The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun

as Valkyrie,

she heard nor heeded

hests of Odin,

and Odin smote

whom Odin loved.’

VI

BRYNHILDR

Here is told of the awakening of Brynhild by Sigurd. Doomed by Odin to go no longer to warfare but to wed, she has vowed to wed only the greatest of all warriors, the World’s chosen. Sigurd and Brynhild plight their troth, amid great joy, although of her wisdom she foresees that great perils beset Sigurd’s path. They depart together, but the pride of Brynhild causes her to bid Sigurd depart and come back to her only when he has won all men’s honour, and a kingdom.

1

Ever wide and wild

the wandering path;

long lay the shadow

of lone rider.

Ever high and high

stood Hindarfell,

mountain mighty

from mist rising.

2

A fire at crown,

fence of lightning,

high to heavenward

hissed and wavered.

Greyfell Grani,

glory seeking,

leaped the lightning

lightning-sinewed.

3

A wall saw Sigurd

of woven shields,

a standard streaming

striped with silver;

a man there war-clad,

mailclad, lying,

with sword beside him,

sleeping deadly.

4

The helm he lifted:

hair fell shining,

a woman lay there

wound in slumber;

fast her corslet

as on flesh growing –

the gleaming links,

Gram there clave them.

*

Brynhild awakening

5

‘Hail! O Daylight

and Day’s children!

Hail, Night and Noon

and Northern Star!

Hail, Kingly Gods,

Queens of Asgard!

Hail, Earth’s bosom

all-abounding!

6

Hands of healing,

hear and grant us,

light in darkness,

life and wisdom;

to both give triumph,

truth unfailing,

to both in gladness

glorious meeting!’

*

Brynhild

7

‘Brynhild greets thee,

O brave and fair!

What prince hath pierced

my pale fetters?’

Sigurd

‘A man fatherless,

yet man-begotten,

here red from battle

raven-haunted.’

Brynhild

8

‘Odin bound me,

Odin’s chosen;