 CHAPTER I Here begins the tale, and tells of a man who was named Siggy, and called of men, the son of Ovan. Another man with all is told of in the tale hights Skadi, a great man and mighty of his hands, yet was Siggy the mightier and the higher of Kin, according to the speech of men of that time. Now Skadi had a thrall with whom the story must deal somewhat breathy by name, who was called after that work which he had to do. In prowess and might of hand he was equal to men who were held more worthy, yea and better than some thereof. Now it is to be told that on a time Siggy fared to the hunting of the deer and the thrall with him, and they hunted deer day long till the evening, and when they gathered together their prey in the evening, lo, greater and more by far was that which breathy had slain than Siggy's prey. And this thing he much misliked. And he said that great wonder it was that a very thrall should outdo him in the hunting of deer. So he fell on him and slew him, and buried the body of him thereafter in a snowdrift. Then he went home at evening tide and says that Breddy had ridden away from him into the wild wood. Soon was he out of my sight, he says, and not more I want of him. He missed out at the tail of Siggy, and deemed that this was a guile of his, and that he would have slain Breddy. So he sent men to seek for him, and to such an end came their seeking that they found him in a certain snowdrift. Then said Scavy that men should call that snowdrift Breddy's drift from henceforth, and thereafter have folk followed, so that in such wise they call every drift that is right great. This it is well seen that Siggy has slain the thrall and murdered him. So he is given forth to be a wolf in holy places and may no more abide in the land with his father. Therewith Othen bear him fellowship from the land, so long a way that right long it was, and made no stay till he brought him to certain warships. So Siggy falls to lying out a warring, with the strength that his father gave him or ever they parted. And happy was he in his warring, and ever prevailed, till he brought it about that he won by his wars land and lordship at the last. And thereupon he took to him a noble wife, and became a great and mighty king, and ruled over the land of the Huns, and was the greatest of warriors. He had a son by his wife, who was called Rarir, who grew up in his father's house, and soon became great of growth and shapely. CHAPTER II Now Siggy grew old and had many to envy him, so that at last those turned against him whom he trusted most, yea even the brothers of his wife. For these fell on him at his unwariest, when there were few with him to withstand them, and brought so many against him that they prevailed against him, and there fell Siggy and all his folk with him. But Rarir his son was not in this trouble, and he brought together so mighty a strength of his friends and the great men of the land, that he got to himself both the lands and kingdom of Siggy his father. And so now, when he deems that the feet under him stand firm in his rule, then he calls to mind that which he had against his mother's brothers, who had slain his father. So the king gathers together a mighty army, and therewith falls on his kinsmen, deeming that if he made their kinship of small account, yet nonetheless they had first wrought evil against him. So he wrought his will herein, in that he departed not from strife before he had slain all his father's bainsmen, though dreadful the deed seemed in every wise. So now he gets land, lordship, and fee, and has become a mightier man than his father before him. Much wealth one in war got Rarir to himself, and wedded a wife with all, such as he deemed meat for him, and long they lived together, but had no child to take the heritage after them. And ill-content they both were with that, and prayed the gods with heart and soul that they might get them a child. And so it is said that Othen hears their prayer, and Freya no less harkens wherewith they prayed unto her. So she, never lacking for all good counsel, calls to her her casket bearing May, the daughter of Frim near the giant, and sets an apple in her hand, and bids her bring it to the king. She took the apple, and did on her the gear of a crow, and went flying till she came where as the king sat on a mound, and there she let the apple fall into the lap of the king. But he took the apple, and deemed he knew where to it would avail. So he goes home from the mound to his own folk, and came to the queen, and some deal of that apple she ate. So as the tale tells the queen soon knew that she was big with child, but a long time war or ever she might give birth to the child. So it befell that the king must needs go to the wars, after the custom of kings, that he may keep his own land in peace. And in this journey it came to pass that Rereer fell sick and got his death, being minded to go home to Othen, the thing much desired of many folk in those days. Now, no otherwise it goes with the queen's sickness than here to four, nor may she be the lighter of her child. And six winters wore away with the sickness still heavy on her, so that at the last she feels that she may not live long. Wherefore now she bade cut the child from out of her, and it was done, even as she bade. A man-child was it, and great of growth from his birth as well might be, and they say that the youngling kissed his mother or ever she died. But to him a name is given and he is called Volzong, and he was king over Hun land in the room of his father. From his early years he was big and strong and full of daring and all manly deeds and trials, and he became the greatest of warriors and of good-happ in all the battles of his war-faring. Now when he was fully come to man's estate, for him near the giant sensed to him Hlioth his daughter, she of whom the tale told that she bought the apple to rarer Volzong's father, so Volzong wed her with all, and long they abode together with good-happ and great love. They had ten sons and one daughter, and their eldest son was His height Sigmund, and their daughter Signee. And these two were twins, and in all wise the foremost and the fairest of the children of Volzong the king, and mighty, as all his seed was, even as has been long told from ancient days and in tales of long ago, with the greatest fame of all men. How that the Volzongs have been great men and high-minded, and far above the most of men, both in cunning and in prowess and in all things high and mighty. So says the story that king Volzong let build a noble hall in such a wise that a big oak tree stood therein, and that the limbs of the tree blossomed fair out over the roof of the hall, while below stood the trunk within it, and the said trunk did men call bronze-stock. CHAPTER III There was a king called Sigir who ruled over Gothland, a mighty king and of many folk. He went to meet Volzong the king and prayed him for Signee his daughter to wife, and the king took his talk well, and his sons with all, but she was loath there too. Yet she bade her father rule in this as in all other things that concerned her. So the king took such reed that he gave her to him, and she was betrothed to King Sigir, and for the fulfilling of the feast in the wedding was King Sigir to come to the house of King Volzong. The king got ready the feast according to his best might, and when all things were ready came the king's guests and King Sigir with all of the day appointed, and many a man of great account had Sigir with him. The tale tells that great fires were made and longed the hall, and the great tree of foresets stood midmost thereof. With all folks say that when as men sat by the fires in the evening, a certain man came into the hall, unknown of aspect to all men, and such like a ray he had, that over him was a spotted cloak, and he was barefoot, and had linen breeches knit tight even unto the bone, and he had a sword in his hand as he went up to the bronze stock, and a slouch tat upon his head. Huge he was and seeming ancient, and one-eyed. So he drew his sword and smote it into the tree-chunk so that it sank in up to the hilts, and all held back from greeting the man. And he took up the word, and said, Sa erthesu sferthi bregther or stokinum, Tha skalsa thathigya admierat gyof, Oks galhan thath sialfer sanna, Ad aldri barhan betra sferth sier hindi, in thetta ere. Whoso draweth this sword from this stock, shall have the same, as a gift from me, and shall find in good sooth, that never bear he better sword in hand than is this. Therewith out went the old man from the hall, and none knew who he was or whither he went. Now men stand up, and none would feign be the last to lay hand to the sword, for they deemed that he would have the best of it who might first touch it. So all the noblest went there to first, and then the others one after another, but none who came there too might avail to pull it out, for in no wise would it come away, howsoever they tugged at it. But now up comes Sigmund, King Tholzung's son, and sets hand to the sword, and pulls it from the stock, even as if it lay loose before him. So good that weapon seemed to all that none thought he had seen such a sword before, and Sigir would feign by it of him at thrice its weight of gold. But Sigmund said, Thou mightest have taken the sword no less than I from there whereas it stood, if it had been thy lot to bear it. But now, since it is first of all fallen into my hand, never shall thou have it, though thou bidest therefore all the gold thou hast. King Sigir grew wroth at these words, and deemed Sigmund had answered him scornfully. But whereas he was a wary man, and a double dealing, he made as if he heeded this matter in no wise. That same evening he thought how he might reward it, as was well seen afterwards. CHAPTER IV Now it is to be told that Sigir goes to bed by Signi that night. And the next morning the weather was fair. Then says King Sigir that he will not bide lest the wind should wax or the sea grow impassable. Nor is it said that Tholzung or his sons let it him herein, and that the less, because they saw that he was feigned to get him gone from the feast. But now says Signi to her father, I have no will to go away with Sigir. Neither does my heart smile upon him, and I wot by my fore knowledge and from the fetch of our kin that from this council will great evil fall on us if this wedding be not speedily undone. Speak in no such wise daughter, said he, for great shame will it be to him, yea and to us also, to break truth with him he being sackless. And in naught may we trust him, and no friendship shall we have of him if these matters are broken off, but he will pay us back in as evil wise as he may, for that alone is seemly, to hold truly to truth given. So King Sigir got ready for home, and before he went from the feast he bade King Tholzung his father-in-law come see him in Gothland and all his sons with him, when as three months should be over-past, and to bring such following with him as he would have, and as he deemed meat for his honour. And thereby will Sigir the king pay back for the shortcomings of the wedding feast, and that he would abide thereat but one night only, a thing not according to the want of men. So King Tholzung gave his word to come on the day named, and the kinsmen-in-law parted, and Sigir went home with his wife. CHAPTER V Now tells the tale of King Tholzung and his sons, that they go at the time appointed to Gothland at the bidding of King Sigir, and put off from the land in three ships all well-manned, and have a fair voyage, and made Gothland late of an evening tide. But that same night came Signi, and called her father and brothers to a privy talk, and told them what she deemed King Sigir was minded to do. And how that he had drawn together an army no man may meet! Then says she, he is minded to do guilefully by you, wherefore I bid you, get ye gone back again to your own land, and gather together the mightiest power ye may, and then come back hither and avenge you. Neither go ye now to your undoing, for ye shall surely fail not to fall by his wiles, if ye turn not on him, even as I bid you. Then spake Tholzung the king. All people and nations shall tell of the word I spake, yet being unborn, wherein I vowed a vow that I would flee in fear from neither fire nor the sword. Even so have I done hither too. And shall I depart therefrom now I am old? Ye withal, never shall the maidens mock these my sons at the games, and cry out at them that they fear death. Once alone must all men need die, and from that season shall none escape. So my reed it is that we flee no hither, but do the work of our hands in as manly wise as we may. A hundred fights have I fought, and while as I had more and while as I had less, and yet ever had I the victory, nor shall it ever be heard tell of me that I fled away, or prayed for peace. Then Cygni wept right sore, and prayed that she might not go back to King Sigir. But King Tholzung answered, Thou shalt surely go back to thine husband, and abide with him, howsoever it fears with us. So Cygni went home, and they abode there that night. But in the morning, as soon as it was day, Tholzung bade his men arise and go a land, and make them ready for battle. So they went a land, all of them all armed, and had not long to wait before Sigir fell on them with all his army. And the fiercest fight there was betwixt them, and Sigir cried on his men to the onset all he might. And so the tale tells that King Tholzung and his sons went eight times right through Sigir's folk that day, smiting and hewing on either hand. But when they would do so, even once again, King Tholzung fell amidst his folk, and all his men with all, saving his ten sons. For mightier was the power against them than they might withstand. But now are all his sons taken, and laid in bonds, and led away. And Cygni was wherewithal that her father was slain, and her brothers taken and doomed to death, that she called King Sigir apart to talk with him, and said, This will I pray of thee, that thou let not slay my brothers hastily, but let them be said awhile in the stocks. For home to me comes the saw that says, Sweet to I, while seen. But longer life I pray not for them, because I want well that my prayer will not avail me. Then answered Sigir, Surely thou art mad and witless, praying this for more bail for thy brothers than their present slaying. Yet this will I grant thee. For the better it likes me, the more they must bear. And the longer their pain is or ever death come to them. Now he let it be done even as she prayed. And a mighty beam was brought, and set on the feet of those ten brethren in a certain place of the wild wood. And there they sit day long, until night. But at midnight, as they sat in the stocks, there came on them a she-wolf from out of the wood. Old she was, and both great and evil of aspect. And the first thing she did was to bite one of those brethren till he died. And then she ate him up with all, and went on her way. But the next morning Signi sent a man to the brethren, even one whom she most trusted to wad of the tidings. And when he came back he told her that one of them was dead. And great and grievous she deemed it, if they should all fair and likewise. And yet not might she avail them. Soon as the tale told thereof, nine nights together came the she-wolf at midnight. And each night slew and ate up one of the brethren, until all were dead, saved from Sigmund only. So now, before the tenth night came, Signi sent that trusty man to Sigmund her brother, and gave honey into his hand, bidding him do it over Sigmund's face, and set a little deal of it in his mouth. So he went to Sigmund and did as he was bitten, and then came home again. And so the next night came the she-wolf according to her wad, and would sleigh him and eat him even as his brothers. But now she sniffs the breeze from him, whereas he was anointed with the honey, and licks his face all over with her tongue, and then thrusts her tongue into the mouth of him. No fear he had thereof, but caught the she-wolf's tongue betwixt his teeth. And so hard she started back there at, and pulled herself away so mightily, setting her feet against the stalks, that all was riven asunder. And he ever held so fast that the tongue came away by the roots. And thereof she had her bane. But some men say that this same she-wolf was the mother of King Sigir, who had turned herself into this likeness by Troll's lore and witchcraft. CHAPTER VI Now when as Sigmund is loosed and the stalks are broken, he dwells in the woods and holds himself there. But Signi sends yet again to Watt of the tidings, whether Sigmund were alive or no. But when those who were sent came to him, he told them all as it had betid, and how things had gone betwixt him and the wolf. So they went home and tell Signi the tidings. But she goes and finds her brother. And they take counsel in such wise as to make a house underground in the wild wood. And so things go on a while, Signi hiding him there and sending him such things as he needed. But King Sigir deemed that all the Volzungs were dead. Now, Sigir had two sons by his wife. Whereof it is told that when the eldest was ten winters old, Signi sends him to Sigmund so that he might give him help if he would in any wise strive to avenge his father. So the youngling goes to the wood, and comes late in evening tide to Sigmund's earth-house. And Sigmund welcomed him in seemly fashion, and said that he should make ready their bread. But I said he will go seek firewood. Therewith he gives the meal-bag into his hands, while he himself went to fetch firing. But when he came back the youngling had done nought at the bread-making. Can ask Sigmund if the bread be ready? Says the youngling, I durst not set hand to the meal-sack because somewhat quickly in the meal. Now Sigmund deemed he wotted that the lad was of no such heart as that he would be feigned to have him for his fellow. And when he met his sister, Sigmund said that he had come no nire to the aid of a man, though the youngling were with him. Then said Signi, Take him and kill him, then, for why should such in one live longer? And even so he did. So this winter wears, and the next winter Signi sent her next son to Sigmund. And there is no need to make a long tale thereof, for in likewise went all things. And he slew the child by the council of Signi. CHAPTER VII So on a tide it befell as Signi sat in her bower, that there came to her a witch-wife exceeding cunning. And Signi talked with her in such wise. Fain am I, says she, that we should change semblances together. She says, even as thou wilt then. And so by her wiles she brought it about that they changed semblances. And now the witch-wife sits in Signi's place according to her reed, and goes to bed by the king that night, and he knows not that he has other than Signi beside him. But the tale tells of Signi that she feared to the earth-house of her brother, and prayed him give her harboring for the night. For I have gone astray, abroad in the woods, and know not whither I am going. So he said she might abide, and that he would not refuse harbour to one lone woman, deeming that she would scarce payback his good cheer by tail-bearing. So she came into the house, and they sat down to meet. And his eyes were often on her, and a goodly and fair woman she seemed to him. But when they are full, then he says to her that he is right Fain that they should have but one bed that night. She know wise turned away therefrom. And so, for three nights together, he laid her in bed by him. Thereafter she fared home, and found the witch-wife, and bade her change semblances again. And she did so. Now as time wears, Signi brings forth a man-child, who was named Sinfiatli. And when he grew up he was both big and strong, and fair of face, and much like unto the kin of the Volzungs. And he was hardly yet ten winters old when she sent him to Sigmund's earth-house. But this trial she had made for other sons, or ever she had sent them to Sigmund, that she had sewed gloves unto their hands, through flesh and skin. And they had borne it ill, and cried out to their at. And this she now did to Sinfiatli. And he changed countenance in no wise their at. Then she flayed off the curdle, so that the skin came off with the sleeves, and said that this would be torment enough for him. But he said, full little would Volzung have felt such a smart as this. So the lad came to Sigmund. And Sigmund bade him knead their meal up, while he goes to fetch firing. So he gave him the meal-sack, and then went after the wood. And by then he came back had Sinfiatli made an end of his baking. Then asked Sigmund if he had found nothing in the meal. I missed outed me that there was something quick in the meal, when I first felt a kneading of it. But I have kneaded it all up together, both the meal and that which was therein whatsoever it was. Then Sigmund laughed out. He said, Not will thou eat of this bread to-night, for the most deadly of worms hest thou kneaded up therewith. Now Sigmund was so mighty a man that he might eat venom and have no hurt therefrom. But Sinfiatli might abide what so venom came on the outside of him, but might neither eat nor drink thereof. CHAPTER VIII The tale tells that Sigmund thought Sinfiatli, over young, to help him to his revenge, and will first of all harden him with manly deeds. So in summertime they fear wide through the woods and slay men for their wealth. Sigmund deems him to take much after the kin of the Volzungs, though he thinks that he is Sigir's son, and deems him to have the evil heart of his father with the might and daring of the Volzungs. With all he must think him in no wise a kinsome man, for full off would he bring Sigmund's wrongs to his memory and prick him on to slay King Sigir. Now on a time as they fear abroad in the woods for the getting of wealth, they find a certain house, and two men with great gold rings asleep therein. Now these twain were spellbound skin-changers, and wolf skins were hanging up over them in the house, and every tenth day might they come out of those skins, and they were king's sons. So Sigmund and Sinfiatli do the wolf skins on them, and then might they no wise come out of them, though forsooth the same nature went with them as here too for. They howled as wolves howl, but both knew the meaning of that howling. They lay out in the wild wood, and each went his way, and a word they made betwixt them, that they should risk the onset of seven men but no more, and that he who was first to be set on should howl and wolfish wise. Let us not depart from this, says Sigmund, for thou art young and overbold, and men will deem the quarry good when they take thee. Now each goes his way, and when they were parted, Sigmund meets certain men and gives forth a wolf's howl, and when Sinfiatli heard it he went straightway there too and slew them all, and once more they parted. What air Sinfiatli has fared long through the woods eleven men meet him, and he wrought in such wise that he slew them all, and was a-wearyed therewith, and crawls under an oak, and there takes his rest. Then came Sigmund thither and said, Why didst thou not call on me? Sinfiatli said, I was loath to call for thy help for the slaying of eleven men. Then Sigmund rushed at him so hard that he staggered and fell, and Sigmund bit him in the throat. Now, that day they might not come out of their wolfskins, but Sigmund lays the other on his back, and bears him home to the house, and cursed the wolf-gears, and gave them to the trolls. Now on a day he saw where two weasels went, and how that one bit the other in the throat, and then ran straightway into the thicket, and took up a leaf and laid it on the wound, and thereon his fellow sprang up quite a clean hole. So Sigmund went out, and saw a raven flying with a blade of that same herb to him. So he took it, and drew it over Sinfiatli's hurt, and he straightway sprang up as whole as though he had never been hurt. Thereafter they went home to their earth-house, and abode there till the time came for them to put off the wolf-shapes. Then they burnt them up with fire, and prayed that no more hurt might come to any one from them. But in that uncouth guise they wrought many famous deeds in the kingdom and lordship of King Sigir. Now when Sinfiatli was come to man's estate, Sigmund deemed he had tried him fully. And or ever a long time has gone by, he turns his mind to the avenging of his father, if so it may be brought about. So on a certain day the twain get them gone from their earth-house, and come to the abode of King Sigir late in the evening, and go into the porch before the hall wherein were tons of ale, and there they lie hid. Now the queen is aware of them where they are, and is feigned to meet them. And when they met they took counsel and were of one mind that Volzung should be revenged that same night. Now Signy and the king had two children of tender age who played with the golden toy on the floor, and bolted along the pavement of the hall, running along with it. But therewith a golden ring from off it trundles away into the place where Sigmund and Sinfiatli lay, and off runs the little one to search for the same, and beholds with all where two men are sitting, big and grimly to look on, with overhanging helms and bright white burnies. So he runs up the hall to his father, and tells him of the sight he has seen. And there at the king missed-doubts of some guile abiding him. But Signy heard their speech, and arose, and took both the children, and went out into the porch to them, and said, Lo ye, these younglings have berayed you. Come now, therefore, and slay them. Sigmund says, Never will I slay thy children for telling of where I lay hid. But Sinfiatli made little now of it, but drew his sword and slew them both, and cast them into the hall at King Sigyr's feet. Then up stood the king, and cried on his men to take those who had lain privily in the porch through the night. So they ran thither and would lay hands on them, but they stood on their defense well and manly, and long he remembered it who was the nyest to them. But in the end they were born down by many men and taken, and bonds were set upon them, and they were cast into fetters wherein they sit night long. Then the king ponders what longest and worst of deaths he shall meet out to them. And when morning came he let make a great barrow of stones and turf, and when it was done let set a great flat stone midmost inside thereof, so that one edge was aloft the other alo, and so great it was that it went from wall to wall so that none might pass it. Now he bids folk take Sigmund and Sinfiatli and set them in the barrow on either side of the stone, for the worse for them he deemed it that they might hear each the other's speech, and yet that neither might pass one to the other. But now, while they were covering in the barrow with the turf slips, Wither came signe, bearing straw with her, and cast it down to Sinfiatli, and bade the thralls hide this thing from the king. They said, yea there too. And therewith was the barrow closed in. But when night fell, Sinfiatli said to Sigmund, Be like, we shall scarce need meat for a while, for here has the queen cast swine's flesh into the barrow, and wrapped it round about on the outer side with straw. Therewith he handles the flesh, and finds that therein was thrust Sigmund's sword. And he knew it by the hilts, as murk as it might be in the barrow, and tells Sigmund thereof, and of that they were both feign and now. Now Sinfiatli draped the point of the sword up into the big stone, and drew it hard along, and the sword bit on the stone. With that Sigmund caught the sword by the point, and in this wise they sawed the stone between them, and let not, where all the sawing was done that need be done. Risto of Magni, myk'la hetlu, Sigmund rjorvi, oks Sinfiatli. Even as the song sings, Sinfiatli sawed and Sigmund sawed, a twain with main the stone was done. Now are they both together loose in the barrow, and soon they cut both through stone and through iron, and bring themselves out thereof. Then they go home to the hall, when as all men slept there, and bear wood to the hall, and lay fire therein. And with all the folk therein are wicked by the smoke, and by the hall burning over their heads. Then the king cries out, Who kindled this fire? I burn with all! Where am I, says Sigmund, with Sinfiatli, my sister's son, and we are minded that thou shalt wot well that all the Volzungs are not yet dead. Then he bade his sister come out, and take all good things at his hands, and great honour and fair atonement in that wise for all her griefs. But she answered, Take heed now, and consider if I have kept king's figure in memory, and his slaying of Volzungs the king. I let slay both my children, whom I deemed worthless for the revenging of our father, and I went into the wood to thee in a witch-wife's shape. And now behold, Sinfiatli is the son of thee and of me both, and therefore has he this so great hardyhood and fierceness, and that he is the son both of Volzungs' son and Volzungs' daughter. And for this and for not else have I so wrought that Sigir might get his bane at last, and all these things have I done that Vengeance might fall on him, and that I too might not live long. And merrily now will I die with king Sigir, though I was not married to wed him. Therewith she kissed Sigmund her brother, and Sinfiatli, and went back again into the fire. And there she died with king Sigir, and all his good men. But the two kinsmen gathered together folk and ships, and Sigmund went back to his father's land, and drove away Vince the king who had set himself down there in the room of king Volzung. So Sigmund became a mighty king and far famed, wise and high-minded. He had two wife, one named Borghild, and two sons they had between them, one named Helgi and the other Haumund. And when Helgi was born Norns came to him and spake over him, and said that he should be in time to come the most renowned of all kings. Even therewith was Sigmund come home from the wars, and so therewith he gives him the name of Helgi and these matters as tokens thereof. Land of rings, sun-laden hill, and sharp shearing sword. And with all prayed that he might grow of great fame and liken to the kin of the Volzungs. And so it was that he grew up high-minded and well-beloved, and above all other men in all prowess, and the story tells that he went to the wars when he was fifteen winters old. Helgi was lord and ruler over the army, but Sinfiatli was gotten to be his fellow herein, and so the tween bears sway thereover. CHAPTER IX Now the tale tells that Helgi in his warring met a king height-hunding, a mighty king and lord of many men and many lands. They fell to battle together, and Helgi went forth mightily, and such was the end of that fight that Helgi had the victory. But king-hunding fell, and many of his men with him. But Helgi is deemed to have grown greatly in fame because he had slain so mighty a king. Then the sons of Hunding draw together a great army to avenge their father. God was the fight betwixt them. But Helgi goes through the folk of those brothers under their banner, and there slays these sons of Hunding, Alph and Aeolph, Heirwarth and Hagbarth, and wins there a great victory. Now, as Helgi fared from the fight he met a many women, right fair and worthy to look on, who rode in exceeding noble array. But one far excelled them all. Then Helgi asked them the name of that their lady and queen, and she named herself Sigrun, and said she was daughter of King Hugney. Then said Helgi, fair home with us, good-welcome shall ye have. Then said the king's daughter, other work lies before us than to drink with thee. Yay, and what work, king's daughter, said Helgi. Helgi answers, King Hugney has promised me to hodd broad, the son of King Granmar. But I have vowed a vow that I will have him to my husband no more than if he were a crow's son, and not a king's. And yet will the thing come to pass, but and if thou standest in the way thereof, and goest against him with an army, and takeest me away with all, for verily with no king would I rather bide on bolster than with thee. Be of good cheer, king's daughter, says he, for certes he and I shall try the matter, or ever thou be given to him. Yay, we shall behold which may prevail against the other, and here too I pledge my life. Thereafter Helgi sent men with money in their hands to summon his folk to him, and all his power is called together to Redburg. And there Helgi abode till such time as a great company came to him from Haydnzee. And therewith all came mighty power from Nervy Sound aboard great and fair ships. Then King Helgi called to him the captain of his ships who with height lathe, and asked him if he had told over the tail of his army. A thing not easy to tell, Lord, says he, on the ships that came out of Nervy Sound are twelve thousand men, and other where are half as many again. Then bade King Helgi turn into the first called Varen's Firth, and they did so. But now there fell on them so fierce a storm and so huge a sea, that the beat of the waves on board and bow was to hearken to, like as the clashing together of high hills broken. But Helgi bade men fear not, nor take in any sail but rather hoist every reg higher than here too for. But little did they miss a foundering or ever they made land. Then came Sigrun, daughter of King Hergny, down on to the beach with a great army, and turned them away thence to a good haven called Gnipa Lund. But the landsmen see what has befallen and come down to the seashore. The brother of King Hoddbrod, lord of a land called Swarren's Cairn, called out to them and asked them who was captain over that mighty army? Captain up stands sinfutely, with a helm on his head bright shining as glass, and a bernie as white as snow, a spear in his hand and thereon a banner of renown, and a goldrim shield hanging before him. And well he knew what words to speak to kings. Go thou and say, when thou hast made an end of feeding thy swine and thy dogs, and when thou beholdest thy wife again, that here are come the Volzungs, and in this company may King Helgi be found, if Hoddbrod be fain of finding him. For his game and his joy it is to fight and win fame, while thou art kissing the handmaids by the fireside. Then answered Grandma, In no wise knowest thou how to speak seemly things, and to tell of matters remembered from of old, whereas thou laest lies on chiefs and lords. Just like it is that thou must have long been nourished with wolf meat abroad in the wild woods, and hast slain thy brethren, and a marvel it is to behold that thou derest join thyself to the company of good men and true, thou who hast sucked the blood of many a cold corpse. Sinfutely answered Dim belike is grown thy memory now of how thou wert a witchwife on Verenze, and which feign have a man to thee, and chose me to that same office of all the world, and how thereafter thou art a Valkyria in Asgardh, and it well nigh came to this that for thy sweet sake should all men fight, and nine wolf-elps I begat on thy body in loneness, and was the father to them all. Grandma answers Great skill in lying hast thou, yet belike the father of nought at all mayest thou be, since thou wert gelded by the giant's daughters of Thrasnes, and lo thou art the stepson of King Sigair, and were wont to lie abroad in wilds and woods with the kin of wolves, and unlucky was the hand wherewith thou sluiced thy brethren, making for thyself an exceeding evil name. Said Sinfutely Mindest thou not then when thou wert stallion Granny's mare, and how I rode thee an amble on Bravol, and that afterwards thou wert giant gillners goat-herd? Grandma says Rather would I feed fowls with the flesh of thee, than wrangle any longer with thee. Then spake King Helge. Better were it for ye, and a more manly deed, to fight, rather than to speak such things, as it is a shame even to harken to. Grandma's sons are no friends of me and of mine, yet are they hardy men none the less. So Grandma rode away to meet King Hodbrad at a place called Sunfels, and the horses of the twain were named Sveipudr and Svegirdr. The brothers met in the castle porch, and Grandma told Hodbrad of the war news. King Hodbrad was clad in a bernie, and had his helm on his head. He asked What men are nigh? Why look ye so wrathful? Grandma says Here are come the Volzungs, and twelve thousand men of them are afloat off the coast, and seven thousand are at the island called Suck. But at the stead called Grinder is the greatest company of all, and now I deem with all that Helge and his fellowship have good will to give battle. Then said the King Let us send a message through all our realm, and go against them. Neither let any who is feign of fight sit idle at home. Let us send word to the sons of Ring, and to King Hugney, and to Alf the Old, for they are mighty warriors. So the hosts met at Wolfstone, and fierce fight befell there. Helge rushed forth through the host of his foes, and many a man fell there. At last folks saw a great company of shield-maidens like burning flames to look on, and there was come Sigrun, the King's daughter. Then King Helge fell on King Hodbrod, and smote him, and slew him, even under his very banner. And Sigrun cried out Have thou thanks for thy so manly deed? Now shall we share the land between us, and a day of great good hap this is to me, and for this deed shall thou get honor and renown, in that thou hast felled to earth so mighty a King. So Helge took to him that realm, and dwelt there long, when he had wedded Sigrun, and became a King of great honor and renown, though he has not more to do with this story. CHAPTER X Now the Volzungs fare back home, and have gained great renown by these deeds. But Sinfiatle betook himself to warfare anew. And therewith he had sight of an exceeding fair woman, and yearned above all things for her. But that same woman was wooed also of the brother of Borghild, the King's wife. And this matter they fought out betwixt them, and Sinfiatle slew that King. And thereafter he hurried far and wide, and had many a battle, and ever gained the day. And he became hereby honored and renowned above all men. But in autumn tide he came home with many ships and abundant wealth. Then he told his tidings to the King, his father. And he again to the Queen. And she for her part bids him get him gone from the realm, and made as if she would in no wise see him. But Sigmund said he would not drive him away, and offered her atonement of gold and great wealth for her brother's life. Albeit he said he had never erstgiven Borghild to any for the slaying of a man. But no fame it was to uphold wrong against a woman. So seeing she might not get her own way herein, she said, Have thy will in this matter, O my Lord, for it is seemingly so to be. And now she holds the funeral feast for her brother by the aid and council of the King, and makes ready all things therefore in the best of wise, and bade thither many great men. At that feast Borghild, the Queen, bared the drink to folk, and she came over against Sinfiatli, with a great horn, and said, Fall to now and drink fair steps on. Then he took the horn to him, and looked therein, and said, Nay, for the drink is charmed, drink! Then said Sigmund, Give it unto me then! And therewith he took the horn and drank it off. But the Queen said to Sinfiatli, Why must other men needst drink thine ale for thee? And she came again the second time with the horn, and said, Come now and drink! And goaded him with many words. And he took the horn, and said, Guile is in the drink! And thereon Sigmund cried out, Give it then unto me! Again the third time she came to him, and bade him drink off his drink, if he had the heart of a volsung. Then he laid hand on the horn, but said, Venom is therein. Nay, let the lips strain it out then, O son! Cuth Sigmund, and by then was he exceeding drunk with drink, and therefore spaky in that wise. So Sinfiatli drank, and straightway fell down dead to the ground. Sigmund rose up, and sorrowed, nigh to death over him. Then he took the corpse in his arms, and fared away to the wood, and went till he came to a certain Firth. And there he saw a man in a little boat. And that man asked if he would be wafted by him over the Firth, and he said, Ye there too. But so little was the boat, that they might not all go in it at once. So the corpse was first laid therein, while Sigmund went by the Firth side. But therewith the boat and the man therein vanished away from before Sigmund's eyes. So thereafter Sigmund turned back home, and drove away the Queen, and a little after she died. But Sigmund the King yet ruled his realm, and is deemed ever the greatest champion and king of the old law. CHAPTER XI. There was a king called Elamy, mighty and of great fame, and his daughter was called Hiordis, the fairest and wisest of womankind. And Sigmund hears it told of her that she was meat to be his wife, yea, if none else were. So he goes to the house of King Elamy, who would make a great feast for him, if so be he comes not thither in the guise of a foe. So messages were sent from one to the other that this present journey was a peaceful one, and not for war. So the feast was held in the best of whys and with many a man there at. Fairs were in every place established for King Sigmund, and all things were done to the aid and comfort of his journey. So he came to the feast, and both kings hold their state in one hall. Thither also was come King Lingvi, son of King Hunding. And he also is a wooing the daughter of King Elamy. Now the king deemed he knew that the twain had come thither but for one errand, and thought with all that war and trouble might be looked for from the hands of him who brought not his end about. So he spake to his daughter and said, Thou art a wise woman, and I have spoken it that thou alone shalt choose a husband for thyself. Choose therefore between these two kings, and my reach shall be even as thine. A hard and troubleous matter, says she, yet will I choose him who is of greatest fame, King Sigmund to wit, albeit he is well stricken in years. So to him was she betrothed, and King Lingvi got him gone. Then was Sigmund wedded to Hjordis, and now each day was the feast better and more glorious than on the day before it. But thereafter Sigmund went back home to Hunland, and King Elamy, his father-in-law, with him. And King Sigmund betakes himself to the due ruling of his realm. But King Lingvi and his brethren gather an army together to fall on Sigmund, for as in all matters they were want to have the worser lot, so did this bite the sorest of all, and they would feign prevail over the might and pride of the Volzungs. So they came to Hunland, and sent King Sigmund word how that they would not steal upon him, and that they deemed he would scarce slink away from them. So Sigmund said he would come and meet them in battle, and drew his power together. But Hjordis was born into the wood with a certain bond made, and mighty wealth went with them, and there she abode, the while they fought. Now the Vikings rushed from their ships in numbers not to be born up against. But Sigmund the King and Elamy set up their banners, and the horns blew up to battle. But King Sigmund let blow the horn his father arised had had, and cheered on his men to the fight, but his army was far the fewest. Now was that battle fierce and fell, and though Sigmund were old yet most heartily he fought, and was ever the foremost of his men. No shield or bernie might hold against him, and he went ever through the ranks of his foe-man on that day, and no man might see how things would fare between them. Many an arrow and many a spear was aloft in air that day, and so his spey rites wrought for him that he got no wound, and none can tell over the tale of those who fell before him, and both his arms were red with blood, even to the shoulders. But now, when as the battle had dored awhile, there came a man into the fight clad in a blue cloak, and with a slouched hat on his head, one eyed he was, and bare a bill in his hand, and he came against Sigmund the King and have up his bill against him, and as Sigmund smoked fiercely with the sword it fell upon the bill and burst a sunder in the midst. Dense forth the slaughter and dismay turned to his side, for the good-hap of King Sigmund had departed from him, and his men fell fast about him. Not did the King spare himself, but rather cheered on his men, but even as the saw says, en guima vith margnum, no might against many. So was it now proven, and in this fight fell Sigmund the King, and King Alemi, his father-in-law, in the forefront of their battle, and therewith the more part of their folk. Now King Lingvi made for the Kings of Bode, and was minded to take the King's daughter there, but failed herein, for there he found neither wife nor wealth. So he fared through all the realm and gave his men rule thereover, and now deemed that he had slain all the kin of the Volzungs, and that he need dread them no more from henceforth. Now Hjordis went amidst the slain that night of the battle and came whereas lay King Sigmund, and asked if he might be healed. But he answered, Many a man lives after hope has grown little, but my good hap has departed from me, nor will I suffer myself to be healed, nor will's oathen that I should ever draw sword again, since this, my sword and his, is broken. Hello now. I have waged war while it was his will. Not ill would I deem matters, said she, if thou mightest be healed and avenge my father, the King said. That is fated for another man. Behold now, thou art great with a man-child. Nourish him well and with good heed, and the child shall be the noblest and most famed of all our kin, and keep well with all the shards of the sword. Thereof shall a goodly sword be made, and it shall be called Grom, and our son shall bear it, and shall work many a great work therewith, even such as Eld shall never diminish, for his name shall abide and flourish as long as the world shall endure, and let this be a now for thee. But now I grow weary with my wounds, and I will go see our kin that have gone before me. So Hyordes sat over him till he died at the day dawning, and then she looked and behold there came many ships sailing to the land. Then she spake to the handmaid. Let us now change raiment, and be thou called by my name, and say that thou art the King's daughter. And thus they did. But now the Vikings behold the great slaughter of men there, and see where two women fair away vents into the wood, and they deemed that some great tidings must have befallen, and they leaped ashore from out their ships. Now the captain of these folks was Ulf, son of Helpreck, king of Denmark, who was sailing with his power along the land. So they came into the field among the slain, and saw how many men lay dead there. Then the king bade go seek for the women and bring them thither. And they did so. He asked them what women they were. And little as the thing seems like to be the bondmaid answered for the twain, telling of the fall of King Sigmund and King Alamy, and many another great man, and who they were with all who had wrought the deed. Then the king asks if they wanted where the wealth of the king was bestowed. And then says the bondmaid. It may well be deemed that we know full surely thereof. And therewith she guides them to the place where the treasure lay. And there they found exceeding great wealth, so that men deemed they have never seen so many things of price heaped up together in one place. All this they bore to the ships of King Ulf. And Hjordis and the bondmaid went with them. Therewith these sail away to their own realm, and talk how that surely on that field had fallen the most renowned of kings. So the king sits by the tiller, but the women abide in the forecastle. But talk he had with the women, and held their councils of much account. In such wise the king came home to his realm with great wealth, and he himself was a man exceeding goodly to look on. But when he had been but a little while at home the queen his mother asked him, Why the fairest of the two women had the fewer rings and the less worthy attire? I deem, she said, that she whom ye have held of least account is the noblest of the twain. He answered, I too have misdoubbed me, that she is little like a bondwoman. And when we first met, in seemingly wise she greeted noble men. Lo now, we will make a trial of the thing. So on a time as men sat at the drink the king sat down to talk with the women, and said, In what wise do ye note the wearing of the hours when as night grows old, if ye may not see the lights of heaven? Then says the bondwoman. This sign have I, that when as in my youth I was want to drink much in the dawn, so now, when I no longer use that manner, I am yet want to wake up at that very same tide, and by that token do I know thereof. Then the king laughed and said, Ill manners for a king's daughter. And therewith he turned to Hioris and asked her even the same question. But she answered, My father erst gave me a little gold ring of such nature that it groweth cold on my finger in the day dawning, and that is the sign that I have to know thereof. The king answered, In now of gold there were a very bondmaid bore it. But come now, thou hast been long and now hid from me. Yet if thou hath told me all from the beginning I would have done to thee as though we had both been one king's children. But better than thy deeds will I deal with thee, for thou shalt be my wife, and do jointure will I pay thee when as thou hast borne me a child. She spake therewith, and told out the whole truth about herself. So there was she held in great honor and deemed the worthiest of women. CHAPTER XIII The tale tells that Hioris brought forth a man-child who was straightly born before King Hjalprecht. And then was the king glad thereof when he saw the keen eyes in the head of him, and he said that few men would be equal to him or liken to him in any wise. So he was sprinkled with water and had to name Sigurdh, of whom all men speak with one speech and say that none was ever his like for growth and goodliness. He was brought up in the house of King Hjalprecht, in great love and honor. And so it is, that when so all the noblest men and greatest kings are named in the olden tales, Sigurdh is ever put before them all, for might and prowess, for high mind and stout heart, wherewith he was far more abundantly gifted than any man of the northern parts of the wide world. So Sigurdh waxed in King Hjalprecht's house, and there was no child but loved him. Through him was Hioris betrothed to King Alf, and jointure meted to her. Now, Sigurdh's foster-father was Hight Regan, the son of Rathmar. He taught him all manner of arts, the chess-play, and the lore of runes, and the talking of many tongues, even as the want was with King's sons in those days. But on a day when they were together Regan asked Sigurdh if he knew how much wealth his father had owned, and who had the ward thereof. Sigurdh answered, and said that the kings kept the ward thereof. Said Regan, Dost thou trust them all, but early? Sigurdh said, It is seemly that they keep it, till I may do some what therewith, for better they wot how to guard it than I do. Another time came Regan to talk to Sigurdh, and said, A marvellous thing, truly, that thou must needst be a horse-boy to the kings, and go about like a running knave. Nave said Sigurdh, it is not so. For in all things I have my will, and what so thing I desire is granted me with good will. Well, then, said Regan, ask for a horse of them. Yea, quotes Sigurdh, and that shall I have when so I have need thereof. Thereafter Sigurdh went to the king, and the king said, What wilt thou have of us? Then said Sigurdh, I would even a horse of thee for my despot. Then said the king, Choose for thyself a horse, and what so thing else thou desirest among my matters. So the next day went Sigurdh to the wood, and met on the way, an old man, long bearded, that he knew not, who asked him wither away. Sigurdh said, I am minded to choose me a horse, come thou, and counsel me thereon. Well, then, said he, go we and drive them to the river which is called Busseltyorn. They did so, and draved the horses down into the deeps of the river, and all swam back to land but one horse, and that horse Sigurdh chose for himself. Gray he was of hue, and young of years, great of growth, and fair to look on, nor had any man yet crossed his back. Then spake the gray beard. From Slapineer's kin is this horse come, and he must be nourished heedfully, for it will be the best of all horses. And therewithal he vanished away. So Sigurdh called the horse Granny, the best of all the horses of the world, nor was the man he met other than Othen himself. Now yet again spake Reagan to Sigurdh and said, Not enough is thy wealth, and I grieve right sore that thou must needs run here and there like a churl's son, but I can tell thee where there is much wealth for the winning, and great name and honour to be one in getting of it. Sigurdh asked where that might be, and who had watched and warred over it. Reagan answered, Foufnir is his name, and but a little way hence he lies on the waist of Gnita Heath, and when thou comest there thou mayest well say that thou hast never seen more gold heaped together in one place, and that none might desire more treasure, though he were the most ancient and famed of all kings. Young am I, says Sigurdh, yet I know the fashion of this worm, and how that none durst go against him, so huge and evil as he. Reagan said, Nay, it is not so. The fashion and the growth of him is even as other ling worms, and an over-great tale men make of it, and even so with thy forefathers have deemed. But thou, though thou be of the kin of the volzungs, shalt scarce have the heart and mind of those who are told of as the first in all deeds of fame. Sigurdh said, Yea, but like I have little of their hardy hood and prowess, but thou hast not to do to lay a coward's name upon me when I am scarce out of my childish years. Why dost thou egg me on here too so busily? Reagan said, Therein lies a tale which I must need's tell thee. Let me hear the same, said Sigurdh. CHAPTER XIV Thus the tale begins, said Reagan. Hrythmar was my father's name, a mighty man and a wealthy, and his first son was named Fafnir, his second Otter, and I was the third and the least of them all, both for prowess and good conditions. But I was cunning to work in iron and silver and gold, whereof I could make matters that availed somewhat. Other skill my brother Otter followed, and had another nature with all. For he was a great fisher, and above other men herein, in that he had the likeness of an Otter by day, and dwelt ever in the river, and bare fish to bank in his mouth. And his prey would he ever bring to our father, and that availed him much. For the most part he kept him in his Otter gear, and then he would come home and eat alone and slumbering, for on the dry land he might see not. But Fafnir was by far the greatest and grimest, and would have all things about called his. Now, says Reagan, there was a dwarf, called Andvari, who ever abode in that force which was called Andvari's force, in the likeness of a pike, and got meat for himself, for many fish there were in the force. Now Otter, my brother, was ever want to enter into the force and bring fish a land, and lay them one by one on the bank. And so it befell that Othen, Lucky, and Hennir, as they went their ways, came to Andvari's force. And Otter had taken a salmon, and ate it slumbering upon the river bank. Then Lucky took a stone and cast it at Otter, so that he got his death thereby. The gods were well content with their prey, and fell to flaying off the Otter's skin, and in the evening they came to Rathmar's house, and showed him what they had taken. Thereon he laid hands on them, and doomed them to such ransom as that they should fill the Otter's skin with gold, and cover it over without with red gold. So they sent Lucky to gather gold together for them. He came to Rahn and got her net, and went their way to Andvari's force, and cast the net before the pike, and the pike ran into the net, and was taken. Then said Lucky, Kvate that visca errinner flow thee ye, kanat servith vidy varask? What fish of all fishes swims strong in the flood, but hath learnt little wit to beware? Thy head must thou buy from abiding in hell, and find me the Wahn water's flame. He answered, Andvari folk call me, call Owen my father, over many a force have I faired. For anorn of ill luck this life on me lay through wet ways ever to wade. So Lucky beheld the gold of Andvari. And when he had given up the gold he had but one ring left. And that also Lucky took from him. Then the dwarf went into a hollow of the rocks, and cried out that that gold ring, ye, and all the gold with all, should be the bane of every man who should own it thereafter. Now the gods rode with the treasure to Rathmar, and fulfilled the otterskin, and set it on its feet, and they must cover it over utterly with gold. But when this was done then Rathmar came forth and beheld yet one of the muzzle-hares, and bade them cover that with all. Then Owen drew the ring, Andvari's loom, from his hand, and covered up the hair therewith. Then sang Lucky, Golden owl, golden owl, a great were-gild thou hast, that my head in good hap I may hold. But thou and thy son are not fated to thrive. The bane shall it be of you both. Here, says Regan, Fafnir slew his father, and murdered him, nor got I ought of the treasure, and so evil he grew that he fell to lying abroad, and begrudged any share in the wealth to any man, and so became the worst of all worms, and ever now lies brooding upon that treasure. But for me I went to the king and became his master Smith, and thus is the tale told, of how I lost the heritage of my father and the were-gild for my brother. So spake, Regan. But since that time gold is called Otter-gild, and for no other cause than this. But Sigurd answered, Much hast thou lost, and exceeding evil have thy kinsmen been. But now make a sword by thy craft, such a sword as that none can be made like unto it, so that I may do great deeds therewith if my heart avail thereto, and thou wouldst have me slay this mighty dragon. Regan says, Trust me well herein, and with that same sword shall thou slay Fafnir. CHAPTER XV So Regan makes a sword and gives it into Sigurd's hands. He took the sword and said, Behold thy smithing, Regan! And therewith smote it into the anvil, and the sword break. So he cast down the brand, and bade him forge a better. Then Regan forged another sword, and brought it to Sigurd, who looked thereon. Then said Regan, But like thou art well content therewith, hard master, though thou be in smithing! So Sigurd proved the sword, and break it, even as the first. Then he said to Regan, Ah, art thou may happen a traitor and a liar like to those former kin of thine. Therewith he went to his mother, and she welcomed him in seamly wise, and they talked and drank together. Then speaks Sigurd. Have I heard to write that King Sigmund gave thee the good-sword grom in two pieces? True enough, she said. So Sigurd said, Deliver them into my hands, for I would have them. She said he looked like to win great fame, and gave him the sword. Therewith went Sigurd to Regan, and bade him make a good sword thereof, as he best might. Regan grew wroth thereat, but went into the smithy with the pieces of the sword, thinking well meanwhile that Sigurd pushed his head far and out into the matter of smithing. So he made a sword. And as he bore it forth from the forge it seemed to the smiths, as though fire burned along the edges thereof. Now he bade Sigurd take the sword, and said he knew not how to make a sword if this one failed. Then Sigurd smote it into the anvil, and cleft it down to the stock thereof, and neither burst the sword nor break it. Then he praised the sword much, and thereafter went to the river with a lock of wool, and threw it up against the stream, and it fell asunder when it met the sword. Then was Sigurd glad, and went home. But Regan said, Now, whereas I have made the sword for thee, but like thou wilt hold to thy truth given, and wilt go meet Faufnir. Surely will I hold there too, said Sigurd, yet first must I avenge my father. Now Sigurd the older he grew, the more he grew in the love of all men, so that every child loved him well. CHAPTER XVI. There was a man height Gripir, who was Sigurd's mother's brother. And a little after the forging of the sword, Sigurd went to Gripir because he was a man who knew things to come and what was fated to men. Of him Sigurd asked diligently how his life should go, but Gripir was long or he spake. Yet at the last, by reason of Sigurd's exceeding great prayers, he told him all his life and the fate thereof, even as afterwards came to pass. So when Gripir had told him all, even as he would, he went back home. And a little after, he and Reagan met. Then said Reagan, Go thou and slay Faufnir, even as thou hast given thy word. Sigurd said, That work shall be wrought, but another is first to be done. The avenging of Sigurd the king and the other of my kinsmen who fell in that their last fight. CHAPTER XVII. Now Sigurd went to the kings and spake thus. Sigurd have I abode a space with you, and I owe you thanks and reward for great love and many gifts and all due honour. But now will I away from the land, and go meet the sons of Hunding, and do them to wit that the Volzungs are not all dead. And you're might what I have to strengthen me therein. So the kings said that they would give him all things soever that he desired. And therewith was a great army got ready, and all things wrought in the most heedful wise ships and all war-gear so that his journey might be of the stateliest. But Sigurd himself steered the dragon-keel which was the greatest and noblest. Richly wrought were their sails, and glorious to look on. So they sail, and have wind at will. But when a few days were over-past there arose a great storm on the sea, and the waves were to behold even as the foam of men's blood. Sigurd bade take in no sail how soever they might be riven, but rather to lay on higher than here too for. But as they sailed past the rocks of a nest, a certain man hailed the ships, and asked who was captain over that navy. Then was it told him that the chief and lord was Sigurd, the son of Sigmund, the most famed of all the young men who now are. Then said the man, Not but one thing surties do all say of him, that none among the sons of kings may be likened unto him. Now feign were I that ye would shorten sail on some of the ships, and take me aboard. Then they asked him of his name, and he sang, Khnikar, I height, when I gladdened Hugen, and went to battle, bright son of Olsang. Now may ye call the coral on the cliff-top thing, or feel near. Feign would I with you. They made for land their whiff, and took that man aboard. Then Quoth Sigurd, as the song says, Tell me this, O Khnikar, since full well thou knowest, fate of gods, good and ill of mankind. What best our hap for Showeth, when amid the battle, about us sweeps the sword edge? Khnikar, good are many tokens, if thereof men wotted, when the swords are sweeping. Fair fellow, deem I the dark-winged raven in war to weapon-wielder. The second good thing, when abroad thou goest for the long road well arrayed, good if thou seest two men standing, feign of fame within the forecourt. A third thing, good hearing the wolf howling abroad under ash-bows, good hap shall thou have dealing with helm-staves, if thou seest these fair before thee. No man in fight his face shall turn against the moon's sister, lo, late shining. For he winneth battle who best beholdeth, through the midmost sword-play, and the sloping ranks best shapeth. It is the trouble of foot ill-tripping, when arrayed for fight thou fairest. For on both sides about are the DCer by thee, guileful, wishful of thy wounding. Faircomed, well-washing, let each warrior be, nor lack meat in the morning. For who can rule the eaves returning, and base to fall before fate groveling? Then the storm abated, and on they faired till they came a land in the realm of Hunding's sons, and then, feel near, vanished away. Then they let loose fire and sword, and slew men, and burnt their abodes, and did waste all before them. A great company of folk fled before the face of them to Lingvi the king, and tell him that men of war are in the land, and are affaring with such rage and fury that the like has never been heard of, and that the sons of King Hunding had no great forecast, and that they said they would never fear the Volzungs more. For here was come Sigurd, the son of Sigmund, as captain over this army. So King Lingvi let send the war message all throughout his realm, and has no will to flee, but summons to him all such as would give him aid. So he came against Sigurd with a great army, he and his brothers with him, and an exceeding fierce fight befell. Many a spear, and many an arrow might men see their raised aloft. Axes hard-driven, shields cleft and burnies torn, helmets were shivered, skulls split atwain, and many a man felled to the cold earth. And now, when the fight has long doored in such wise, Sigurd goes forth before the banners, and has the good-sword grom in his hand, and smites down both men and horses, and goes through the thickest of the throng with both arms red with blood to the shoulder. And folks shrank back before him wheresoever he went, nor would either Helm or Bernie hold before him, and no man deemed he had ever seen his like. So a long while the battle lasted, and many a man was slain, and furious was the onset. Till at last it befell, even as seldom comes to hand when a land-army falls on, that, do what so they might, not was brought about. But so many men fell of the Sons of Hunding that the tale of them may not be told. And now, when as Sigurd was among the foremost, came the Sons of Hunding against him, and Sigurd smote therewith at Lingvi the king and clave him down, both Helm and head and male-clad body, and thereafter he smote Hurovarth, his brother, a twain, and then slew all the other Sons of Hunding who were yet alive, and the more part of their folk with all. Now home goes Sigurd with fair victory won, and plenteous wealth and great honour which he had gotten to him in this journey, and feasts were made for him against he came back to the realm. But when Sigurd had been at home but a little, came Regan to talk with him, and said, But like thou wilt now have good will to bow down Faufnir's crest, according to thy word plighted, since thou hast thus revenged thy father and the others of thy kin. Sigurd answered, That will we hold to, even as we have promised, nor did it ever fall from our memory. CHAPTER XVIII Now Sigurd and Regan ride up the heath, along that same way wherein Faufnir was wont to creep when he feared to the water. And folks say that thirty fathoms was the height of that cliff along which he lay when he drank the water below. Then Sigurd spake, How sayest thou, Regan, that this drake was no greater than other ling-worms, me thinks the track of him is marvellous great? Then said Regan, Take thee a hole and sit down therein. And when as the worm comes to the water, smite him into the heart, and so do him to death, and win for thee great fame thereby. But Sigurd said, What will betide me if I be before the blood of the worm? Says Regan, Of what avail to counsel thee if thou art still a feared of everything? Little are thou like thy kin in stoutness of heart. Then Sigurd rides right over the heath, but Regan gets him gone, sore of feared. But Sigurd fell to digging him a pit, and while as he was at that work there came to him an old man with a long beard, and asked what he wrought there, and he told him. Then answered the old man and said, Thou dost after sorry counsel rather dig thee many pits, and let the blood run therein, but sit thee down in one thereof, and so thrust the worm's heart through. And therewithal he vanished away. But Sigurd made the pits, even as it was shown to him. Now crept the worm down to his place of watering, and the earth shook all about him, and he snorted forth venom on all the way before him as he went. But Sigurd neither trembled nor was a dread at the roaring of him. So when as the worm crept over the pits, Sigurd thrust his sword under his left shoulder so that it sank in up to the hilt. Then up leaped Sigurd from the pit, and drew the sword back again unto him, and therewith was his arm all bloody, up to the very shoulder. Now when that mighty worm was where that he had his death wound, then he lashed out head and tail so that all things so ever that were before him were broken to pieces. So when as Fafnir had his death wound, he asked, Who art thou, and who is thy father? And what thy kin, that thou wert so hardy as to bear weapons against me? Sigurd answered, Unknown to men as my kin, I am called a noble beast, neither father have I nor mother, and all alone have I fared hither. Said Fafnir, Where as thou hast neither father nor mother, of what wonder worth thou born then? But now, though thou tellest me not thy name on this my death day, yet thou knowest verily that thou liest unto me? He answered, Sigurd them I called, and my father was Sigmund. Says Fafnir, Who egged thee on to this deed? And why would thou be driven to it? Hats thou never heard, how that all folk were a draught of me, and of the awe of my countenance? But an eager father thou hathst, O bright-eyed swain? Sigurd answered, A hardy heart urged me on here too, and a strong hand and this sharp sword, which well thou knowest now stood me instead in the doing of the deed, seldom hath hardy held a faint heart youth. Fafnir said, Well, I want that hathst thou waxed amid thy kin, thou mightest have good skill to slay folk in thine anger. But more of a marvel is it that thou, a bondsman taken in war, hathst have the heart to set on me? For few among bondsmen have heart for the fight, said Sigurd. Will thou then cast it in my teeth that I am far away from my kin? Albeit I was a bondsman, yet was I never shackled. God, what thou hast found me free now? Fafnir answered, An angry wise dost thou take my speech. But Harkon, for that same gold which I have owned, shall be thy bane too. Quote Sigurd, Fain would we keep all our wealth till that day of days, yet shall each man die once for all, said Fafnir. Few things will thou do after my counsel. But take heed that thou shalt be drowned if thou farest unwarily over the sea. So buy thou rather on the dry land, for the coming of the calm tide. Then said Sigurd. Speak Fafnir, And say, if thou art so exceeding wise, who are the Norns who rule the lot of all men's sons? Fafnir answers, Many there be, and wide apart. For some are of the kin of the Ice-ear, and some are of Elven-kin, and some there are, who are daughters of Dvalin, said Sigurd. How namest thou the home where on cert and the Ice-ear mix and mingle the water of the sword? Un-shapen is that home height, said Fafnir. And yet again he said, Reagan, my brother, has brought about my end, and it gladdens my heart that thine too he bringeth about, for thus will things be according to his will. And once again he spake, A countenance of terror I bore up before all folk, after that I brooded over the heritage of my brother. And on every side did I spout out poison, so that none durst come any me, and if no weapon was I a-dread. For ever had I so many men before me, as that I deemed myself not stronger than all, for all men were sore a-feared of me. Sigurd answered and said, Few may have victory by means of that same countenance of terror, for whoso comes amongst many shall one day find that no one man is by so far the mightiest of all. Then says Fafnir, Such counsel I give thee, that thou take thy horse and ride away at thy speediest, for off times it falls out so that he who gets a death wound avenges himself none the less. Sigurd answered, Such as thy reeds are I will no wise do after them, nay I will ride now to thy lair and take to me that great treasure of thy kin. Ride there, then, said Fafnir, And thou shalt find gold now to suffice thee for all thy life days. Yet shall that gold be thy bane, and the bane of every one so ever who owns it? Then up stood Sigurd and said, Some would I ride, and lose all that wealth, if I deemed that by the losing thereof I should never die. But every brave and true man will feign have his hand on wealth till that last day. But thou Fafnir, Wallow in the death-pain till death and hell have thee. And therewithal Fafnir died. CHAPTER XIX Thereafter came Reagan to Sigurd, and said, Hail, Lord and Master! A noble victory hest thou won in the slaying of Fafnir, whereas none durst heretofore abide in the path of him, and now shall this deed of fame be of renown while the world stands fast. Then stood Reagan, staring on the earth a long while, and presently thereafter spake from heavy mood. Mine own brother hest thou slain, and scarce may I be called sackless of the deed. Then Sigurd took his sword grom, and dried it on the earth, and spake to Reagan. Afar thou fairest when I wrought this deed, and tried this sharp sword with the hand and the might of me, was all the might and main of a dragon must I strive, while thou wort laid alow in the heather-bush, wotting not if it were earth or heaven. Said Reagan, Long might this worm have lain in his lair, if the sharp sword I forged with my hand had not been good at need to thee. Had that not been, neither thou nor any man would have prevailed against him, as at this time. Sigurd answers, When as men meet foes in fight, better is stout heart than sharp sword. Then said Reagan, exceeding heavily, Thou hast slain my brother, and scarce may I be sackless of the deed. Therewith Sigurd cut out the heart of the worm with the sword called Rithil. But Reagan drank of Fauffner's blood, and spake, Grant me a boon, and do a thing little for thee to do. Bear the heart to the fire, and roast it, and give me thereof to eat. Then Sigurd went his ways and roasted it on a rod. And when the blood bubbled out, he laid his finger thereon to assay it, if it were fully done. And then he set his finger in his mouth, and low. When the heart-blood of the worm touched his tongue, straight way he knew the voice of all fowls, and heard with all how the woodpeckers chattered in the break beside him. There, said his thou, Sigurd, roasting Fauffner's heart for another, that thou shouldst eat thine own self. And then thou shouldst become the wisest of all men. And another spake. There lies Reagan, minded to beguile the man who trusts in him. But yet again said the third. Let him smite the head from off him then, and be only lord of all that gold. And once more the fourth spake, and said, Ah, the wiser were he, if he followed after that good counsel, and rode thereafter to Fauffner's lair, and took to him that mighty treasure that lieth there, and then rode over Heinfeld, whereas sleeps Brunhild. For there would he get great wisdom. Ah, wise he were, if he did after your reads, and but thought him of his own wheel, for where wolf's ears are, wolf's teeth are here. Then cried the fifth. Ye, ye, not so wise as he is, I deem him, if he spareth him, whose brother he hath slain already. At last spake the sixth. Handy and good read, to slay him, and be lord of the treasure. Then said Sigurd, the time is unborn, wherein Reagan shall be my bane. Today, rather, one road shall both these brothers fare. And therewith he drew his sword grom, and struck off Reagan's head. Then heard Sigurd the woodpeckers is singing, even as the song says. For the first sang, Bind thou, Sigurd, the bright red rings, not meet it is many things to fear. Fare may know I, fair of all the fairest, Gert about with gold, good for thy getting. And the second. Green go the ways toward the hall of Kyuki, that the fates show forth to those who fare thither. Fare the rich king reareth a daughter. Thou shalt deal, Sigurd, with gold, for thy sweetling. And the third. A high hall is there, reared upon hind fell. Without all around it sweeps the red flame aloft. Wise men wrought that wonder of halls, with the unhidden gleam of the glory of gold. Then the fourth sang. Soft on the fell a shield may sleepeth. The lime-trees red plague playing about her. The sleep-thorn set Othen into that maiden, for her choosing in war the one he willed not. Go, son, behold that may under helm, whom from battle Vinskor near bore, from her may not turn the torment of sleep, dear offspring of kings, in the dread norns despite. Then Sigurd ate some deal of Fafnir's heart, and the remnant he kept. Then he leapt on his horse, and rode along the trail of the worm Fafnir, and so right unto his abiding place. And he found it open. And beheld all the doors, and the gear of them, that they were wrought of iron, yea, and all the beams of the house, and it was dug down deep into the earth. There found Sigurd gold exceeding plenteous, and the sword fraughty. And thence he took the helm of awe, and the gold-burny, and many things fair and good. So much gold he found there, that he thought verily that scarce might two horses were three be like Barrett thence. So he took all the gold, and laid it in two great chests, and set them on the horse Grani, and took the reins of him. But no wise will he stir, neither will he abide smiting. Then Sigurd knows the mind of the horse, and leaps on the back of him, and smites and spurs into him. And off the horse goes, even as if he were unladen. End of Section V