The Lay of Atli (Atlakvida) Summary

The tale begins with a brief summary of the poem's plot. Gudrun avenges her brothers by killing Atli's sons, then Atli, and then burns down the hall and all the people inside.

Atli sends a messenger named Knefrod to Gunnar's hall. The people are wary of the visitor's presence and sit drinking silently. Then Knefrod begins to relate his message. Atli has sent him to invite Gunnar and Hogni to visit Atli's hall. Furthermore, they will be allowed to choose from among a great store of treasure. In addition to these gifts, Atli will give them the plain of Gnita-heath, ships, farms, and the famous forest of Mirkwood. Gunnar turns to Hogni for advice and says that he thought the brothers already owned all the gold of Gnita-heath. Gunnar appears not to want Atli's gifts...