Story Summary
Discover the epic tragedy of The Saga of the Volsungs, featuring the dragon-slayer Sigurd, cursed treasure, and the fatal web of fate and betrayal in Norse myth.
The saga begins with the Volsung lineage, a line of kings descended from Odin. During a wedding feast, a disguised Odin plunges the sword Gram into the great tree Barnstokkr, declaring that only the man who can pull it out is worthy of it. Sigmund, the youngest prince, succeeds where all others fail. Years of war and tragedy follow, leading to the birth of Sigmund’s son, Sigurd. Raised by the smith Regin, Sigurd is encouraged to slay the dragon Fafnir, who guards a hoard of cursed gold. Sigurd reforges his father’s shattered sword and kills the beast, tasting its blood to gain the ability to understand the language of birds. Warned of Regin’s treachery, Sigurd kills him and takes the treasure, including the cursed ring Andvaranaut. He later awakens the Valkyrie Brynhild from a magical sleep, and they pledge their love. However, through sorcery and deception, Sigurd is tricked into marrying Gudrun and helping his friend Gunnar win Brynhild instead. This web of lies leads to a cycle of jealousy and revenge, resulting in the deaths of Sigurd, Brynhild, and nearly the entire Volsung and Burgundian lines as fate and the curse of the gold claim their price.
The Moral
Greed and deception create a cycle of destruction that even the greatest heroes cannot escape, proving that fate is sovereign over all.
“My heart tells me that we shall not long be happy together, for fate is a hard mistress.”
Fun Fact
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote his own poetic version of this legend called 'The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún' which was published posthumously by his son.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Saga of the Volsungs?
The moral centers on the inescapability of fate and the destructive power of greed. It teaches that even noble intentions cannot save those entangled in cycles of betrayal and the pursuit of cursed wealth.
Who is the most famous hero in the Volsung Saga?
Sigurd (also known as Siegfried) is the central hero, famous for slaying the dragon Fafnir and winning the hoard of the Nibelungs. His strength and tragic end define the epic's second half.
What is the significance of the sword Gram?
Gram is a legendary sword originally gifted by Odin to Sigmund. After being shattered in battle, it was reforged for Sigurd, becoming the only weapon sharp enough to slay the dragon Fafnir.
Why is the treasure in the story cursed?
The treasure was stolen from the dwarf Andvari, who placed a curse on his gold and a specific ring, Andvaranaut. The curse ensures that anyone who possesses the gold will eventually meet a tragic and violent death.
How did the Volsung Saga influence modern literature?
This saga was a primary inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s 'The Lord of the Rings' and Richard Wagner’s opera cycle 'Der Ring des Nibelungen.' Many tropes of modern fantasy, like the broken sword and the cursed ring, originate here.
Who is Brynhild in the saga?
Brynhild is a Valkyrie who was punished by Odin with a magical sleep. She is Sigurd's true love, but through trickery, she is forced to marry another, leading to the story's tragic climax.
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