Sigurd the Volsung

By Destin andKirtus

Sigurd the Volsung

The story is found in Scandinavia, British, and German Literature. The earliest existing version found in Beowulf(1000 AD)

Historical Background

Sigmund- son of Volsung, King of Hunland, father of Sigurd. Sigurd- son of Sigmund, performs multiple heroic deeds Regin- son of Hreidmar, brother of Fafnir and Otter, Master metal smith,

Sigurd Tutor. Hreidmar- father of Regin, Otter, and Fafnir. Otter- son of Hreidmar and brother to Fafnir and Regin. Andvari's- Dwarf, has a large hoard of gold and is the original ring holder. Brunhild- Disobedient Valkyrie , rescued by Sigurd, wife to Gunnar. Atli- brother to Brunhild, husband to Gudrun after Sigurds death. Giuki- King of land south of Rhine, husband of Grimhild, and father to

Gunnar, Hogni, Guttorm, and Gudrun. Gunnar- son of Giuki and Grimhild, brother to Hogni, Guttorm, and Gudrun,

Husband to Brunhild. Hogni- son Giuki and Grimhild, brother to Gunnar, Guttorm, and Gudrun. Guttorm- youngest child of Giuki and Grimhild, brother to Gunnar, Hogni and

Gudrun. Gudrun- Daughter of Giuki and Grimhild, sister to Gunnar, Hogni, Guttorm,

Wife to Sigurd and after his death Atli.

Principle Characters

Sigmund son of Volsung, pulls the god Odin’s Sword from the trunk of a tree. On the day that Sigmund is fated to die Odin smashes the sword. Sigmund tells his wife to save the pieces for their son and then dies

Chapter 1

Odin helps Sigurd choose his horse, Grani. Sigurds tutor Regin, tells Sigurd about the dwarf Andvari’s hoard of gold and the curse Andvari placed upon it and how it has effected his family.

Chapter 2

Sigurd’s uncle reveals his fate to him. Regin recasts Sigmund’s Sword, Gram for Sigurd. With it Sigurd kills Fafnir and then Regin. After taking Andvari’s treasure hoard, Sigurd sets out to rescue Brunhild the sleeping Valkyrie.

Chapter 3

Sigurd awakens Brunhild and falls in love with her. They promise themselves to one another but Brunhild unready to settle down tells Sigurd to seek out and marry Gudrun till the time they can be together. He refuses and then leaves her.

Chapter 4

Sigurd goes to the kingdom of King Giuki the father of Gudrun and becomes close to the family. Queen Grimhild believes Sigurd to be the perfect husband for Gudrun and gives him a drugged drink to make him to forget Brunhild so he marries Gudrun. Then Sigurd helps his new stepbrother Gunnar win Brunhild by magically taking on Gunnar's appearance to win her heart. Then in a petty conflict Gudrun reveals the truth of how Sigurd is the one who won her heart disguised as Gunnar. Leading to Brunhild plotting revenge on Sigurd.

Chapter 5

Brunhild persuades Gunnar to kill Sigurd. Gunnar arranges for the youngest brother Guttorm to perform the deed. Gudrun becomes an unwilling accomplice to the treachery by revealing Sigurds one vulnerable spot. During a Boar hunt Guttorm takes the opportunity to kill Sigurd. Sigurd reveals Brunhilds evil has corrupted there family and manipulated them to take her revenge on him.

Chapter 6

Guttorm confesses his treachery. Brunhild reveals the future to Gunnar and then commits suicide. Gudrun mourns the death of Sigurd. The corpse of Brunhild and Sigurd are burned together.

Chapter 7

Sigurd didn’t sleep with Brunhild when he was transformed into Gunnar to maintain his honor.

Staying with a single woman seems to be a very significant cultural trait.

As Sigurd was passing he maintained his emotions like that of a hero.

Backstabbing was an ever occurring aspect.

Significant Elements

Incomprehensible courage as a man and a fighter.

Very strong willed of body and mindSlays the Dragon FafnirLeaped through a raging inferno to save the

girlRadiating love to those he cared for even

after his betrayal.

Acts of Heroism

For a very short time when Sigurd is living with Gudrun and her family prior Brunhilds arrival.

There aren't very many because the whole story surrounds itself with death, destruction, and deceit.

Elements of Utopia

1. Why didn’t Gudrun try to better protect Sigurd with his coat?

2. Why didn’t Brunhild just take Sigurd when he offered himself to her?

3. What was the significance of Andvari’s ring?

Questions