over Giuki's heritage
and the Goths'people,
when he five sons,
for the fall of hosts,
eager for warfare,
had begotten."

9. Then laughed Brynhild -
the whole burgh resounded -
once only
from her whole heart:
"Well shall ye enjoy
lands and subjects,
now the daring king
ye have caused to fall."

10. Then said Gudrún,
Guiki's daughter:
"Much thou speakest,
things most atrocious:
may fiends have Gunnar,
Sigurd's murderer!
Souls malevolent
vengeance awaits."

11. Sigurd had fallen
south of the Rhine:
loud from a tree
a raven screamed:
"With you blood will Atli
his sword's edge redden;
the oaths ye have sworn
your slaughter shall dissolve."

12. Evening was advanced,
much was drunken,
then did pleasant talk
of all kinds pass:
all sank in sleep,
when to rest they went.
Gunnar alone was wakeful
longer than all:

13. He began his foot to move,
and much with himself to speak;
the warlike chief
in his mind pondered,
what during the conflict
the raven and the eagle
were ever saying,
as they rode home.

14. Brynhild awoke,
Budli's daughter,
daughter of the Skiöldungs,
a little ere day:
"Urge me or stay me -
the mischief is perpetrated -
my sorrow to pour forth,
or so suppress it."

15. All were silent
at these words;
few understood
the lady's conduct,
that weeping she
should begin to speak
of what she laughing
had desired.

16. "In my dream, Gunnar!
all seemed so horrid;
in the chamber all was dead;
my bed was cold;
and thou, king! wast riding
of joy bereft,
with fetters loaded,
to a hostile host.
So will ye all,
race of Niflungs!
be of power deprived,
perjurers as ye are!

17. Ill Gunnar!
didst thou remember,
when blood ye in your footsteps
both let flow;
now hast thou him
ill for all that requited,
because he would
prove himself foremost.

18. Then was it proved,
when the hero had
ridden to see me,
to woo me,
how the warlike chief
whilom held sacred
his oath towards
the youthful prince.

19. Laid his sword,
with gold adorned,
the illustrious king
between us both:
outward its edges were
with fire wrought,
but with venom drops
tempered within."


        From this lay, in which the death of Sigurd is related, it appears that he was slain without doors, while some relate that he was slain sleeping in his bed: but the Germans say he was slain out in the forest; and it is told in the Guðrúnarkviða hin Forna, that Sigurd and the sons of Giuki had ridden to the public assembly (Þing) when he was slain. But it is said by all, without exception, that they broke faith with him, and attacked him while lying down and unprepared.

GuÞrúnarkviða Fyrsta

The First Lay of Gudrún.

        Gudrún sat over Sigurd dead; she wept not as other women, although ready to burst with sorrow. Both men and women, came to console her, but that was not easy. It is said by some that Gudrún had eaten of Fafnir's heart, and therefore understood the talk of birds. This is also sung of Gudrún:

1. Of old it was that Gudrún
prepared to die,
when she sorrowing
over Sigurd sat.
No sigh she uttered,
nor with her hands beat,
nor wailed,
as other women.

2. Jarls came forward
of great sagacity,
from her sad state of mind
to divert her.
Gudrún could not
shed a tear,
such was her affliction;
ready she was to burst.

3. Sat there noble
wives of jarls,
adorned with gold,
before Gudrún;
each of them
told her sorrows,
the bitterest
she had known.

4. Then said Giaflaug,
Giuki's sister:
"I know myself to be
on earth most joyless:
of five consorts I
the loss have suffered;
of two daughters,
sisters three,
and brothers eight;
I alone live."

5. Gudrún could not
shed a tear,
such was her affliction
for her dead consort,
and her soul's anguish
for the king's fall.

6. Then said Herborg,
Hunaland's queen:
"I a more cruel grief
have to recount:
my seven sons,
in the south land,
my spouse the eighth,
in conflict fell.

7. My father and my mother,
my brothers four,
on the sea
the wind deluded;
the waves struck
on the ship's timbers.

8. Their last honours
'twas mine to pay,
'twas mine to see them tombed,
their funeral rites
to prepare was mine.
All this I underwent
in one half-year,
and to me no one
consolation offered.

9. Then I became a captive,
taken in war,
at the close
of the same half-year.
Then had I to adorn,
and tie the shoes,
of the hersir's wife,
each morn.

10. From jealousy
she threatened me,
and with hard blows
drove me:
nowhere master
found I a better,
but mistress
no where a worse."

11. Gudrún could not
shed a tear,
such was her affliction
for her dead consort,
and her soul's anguish
for the king's fall.

12. Then said Gullrönd,
Guiki's daughter:
"Little canst thou, my fosterer,
wise as thou art,
with a young wife
fittingly talk."
The king's body she forbade
to be longer hidden.

13. She snatched the sheet
from Sigurd's corse,
and turned his cheek
towards his wife's knees:
"Behold thy loved one,
lay thy mouth to his lip,
as if thou wouldst embrace
the living prince."

14. Gudrún upon him
cast one look:
she saw the prince's locks
dripping with blood,
the chief's sparking eyes
closed in death,
his kingly breast
cleft by the sword.

15. Then sank down Gudrún
back on her pillow,
her head-gear was loosed,
her cheeks grew red,
and a flood of tears
fell to her knees.
16. Then wept Gudrún,
Giuki's daughter,
so that the tears
spontaneously flowed,
and at the same time screamed
the geese in the court,
the noble birds,
which the lady owned.

17. Then spake Gullrönd
Giuki's daughter:
"Your loves I know
were the most ardent
among living beings
upon earth:
thou hadst delight nowhere,
sister mine!
save with Sigurd."

18. Then said Gudrún,
Giuki's daughter:
"Such was my Sigurd
among Giuki's sons,
as is the garlick
out from the grass which grows,
or a bright stone
on a thread drawn,
a precious gem
on kings.

19. I also seemed
to the prince's warriors
higher than any
of Herian's Dísir;
now I am as little
as the leaf oft is
in the storm-winds,
after the chieftain's death.

20. Sitting I miss,
and in my bed,
my dearest friend.
Giuki's sons have caused,
Giuki's sons have caused
my affliction,
and their sister's
tears of anguish.
21. So ye desolate
the people's land,
as ye have kept
your sworn oaths.
Gunnar! thou wilt not
the gold enjoy;
those rings will
be thy bane,
for the oaths thou
to Sigurd gavest.

22. Oft in the mansion was
the greater mirth,
when my Sigurd
Grani saddled,
and Brynhild
they went to woo,
that witch accursed,
in an evil hour!"

23. Then said Brynhild,
Budli's daughter:
"May the hag lack
spouse and children,
who thee, Gudrún!
has caused to weep,
and this morning
given the runes of speech!"

24. Then said Gullrönd,
Giuki's daughter:
"Cease, thou loathed of all!
from those words.
The evil destiny of princes
thou hast ever been;
thee every billow drives
of an evil nature;
thou sore affliction
of seven kings,
the greatest bane of friendship
among women!"

25. Then said Brynhild,
Budli's daughter:
"Atli my brother,
Budli's offspring,
is the sole cause
of all the evil;

26. When in the hall
of the Hunnish folk,
with the king we beheld
the fire of the serpent's bed.
Of that journey,
I have paid the penalty,
that sight
I have ever rued."

27. She by a column stood,
the wood violently clasped.
From the eyes of Brynhild,
Budli's daughter,
fire gleamed forth;
venom she snorted,
when she beheld
the wounds of Sigurd.

        Gudrún then went away to the forest and deserts, and travelled to Denmark, where she stayed seven half-years with Thora, Hakon's daughter. Brynhild would not outlive Sigurd. She caused her eight thralls and five female slaves to be killed, and then slew herself with a sword, as it is related in the 'Sigurðarkviða in Skemma'(the Short Lay of Sigurd).

Helreið Brynhildar

Brynhild´s Hel-ride.

        After Brynhild's death two piles were made, one for Sigurd, which was the first burnt; but Brynhild was burnt afterwards, and she was in a chariot, which was hung with precious tapestry; so that it was said that Brynhild drove in a chariot on the way to Hel, and passed through a place: in which a giantess dwelt. The giantess said:

1. "Thou shalt not
pass through
my stone-supported
dwelling-place.
Better had it beseemed thee
to work broidery,
than to seek after
another's husband.

2. Why dost thou,
vagrant woman!
from Valland,
my dwelling visit?
Thou hast, golden dame!
if thou desirest to know,
gentle one! from thy hands
washed human blood."

Brynhild
3. "Upbraid me not,
woman of the rock!
although I have
in warfare been.
Of us, I trow,
I shall the better seem,
wherever men
our conditions know."

Giantess
4. "Thou, Brynhild!
Budli's daughter!
wast in evil hour
born in the world;
thou hast been the bane
of Giuki's children,
and their happy
house subverted."

Brynhild
5. "From my chariot I
will truly tell thee,
thou witless crone!
if thou desirest to know,
how Giuki's heirs
made me both
lovelorn
and perjured.

6. The bold-hearted king
caused the garbs
of us eight sisters
under an oak to be borne.
Twelve years old was I,
if thou desirest to know,
when to the youthful king
oaths I gave.

7. By all in Hlymdalir
I was called
Hild with the helm,
by all who knew me.

8. Then caused I next,
in the Gothic realm,
the old Hiálmgunnar
to Hel to journey:
I gave victory to
the youthful
brother of Öda,
whereat Odin became
hostile to me.

9. He with shields encompassed me,
red and white,
in Skatalund;
their surfaces enclosed me;
him he ordained
my sleep to break,
who in no place
could be made to fear.

10. He made around my hall,
towards the south,
towering burn
the destroyer of all wood:
then bade that man only
over it to ride,
who me the gold should bring,
that under Fafnir lay.

11. On Grani rode the chief,
the gold-disperser,
to where my foster-father
ruled o'er the dwellings.
He alone seemed there
to all superior,
the Danish warrior,
of the court.

12. We slept and were content
in the same bed,
as if he had
my born brother been;
neither of us might
on the other,
for eight nights,
lay a hand.

13. Reproached me Gudrún,
Giuki's daughter,
that I had slept
in Sigurd's arms;
then was I made aware
of what I fain would not, -
that they had deceived me,
when a mate I took.

14. To calamities
all too lasting
men and women ever will
be while living born.
We two shall now,
Sigurd and I,
pass our life together.
Sink thou of giant-kind!"

Drap Niflunga

The Slaughter of the Niflungs.

        Gunnar and Högni then took all the gold, Fafnir's heritage. Dissension prevailed afterwards between the Giúkungs and Atli. He charged them with being the cause of Brynhild's death. By way of reconciliation, it was agreed that they should give him Gudrún in marriage, to whom they administered an oblivious potion, before she would consent to espouse Atli. Atli had two sons, Erp and Eitil, but Svanhild was the daughter of Sigurd and Gudrún. King Atli invited gunnar and Högni to his residence, and sent to them Vingi, or Knefröd. Gudrún was aware of the treachery, and sent them word in runes not to come; and to Högni, as a token, she sent the ring Andvaranaut, in which she had tied some wolf's hair. Gunnar had sought the hand of Oddrún, Atli's sister, but did not obtain it. He then married Glaumvör, and Högni took Kostbera to wife. Their sons were Sólar, Snævar, and Giúki. When the Giúkungs came to Atli, Gudrún besought his sons to intercede for their lives, but they would not. The heart of Högni was cut out, and Gunnar was cast into a pen of serpents. He struck his harp and lulled the serpents, but an adder stung him in the liver.

Guðrúnarkviða Önnur

The Second Lay of Gudrún.

        King Theodric was with Atli, and had there lost the greater number of his men. Theodric and Gudrún mutually bewailed their afflictions. She related to him and said:


1. A maid above all maids I was;
my mother reared me
bright in her bower;
my brothers I much loved,
until me Giúki,
with gold adorned,
with gold adorned,
to Sigurd gave.

2. Such as Sigurd
above Giúki's sons,
as the green leek is,
springing from the grass,
or the high-limbed hart
above the savage beasts,
or the gleed-red gold
above grey silver.

3. Until my brothers
the possession grudged me
of a consort
to all superior.
They could not sleep,
nor on affairs deliberate,
before they Sigurd
had caused to die.

4. Grani to the assembly ran,
his tramp was to be heard;
but Sigurd then
himself came not.
All the saddle-beasts
were splashed with blood,
and with sweating faint,
from the murderers.

5. Weeping I went
to talk to Grani,
with humid cheeks,
I prayed the steed to tell:
then Grani shuddered,
in the grass bowed down his head.
The steed knew
that his master was no more.

6. Long I wandered,
long was my mind distracted,
ere of the people's guardian
I inquired for my king.

7. Gunnar hung his head,
but Högni told me
of Sigurd's cruel death.
"Beyond the river
slaughtered lies
Guthorm's murderer,
and to the wolves given.

8. Yonder beyond Sigurd,
towards the south,
there thou wilt hear
the ravens croak,
the eagles scream,
in their feast exulting;
the wolves howling
round thy consort."

9. "Why wilt thou, Högni!
to a joyless being
such miseries recount?
May thy heart by ravens
be torn and scattered
over the wide world,
rather than thou shouldst
walk with men."

10. Högni answered,
for once cast down,
from his cheerful mood
by intense trouble:
"Gudrún! thou wouldst have
greater cause to weep,
if the ravens
should tear my heart."

11. Alone I turned
from that interview
to the wolves'
scattered leavings.
No sigh I uttered,
nor with my hands beat,
nor wailed,
as other women,
when I heart-broken sat
by Sigurd.

12. Night seemed to me
of blackest darkness,
when I sorrowing sat
by Sigurd.
Better by far
it seemed to me
had the wolves
taken my life,
or I had been burnt
as a birchen tree.

13. From the fell I journeyed
five long days and nights,
until the lofty hall
of Hálf I recognized.
Seven half-years
I with Thora stayed,
Hákon's daughter,
in Denmark.

14. She for my solace
wrought in gold
southern halls,
and Danish swans.

15. We had in pictures
the game of warriors,
and in handiworks
a prince's nobles;
red shields,
Hunnish heroes,
a sworded host, a helmed host,
a prince's following.

16. Sigmund's ships
from the land sailing,
with gilded heads,
and carved prows.
We on our canvas wrought
how Sigar and Siggeir
both contended
southward in Fyen.

17. When Grimhild,
the Gothic woman,
heard how greatly
I was affected,
she cast aside her needlework,
and her sons called
oft and earnestly,
that she might know,
who for her son would
their sister compensate,
or for her consort slain
the blood-fine pay?

18. Gunnar was ready
gold to offer,
for the injuries to atone,
and Högni also.

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She then inquired
who would go
the steeds to saddle,
the chariot to drive,
on horseback ride,
the hawk let fly,
arrows shoot
from the yew bow?

19. Valdar and the Danes
with Jarizleif,
Eymód the third
with Jarizkar,
then entered,
to princes like.
Red mantles had
the Langbard's men,
corslets ornamented,
towering helms;
girded they were with falchions,
brown were their locks.

20. For me each one would choose
precious gifts,
precious gifts,
and to my heart would speak,
if for my many woes
they might
gain my confidence,
and I would in them trust.

21. Grimhild to me brought
a potion to drink
cold and bitter,
that I my injuries might forget;
it was mingled
with Urd's power,
with cold sea-water,
and with Són's blood.

22. In that horn were
characters of every kind
graven and red-hued;
nor could I comprehend them:
the long lyng-fish
of the Haddings'land,
an uncut ear of corn:
the wild-beasts'entrance.

23. In that potion were
many ills together,
a herb from every wood,
and the acorn,
the fire-stead's dew,
entrails of offerings,
swine's liver seethed;
for that deadens strife.

24. And then I forgot,
when I had taken it,
all the king's words
in the hall spoken.
There to my feet
three kings came,
before she herself
sought to speak with me.

25. "Gudrún! I will give thee
gold to possess,
of all the riches much
of thy dead father;
rings of red gold,
Hlödver's halls,
all the hangings
left by the fallen king.

26. Hunnish maids,
those who weave tapestry,
and in bright gold work,
so that I may delight thee.
Over Budli's wealth
thou alone shalt rule,
adorned with gold,
and given to Atli."

27. "I will not
have any man,
nor Brynhild's
brother marry:
it beseems me not
with Budli's son
to increase a race,
or life enjoy."

28. "Take care not to pay
the chiefs with hate;
for 'tis we who have
been the aggressors:
so shouldst thou act
as if yet lived
Sigurd and Sigmund,
if sons thou bearest."

29. "Grimhild! I cannot
in mirth indulge,
nor, for my hero's sake,
cherish a hope,
since the bloodthirsty (wolf and) raven
have together
cruelly drunk
my Sigurd's heart's blood."

30. "Him of all
I have found to be
a king of noblest race,
and in much most excellent:
him shalt thou have
until age lays thee low,
or mateless be,
if him thou wilt not take."

31. "Cease to offer
that cup of ills
so pertinaciously,
that race to me:
he will Gunnar's
destruction perpetrate,
and will cut out
Högni's heart.
I will not cease
until the exulting
strife-exciter's life
I shall have taken."

32. Weeping Grimhild
caught the words,
by which to her sons
Gudrún forboded evil,
and to her kindred
dire misfortunes.
"Lands I will also give thee,
people and followers,
Vinbiörg and Valbiörg,
if thou wilt accept them;
for life possess them,
and be happy, daughter!"

33. "Him then I will choose,
among the kings,
and from my relatives
reluctantly receive him.
Never will he be to me
a welcome consort,
nor my brothers'bale
a protection to our sons."

34. Forthwith on horseback was
each warrior to be seen;
but the Walish women
were in chariots placed.
For seven days
o'er a cold land we rode;
but the second seven,
we beat the waves;
and the third seven,
we reached dry land.

35. There the gate-wards
of the lofty burgh
the latticed entrance opened,
ere the court we entered.

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36. Atli waked me,
but I seemed to be
full of evil thoughts,
for my kinsmen's death.

37. "So me just now
have the Norns waked,-
a grateful interpretation
I fain would have.-
Methought that thou, Gudrún!
Giuki's daughter!
with a treacherous sword
didst pierce me through."

38. "Fire it forebodes,
when one of iron dreams,
arrogance and pleasure,
a woman's anger.
Against evil
I will go burn thee,
cure and medicate thee,
although to me thou art hateful."

39. "Seemed to me here in the garden
that young shoots had fallen,
which I wished
to let grow:
torn up with their roots
reddened with blood,
to table were they brought,
and offered me to eat.

40. Seemed to me that hawks
flew from my hand,
lacking their quarry,
to the house of woes;
seemed to me I ate
their hearts with honey
swollen with blood,
with sorrowing mind.

41. Seemed to me from my hand
whelps I let slip;
lacking cause of joy,
both of them howled:
seemed to me their bodies
became dead carcases:
of the carrion
I was compelled to eat."

42. "There will warriors
round thy couch converse,
and of the white-locked ones
take off the head;
death-doomed they are
within a few nights,
a little ere day:
thy court will eat of them."

43. "Lie down I would not,
nor sleep after,
obstinate in my fate -
That I will execute!"

Guðrunarkviða Þriðja

The Third Lay of Gudrún.

        Atli had a serving-woman named Herkia, who had been his concubine. She informed Atli that she had seen Thiodrek and Gudrún together; whereat Atli was much afflicted. Then Gudrún said:

1. What ails thee ever, Atli!
Budli’s son!
Hast thou sorrow in thy heart?
Why never laughest thou?
To thy jarls it would
seem more desirable,
that thou with men wouldst talk,
and on me wouldst look.

Atli
2. It grieves me, Gudrún!
Giuki’s daughter!
that in my palace here,
Herkia has said,
that thou and Thiodrek have
under one covering slept,
and wantonly
been in the linen wrapt.

Gudrún
3. For all this charge
I will give my oaths
by the white
sacred stone,
that with me and Thiodrek
nothing has passed,
which to man and wife
only belongs;

4. Save that I embraced
the prince of armies,
the honoured king,
a single time.
Other were
our cogitations,
when sorrowful we two
sat to converse.

5. Hither came Thiodrek,
with thirty warriors;
now there lives not one
of those thirty men.
Surround me with thy brothers,
and with mailed warriors;
surround me with all
thy noblest kinsmen.

6. Send to Saxi
the Southmen’s prince,
he can hallow
the boiling cauldron.”

7. Seven hundred men
entered the hall,
ere in the cauldron
the queen dipt her hand.

8. “Now Gunnar comes not,
nor call I Högni:
I shall not see again
my loved brothers:
with his sword would Högni
such wrong avenge:
now I must myself
purify from crime.”

9. She to the bottom plunged
her snow-white hand,
and up she drew
the precious stones.
“See now, ye men!
I am proved guiltless
in holy wise,
boil the vessel as it may.”

10. Laughed then Atli’s
heart within his breast,
when he unscathed beheld
the hands of Gudrún.
“Now must Herkia
to the cauldron go,
she who Gudrún
had hoped to injure.”
No one has misery seen
who saw not that,
how the hand there
of Herkia was burnt.
They then the woman led
to a foul slough.
So were Gudrún’s
wrongs avenged.


        (Editor’s note: Herkia, the Erka or Helche of the German tradition, who here appears as a slave or servant, is, according to that tradition, the queen of Etzel or Atli, who did not marry Kriemhilt (Gudrún) until after her death. The falsification of the story, the pitiful subordinate part acted by Thiodrek, the perfect silence of all the other poems on this event, and the ordeal of the cauldron, sufficiently show that the poem is a later composition. P.E. Müller (II. p. 319) ascribes it to Sæmund himself. )

Oddrúnargrátr

Oddrún’s Lament.

        There was a King named Heidrek, who had a daughter named Borgný. Her lover was named Vilmund. She could not give birth to a child until Oddrún, Atli’s sister, came. She had been the beloved of Gunnar, Giuki’s son. Of this story it is here sung:


1. I have heard tell,
in ancient storied
how a damsel came
to the eastern land:
no one was able,
on the face of earth,
help to afford
to Heidrek’s daughter.

2. When Oddrún,
Atli’s sister, heard
that the damsel
had great pains,
from the stall she led
her well-bridled steed,
and on the swart one
the saddle laid.

3. She the horse made run
on the smooth, dusty way,
until she came
to where a high hall stood.
She the saddle snatched
from the hungry steed,
and in she went
along the court,
and these words
first of all she uttered:

4. “What is most noteworthy
in this country?
or what most desirable
in the Hunnish land?”

Borgný
5. Here lies Borgný
with pains o’erwhlemed,
thy friend, Oddrún!
See if thou canst help her.

Oddrún
6. What chieftain has on thee
brought this dishonour?
Why so acute
are Borgný’s pains?

Borgný
7. Vilmund is named
the falcon-bearers’ friend:
he the damsel wrapt
in a warm coverlet
five whole winters,
so that from her father she was hidden.

8. They, I ween, spoke not
more than this:
kindly she went to sit
at the damsel’s knee.
Vehemently sang Oddrún,
fervently sand Oddrún
songs of power
over Borgný.

9. A girl and boy might then
tread the mould-way,
gentle babes,
born of Högni’s bane.
Then began to speak
the death-sick damsel,
who before had
no word uttered.

10. “So may thee help
the benignant genii,
Frigg and Freyja,
and other gods besides,
as thou hast from me
peril removed!”
11. “I was not inclined
to give thee help,
because thou never wast
of succour worthy:
I vowed, and have performed
what I then said -
when the princes
the heritage divided,
that I would ever
help afford.”

Borgný
12. Mad art thou, Oddrún!
and hast lot thy wits,
when in hostile spirit
most of thy words thou utterest;
for I have been thy companion
upon the earth,
as if from brothers
we both were born.

Oddrún
13. I remember yet
what thou one evening saidst,
when I for Gunnar,
a compotation made.
Such a case, saidst thou,
would not thenceforth happen
to any maiden,
save to me alone.”

14. Then sat down
the sorrowing lady
to tell her woes,
for her great grief:

15. “I was nurtured
in the kingly hall,
I was the joy of many
in the council of men.
Life I enjoyed,
and my father’s wealth,
five winters only,
while my father lived.

16. These last words
the noble-hearted king
strove to utter,
ere he departed hence.

17. He bade me be endowed
with ruddy gold,
and in the south be given
to Grimhild’s son.
He said no maiden
could more excellent
in the world be born,
if fate willed it not otherwise.

18. Bynhild in her bower
was occupied to broidery:
she had people
and lands around her.
Earth slumbered,
and the heavens above,
when Fafnir’s bane
her burgh first saw.

19. Then was conflict waged
with the Walish sword,
and the burgh taken
which Brynhild owned.
It was not long -
which was not surprising -
ere she discovered
all those frauds.

20. These she caused
cruelly to be avenged,
so that we all have
great afflictions.
Know it will be
through every land of men,
that she caused herself to die
with Sigurd.

21. But I for Gunnar,
rings’ dispenser,
love conceived,
such as Brynhild should.-
But he Brynhild bade
a helmet take,
said she a Valkyria
should become.
22. They forthwith offered
ruddy rings
to my brother,
and indemnity not small.
He besides offered for me
fifteen vills,
and the load of Grani’s sides,
if he would accept them.

23. But Atli said
he never would
a marriage-gift receive
from Giuki’s son.
Still we could not
our loves withstand,
but I my head must lay
upon the ring-breaker.

24. Many things said
my relations;
declared they had surprised us
both together;
but Atli said,
that I would not
crime commit,
nor scandal perpetrate.
But such should no one
ever deny,
when love has part.

25. Atli sent
his emissaries
about the Murk-wood,
that he might prove me;
and they came to where
they ought not to have come,
to where we had
one couch prepared.

26. To the men we offered
red-gold rings,
that they it might not
to Atli tell;
but they forthwith
hastened home,
and it quickly
to Atli told.
27. But they from Gudrún
carefully concealed it,
yet rather by half
she should have known it.

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28. A sound was heard
of gold-shod hoofs,
when into the court
rode Giuki’s heirs.

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Of Högni they
the heart cut out,
and into a serpent-pen
the other cast.

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29. I had gone
yet once again
to Geirmund,
to prepare a banquet.

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The brave king began
the harp to sound;
for the prince of noble race
hoped that I
to his aid might come.

30. I it heard
from Hlesey,
how of trouble there
the harp-strings sang.

31. I my thralls bade
all be ready;
I the prince’s
life would save.
The vessel we let float
past the forest,
until I saw
all Atli’s courts.

32. Then came Atli’s
miserable mother
crawling forth: -
may she perish! -
she Gunnar
pierced to the heart;
so that the hero
I could not save.

33. Oftentimes I wonder,
woman gold-adorned!
how I after can
life retain;
for I seemed
the formidable
sword-dispenser
as myself to love:

34. Thou sitst and listenest,
while I recount to thee
many and evil fate,
my own and theirs.”
Each one lives
as he best may.
Now is ended
Oddrún’s lament.

Atlakviða

The Lay of Atli.

        Gudrún, Giuki’s daughter, avenged her brothers, as is well known. She first killed Atli’s sons, and afterwards Atli himself, and burnt the palace with all the household. On these events was this lay composed.



1. Atli sent riding
a messenger to Gunnar,
a crafty man,
Knefrud was his name.
To Giuki’s courts he came,
and to Gunnar’s hall,
to the seats of state,
and the glad potation:

2. There drank the courtiers
wine in their Valhall -
but the guileful ones silence kept -
the Huns’ wrath they feared.
Then said Knefrud,
with chilling voice: -
the southern warrior
on a high bench sat -

3. “Atli has sent me hither
on his errand riding
on a bit-griping steed,
through the unknown Myrkwood,
to pray you, Gunnar!
that to his bench ye come,
with helms of state,
Atli’s home to visit.

4. Shields ye there can choose,
and smooth-shaven spears,
gold-red helms,
and of Huns a multitude,
silver-gilt saddle-cloths,
sarks gory-red,
the dart’s obstruction,
and bit-griping steeds.

5. The plain he will also give you,
the broad Gnítaheid,
whistling javelins,
and gilded prows,
vast treasures,
and Danp’s towns,
with that famed forest,
which men the Murkwood call.”

6. Gunnar his head then turned,
and to Högni said:
“What counselest thou, bold warrior?”
now suchlike we hear?
Of no gold I knew
on Gníta’s heath,
to which we possess not
other equal.

7. Seven halls have we
filled with swords,
of each of which
the hilt is gold.
My horse I know the best,
and my sword the keenest;
my bow adorns my seat,
my corslets are of gold,
my helm and shield the brightest,
brought from the hall of Kiar:
mine alone are better
than all the Hunnish ones.

8. What thinkest thou the woman means,
by sending us a ring
in a wolf’s clothing wrapt?
I think that she caution enjoins.
Wolf’s hair I found
twined in the red-gold ring:
wolfish is the way
we on our errand ride.”

9. No sons persuaded Gunnar,
nor other kinsman,
interpreters nor counsellors,
nor those who potent were.
Then spake Gunnar,
as beseemed a king,
great in his mead-hall,
from his large soul:

10. “Rise now up, Fiörnir!
let along the benches pass
the golden cups of heroes,
from the attendants’ hands.

11. The wolf shall rule
the Niflungs’ heritage,
o bearded sages!
if Gunnar perish;
black-coated bears
earth’s fruit tear with their teeth,
to the dogs’ delight,
if Gunnar come not back.”

12. Honoured men,
weeping led
the land’s ruler
from the Huns’ court.
Then said Högni’s
youthful heir:
“Go now, prudent and prosperous,
whither your wishes lead.”

13. The warriors made
their bit-griping steeds
over the mountains fly,
through the unknown Murkwood.
The whole Hunnish forest trembled
where’er the warriors rode;
over the shrubless, all-green plains
they sped.

14. Atli’s land they saw,
and the high watch-towers;
Bikki’s people stood
on that lofty fortress;
the south people’s hall
was round with benches set,
with well-bound bucklers,
and white shields,
the javelin’s obstruction.
There Atli drank
wine in his Valhall:
his guards sat without,
Gunnar and his men to watch,
lest they there should come
with yelling dart,
to excite their prince to conflict.

15. Their sister forthwith saw,
when the hall they had entered,
her brothers both -
beer had she little drunken -
“Betrayed art thou now Gunnar!
though strong, how wilt thou contend
with the Huns’ deadly wiles?
Go quickly from this hall!

16. Better hadst thou, Gunnar!
in corslet come,
than with helm of state,
to see the home of Atli;
thou in the saddle wouldst have sat
whole sun-bright days,
and o’er the pallid dead
let the Norns weep,
the Hunnish shield-maids
misery suffer;
but Atli himself thou shouldst
into the serpent-pen have cast;
but now the serpent-pen
is for you two reserved.”

17. “Sister! ‘tis now too late
the Niflungs to assemble,
long ‘tis to seek
the aid of men,
of valiant heroes,
over the rugged fells of Rhine.”

18. Then the Burgundians’ friends
Gunnar seized,
in fetters laid,
and him fast bound.

19. Högni hewed down seven,
with the keen sword,
but the eighth he thrust
into the raging fire.
So should a valiant man
defend himself from foes.

20 Högni had Gunnar’s
hands protected.
The bold chief they asked,
if the Goths’ lord
would with gold
his life redeem?

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21. “Högnis heart
in my hand shall lie,
cut bloody from the breast
of the valiant chief,
the king’s son,
with a dull-edged knife.”

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They the heart cut out
from Hialli’s breast;
on a dish bleeding laid it,
and to Gunnar bare.

23. Then said Gunnar,
lord of men:
“Here have I the heart
of the timid Hialli,
unlike the heart
of the bold Högni;
for much it trembles
as in the dish it lies:
it trembled more by half,
while in his breast it lay.”

24. Högni laughed,
when to his heart they cut
the living crest-crasher;
no lament uttered he.
All bleeding on a dish they laid it,
and it to Gunnar bare.

25. Calmly said Gunnar,
the warrior Niflung:
“Here have I the heart
of the bold Högni,
unlike the heart
of the timid Hialli;
for it little trembles,
as in the dish it lies:
it trembled less,
while in his breast it lay.

26. So far shalt thou, Atli!
be from the eyes of men
as thou wilt
from the treasures be.
In my power alone
is all the hidden
Niflungs’ gold,
now that Högni lives not.

27. Ever was I wavering,
while we both lived;
now am I so no longer,
as I alone survive.
Rhine shall possess
men’s baleful metal,
the mighty stream, the As-known
Niflungs’ heritage.
In the rolling water
the choice rings shall glitter,
rather than on the hands
of the Huns’ children shine.

28. Drive your wheel-chariots,
the captive is now in bonds.”

29. Atli the mighty,
their sister’s husband,
rode with resounding steeds,
with strife-thorns surrounded.
Gudrún perceived
the heroes’ peril
she from tears refrained,
on entering the hall of tumult.

30. “So be it with thee, Atli!
as toward Gunnar thou hast held
the oft-sworn oaths,
formerly taken -
by the southward verging sun,
and by Sigtý’s hill,
the secluded bed of rest,
and by Ullr’s ring.”
Yet thence the more
did the bit-shaker
the treasure’s guardian,
the warrior chief,
drag to death.

31. The living prince
then did a host of men
into a pen cast down,
which was within
with serpents over-crawled.
But Gunnar there alone
a harp in wrathful mood
with his hand struck:
the strings resounded.
So should a daring chief,
a ring-dispenser,
gold from men withhold.

32. Atli turned
his brass-shod steed,
his home to re-visit,
back from the murder.
Din was in the court
with horses thronged,
men’s weapon-song,
from the heath they were come.

33. Out then went Gudrún,
Atli to meet,
with a golden cup to do
her duty to the king.
“Thou canst, o king!
joyful in thy hall
receive from Gudrún
the arms of the departed.”

34. The drinking-cups of Atli
groaned with wine heavy,
when in the hall together
the Huns were counted.
Long-bearded, bold,
the warriors entered.

35. Hastened the bright-faced dame
to bear their potions to them,
the wondrous lady to the chiefs;
and reluctantly to the pallid Atli
the festal dainties offered,
and uttered words of hate.

36. “Thou, swords’ dispenser! hast
thy two sons’ hearts,
slaughter-gory,
with honey eaten.
I resolved that thou, bold chief!
shouldst of a human dish
eat at thy feasting,
and to the place of honour send it.

37. Henceforth thou wilt not
to thy knees call
Erp and Eitil,
joyous with beer the two:
thou wilt not henceforth see them
from thy middle seat,
gold-dispersing,
javelins shafting,
manes clipping,
or horses urging.”

38. Uproar was on the benches,
portentous the cry of men,
noise beneath the costly hangings.
The children of the Huns wept,
all wept save Gudrún,
who never wept,
or for her bear-fierce brothers,
or her dear sons,
young, simple,
whom she had borne to Atli.

39. Gold scattered
the swan-fair dame;
with ruddy rings
the household gifted.
Fate she let ripen,
but the bright gold flow.
The woman spared not
the treasure-houses.

40. Atli incautious had
himself drunk weary;
weapon he had none,
nor was ‘gainst Gudrún guarded.
Oft had their sport been better,
when they lovingly
embraced each other
before the nobles.

41. With the sword’s point she gave
the bed of blood to drink
with death-bent hand,
and the dogs loosed,
out at the hall-door drove them,
and the lady wakened
the household with burning brand. -
That vengeance she for her brothers took.

42. To fire she then gave all
that were therein,
and from her brothers’ murder
were from the dark den returned.
The old structures fell,
the treasure-houses smoked,
the Budlungs’ dwelling.
Burnt too were the shield-maids
within, their lives cut short;
in the raging fire they sank.

43. Of this enough is said.
No such woman will henceforth
arms again bear,
to avenge her brothers.
That bright woman had
to three kings of men
the death-doom borne,
before she died.

        Yet more clearly is this told in ‘Atlamálum inum Groenlenzkum’ (the Groenland lay of Atli).

Atlamál in Groenlenzku

The Groenland Lay of Atli.

1. Of those misdeeds men have heard tell,
when warriors of old
a compact made,
which by pledges they confirmed,
a secret consultation held:
terrible it was to them after,
and to Giuki’s sons likewise,
who were betrayed.

2. The warriors’ fate ripened,
they were death-doomed:
ill advised was Atli,
though he possessed sagacity:
he felled a mighty column,
strove hardly against himself;
with speed he messengers despatched,
that his wife’s brothers should come quickly.

3. Wise was the house-dame,
prudently she thought;
the words in order she had heard,
that in secret they had said:
the sage lady was at a loss:
fain would she help them:
they o’er the sea must sail,
but she herself could not go.

4. Runes she graved,
Vingi them falsified,
before he gave them from him;
of ill he was the bearer.
Then departed
Atli’s messengers,
through the branched firth,
for where the bold warriors dwelt.

5. They with beer were cheered,
and fires they kindled,
naught though they of guile,
when they were come;
they the gifts accepted,
which the prince sent them,
and of no evil thought.

6. Then came Kostbera,
she was Högni’s wife,
a woman greatly cautious,
and them both greeted.
Glad was also Glaumvör,
Gunnar’s consort,
the prudent dame her duty forgot not,
she to the guests’ need attended.

7. Högni they home invited,
if he would be pleased to go.
Treachery was manifest,
had they but reflected!
Gunnar then promised,
if only Högni would,
but Högni refused
what the other proposed.

8. The noble dames bore mead,
of many things there was abundance,
many horns passed round,
until it seemed they had full drunken.

9. The household prepared their couches,
as to them seemed best.
Cunning was Kostbera,
she could runes interpret;
she the letters read
by the bright fire;
- her tongue she had to guard
between both her gums -
so perverted were they,
it was difficult to understand them.

10. To their bed they went,
she and Högni.
The gentle lady dreamed,
and concealed it not,
to the prince wisely said it
as soon as she awoke.

11. “From home thou art going, Högni!
give ear to counsel;
few are fully prudent:
go another time.

12. I have the runes interpreted,
which thy sister graved:
that fair dame has not
this time invited thee.
At one thing I wonder most,
I cannot even conceive,
why so wise a woman
so confusedly should grave;
for it is so set down
as if it intimated
death to you both,
if you should straightway come.
Either she has left out a letter,
or others are the cause.

13. “They are,” said Högni, “all suspicious;
I have no knowledge of them,
nor will I into it inquire,
unless we have to make requital.
The king will gift us
with gleed-red gold.
I never fear,
though we may hear of terror.”

14. “Tottering ye will go,
if thitherward ye tend.
No kind entertainment there
will ye at this time find.
Högni! I have dreamed,
I will not conceal it:
in an evil hour ye will go,
or so at least I fear.

15. Methought thy coverlet was
with fire consumed;
that the towering flame
rushed through my dwelling.”

Högni
16. “Here lie linen cloths,
which thou hadst little noticed:
these will quickly burn
where thou the coverlet sawest.”

Kostbera
17. “Methought a bear came in,
and broke down the columns;
and so his talons shook,
that we were terror-stricken;
by his mouth held many of us,
so that we were helpless:
there, too, was a din
far from little.”

Högni
18. “A tempest there will be
furious and sudden:
the white bear thou sawest
will be a storm from the east.”

Kostbera
19. “Methought an eagle flew herein,
all through the house:
that will largely concern us.
He sprinkled all with blood:
from his threats I thought it
to be the ‘ham’ of Atli.”

Högni
20. “We often slaughter largely,
and then red we see:
often are oxen meant,
when we of eagles dream.
Sound is the heart of Atli,
dream thou as thou mayest.”
With this they ended:
all speeches have an end.

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21. The high-born awoke,
there the like befell:
Glaumvör had perceived
that her dreams were ill-boding,
adverse to Gunnar’s
going to and fro.

22. “Methought a gallows was for thee erected,
thou wentest to be hanged,
that serpents ate thee,
that I inter’d thee living,
that the Powers’ dissolution came -
Divine thou what that portends.

23. Methought a bloody glave
from thy sark was drawn -
ill ‘tis such a dream
to a consort to recount -
methought a lance was
thrust through thy middle~
wolves howled
on every side.”

Gunnar
24. “Where dogs run
they are wont to bark~
oft bodes the bay of dogs
the flight of javelins.”

Glaumvör
25. “Methought a river ran herein,
through the whole house,
that I roared violently,
rushed o’er the benches,
brake the feet of you
brothers twain;
nothing the water spared:
something will that portend!

26. Methought dead women
in the night came hither;
not ill-clad were they:
they would choose thee,
forthwith invited thee
to their seats.
I ween thy Dísir
have forsaken thee.”

Gunnar
27. “Too late it is to speak,
it is now so resolved;
from the journey we shall not shrink,
as it is decreed to go:
very probable it seems
that our lives will be short.”

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28. When colours were discernable,
those on journey bent
all rose up:
the others fain would stay them.
The five journeyed together,
of ‘hús-carls’ there were present
twice that number.
- It was ill devised -
Snævar and Sólar,
they were Högni’s sons;
Orkning he was named,
who them accompanied,
a gentle shield-bearer was he,
the brother of Högni’s wife.

29. They went fair-appointed,
until the firth them parted:
ever would their wives have stayed them,
they would not be stayed.

30. Glaumvör then spake,
Gunnar’s consort,
Vingi she addressed,
as to her seemed fitting:
“I know not whether ye will requite us
as we would:
with treachery came the guest,
if aught of ill betide.”

31. Then Vingi swore,
little spared he himself:
“May him the Jötuns have,
if towards you he lies!
the gallows hold him,
if aught against peace he meditates!”

32. Bera took up the word,
she of gentle soul:
“Sail ye prosperous,
and may success attend you:
may it be as I pray,
and it nothing hinder!”

33. Högni answered
- he to his kin meant well -
“Be of good cheer, ye prudent!
whatever may befall.
Many say the same,
though with great difference;
for many little care
how they depart from home.”

34. On each other then they looked
before they parted:
then, I ween, their fates were severed,
and their ways divided.

35. Vigorously they rowed,
their bark was well nigh riven;
backward bending the waves they beat,
ardently plied:
their oar-bands were broken,
the rowlocks shattered.

36. A little after
- I will the end relate -
they saw the mansion stand
that Budli had possessed.
Loud creaked the latticed gates,
when Högni knocked.

37. Then said Vingi,
what he had better not,
“Go far from the house,
‘tis perilous to enter;
I quickly enticed you to perdition;
ye shall forthwith be slain.
With fair words I prayed your coming,
though guile was under them.
But just bide here,
while a gallows I prepare.”

38. Högni answered -
little thought he of yielding,
or of aught fearful
that was to be proved: -
“Think not to frighten us;
try that seldom.
If one word thou addest,
thou wilt thy harm prolong.”
39. They rushed on Vingi,
and struck him dead,
laid on their axes,
while life within him throbbed.

40. Atli his men assembled,
in their byrnies they issued forth,
went prepared so
that a fence was between them.
Words they brandied,
all with rags boiling:
“Already had we resolved
to take your lives away.”

Högni
41. “It looks but ill,
if ye before have counseled:
e’en now ye are unprepared,
and we one have felled,
smitten to death:
one of your host was he.”

42. Furious they became,
when those words they heard;
their fingers they stretched forth,
and their bow-strings seized;
sharply shot,
and with shields themselves protected.

43. In then came the tale
of what without was passing;
loud before the hall
they a thrall heard speak.

44. Then incensed was Gudrún,
when the sad news she heard:
adorned with necklaces,
she tore them all asunder;
so hurled the silver,
that the rings in shivers flew.

45. Then she went out,
not gently moved the doors;
went forth void of fear,
and the comers hailed,
turned to the Niflungs:
that was her last greeting,
truth attended it;
more words she said:

46. “I sought by symbols
to prevent your leaving home,
- fate may no one resist -
and yet must you come hither.”
Wisely she asked:
might they not be appeased?
No one consented,
all answered no.

47. Saw then the high-born lady
that a hard game they played;
a deadly deed she meditated,
and her robe dashed aside,
a naked falchion seized,
and her kinsmen’s lives defended:
skilful she was in warfare,
where her hand she applied.

48. Giuki’s daughter caused
two warriors to fall;
Atli’s brother she struck down,
- he must thenceforth be borne -
so she the conflict managed,
that she his foot struck off.
Another too she smote,
so that he never rose,
to Hel she sent him:
her hand trembled not.

49. A conflict then ensued,
which was widely famed,
but that excelled all else
which Giuki’s sons performed.
So ‘tis said the Niflungs,
while yet they lived,
with swords maintained the fight,
corslets rent,
helmets hewed,
as their hearts prompted.

50. At morning most they fought,
until mid-day had passed;
all early morn,
and the forenoon,
ere the fight was ended,
the field flowed with blood,
until eighteen had fallen:
Bera’s two sons,
and her brother,
had them overcome.

51. Then the fierce Atli spoke,
wroth though he was:
“ ‘Tis ill to look around;
this is long of you.
We were thirty
warlike thanes,
eleven survive:
the chasm is too great.
We were five brothers,
when Budli died;
now has Hel the half,
two lie slain.

52. “A great affinity I obtained,
that I cannot deny,
pernicious woman!
of which I have no benefit:
peace we have seldom had,
since thou among us camst.
Of kinsmen ye have bereft me,
of riches often wronged.
To Hel my sister ye have sent;
that is to me most bitter.”

Gudrún
53. “This thou callest to mind, Atli!
but thou so first didst act:
my mother thou didst take,
and for her treasures murder;
my gifted niece with hunger
thou didst cause to perish.
Laughable to me it seems,
when thou sorrows doest recount.
The gods are to be thanked,
that it goes ill with thee.”

Atli
54. “Jarls! I exhort you
the sorrow to augment
of that presumptuous woman:
I would fain see it.
Strive so to do,
that Gudrún may lament.
Might I but see
that in her lot she joys not!

55. Take ye Högni,
and with a knife hack him:
cut out his heart:
this ye shall do.
Gunnar the fierce of soul
to a gallows fasten;
do the work thoroughly,
lure up the serpents.”

Högni
56. Do as thou listest,
glad I will await it;
stout I shall prove myself:
I have ere now things much harder proved.
Ye had a hinderance
while unscathed we were:
now are we so wounded
that our fate thou mayest command.

57. Beiti spake,
- he was Atli’s steward -
Take we Hialli,
but Högni let us save.
Let us do half the work;
he is death-worthy.
As long as he lives
a slug he will ever be.

58. Terrified was the kettle-watcher
the place no longer held him:
he could be a whiner,
he clomb into every nook:
their conflict was his bane,
as he the penalty must pay;
and the day sad,
when he must from the swine die,
from all good things,
which he had enjoyed.

59. Budli’s cook they took,
and the knife brought towards him.
Howled the wretched thrall,
ere the point he felt;
declared that he had time
the gardens to manure,
the vilest offices to do,
if from death he might escape.
Joyful indeed was Hialli,
could he but save his life.

60. Högni all this observed -
few so act,
as for a slave to interceed,
that he may escape -
“Less ‘tis, I say, for me
to play this game myself.
Why shall we here desire
to listen to that screaming?”

61. Hands on the good prince they laid.
Then was no option
for the bold warriors,
the sentence longer to delay.
Then laughed Högni;
heard the sons of day
how he could hold out:
torment he well endured!

62. A harp Gunnar took,
with his foot-branches touched it.
He could so strike it,
that women wept,
and the men sobbed,
who best could hear it.
He the noble queen counseled:
the rafters burst asunder.

63. There died the noble,
at the dawn of day;
at the last they caused
their deeds to live.

64. Atli thought himself great:
over them both he strode,
to the sagacious woman told the evil,
and bitterly reproached her.
“It is now morning, Gudrún!
thy loved ones thou hast lost;
partly thou art the cause
that it has so befallen.”

Gudrún
65. Joyful art thou, Atli!
slaughter to announce:
repentance shall await thee,
when thou hast all proved.
That heritage shall be left thee
-that I can tell thee-
that ill shall never from thee go,
unless I also die.

Atli
66. That I can prevent;
another course I see,
easier by half:
the good we oft reject.
With slaved I will console thee,
with things most precious,
with snow-white silver,
as thou thyself mayest desire.

Gudrún
67. Of that there is no hope;
I will all reject;
atonement I have spurned
for smaller injuries.
Hard I was ever thought,
now will that be aggravated.
I every grudge concealed,
while Högni lived.

68. We were both nurtured
in one house;
many a play we played,
and in the wood grew up;
Grimhild us adorned
with gold and necklaces;
for my brothers’ death
never wilt thou indemnify me,
nor ever do
what shall to me seem good.

69. Mens’ too great power
women’s lot oppresses;
on the knee the hand sinks,
if the arms wither;
the tree inclines,
if its root-fibres are severed.
Now, Atli! thou mayest alone
over all here command.

70. Most unwise it was,
when to this the prince gave credit:
the guild was manifest,
had he been on his guard.
Dissembling then was Gudrún,
against her heart she could speak,
made herself gay appear,
with two shields she played.

71. A banquet she would prepare,
her brothers’ funeral feast;
the same would Atli also
for his own do.

72. With this they ended;
the banquet was prepared;
the feasting was
too luxurious.
The woman great of heart was stern,
she warred on Budli’s race;
on her spouse she would
cruel vengeance wreak.

73. The young ones she enticed,
and on a block laid them,
the fierce babes were terrified,
and wept not,
to their mother’s bosom crept,
asked was she was going to do.

74. “Ask no questions,
both I intend to kill;
long have I desired
to cut short your days.”

75. “Slay as thou wilt thy children,
no one hinders it;
thy rage will have short peace,
if thou destroyest us
in our blooming years,
thou desperate woman!”
It fell out accordingly:
she cut the throats of both.

76. Atli oft inquired
whither his boys
were gone to play,
as he nowhere saw them?

Gudrún
77. Over I am resolved to go,
and to Atli tell it.
Grimhild’s daughter
will not conceal from thee.
Little glad, Atli! wilt thou be,
when all thou learnest;
great woe didst thou raise up,
when thou my brothers slewest.

78. Very seldom have I slept
since they fell.
Bitterly I threatened thee:
now I have reminded thee.
‘It is now morning’, saidst thou:
I yet it well remember;
and it now is eve,
when thou the like shalt learn.

79. Thou thy sons hast lost,
as thou least shouldest;
know that their skulls thou
hast had for beer-cups;
thy drink I prepared,
I their red blood have shed.

80. I their hearts took,
and on a spit staked them,
then to thee gave them.
I said they were of calves,
-it was long of thee alone -
thou didst leave none,
voraciously didst devour,
well didst ply thy teeth.

81. Thy children’s fate thou knowest,
few a worse awaits.
I have my part performed,
though in it glory not.
Atli
82. Cruel was thou, Gudrún!
who couldst so act,
with thy children’s blood
my drink to mingle.
Thou hast destroyed thy offspring,
as thou least shouldest;
and to myself thou leavest
a short interval from ill.

Gudrún
83. I could still desire
thyself to slay;
rarely too ill
it fares with such a prince.
Thou hast already perpetrated
crimes unexampled among men
of frantic cruelty,
in this world:
now thou hast added
what we have just witnessed.
A great misdeed hast thou committed,
thy death-feast thou hast prepared.

Atli
84. On the pile thou shalt be burnt,
but first be stoned;
then wilt thou have earned
what thou hast ever sought.

Gudrún
85. Tell to thyself such griefs
early to-morrow:
by a fairer death I will
pass to another light.

86. In the same hall they sat,
exchanged hostile thoughts,
bandied words of hate:
each was ill at ease.

87. Hate waxed in a Hniflung,
a great deed he meditated;
to Gudrún he declared
that he was Atli’s deadly foe.

88. Into her mind came
Högni’s treatment;
happy she him accounted,
if he vengeance wreaked.
Then was Atli slain,
within a little space;
Högni’s son him slew,
and Gudrún herself.

89. The bold king spake,
roused up from sleep;
quickly he felt the wounds,
said he no binding needed.
“Tell me most truly
who has slain Budli’s son.
I am hardly treated:
of life I have no hope.”

Gudrún
90. I, Grimhild’s daughter,
will not from thee hide,
that I am the cause
that thy life passes away;
but partly Högni’s son,
that thy wounds make thee faint.

Atli
91. To the slaughter thou hast rushed,
although it ill beseemed thee;
‘tis bad to circumvent a friend,
who well confided in thee.
Besought I went from home,
to woo thee, Gudrún!

92. A widow thou wast left,
fierce thou was accounted,
which was no falsehood,
as we have proved.
Hither home thou camest,
us a host of men attended;
all was splendid
on our journey.

93. Pomp of all kinds was there,
of illustrious men,
beeves in abundance:
largely we enjoyed them.
Of all things there was plenty
partaken of by many.

94. A marriage gift to my bride I gave,
treasures for her acceptance,
thralls thrice ten,
seven fair female slaves:
in such things was honour;
silver there was yet more.

95. All seemed to thee
as it were naught,
while the lands untouched lay,
which Budli had left me.
So didst thou undermine,
didst allow me nothing to receive.
Thou didst my mother let
often sit weeping:
with heart content I found not
one of my household after.

Gudrún
96. Now, Atli! thou liest,
though of that I little reck.
Gentle I seldom was,
yet didst thou greatly aggravate it.
Young brothers ye fought together,
among yourselves contended;
to Hel went the half
from thy house:
all went to ruin
that should be for benefit.

97. Brothers and sisters we were three,
we thought ourselves invincible:
from the land we departed,
we followed Sigurd.
We roved about,
each steered a ship;
seeking luck we went,
till to the east we came.

98. The chief king we slew,
there a land obtained,
the ‘hersar’ yielded to us;
that manifested fear.
We from the forest freed
him whom we wished harmless,
raised him to prosperity
who nothing had possessed.

99. The Hun king died,
then suddenly my fortune changed:
great was the young wife’s grief,
the widow’s lot was hers.
A torment to me it seemed
to come living to the house of Atli.
A hero had possessed me:
sad was that loss!

100. Thou didst never from a contest come,
as we have heard,
where thou didst gain thy cause,
or others overcome;
ever wouldst thou give way,
and never stand,
lettest all pass of quietly,
as ill beseemed a king.

Atli
101. Gudrún! now thou liest.
Little will be bettered
the lot of either:
we have all suffered.
Now act thou, Gudrún!
0f thy goodness,
and for our honour,
when I forth am borne.

Gudrún
102. I a ship will buy,
and a painted cist;
will the winding-sheet well wax,
to enwrap thy corse;
will think of every requisite,
as if we had each other loved.

103. Atli was now a corpse,
lament from his kin arose:
the illustrious woman did
all she had promised.
The wise woman would
go to destroy herself;
her days were lengthened:
she died another time.

104. Happy is every one hereafter
who shall give birth to such
a daughter famed for deeds,
as Giuki begat:
ever will live,
in every land,
their oft-told tale,
wherever people shall give ear.

Gudrúnarhvöt

Gudrún’s Incitement.

        Having slain Atli, Gudrún went to the sea-shore. She went out into the sea, and would destroy herself, but could not sink. She was borne across the firth to the land of King Jonakr, who married her. Their sons were Sörli, Erp, and Hamdir. There was reared up Svanhild, the daughter of Sigurd. She was given in marriage to Jörmunrek the Powerful. With him lived Bikki, who counseled Randver, the king´s son, to take her. Bikki told that to the king, who caused Randver to be hanged, and Svanhild trodden under horses’ feet. When Gudrún heard of this she said to her sons: -


1. Then heard I tell
of quarrels dire,
hard sayings uttered
from great affliction,
when her sons
the fierce-hearted Gudrún,
in deadly words,
to slaughter instigated.

****************************

2. “Why sit ye here?
why sleep life away?
why does it pain you not
joyous words to speak,
now Jörmunrek
your sister
young in years
has with horses trodden,
white and black,
in the public way,
with grey and way-wont
Gothic steeds?

3. Ye are not like
to Gunnar and the others,
nor of soul so valiant,
as Högni was.
Her ye should
seek to avenge,
if ye had the courage
of my brothers,
or the fierce spirit
of the Hunnish kings.”

4. Then said Hamdir,
the great of heart:
“Little didst thou care
Högni’s deed to praise,
when Sigurd he
from sleep awaked.
They blue-white
bed-clothes were
red with thy husband’s gore,
with death-blood covered.

5. For thy brothers thou didst
o’er-hasty vengeance take,
dire and bitter,
when thou thy sons didst murder.
We young ones could
on Jörmunrek,
acting all together,
have avenged our sister.

6. Bring forth the arms
of the Hunnish kings:
thou hast us stimulated
to a sword-mote.”

7. Laughing Gudrún
to the storehouse turned,
the kings’ crested helms
from the coffers drew,
their ample corslets,
and to her sons them bore.
The young heroes loaded
their horses’ shoulders.

8. Then said Hamdir,
the great of heart:
“So will no more come
his mother to see,
the warrior felled
in the Gothic land,
so that thou the funeral-beer
after us all my drink,
after Svanhild
and thy sons.”

9. Weeping Gudrún,
Giuki’s daughter,
sorrowing went,
to sit in the fore-court,
and to recount,
with tear-worn cheeks,
sad of soul, her calamities,
in many ways.

10. “Three fires I have known,
three hearths I have known,
of three consorts I have been
borne to the house.
Sigurd alone to me was
better than all,
of whom my brothers
were the murderers.

11. Of my painful wounds
I might not complain;
yet they even more
seemed to afflict me,
when those chieftains
to Atli gave me.

12. My bright boys
I called to speak with me;
for my injuries I could not
get revenge,
ere I had severed
the Hniflungs heads.

13. To the sea-shore I went,
against the Norns I was embittered;
I would cast off
their persecution;
bore, and submerged me not
the towering billows;
up on land I rose,
because I was to live.
14. To the nuptial couch I went -
as I thought better for me,
- for the third time,
with a mighty king.
I brought forth offspring,
guardians of the heritage,
guardians of the heritage,
Jonarkr’s sons.

15. But around Svanhild
bond-maidens sat;
of all my children her
I loved the best.
Svanhild was,
in my hall,
as was the sun-beam,
fair to behold.

16. I with gold adorned her,
and with fine raiment,
before I gave her
to the Gothic people.
That is to me the hardest
of all my woes,
that Svanhild’s
beauteous locks
should in the mire be trodden
under horses’ feet.

17. But that was yet more painful,
when my Sigurd they
ingloriously
slew in his bed;
though of all most cruel,
when of Gunnar
the glistening serpents
to the vitals crawled;
but the most agonizing,
which to my heart flew,
when the brave king’s heart
they while quick cut out.

18. Many griefs I call to memory,
many ills I call to memory.
Guide, Sigurd!
thy black steed,
thy swift courser,
hither let it run.
Here sits
no son’s wife, no daughter,
who to Gudrún
precious things may give.

19. Remember, Sigurd!
what we together said,
when on our bed
we both were sitting,
that thou, brave one,
wouldst come to me
from Hel’s abode,
but I from the world to thee.

20. Raise, ye Jarls!
an oaken pile;
let it under heaven
the highest be.
May it burn
a breast full of woes!
the fire round my heart
its sorrows melt!”

21. May all men’s lot
be bettered,
all women’s
sorrow lessened,
to whom this tale of woes
shall be recounted.

Hamðismal

The Lay of Hamdir.

1. In that court arose
woful deeds,
at the Alfar's
doleful lament;
at early morn,
men's afflictions,
troubles of various kinds;
sorrows were quickened.

2. It was not now,
nor yesterday,
a long time since
has passed away,
_ few things are more ancient,
it was by much earlier _
when Gudrún,
Giuki's daughter,
her young sons instigated
Svanhild to avenge.

3. "She was your sister,
her name Svanhild,
she whom Jormenrek
with horses trod to death,
on the public way,
with grey and way_wont
Gothic steeds.

4. Thenceforth all is sad to you,
kings of people!
Ye alone survive,

5. branches of my race.
Lonely I am become,
as the asp_tree in the forest,
of kindred bereft,
as the fir of branches;
of joy deprived,
as is the tree of foliage,
when the branch_spoiler
comes in the warm day."

6. Then spake Hamdir,
the great of soul,
"Little, Gudrún! didst thou care
Högni's deed to praise,
when Sigurd they
from sleep awaked.
On the bed thou satst,
and the murderers laughed.

7. Thy bed_clothes,
blue and white,
woven by cunning hands,
swam in thy husband's gore.
When Sigurd perished,
o'er the dead thou satst,
caredst not for mirth _
So Gunnar willed it.

8. Atli thou wouldst afflict
by Erp's murder,
and by Eitil's
life's destruction:
that proved for thyself the worse:
therefore should every one
so against others use,
a sharp_biting sword,
that he harm not himself."

9. Then said Sörli_
he had a prudent mind_
"I with my mother will not
speeches exchange:
though words to each of you
to me seem wanting.
What, Gudrún! dost thou desire,
which for tears thou canst not utter?

10. For thy brothers weep,
and thy dear sons,
thy nearest kin,
drawn to the strife:
for us both shalt thou, Gudrún!
also have to weep,
who here sit fated on our steeds,
far away to die."

11. From the court they went,
for conflict ready.
The young men journeyed
over humid fells,
on Hunnish steeds,
murder to avenge.

12. Then said Erp,
all at once
_ the noble youth was joking
on his horse's back _
"Ill 'tis to a timid man
to point out the ways."
They said the bastard
was over bold.

13. On their way they had found
the wily jester.
"How will the swarthy dwarf
afford us aid?"

14. He of another mother answered:
so he said aid he would
to his kin afford,
as one foot to the other
(or, grown to the body,
one hand the other.)

15. "What can a foot
to a foot give;
or, grown to the body,
one hand the other?"

16. From the sheath they drew
the iron blade,
the falchion's edges,
for Hel's delight.
They their strength diminished
by a third part,
they their young kinsman caused
to earth to sink.

17. Their mantles then they shook,
their weapons grasped;
the high_born were clad
in sumptous raiment.

18. Forward lay the ways,
a woful path they found,
and their sister's son
wounded on a gibbet,
wind_cold outlaw_trees,
on the town's west.
Ever vibrated the ravens' whet:
there to tarry was not good.

19. Uproar was in the hall,
men were with drink excited,
so that the horses' tramp
no one heard,
until a mindful man
winded his horn.

20. To announce they went
to Jörmunrek
that were seen
helm_decked warriors.
"Take ye counsel,
potent ones are come;
before mighty men ye have
on a damsel trampled."

21. Then laughed Jörmunrek,
with his hand stroked his beard,
asked not for his corslet;
with wine he struggled
shook his dark locks,
on his white shield looked,
and in his hand
swung the golden cup.

22. "Happy should I seem,
if I could see
Hamdir and Sörli
within my hall.
I would them then
With bowstrings bind,
The good sons of Giuki
on the gallows hang."
23. Then said Hródrglöd,
on the high steps standing;
"Prince," said she
to her son
_ for that was threatened
which ought not to happen _
"shall two men alone
bind or slay
ten hundred Goths
in this lofty burgh?"

24. Tumult was in the mansion,
the beer_cups flew in shivers,
men lay in blood
from the Goths' breasts flowing.

25. Then said Hamdir,
the great of heart:
"Jörmunrek! thou didst
desire our coming,
brothers of one mother,
into thy burgh;
now seest thou thy feet,
seest thy hands
Jörmunrek! cast
into the glowing fire.

26. Then roared forth
a godlike
mail_clad warrior,
as a bear roars:
"On the men hurl stones,
since spears bite not,
nor edge of sword, nor point,
the sons of Jonakr."

27. Then said Hamdir,
the great of heart:
"Harm didst thou, brother!
when thou that mouth didst ope.
Oft from that mouth
bad counsel comes."

28. "Courage hast thou, Hamdir!
if only thou hadst sense:
that man lacks much
who wisdom lacks.

29. Off would the head now be,
had but Erp lived,
our brother bold in fight,
whom on the way we slew,
that warrior brave
_ me the Dísir instigated _
that man sacred to us,
whom we resolved to slay.

30. I ween not that ours should be
the wolves' example,
that with ourselves we should contend,
like the Norns' dogs,
that voracious are
in the desert nurtured."

31. "Well have we fought,
on slaughtered Goths we stand,
on those fallen by the sword,
like eagles on a branch.
Great glory we have gained,
Though now or to morrow we shall die.
No one lives till eve
against the Norns' decree."

32. There fell Sörli,
at the mansion's front;
but Hamdir sank
at the house's back.

This is called the Old Lay of Hamdir.

Gunnars Slagr

Gunnar's Melody.

1. It of old befell that Gunnar,
Giuki's son,
was doomed to die
In Grábak's halls.
The feet were free
of the king's son,
but his hands were bound
with hard bonds.

2. A harp he seized,
the warrior king
his skill displayed,
his foot_branches moved,
the harp_strings
sweetly touched:
that art had not been practised
save by the king's son.

3. Then sang Gunnar,
in these strains:
the harp got voice,
as it had been a man;
yet not a sweeter sound,
had it been a swan;
the hall of serpents echoed
to the golden strings:

4. "I my sister know
wedded to the worst of men,
and to the Niflungs'
base foe espoused.
To his home bade Atli
Högni and Gunnar,
his relations,
but murdered both.

5. Slaughter he made them
take for festivity,
and conflict for
convivial potations.
Ever will that survive
while men shall live:
so did relations never
any one delude.

6. Why, Atli! dost thou
so wreak thy anger?
Herself did Brynhild
cause to die,
and Sigurd's
cruel death.
Why wouldst thou Gudrún
cause to weep?

7. Long since the raven told,
from the high tree,
our calamities,
at our relation's death;
Brynhild told me,
Budli's daughter,
how Atli would
deceive us both.

8. This also Glaumvör said,
when we both reposed,
for the last time,
in the same bed,
_ my consort had
portentous dreams _
'Go not Gunnar!
Atli is now false to thee.

9. A lance I saw
red with thy blood,
a gallows ready
for Giuki's son:
I thought for thee the Dísir
prepared a feast;
I ween that for you brothers
treachery is at work.'

10. Said also Kostbera _
she was Högni's wife _
the runes were falsely graved,
and the dreams interpreted.
But the heart beat high
In the princes' breast,
neither knew fear
of a cruel death.

11. The Norns have for us,
Giuki's heirs,
a life_time appointed,
at Odin's will;
no one may
against fate provide,
nor, of luck bereft,
in his valour trust.

12. Atli! I laugh
that thou hast not
the red_gold rings
that Hreidmar owned;
I alone know where that treasure
hidden lies,
since that Högni
to the heart ye cut.

13. Atli! I laugh,
that ye Huns
the laughing Högni
to the heart cut.
The Hniflung shrank not
from the scooping wound,
nor flinched he from
a painful death.

14. Atli! I laugh,
that thou hast lost
many of thy men
that choicest were,
beneath our swords,
before thy own death.
Our noble sister has
thy brother maimed.

15. Yet shall not Gunnar,
Giuki's son,
fear express
in Grafvitnir's dwelling;
nor dejected go
to the sire of hosts:
Already is the prince
inured to suffering.

16. Sooner shall Góin
pierce me to the heart,
and Nidhögg
such my reins,
Linn and Lángbak
my liver tear,
than I will abandon
my steadfastness of heart.

17. Gudrún it will
grimly avenge,
that Atli us
has both deceived;
she to thee, king! will
give the hearts
of thy cubs,
hot at the evening meal;

18. And their blood
thou from cups shalt drink
formed of their skulls.
That mental anguish shall
bite thee most cruelly,
when Gudrún sets
such crimes before thee.

19. Short will be thy life
after the princes' death;
an ill end thou wilt have,
for breach of our affinity:
such is befitting thee,
through the deed
of our sister sorely impelled
thy treachery to requite.

20. Gudrún will thee
with a lance lay low,
and the Niflung
stand hard by;
in thy palace
will the red flame play;
then in Náströnd thou shalt
be to Nidhögg given.
21. Now is Grábak lulled,
and Grafvitnir,
Góin and Móin,
and Grafvöllud,
Ofnir and Svafnir,
with venom glistening,
Nad and Nidhögg,
and the serpents all,
Hring, Höggvard,
by the harp's sound.

22. Alone wakeful remains
Atli's mother,
she has pierced me
to the heart's roots,
my liver sucks,
and my lungs tears.

23. Cease now, my harp!
hence I will depart,
and in the vast
Valhall abide,
with the Æsir drink
of costly cups,
be with Sæhrimnir sated
at Odin's feast.

24. Now is Gunnar's melody
all sung out;
I have men delighted
for the last time.
Henceforth few princes will
with their foot_branches
the sweetly sounding
harp_strings strike."

Gróttasöngr

The Lay of Grótti, or The Mill_Song.

        King Fródi succeeded to the kingdom of Denmark at the time when the emperor Augustus had proclaimed peace over all the world; and as Fródi was the most powerful king in the North, the peace was attributed to him and called Fródi's peace, where_ever the Danish tongue was spoken. When on a visit to king Fiölnir in Sweden, he bought two female slaves, whose names were Fenia and Menia, both of great strength and stature. At this time two mill_stones were found in Denmark so large that no one could drag them. These stones possessed the property of grinding whatever the grinder wished. Fródi set the two slaves to work at the quern, or mill, which was named Grótti and commanded them to grind gold, peace, and prosperity to Fródi; but he allowed them not a moment's rest nor even sleep longer than while the cuckoo was silent, or a song might be sung. They then sang the song called Gróttasöngr, and ceased not before they had ground an army against Fródi, so that in the night a sea_king, named Mýsing, came, slew Fródi, and carried off great booty. Such was the end of Fródi's peace. Mýsing took Grótti, together with Fenia and Menia, and caused white salt to be ground in his ships, until they sank in Pentland Firth. There is ever since a vortex where the sea falls into Grótti's eye; there the sea roars as it (Grótti) roars, and then it was that the sea first became salt. Skalda, edit. Rask, p. 146.


1. Now are come
to the king's house
two prescient damsels,
Fenia and Menia;
they are with Fródi,
Fridleif's son,
the powerful maidens,
in thraldom held.

2. To the mill
they both were led,
and the grey stone
to set a going ordered;
he to both forbade
rest and solace,
before he heard
the maidens' voice.

3. They made resound
the clattering quern,
with their arms
swung the light stones.
The maidens he commanded
yet more to grind.

4. They sung and swung
the whirling stone,
until Fródi's thralls
nearly all slept.
Then said Menia
_ to the meal 'twas come _

5. "Riches we grind for Fródi,
all happiness we grind,
wealth in abundance,
in gladness' mill.
On riches may he sit,
on down may he sleep,
to joy may he wake:
then 'tis well ground!

6. Here shall not one
another harm,
evil machinate,
nor occasion death,
nor yet strike
with the biting sword,
although a brother's slayer
he find bound."

7. He had not yet said
one word before:
"Sleep ye not longer
than the gowks round the house,
or than while
one song I sing."

8. "Thou was not, Fródi!
for thyself over_wise,
or a friend of men,
when thralls thou boughtest;
for strength thou chosest them,
and for their looks,
but of their race
didst not inquire.

9. Stout was Hrúngnir,
and his father,
yet was Thiassi
stronger than they;
Idi and Örnir
our relations are,
brothers of the mountain_giants
from whom we are born.

10. Grótti had not come
from the grey fell,
nor yet the hard
stone from the earth;
nor so had ground
the giant maid,
if her race had
aught of her known.

11. Nine winters we
playmates were,
strong and nurtured
beneath the earth.
We maidens stood
at mighty works;
ourselves we moved
the fast rock from its place.

12. We rolled the stone
o'er the giants' house,
so that earth thereby
shrank trembling;
so hurled we
the whirling rock,
that men could take it.

13. But afterwards, in Sweden,
we prescient two
among people went,
chased the bear,
and shattered shields;
went against
a grey_sarked host,
aided one prince,
another overthrew,
afforded the good
Guthrom help.
Quiet I sat not
ere we warriors felled.
14. Thus we went on
all those winters,
so that in conflicts
we were known;
there we carved,
with our sharp spears,
blood from wounds,
and reddened brands.

15. Now are we come
to a king's house,
unpitied both,
and in thraldom held;
gravel gnaws our feet,
and above 'tis cold;
a foe's host we drew.
Sad 'tis at Fródi's!

16. Hands must rest,
the stone shall stand still;
for me I have
my portion ground.
To hands will not
rest be given,
until Fródi thinks
enough is ground.

17. Hands shall hold
falchions hard,
the weapon slaughter_gory.
Wake thou, Fródi!
wake thou, Fródi!
if thou wilt listen
to our songs
and sagas old.

18. Fire I see burning
east of the burgh;
tidings of war are rife:
that should be a token;
a host will forthwith
hither come,
and the town burn
over the king.

19. Thou wilt not hold
the throne of Lethra,
rings of red gold,
or mighty mill_stone.
Let us ply the winch,
girl! yet more rapidly;
are we not grown up
in deadly slaughter?

20. My father's daughter
has stoutly ground,
because the fate
of many men she saw.
Huge fragments
spring from the mill_stone
into the Örnefiörd.
Let us grind on!

21. Let us grind on!
Yrsa's son,
Hálfdan's kinsman,
will avenge Fródi:
he will of her
be called
son and brother:
we both know that."

22. The maidens ground,
their might applied;
the damsels were
in Jötun_mood,
the axes trembled;


The manuscript we have ends here, uncomplete, but we will work on getting the rest of this lay up as soon as possible.