Fire forth blossomed,
flames up-leaping,
trees of lightning
twisted branching.
Gunnar smote Goti:
the ground spurning
he reared him backward,
nor rowel heeded.
21
Sigurd unsmiling
silent waited,
in his shrouded heart
a shadow deepened:
‘For what waits Gunnar,
Gjuking fearless?
Here the queen dwelleth
that our quest seeketh!’
22
‘A boon grant me,
O blood-brother!
Goti will not bear me,
now Grani lend me!’
Gunnar smote Grani:
on the ground moveless
grey-hewn he stood
as of graven stone.
23
Gunnar rode not
the glittering flame.
Oaths swore Sigurd,
all fulfilled them.
In hope or hate
help unfailing,
he Grimhild’s counsel
grim refused not.
24
Counsels potent
had her cunning furnished
of chill enchantment
and changing spell.
In Gunnar’s likeness
on Grani leaped he;
gold spurs glinted,
Gram was brandished.
25
The earth shivered;
angry roaring
fire flaming-tongued
flashed heavenward.
With sword smitten
snorting leaped he,
Grani greyfell;
the ground trembled.
26
The fire flickered;
flame wavered,
sank to silence
slaked and fading.
Swart lay the shadow
of Sigurd riding
in helm of terror
high and looming.
27
Sigurd stood there
on sword leaning;
Brynhild waited
a blade holding.
There helmed maiden
of helmed king
name demanded:
night fell round them.
28
‘Gunnar Gjuki’s son
greets and hails thee.
As my queen shalt thou ride
my quest fulfilling.’
As on swaying seas
a swan glimmering
sat she sore troubled
seeking counsel:
29
‘What shall I answer
in hour o’ershadowed,
Gunnar, Gunnar,
with gleaming eyes?’
‘Redgolden rings,
Rhineland treasure,
