The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 317 pages of information about The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson.

The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 317 pages of information about The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson.

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 placed 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 (skjaldmaer).”  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 Gudrun, 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 from 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, Hogni, and Guthorm.  Gudrun 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 Gudrun, and all pledged their faith to Sigurd, and confirmed it by oaths.  Sigurd gave Gudrun to eat of Fafnir’s heart, and she became afterwards far more austere than before.  Their son was named Sigmund.

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The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.