never born again.
Crooked came she forth
from cursed womb
to man’s evil
and our mighty woe.’
*
72
Gold corslet she took,
gleaming hauberk,
helm set on head,
in hand a sword.
On the sword she cast her,
sank down wounded:
thus Brynhild ended
her bright splendour.
73
‘A boon I beg thee,
this boon at last!
Pile high a pyre
on the plain builded;
shields hang round it
and shining cloths,
blood pour over it
for us brightly shed!
74
A hawk at each hand,
a hound at feet,
there harnessed set ye
our horses slain.
At his side lay me,
sword between us,
naked gleaming
as on night of yore.
75
Burn there Brynhild
in the blazing fire
who in flames awoke
to fell sorrow.
In flames send forth
that fairest lord
now as sun setting
who as sun did rise!’
76
Flames were kindled,
fume was swirling,
a roaring fire
ringed with weeping.
Thus Sigurd passed,
seed of Volsung,
there Brynhild burned:
bliss was ended.
*
77
On the hell-way hastened
the helmed queen,
never born again
from bleak regions.
In Valhollu
Volsungs feasted:
‘Son’s son welcome,
seed of Odin!’
78
Thus soon came Sigurd
the sword bearing
to glad Valholl
greeting Odin.
There feasts he long
at his father’s side,
for War waiting,
the World’s chosen.
79
When Heimdall’s horn
is heard ringing
and the Blazing Bridge
bends neath horsemen,
Brynhild shall arm him
with belt and sword,
a beaker bear him
brimmed with glory.
80
In the day of Doom
he shall deathless stand
who death tasted
and dies no more,
the serpent-slayer,
seed of Odin:
not all shall end,
nor Earth perish.
81
On his head the Helm,
in his hand lightning,
afire his spirit,
in his face splendour.
When war passeth
in world rebuilt,
bliss shall they drink
who the bitter tasted.
82
Thus passed Sigurd,
