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diff --git a/old/stsgf10.txt b/old/stsgf10.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d6d2f63 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/stsgf10.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9872 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of Siegfried, by James Baldwin +#2 in our series by James Baldwin + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Story of Siegfried + +Author: James Baldwin + +Release Date: November, 2004 [EBook #6866] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on February 2, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF SIEGFRIED *** + + + + +Produced by J. C. Byers + + + + + The Story of Siegfried + + By + James Baldwin + + New York Charles Scribner's Sons + 1899 + + + + To My Children, + + Winfred, Louis, and Nellie, + + This Book Is Affectionately Inscribed. + + + + + + The Fore Word. + + + + When the world was in its childhood, men looked upon the + works of Nature with a strange kind of awe. They fancied + that every thing upon the earth, in the air, or in the + water, had a life like their own, and that every sight which + they saw, and every sound which they heard, was caused by + some intelligent being. All men were poets, so far as their + ideas and their modes of expression were concerned, although + it is not likely that any of them wrote poetry. This was + true in regard to the Saxon in his chilly northern home, as + well as to the Greek in the sunny southland. But, while the + balmy air and clear sky of the south tended to refine men's + thoughts and language, the rugged scenery and bleak storms + of the north made them uncouth, bold, and energetic. Yet + both the cultured Greek and the rude Saxon looked upon + Nature with much the same eyes, and there was a strange + resemblance in their manner of thinking and speaking. They + saw, that, in all the phenomena which took place around + them, there was a certain system or regularity, as if these + were controlled by some law or by some superior being; and + they sought, in their simple poetical way, to account for + these appearances. They had not yet learned to measure the + distances of the stars, nor to calculate the motions of the + earth. The changing of the seasons was a mystery which they + scarcely sought to penetrate. But they spoke of these + occurrences in a variety of ways, and invented many + charming, stories with reference to them, not so much with a + view towards accounting for the mystery, as towards giving + expression to their childlike but picturesque ideas. + + Thus, in the south, when reference was made to the coming of + winter and to the dreariness and discomforts of that season + of the year, men did not know nor care to explain it all, as + our teachers now do at school; but they sometimes told how + Hades had stolen Persephone (the summer) from her mother + Demetre (the earth), and had carried her, in a chariot drawn + by four coal black steeds, to the gloomy land of shadows; + and how, in sorrow for her absence, the Earth clothed + herself in mourning, and no leaves grew upon the trees, nor + flowers in the gardens, and the very birds ceased singing, + because Persephone was no more. But they added, that in a + few months the fair maiden would return for a time to her + sorrowing mother, and that then the flowers would bloom, and + the trees would bear fruit, and the harvest-fields would + again be full of golden grain. + + In the north a different story was told, but the meaning was + the same. Sometimes men told how Odin (the All-Father) had + become angry with Brunhild (the maid of spring), and had + wounded her with the thorn of sleep, and how all the castle + in which she slept was wrapped in deathlike slumber until + Sigurd or Siegfried (the sunbeam) rode through flaming fire, + and awakened her with a kiss. Sometimes men told how Loki + (heat) had betrayed Balder (the sunlight), and had induced + blind old Hoder (the winter months) to slay him, and how all + things, living and inanimate, joined in weeping for the + bright god, until Hela (death) should permit him to revisit + the earth for a time. + + So, too, when the sun arose, and drove away the darkness and + the hidden terrors of the night, our ancestors thought of + the story of a noble young hero slaying a hideous dragon, or + taking possession of the golden treasures of Mist Land. And + when the springtime came, and the earth renewed its youth, + and the fields and woods were decked in beauty, and there + was music everywhere, they loved to tell of Idun (the + spring) and her youth-giving apples, and of her wise husband + Bragi (Nature's musician). When storm-clouds loomed up from + the horizon and darkened the sky, and thunder rolled + overhead, and lightning flashed on every hand, they talked + about the mighty Thor riding over the clouds in his goat- + drawn chariot, and battling with the giants of the air. When + the mountain-meadows were green with long grass, and the + corn was yellow for the sickles of the reapers, they spoke + of Sif, the golden-haired wife of Thor, the queen of the + pastures and the fields. When the seasons were mild, and the + harvests were plentiful, and peace and gladness prevailed, + they blessed Frey, the giver of good gifts to men. + + To them the blue sky-dome which everywhere hung over them + like an arched roof was but the protecting mantle which the + All-Father had suspended above the earth. The rainbow was + the shimmering bridge which stretches from earth to heaven. + The sun and the moon were the children of a giant, whom two + wolves chased forever around the earth. The stars were + sparks from the fire-land of the south, set in the heavens + by the gods. Night was a giantess, dark and swarthy, who + rode in a car drawn by a steed the foam from whose bits + sometimes covered the earth with dew. And Day was the son of + Night; and the steed which he rode lighted all the sky and + the earth with the beams which glistened from his mane. + + + It was thus that men in the earlier ages of the world looked + upon and spoke of the workings of Nature; and it was in this + manner that many myths, or poetical fables, were formed. By + and by, as the world grew older, and mankind became less + poetical and more practical, the first or mythical meaning + of these stories was forgotten, and they were regarded no + longer as mere poetical fancies, but as historical facts. + Perhaps some real hero had indeed performed daring deeds, + and had made the world around him happier and better. It was + easy to liken him to Sigurd, or to some other mythical + slayer of giants; and soon the deeds of both were ascribed + to but one. And thus many myth-stories probably contain some + historical facts blended with the mass of poetical fancies + which mainly compose them; but, in such cases, it is + generally impossible to distinguish what is fact from what + is mere fancy. + + All nations have had their myth-stories; but, to my mind, + the purest and grandest are those which we have received + from our northern ancestors. They are particularly + interesting to us; because they are what our fathers once + believed, and because they are ours by right of inheritance. + And, when we are able to make them still more our own by + removing the blemishes which rude and barbarous ages have + added to some of them, we shall discover in them many things + that are beautiful and true, and well calculated to make us + wiser and better. + + It is not known when or by whom these myth-stories were + first put into writing, nor when they assumed the shape in + which we now have them. But it is said, that, about the year + 1100, an Icelandic scholar called Saemund the Wise collected + a number of songs and poems into a book which is now known + as the "Elder Edda;" and that, about a century later, Snorre + Sturleson, another Icelander, wrote a prose-work of a + similar character, which is called the "Younger Edda." And + it is to these two books that we owe the preservation of + almost all that is now known of the myths and the strange + religion of our Saxon and Norman forefathers. But, besides + these, there are a number of semi-mythological stories of + great interest and beauty,--stories partly mythical, and + partly founded upon remote and forgotten historical facts. + One of the oldest and finest of these is the story of + Sigurd, the son of Sigmund. There are many versions of this + story, differing from each other according to the time in + which they were written and the character of the people + among whom they were received. We find the first mention of + Sigurd and his strange daring deeds in the song of Fafnir, + in the "Elder Edda." Then, in the "Younger Edda," the story + is repeated in the myth of the Niflungs and the Gjukungs. It + is told again in the "Volsunga Saga" of Iceland. It is + repeated and re-repeated in various forms and different + languages, and finally appears in the "Nibelungen Lied," a + grand old German poem, which may well be compared with the + Iliad of the Greeks. In this last version, Sigurd is called + Siegfried; and the story is colored and modified by the + introduction of many notions peculiar to the middle ages, + and unknown to our Pagan fathers of the north. In our own + time this myth has been woven into a variety of forms. + William Morris has embodied it in his noble poem of "Sigurd + the Volsung;" Richard Wagner, the famous German composer, + has constructed from it his inimitable drama, the + "Nibelungen Ring;" W. Jordan, another German writer, has + given it to the world in his "Sigfrid's Saga;" and Emanuel + Geibel has derived from it the materials for his "Tragedy of + Brunhild." + + + And now I, too, come with the STORY OF SIEGFRIED, still + another version of the time-honored legend. The story as I + shall tell it you is not in all respects a literal rendering + of the ancient myth; but I have taken the liberty to change + and recast such portions of it as I have deemed advisable. + Sometimes I have drawn materials from one version of the + story, sometimes from another, and sometimes largely from my + own imagination alone. Nor shall I be accused of impropriety + in thus reshaping a narrative, which, although hallowed by + an antiquity of a thousand years and more, has already + appeared in so many different forms, and been clothed in so + many different garbs; for, however much I may have allowed + my fancy or my judgment to retouch and remodel the + immaterial portions of the legend, the essential parts of + this immortal myth remain the same. And, if I succeed in + leading you to a clearer understanding and a wiser + appreciation of the thoughts and feelings of our old + northern ancestors, I shall have accomplished the object for + which I have written this Story of Siegfried. + + + + + + Contents. + + + + The Fore Word + I. Mimer, the Master + II. Greyfell + III. The Curse of Gold + IV. Fafnir, the Dragon + V. In AEgir's Kingdom + VI. Brunhild + VII. In Nibelungen Land + VIII. Siegfried's Welcome Home + IX. The Journey to Burgundy-land + X. Kriemhill's Dream + XI. How the Spring Time Came + XII. The War with the North-kings + XIII. The Story of Balder + XIV. How Gunther Outwitted Brunhild + XV. In Nibelungen Land Again + XVI. How Brunhild Was Welcomed Home + XVII. How Siegfried Lived in Nibelungen Land + XVIII. How the Mischief Began to Brew + XIX. How They Hunted in the Odenwald + XX. How the Hoard Was Brought to Burgundy + The After Word + Notes + + + + + + Adventure I. + Mimer, the Master. + + + + At Santen, in the Lowlands, there once lived a young prince + named Siegfried. His father, Siegmund, was king of the rich + country through which the lazy Rhine winds its way just + before reaching the great North Sea; and he was known, both + far and near, for his good deeds and his prudent thrift. And + Siegfried's mother, the gentle Sigelind, was loved by all + for her goodness of heart and her kindly charity to the + poor. Neither king nor queen left aught undone that might + make the young prince happy, or fit him for life's + usefulness. Wise men were brought from far-off lands to be + his teachers; and every day something was added to his store + of knowledge or his stock of happiness. And very skilful did + he become in warlike games and in manly feats of strength. + No other youth could throw the spear with so great force, or + shoot the arrow with surer aim. No other youth could run + more swiftly, or ride with more becoming ease. His gentle + mother took delight in adding to the beauty of his matchless + form, by clothing him in costly garments decked with the + rarest jewels. The old, the young, the rich, the poor, the + high, the low, all praised the fearless Siegfried, and all + vied in friendly strife to win his favor. One would have + thought that the life of the young prince could never be + aught but a holiday, and that the birds would sing, and the + flowers would bloom, and the sun would shine forever for his + sake. + + But the business of man's life is not mere pastime; and none + knew this truth better than the wise old king, Siegmund. + + "All work is noble," said he to Siegfried; "and he who + yearns to win fame must not shun toil. Even princes should + know how to earn a livelihood by the labor of their hands." + + And so, while Siegfried was still a young lad, his father + sent him to live with a smith called Mimer, whose smithy was + among the hills not far from the great forest. For in those + early times the work of the smith was looked upon as the + most worthy of all trades,--a trade which the gods + themselves were not ashamed to follow. And this smith Mimer + was a wonderful master,--the wisest and most cunning that + the world had ever seen. Men said that he was akin to the + dwarf-folk who had ruled the earth in the early days, and + who were learned in every lore, and skilled in every craft; + and they said that he was so exceeding old that no one could + remember the day when he came to dwell in the land of + Siegmund's fathers. And some said, too, that he was the + keeper of a wonderful well, or flowing spring, the waters of + which imparted wisdom and far-seeing knowledge to all who + drank of them. + + To Mimer's school, then, where he would be taught to work + skilfully and to think wisely, Siegfried was sent, to be in + all respects like the other pupils there. A coarse blue + blouse, and heavy leggings, and a leathern apron, took the + place of the costly clothing which he had worn in his + father's dwelling. His feet were incased in awkward wooden + shoes, and his head was covered with a wolf-skin cap. The + dainty bed, with its downy pillows, wherein every night his + mother had been wont, with gentle care, to see him safely + covered, was given up for a rude heap of straw in a corner + of the smithy. And the rich food to which he had been used + gave place to the coarsest and humblest fare. But the lad + did not complain. The days which he passed in the smithy + were mirthful and happy; and the sound of his hammer rang + cheerfully, and the sparks from his forge flew briskly, from + morning till night. + + And a wonderful smith he became. No one could do more work + than he, and none wrought with greater skill. The heaviest + chains and the strongest bolts, for prison or for + treasure-house, were but as toys in his stout hands, so + easily and quickly did he beat them into shape. And he was + alike cunning in work of the most delicate and brittle kind. + Ornaments of gold and silver, studded with the rarest + jewels, were fashioned into beautiful forms by his deft + fingers. And among all of Mimer's apprentices none learned + the master's lore so readily, nor gained the master's favor + more.[EN#1] + + One morning the master, Mimer, came to the smithy with a + troubled look upon his face. It was clear that something had + gone amiss; and what it was the apprentices soon learned + from the smith himself. Never, until lately, had any one + questioned Mimer's right to be called the foremost smith in + all the world; but now a rival had come forward. An unknown + upstart--one Amilias, in Burgundy-land--had made a suit of + armor, which, he boasted, no stroke of sword could dint, and + no blow of spear could scratch; and he had sent a challenge + to all other smiths, both in the Rhine country and + elsewhere, to equal that piece of workmanship, or else + acknowledge themselves his underlings and vassals. For many + days had Mimer himself toiled, alone and vainly, trying to + forge a sword whose edge the boasted armor of Amilias could + not foil; and now, in despair, he came to ask the help of + his pupils and apprentices. + + "Who among you is skilful enough to forge such a sword?" he + asked. + + One after another, the pupils shook their heads. And + Veliant, the foreman of the apprentices, said, "I have heard + much about that wonderful armor, and its extreme hardness, + and I doubt if any skill can make a sword with edge so sharp + and true as to cut into it. The best that can be done is to + try to make another war-coat whose temper shall equal that + of Amilias's armor." + + Then the lad Siegfried quickly said, "I will make such a + sword as you want,--a blade that no war-coat can foil. Give + me but leave to try!" + + The other pupils laughed in scorn, but Mimer checked them. + "You hear how this boy can talk: we will see what he can do. + He is the king's son, and we know that he has uncommon + talent. He shall make the sword; but if, upon trial, it + fail, I will make him rue the day." + + Then Siegfried went to his task. And for seven days and + seven nights the sparks never stopped flying from his forge; + and the ringing of his anvil, and the hissing of the hot + metal as he tempered it, were heard continuously. On the + eighth day the sword was fashioned, and Siegfried brought it + to Mimer. + + The smith felt the razor-edge of the bright weapon, and + said, "This seems, indeed, a fair fire-edge. Let us make a + trial of its keenness." + + Then a thread of wool as light as thistle-down was thrown + upon water, and, as it floated there, Mimer struck it with + the sword. The glittering blade cleft the slender thread in + twain, and the pieces floated undisturbed upon the surface + of the liquid. + + "Well done!" cried the delighted smith. "Never have I seen a + keener edge. If its temper is as true as its sharpness would + lead us to believe, it will indeed serve me well." + + But Siegfried took the sword again, and broke it into many + pieces; and for three days he welded it in a white-hot fire, + and tempered it with milk and oatmeal. Then, in sight of + Mimer and the sneering apprentices, he cast a light ball of + fine-spun wool upon the flowing water of the brook; and it + was caught in the swift eddies of the stream, and whirled + about until it met the bared blade of the sword, which was + held in Mimer's hands. And it was parted as easily and clean + as the rippling water, and not the smallest thread was moved + out of its place. + + Then back to the smithy Siegfried went again; and his forge + glowed with a brighter fire, and his hammer rang upon the + anvil with a cheerier sound, than ever before. But he + suffered none to come near, and no one ever knew what + witchery he used. But some of his fellow-pupils afterwards + told how, in the dusky twilight, they had seen a one-eyed + man, long-bearded, and clad in a cloud-gray kirtle, and + wearing a sky-blue hood, talking with Siegfried at the + smithy door. And they said that the stranger's face was at + once pleasant and fearful to look upon, and that his one eye + shone in the gloaming like the evening star, and that, when + he had placed in Siegfried's hands bright shards, like + pieces of a broken sword, he faded suddenly from their + sight, and was seen no more. + + For seven weeks the lad wrought day and night at his forge; + and then, pale and haggard, but with a pleased smile upon + his face, he stood before Mimer, with the gleaming sword in + his hands. "It is finished," he said. "Behold the glittering + terror!--the blade Balmung. Let us try its edge, and prove + its temper once again, that so we may know whether you can + place your trust in it." + + And Mimer looked long at the ruddy hilts of the weapon, and + at the mystic runes that were scored upon its sides, and at + the keen edge, which gleamed like a ray of sunlight in the + gathering gloom of the evening. But no word came from his + lips, and his eyes were dim and dazed; and he seemed as one + lost in thoughts of days long past and gone. + + Siegfried raised the blade high over his head; and the + gleaming edge flashed hither and thither, like the + lightning's play when Thor rides over the storm-clouds. Then + suddenly it fell upon the master's anvil, and the great + block of iron was cleft in two; but the bright blade was no + whit dulled by the stroke, and the line of light which + marked the edge was brighter than before. + + Then to the flowing brook they went; and a great pack of + wool, the fleeces of ten sheep, was brought, and thrown upon + the swirling water. As the stream bore the bundle downwards, + Mimer held the sword in its way. And the whole was divided + as easily and as clean as the woollen ball or the slender + woollen thread had been cleft before. + + "Now, indeed," cried Mimer, "I no longer fear to meet that + upstart, Amilias. If his war-coat can withstand the stroke + of such a sword as Balmung, then I shall not be ashamed to + be his underling. But, if this good blade is what it seems + to be, it will not fail me; and I, Mimer the Old, shall + still be called the wisest and greatest of smiths." + + And he sent word at once to Amilias, in Burgundy-land, to + meet him on a day, and settle forever the question as to + which of the two should be the master, and which the + underling. And heralds proclaimed it in every town and + dwelling. When the time which had been set drew near, Mimer, + bearing the sword Balmung, and followed by all his pupils + and apprentices, wended his way towards the place of + meeting. Through the forest they went, and then along the + banks of the sluggish river, for many a league, to the + height of land which marked the line between King Siegmund's + country and the country of the Burgundians. It was in this + place, midway between the shops of Mimer and Amilias, that + the great trial of metal and of skill was to be made. And + here were already gathered great numbers of people from the + Lowlands and from Burgundy, anxiously waiting for the coming + of the champions. On the one side were the wise old Siegmund + and his gentle queen, and their train of knights and + courtiers and fair ladies. On the other side were the three + Burgundian kings, Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher, and a + mighty retinue of warriors, led by grim old Hagen, the uncle + of the kings, and the wariest chief in all Rhineland. + + When every thing was in readiness for the contest, Amilias, + clad in his boasted war-coat, went up to the top of the + hill, and sat upon a great rock, and waited for Mimer's + coming. As he sat there, he looked, to the people below, + like some great castle-tower; for he was almost a giant in + size, and his coat of mail, so skilfully wrought, was so + huge that twenty men of common mould might have found + shelter, or hidden themselves, within it. As the smith + Mimer, so dwarfish in stature, toiled up the steep hillside, + Amilias smiled to see him; for he felt no fear of the + slender, gleaming blade that was to try the metal of his + war-coat. And already a shout of expectant triumph went up + from the throats of the Burgundian hosts, so sure were they + of their champion's success. + + But Mimer's friends waited in breathless silence, hoping, + and yet fearing. Only King Siegmund whispered to his queen, + and said, "Knowledge is stronger than brute force. The + smallest dwarf who has drunk from the well of the Knowing + One may safely meet the stoutest giant in battle." + + When Mimer reached the top of the hill, Amilias folded his + huge arms, and smiled again; for he felt that this contest + was mere play for him, and that Mimer was already as good as + beaten, and his thrall. The smith paused a moment to take + breath, and as he stood by the side of his foe he looked to + those below like a mere black speck close beside a + steel-gray castle-tower. + + "Are you ready?" asked the smith. + + "Ready," answered Amilias. "Strike!" + + Mimer raised the beaming blade in the air, and for a moment + the lightning seemed to play around his head. The muscles on + his short, brawny arms, stood out like great ropes; and then + Balmung, descending, cleft the air from right to left. The + waiting lookers-on in the plain below thought to hear the + noise of clashing steel; but they listened in vain, for no + sound came to their ears, save a sharp hiss like that which + red-hot iron gives when plunged into a tank of cold water. + The huge Amilias sat unmoved, with his arms still folded + upon his breast; but the smile had faded from his face. + + "How do you feel now?" asked Mimer in a half-mocking tone. + + "Rather strangely, as if cold iron had touched me," faintly + answered the upstart. + + "Shake thyself!" cried Mimer. + + Amilias did so, and, lo! he fell in two halves; for the + sword had cut sheer through the vaunted war-coat, and cleft + in twain the great body incased within. Down tumbled the + giant head and the still folded arms, and they rolled with + thundering noise to the foot of the hill, and fell with a + fearful splash into the deep waters of the river; and there, + fathoms down, they may even now be seen, when the water is + clear, lying like great gray rocks among the sand and gravel + below. The rest of the body, with the armor which incased + it, still sat upright in its place; and to this day + travellers sailing down the river are shown on moonlit + evenings the luckless armor of Amilias on the high hill-top. + In the dim, uncertain light, one easily fancies it to be the + ivy covered ruins of some old castle of feudal times. + + The master, Mimer, sheathed his sword, and walked slowly + down the hillside to the plain, where his friends welcomed + him with glad cheers and shouts of joy. But the Burgundians, + baffled, and feeling vexed, turned silently homeward, nor + cast a single look back to the scene of their disappointment + and their ill-fated champion's defeat. + + And Siegfried went again with the master and his fellows to + the smoky smithy, to his roaring bellows and ringing anvil, + and to his coarse fare, and rude, hard bed, and to a life of + labor. And while all men praised Mimer and his knowing + skill, and the fiery edge of the sunbeam blade, no one knew + that it was the boy Siegfried who had wrought that piece of + workmanship. + + But after a while it was whispered around that not Mimer, + but one of his pupils, had forged the sword. And, when the + master was asked what truth there was in this story, his + eyes twinkled, and the corners of his mouth twitched + strangely, and he made no answer. But Veliant, the foreman + of the smithy, and the greatest of boasters said, "It was I + who forged the fire-edge of the blade Balmung." And, + although none denied the truth of what he said, but few who + knew what sort of a man he was believed his story. And this + is the reason, my children, that, in the ancient songs and + stories which tell of this wondrous sword, it is said by + most that Mimer, and by a few that Veliant, forged its + blade. But I prefer to believe that it was made by + Siegfried, the hero who afterwards wielded it in so many + adventures. [EN#3] Be this as it may, however, blind hate + and jealousy were from this time uppermost in the coarse and + selfish mind of Veliant; and he sought how he might drive + the lad away from the smithy in disgrace. "This boy has done + what no one else could do," said he. "He may yet do greater + deeds, and set himself up as the master smith of the world, + and then we shall all have to humble ourselves before him as + his underlings and thralls." + + And he nursed this thought, and brooded over the hatred + which he felt towards the blameless boy; but he did not dare + to harm him, for fear of their master, Mimer. And Siegfried + busied himself at his forge, where the sparks flew as + briskly and as merrily as ever before, and his bellows + roared from early morning till late at evening. Nor did the + foreman's unkindness trouble him for a moment, for he knew + that the master's heart was warm towards him. + + Oftentimes, when the day's work was done, Siegfried sat with + Mimer by the glowing light of the furnace-fire, and listened + to the sweet tales which the master told of the deeds of the + early days, when the world was young, and the dwarf-folk and + the giants had a name and a place upon earth. And one night, + as they thus sat, the master talked of Odin the All-Father, + and of the gods who dwell with him in Asgard, and of the + puny men-folk whom they protect and befriend, until his + words grew full of bitterness, and his soul of a fierce + longing for something he dared not name. And the lad's heart + was stirred with a strange uneasiness, and he said,-- + + "Tell me, I pray, dear master, something about my own kin, + my father's fathers,--those mighty kings, who, I have heard + said, were the bravest and best of men." + + Then the smith seemed pleased again. And his eyes grew + brighter, and lost their far-away look; and a smile played + among the wrinkles of his swarthy face, as he told a tale of + old King Volsung and of the deeds of the Volsung kings:-- + + "Long years ago, before the evil days had dawned, King + Volsung ruled over all the land which lies between the sea + and the country of the Goths. The days were golden; and the + good Frey dropped peace and plenty everywhere, and men went + in and out and feared no wrong. King Volsung had a dwelling + in the midst of fertile fields and fruitful gardens. Fairer + than any dream was that dwelling. The roof was thatched with + gold, and red turrets and towers rose above. The great + feast-hall was long and high, and its walls were hung with + sun-bright shields; and the door-nails were of silver. In + the middle of the hall stood the pride of the Volsungs,--a + tree whose blossoms filled the air with fragrance, and whose + green branches, thrusting themselves through the ceiling, + covered the roof with fair foliage. It was Odin's tree, and + King Volsung had planted it there with his own hands. + + "On a day in winter King Volsung held a great feast in his + hall in honor of Siggeir, the King of the Goths, who was his + guest. And the fires blazed bright in the broad chimneys, + and music and mirth went round. But in the midst of the + merry-making the guests were startled by a sudden peal of + thunder, which seemed to come from the cloudless sky, and + which made the shields upon the walls rattle and ring. In + wonder they looked around. A strange man stood in the + doorway, and laughed, but said not a word. And they noticed + that he wore no shoes upon his feet, but that a cloud-gray + cloak was thrown over his shoulders, and a blue hood was + drawn down over his head. His face was half-hidden by a + heavy beard; and he had but one eye, which twinkled and + glowed like a burning coal. And all the guests sat moveless + in their seats, so awed were they in the presence of him who + stood at the door; for they knew that he was none other than + Odin the All-Father, the king of gods and men. He spoke not + a word, but straight into the hall he strode, and he paused + not until he stood beneath the blossoming branches of the + tree. Then, forth from beneath his cloud-gray cloak, he drew + a gleaming sword, and struck the blade deep into the + wood,--so deep that nothing but the hilt was left in sight. + And, turning to the awe-struck guests, he said, 'A blade of + mighty worth have I hidden in this tree. Never have the + earth-folk wrought better steel, nor has any man ever + wielded a more trusty sword. Whoever there is among you + brave enough and strong enough to draw it forth from the + wood, he shall have it as a gift from Odin.' Then slowly to + the door he strode again, and no one saw him any more. + + "And after he had gone, the Volsungs and their guests sat a + long time silent, fearing to stir, lest the vision should + prove a dream. But at last the old king arose, and cried, + 'Come, guests and kinsmen, and set your hands to the ruddy + hilt! Odin's gift stays, waiting for its fated owner. Let us + see which one of you is the favored of the All-Father.' + First Siggeir, the King of the Goths, and his earls, the + Volsungs' guests, tried their hands. But the blade stuck + fast; and the stoutest man among them failed to move it. + Then King Volsung, laughing, seized the hilt, and drew with + all his strength; but the sword held still in the wood of + Odin's tree. And one by one the nine sons of Volsung tugged + and strained in vain; and each was greeted with shouts and + laughter, as, ashamed and beaten, he wended to his seat + again. Then, at last, Sigmund, the youngest son, stood up, + and laid his hand upon the ruddy hilt, scarce thinking to + try what all had failed to do. When, lo! the blade came out + of the tree as if therein it had all along lain loose. And + Sigmund raised it high over his head, and shook it, and the + bright flame that leaped from its edge lit up the hall like + the lightning's gleaming; and the Volsungs and their guests + rent the air with cheers and shouts of gladness. For no one + among all the men of the mid-world was more worthy of Odin's + gift than young Sigmund the brave." + + But the rest of Mimer's story would be too long to tell you + now; for he and his young apprentice sat for hours by the + dying coals, and talked of Siegfried's kinfolk, --the + Volsung kings of old. And he told how Siggeir, the Goth + king, was wedded to Signy the fair, the only daughter of + Volsung, and the pride of the old king's heart; and how he + carried her with him to his home in the land of the Goths; + and how he coveted Sigmund's sword, and plotted to gain it + by guile; and how, through presence of friendship, he + invited the Volsung kings to visit him in Gothland, as the + guests of himself and Signy; and how he betrayed and slew + them, save Sigmund alone, who escaped, and for long years + lived an outlaw in the land of his treacherous foe. And then + he told how Sigmund afterwards came back to his own country + of the Volsungs; and how his people welcomed him, and he + became a mighty king, such as the world had never known + before; and how, when he had grown old, and full of years + and honors, he went out with his earls and fighting-men to + battle against the hosts of King Lyngi the Mighty; and how, + in the midst of the fight, when his sword had hewn down + numbers of the foe, and the end of the strife and victory + seemed near, an old man, one eyed and bearded, and wearing a + cloud-gray cloak, stood up before him in the din, and his + sword was broken in pieces, and he fell dead on the heap of + the slain.[EN#4] And, when Mimer had finished his tale, his + dark face seemed to grow darker, and his twinkling eyes grew + brighter, as he cried out in a tone of despair and hopeless + yearning,-- + + "Oh, past are those days of old and the worthy deeds of the + brave! And these are the days of the home-stayers, --of the + wise, but feeble-hearted. Yet the Norns have spoken; and it + must be that another hero shall arise of the Volsung blood, + and he shall restore the name and the fame of his kin of the + early days. And he shall be my bane; and in him shall the + race of heroes have an end."[EN#7] + + Siegfried's heart was strangely stirred within him as he + hearkened to this story of ancient times and to the fateful + words of the master, and for a long time he sat in silent + thought; and neither he nor Mimer moved, or spoke again, + until the darkness of the night had begun to fade, and the + gray light of morning to steal into the smithy. Then, as if + moved by a sudden impulse, he turned to the master, and + said,-- + + "You speak of the Norns, dear master, and of their + foretelling; but your words are vague, and their meaning + very broad. When shall that hero come? and who shall he be? + and what deeds shall be his doing?" + + "Alas!" answered Mimer, "I know not, save that he shall be + of the Volsung race, and that my fate is linked with his." + + "And why do you not know?" returned Siegfried. "Are you not + that old Mimer, in whom it is said the garnered wisdom of + the world is stored? Is there not truth in the old story + that even Odin pawned one of his eyes for a single draught + from your fountain of knowledge? And is the possessor of so + much wisdom unable to look into the future with clearness + and certainty?" + + "Alas!" answered Mimer again, and his words came hard and + slow, "I am not that Mimer, of whom old stories tell, who + gave wisdom to the All-Father in exchange for an eye. He is + one of the giants, and he still watches his fountain in + far-off Jotunheim.[EN#2] I claim kinship with the dwarfs, + and am sometimes known as an elf, sometimes as a + wood-sprite. Men have called me Mimer because of my wisdom + and skill, and the learning which I impart to my pupils. + Could I but drink from the fountain of the real Mimer, then + the wisdom of the world would in truth be mine, and the + secrets of the future would be no longer hidden. But I must + wait, as I have long waited, for the day and the deed and + the doom that the Norns have foretold." + + And the old strange look of longing came again into his + eyes, and the wrinkles on his swarthy face seemed to deepen + with agony, as he arose, and left the smithy. And Siegfried + sat alone before the smouldering fire, and pondered upon + what he had heard. + + + + + + Adventure II. + Greyfell. + + + + Many were the pleasant days that Siegfried spent in Mimer's + smoky smithy; and if he ever thought of his father's stately + dwelling, or of the life of ease which he might have enjoyed + within its halls, he never by word or deed showed signs of + discontent. For Mimer taught him all the secrets of his + craft and all the lore of the wise men. To beat hot iron, to + shape the fire-edged sword, to smithy war-coats, to fashion + the slender bracelet of gold and jewels,--all this he had + already learned. But there were many other things to know, + and these the wise master showed him. He told him how to + carve the mystic runes which speak to the knowing ones with + silent, unseen tongues; he told him of the men of other + lands, and taught him their strange speech; he showed him + how to touch the harp-strings, and bring forth bewitching + music: and the heart of Siegfried waxed very wise, while his + body grew wondrous strong. And the master loved his pupil + dearly. + + But the twelve apprentices grew more jealous day by day, and + when Mimer was away they taunted Siegfried with cruel jests, + and sought by harsh threats to drive him from the smithy; + but the lad only smiled, and made the old shop ring again + with the music from his anvil. On a day when Mimer had gone + on a journey, Veliant, the foreman, so far forgot himself as + to strike the boy. For a moment Siegfried gazed at him with + withering scorn; then he swung his hammer high in air, and + brought it swiftly down, not upon the head of Veliant, who + was trembling with expectant fear, but upon the foreman's + anvil. The great block of iron was shivered by the blow, and + flew into a thousand pieces. Then, turning again towards the + thoroughly frightened foreman, Siegfried said, while angry + lightning-flashes darted from his eyes,-- + + "What if I were to strike you thus?" + + Veliant sank upon the ground, and begged for mercy. + + "You are safe," said Siegfried, walking away. "I would scorn + to harm a being like you!" + + The apprentices were struck dumb with amazement and fear; + and when Siegfried had returned to his anvil they one by one + dropped their hammers, and stole away from the smithy. In a + secret place not far from the shop, they met together, to + plot some means by which they might rid themselves of him + whom they both hated and feared. + + The next morning Veliant came to Siegfried's forge, with a + sham smile upon his face. The boy knew that cowardice and + base deceit lurked, ill concealed, beneath that smile; yet, + as he was wont to do, he welcomed the foreman kindly. + + "Siegfried," said Veliant, "let us be friends again. I am + sorry that I was so foolish and so rash yesterday, and I + promise that I will never again be so rude and unmanly as to + become angry at you. Let us be friends, good Siegfried! Give + me your hand, I pray you, and with it your forgiveness." + + Siegfried grasped the rough palm of the young smith with + such a gripe, that the smile vanished from Veliant's face, + and his muscles writhed with pain. + + "I give you my hand, certainly," said the boy, "and I will + give you my forgiveness when I know that you are worthy of + it." + + As soon as Veliant's aching hand allowed him speech, he + said,-- + + "Siegfried, you know that we have but little charcoal left + for our forges, and our master will soon return from his + journey. It will never do for him to find us idle, and the + fires cold. Some one must go to-day to the forest-pits, and + bring home a fresh supply of charcoal. How would you like + the errand? It is but a pleasant day's journey to the pits; + and a ride into the greenwood this fine summer day would + certainly be more agreeable than staying in the smoky shop." + + "I should like the drive very much," answered Siegfried; + "but I have never been to the coal-pits, and I might lose my + way in the forest." + + "No danger of that," said Veliant. "Follow the road that + goes straight into the heart of the forest, and you cannot + miss your way. It will lead you to the house of Regin, the + master, the greatest charcoal-man in all Rhineland. He will + be right glad to see you for Mimer's sake, and you may lodge + with him for the night. In the morning he will fill your + cart with the choicest charcoal, and you can drive home at + your leisure; and, when our master comes again, he will find + our forges flaming, and our bellows roaring, and our anvils + ringing, as of yore." + + Siegfried, after some further parley, agreed to undertake + the errand, although he felt that Veliant, in urging him to + do so, wished to work him some harm. He harnessed the donkey + to the smith's best cart, and drove merrily away along the + road which led towards the forest.[EN#5] The day was bright + and clear; and as Siegfried rode through the flowery + meadows, or betwixt the fields of corn, a thousand sights + and sounds met him, and made him glad. Now and then he would + stop to watch the reapers in the fields, or to listen to the + song of some heaven-soaring lark lost to sight in the blue + sea overhead. Once he met a company of gayly dressed youths + and maidens, carrying sheaves of golden grain, --for it was + now the harvest-time,--and singing in praise of Frey, the + giver of peace and plenty. + + "Whither away, young prince?" they merrily asked. + + "To Regin, the coal-burner, in the deep greenwood," he + answered. + + "Then may the good Frey have thee in keeping!" they cried. + "It is a long and lonesome journey." And each one blessed + him as they passed. + + It was nearly noon when he drove into the forest, and left + the blooming meadows and the warm sunshine behind him. And + now he urged the donkey forwards with speed; for he knew + that he had lost much precious time, and that many miles + still lay between him and Regin's charcoal-pits. And there + was nothing here amid the thick shadows of the wood to make + him wish to linger; for the ground was damp, and the air was + chilly, and every thing was silent as the grave. And not a + living creature did Siegfried see, save now and then a gray + wolf slinking across the road, or a doleful owl sitting low + down in some tree-top, and blinking at him in the dull but + garish light. Evening at last drew on, and the shadows in + the wood grew deeper; and still no sign of charcoal-burner, + nor of other human being, was seen. Night came, and thick + darkness settled around; and all the demons of the forest + came forth, and clamored and chattered, and shrieked and + howled. But Siegfried was not afraid. The bats and vampires + came out of their hiding-places, and flapped their clammy + wings in his face; and he thought that he saw ogres and many + fearful creatures peeping out from behind every tree and + shrub. But, when he looked upwards through the overhanging + tree-tops, he saw the star-decked roof of heaven, the blue + mantle which the All-Father has hung as a shelter over the + world; and he went bravely onwards, never doubting but that + Odin has many good things in store for those who are willing + to trust him. + + And by and by the great round moon arose in the east, and + the fearful sounds that had made the forest hideous began to + die away; and Siegfried saw, far down the path, a red light + feebly gleaming. And he was glad, for he knew that it must + come from the charcoal-burners' pits. Soon he came out upon + a broad, cleared space; and the charcoal-burners' fires + blazed bright before him; and some workmen, swarthy and + soot-begrimed, came forwards to meet him. + + "Who are you?" they asked; "and why do you come through the + forest at this late hour?" + + "I am Siegfried," answered the boy; "and I come from Mimer's + smithy. I seek Regin, the king of charcoal-burners; for I + must have coal for my master's smithy." + + "Come with me," said one of the men: "I will lead you to + Regin." + + Siegfried alighted from his cart, and followed the man to a + low-roofed hut not far from the burning pits. As they drew + near, they heard the sound of a harp, and strange, wild + music within; and Siegfried's heart was stirred with wonder + as he listened. The man knocked softly at the door, and the + music ceased. + + "Who comes to break into Regin's rest at such a time as + this?" said a rough voice within. + + "A youth who calls himself Siegfried," answered the man. "He + says that he comes from Mimer's smithy, and he would see + you, my master." + + "Let him come in," said the voice. + + Siegfried passed through the low door, and into the room + beyond; and so strange was the sight that met him that he + stood for a while in awe, for never in so lowly a dwelling + had treasures so rich been seen. Jewels sparkled from the + ceiling; rare tapestry covered the walls; and on the floor + were heaps of ruddy gold and silver, still unfashioned. And + in the midst of all this wealth stood Regin, the king of the + forest, the greatest of charcoal-men. And a strange old man + he was, wrinkled and gray and beardless; but out of his eyes + sharp glances gleamed of a light that was not human, and his + heavy brow and broad forehead betokened wisdom and shrewd + cunning. And he welcomed Siegfried kindly for Mimer's sake, + and set before him a rich repast of venison, and wild honey, + and fresh white bread, and luscious grapes. And, when the + meal was finished, the boy would have told his errand, but + Regin stopped him. + + "Say nothing of your business to-night," said he; "for the + hour is already late, and you are weary. Better lie down, + and rest until the morrow; and then we will talk of the + matter which has brought you hither." + + And Siegfried was shown to a couch of the fragrant leaves of + the myrtle and hemlock, overspread with soft white linen, + such as is made in the far-off Emerald Isle; and he was + lulled to sleep by sweet strains of music from Regin's + harp,--music which told of the days when the gods were young + on the earth. And as he slept he dreamed. He dreamed that he + stood upon the crag of a high mountain, and that the eagles + flew screaming around him, and the everlasting snows lay at + his feet, and the world in all its beauty was stretched out + like a map below him; and he longed to go forth to partake + of its abundance, and to make for himself a name among men. + Then came the Norns, who spin the thread, and weave the + woof, of every man's life; and they held in their hands the + web of his own destiny. And Urd, the Past, sat on the tops + of the eastern mountains, where the sun begins to rise at + dawn; while Verdanda, the Present, stood in the western sea, + where sky and water meet. And they stretched the web between + them, and its ends were hidden in the far-away mists. Then + with all their might the two Norns span the purple and + golden threads, and wove the fatal woof. But as it began to + grow in beauty and in strength, and to shadow the earth with + its gladness and its glory, Skuld, the pitiless Norn of the + Future, seized it with rude fingers, and tore it into + shreds, and cast it down at the feet of Hela, the white + queen of the dead.[EN#6] And the eagles shrieked, and the + mountain shook, and the crag toppled, and Siegfried awoke. + + The next morning, at earliest break of day, the youth sought + Regin, and made known his errand. + + "I have come for charcoal for my master Mimer's forges. My + cart stands ready outside; and I pray you to have it filled + at once, for the way is long, and I must be back betimes." + + Then a strange smile stole over Regin's wrinkled face, and + he said,-- + + "Does Siegfried the prince come on such a lowly errand? Does + he come to me through the forest, driving a donkey, and + riding in a sooty coal-cart? I have known the day when his + kin were the mightiest kings of earth, and they fared + through every land the noblest men of men-folk." + + The taunting word, the jeering tones, made Siegfried's anger + rise. The blood boiled in his veins; but he checked his + tongue, and mildly answered,-- + + "It is true that I am a prince, and my father is the wisest + of kings; and it is for this reason that I come thus to you. + Mimer is my master, and my father early taught me that even + princes must obey their masters' behests." + + Then Regin laughed, and asked, "How long art thou to be + Mimer's thrall? Does no work wait for thee but at his smoky + forge?" + + "When Mimer gives me leave, and Odin calls me," answered the + lad, "then I, too, will go faring over the world, like my + kin of the earlier days, to carve me a name and great glory, + and a place with the noble of earth." + + Regin said not a word; but he took his harp, and smote the + strings, and a sad, wild music filled the room. And he sang + of the gods and the dwarf-folk, and of the deeds that had + been in the time long past and gone. And a strange mist swam + before Siegfried's eyes; and so bewitching were the strains + that fell upon his ears, and filled his soul, that he forgot + about his errand, and his master Mimer, and his father + Siegmund, and his lowland home, and thought only of the + heart-gladdening sounds. By and by the music ended, the + spell was lifted, and Siegfried turned his eyes towards the + musician. A wonderful change had taken place. The little old + man still stood before him with the harp in his hand; but + his wrinkled face was hidden by a heavy beard, and his thin + gray locks were covered with a long black wig, and he seemed + taller and stouter than before. As Siegfried started with + surprise, his host held out his hand, and said,-- + + "You need not be alarmed, my boy. It is time for you to know + that Regin and Mimer are the same person, or rather that + Mimer is Regin disguised.[EN#8] The day has come for you to + go your way into the world, and Mimer gives you leave." + + Siegfried was so amazed he could not say a word. He took the + master's hand, and gazed long into his deep, bright eyes. + Then the two sat down together, and Mimer, or Regin as we + shall now call him, told the prince many tales of the days + that had been, and of his bold, wise forefathers. And the + lad's heart swelled within him; and he longed to be like + them,--to dare and do and suffer, and gloriously win at + last. And he turned to Regin and said,-- + + "Tell me, wisest of masters, what I shall do to win fame, + and to make myself worthy to rule the fair land which my + fathers held." + + "Go forth in your own strength, and with Odin's help," + answered Regin,--"go forth to right the wrong, to help the + weak, to punish evil, and come not back to your father's + kingdom until the world shall know your noble deeds." + + "But whither shall I go?" asked Siegfried. + + "I will tell you," answered Regin. "Put on these garments, + which better befit a prince than those soot-begrimed clothes + you have worn so long. Gird about you this sword, the good + Balmung, and go northward. When you come to the waste lands + which border upon the sea, you will find the ancient Gripir, + the last of the kin of the giants. Ask of him a war-steed, + and Odin will tell you the rest." + + So, when the sun had risen high above the trees, Siegfried + bade Regin good-by, and went forth like a man, to take + whatsoever fortune should betide. He went through the great + forest, and across the bleak moorland beyond, and over the + huge black mountains that stretched themselves across his + way, and came to a pleasant country all dotted with white + farmhouses, and yellow with waving, corn. But he tarried not + here, though many kind words were spoken to him, and all + besought him to stay. Right onwards he went, until he + reached the waste land which borders the sounding sea. And + there high mountains stood, with snow-crowned crags beetling + over the waves; and a great river, all foaming with the + summer floods, went rolling through the valley. And in the + deep dales between the mountains were rich meadows, green + with grass, and speckled with thousands of flowers of every + hue, where herds of cattle and deer, and noble elks, and + untamed horses, fed in undisturbed peace. And Siegfried, + when he saw, knew that these were the pastures of Gripir the + ancient. + + High up among the gray mountain-peaks stood Gripir's + dwelling,--a mighty house, made of huge bowlders brought by + giant hands from the far north-land. And the wild eagle, + built their nests around it, and the mountain vultures + screamed about its doors. But Siegfried was not afraid. He + climbed the steep pathway which the feet of men had never + touched before, and, without pausing, walked straightway + into the high-built hall. The room was so dark that at first + he could see nothing save the white walls, and the + glass-green pillars which upheld the roof. But the light + grew stronger soon; and Siegfried saw, beneath a heavy + canopy of stone, the ancient Gripir, seated in a chair made + from the sea-horse's teeth.[EN#9] And the son of the giants + held in his hand an ivory staff; and a purple mantle was + thrown over his shoulders, and his white beard fell in + sweeping waves almost to the sea-green floor. Very wise he + seemed, and he gazed at Siegfried with a kindly smile. + + "Hail, Siegfried!" he cried. "Hail, prince with the gleaming + eye! I know thee, and I know the woof that the Norns have + woven for thee. Welcome to my lonely mountain home! Come and + sit by my side in the high-seat where man has never sat, and + I will tell thee of things that have been, and of things + that are yet to be." + + Then Siegfried fearlessly went and sat by the side of the + ancient wise one. And long hours they talked + together,--strong youth and hoariest age; and each was glad + that in the other he had found some source of hope and + comfort. And they talked of the great midworld, and of the + starry dome above it, and of the seas which gird it, and of + the men who live upon it. All night long they talked, and in + the morning Siegfried arose to go. + + "Thou hast not told me of thy errand," said Gripir; "but I + know what it is. Come first with me, and see this great + mid-world for thyself." + + Then Gripir, leaning on his staff, led the way out of the + great hall, and up to the top of the highest mountain-crag. + And the wild eagles circled in the clear, cold air above + them; and far below them the white waves dashed against the + mountain's feet; and the frosty winds swept around them + unchecked, bringing to their ears the lone lamenting of the + north giants, moaning for the days that had been and for the + glories that were past. Then Siegfried looked to the north, + and he saw the dark mountain-wall of Norway trending away in + solemn grandeur towards the frozen sea, but broken here and + there by sheltering fjords, and pleasant, sunny dales. He + looked to the east, and saw a great forest stretching away + and away until it faded to sight in the blue distance. He + looked to the south, and saw a pleasant land, with farms and + vineyards, and towns and strong-built castles; and through + it wound the River Rhine, like a great white serpent, + reaching from the snow-capped Alps to the northern sea. And + he saw his father's little kingdom of the Netherlands lying + like a green speck on the shore of the ocean. Then he looked + to the west, and nothing met his sight but a wilderness of + rolling, restless waters, save, in the far distance, a green + island half hidden by sullen mists and clouds. And Siegfried + sighed, and said,-- + + "The world is so wide, and the life of man so short!" + + "The world is all before thee," answered Gripir. "Take what + the Norns have allotted thee. Choose from my pastures a + battle-steed, and ride forth to win for thyself a name and + fame among the sons of men." + + Then Siegfried ran down the steep side of the mountain to + the grassy dell where the horses were feeding. But the + beasts were all so fair and strong, that he knew not which + to choose. While he paused, uncertain what to do, a strange + man stood before him. Tall and handsome was the man, with + one bright eye, and a face beaming like the dawn in summer; + and upon his head he wore a sky-blue hood bespangled with + golden stars, and over his shoulder was thrown a cloak of + ashen gray. + + "Would you choose a horse, Sir Siegfried?" asked the + stranger. + + "Indeed I would," answered he. "But it is hard to make a + choice among so many." + + "There is one in the meadow," said the man, "far better than + all the rest. They say that he came from Odin's pastures on + the green hill-slopes of Asgard, and that none but the + noblest shall ride him." + + "Which is he?" asked Siegfried. + + "Drive the herd into the river," was the answer, "and then + see if you can pick him out." + + And Siegfried and the stranger drove the horses down the + sloping bank, and into the rolling stream; but the flood was + too strong for them. Some soon turned back to the shore; + while others, struggling madly, were swept away, and carried + out to the sea. Only one swam safely over. He shook the + dripping water from his mane, tossed his head in the air, + and then plunged again into the stream. Right bravely he + stemmed the torrent the second time. He clambered up the + shelving bank, and stood by Siegfried's side. + + "What need to tell you that this is the horse?" said the + stranger. "Take him: he is yours. He is Greyfell, the + shining hope that Odin sends to his chosen heroes." + + And then Siegfried noticed that the horse's mane glimmered + and flashed like a thousand rays from the sun, and that his + coat was as white and clear as the fresh-fallen snow on the + mountains. He turner to speak to the stranger, but he was + nowhere to be seen and Siegfried bethought him how he had + talked with Odin unawares. Then he mounted the noble + Greyfell and rode with a light heart across the flowery + meadows. + + "Whither ridest thou?" cried Gripir the ancient, from his + doorway among the crags. + + "I ride into the wide world," said Siegfried; "but I know + not whither. I would right the wrong, and help the weak, and + make myself a name on the earth, as did my kinsmen of yore. + Tell me, I pray you, where I shall go; for you are wise, and + you know the things which have been, and those which shall + befall." + + "Ride back to Regin, the master of masters," answered + Gripir. "He will tell thee of a wrong to be righted." + + And the ancient son of the giants withdrew into his lonely + abode; and Siegfried, on the shining Greyfell, rode swiftly + away towards the south. + + + + + + Adventure III. + The Curse of Gold. + + + + Forth then rode Siegfried, upon the beaming Greyfell, out + into the broad mid-world. And the sun shone bright above + him, and the air was soft and pure, and the earth seemed + very lovely, and life a gladsome thing. And his heart was + big within him as he thought of the days to come, of the + deeds of love and daring, of the righting of many wrongs, of + the people's praise, and the glory of a life well lived. And + he wended his way back again toward the south and the fair + lands of the Rhine. He left the barren moorlands behind him, + and the pleasant farms and villages of the fruitful + countryside, and after many days came once more to Regin's + woodland dwelling. For he said to himself, "My old master is + very wise; and he knows of the deeds that were done when yet + the world was young, and my kin were the mightiest of men. I + will go to him, and learn what grievous evil it is that he + has so often vaguely hinted at." + + Regin, when he saw the lad and the beaming Greyfell standing + like a vision of light at his door, welcomed them most + gladly, and led Siegfried into the inner room, where they + sat down together amid the gold, and the gem-stones, and the + fine-wrought treasures there. + + "Truly," said the master, "the days of my long waiting are + drawing to a close, and at last the deed shall be done." + + And the old look of longing came again into his eyes, and + his pinched face seemed darker and more wrinkled than + before, and his thin lips trembled with emotion as he spoke. + + "What is that deed of which you speak?" asked Siegfried. + + "It is the righting of a grievous wrong," answered Regin, + "and the winning of treasures untold. Lo, many years have I + waited for the coming of this day; and now my heart tells me + that the hero so long hoped for is here, and the wisdom and + the wealth of the world shall be mine." + + "But what is the wrong to be righted?" asked Siegfried. "And + what is this treasure that you speak of as your own?" + + "Alas!" answered Regin, "the treasure is indeed mine; and + yet wrongfully has it been withheld from me. But listen a + while to a tale of the early days, and thou shalt know what + the treasure is, and what is the wrong to be righted." + + He took his harp and swept the strings, and played a soft, + low melody which told of the dim past, and of blighted + hopes, and of a nameless, never-satisfied yearning for that + which might have been. And then he told Siegfried this + story: + + + + Regin's Story. + + + + When the earth was still very young, and men were feeble and + few, and the Dwarfs were many and strong, the Asa-folk were + wont oft-times to leave their halls in heaven-towering + Asgard in order to visit the new-formed mid-world, and to + see what the short-lived sons of men were doing. Sometimes + they came in their own godlike splendor and might; sometimes + they came disguised as feeble men-folk, with all man's + weaknesses and all his passions. Sometimes Odin, as a + beggar, wandered from one country to another, craving + charity; sometimes, as a warrior clad in coat of mail, he + rode forth to battle for the cause of right; or as a + minstrel he sang from door to door, and played sweet music + in the halls of the great; or as a huntsman he dashed + through brakes and fens, and into dark forests, and climbed + steep mountains in search of game; or as a sailor he + embarked upon the sea, and sought new scenes in unknown + lands. And many times did men-folk entertain him unawares. + + Once on a time he came to the mid-world in company with + Hoenir and Loki; and the three wandered through many lands + and in many climes, each giving gifts wherever they went. + Odin gave knowledge and strength, and taught men how to read + the mystic runes; Hoenir gave gladness and good cheer, and + lightened many hearts with the glow of his comforting + presence; but Loki had nought to give but cunning deceit and + base thoughts, and he left behind him bitter strife and many + aching breasts. At last, growing tired of the fellowship of + men, the three Asas sought the solitude of the forest, and + as huntsmen wandered long among the hills and over the + wooded heights of Hunaland. Late one afternoon they came to + a mountain-stream at a place where it poured over a ledge of + rocks, and fell in clouds of spray into a rocky gorge below. + As they stood, and with pleased eyes gazed upon the + waterfall, they saw near the bank an otter lazily making + ready to eat a salmon which he had caught. And Loki, ever + bent on doing mischief, hurled a stone at the harmless + beast, and killed it. And he boasted loudly that he had done + a worthy deed. And he took both the otter, and the fish + which it had caught, and carried them with him as trophies + of the day's success. + + Just at nightfall the three huntsmen came to a lone + farmhouse in the valley, and asked for food, and for shelter + during the night. + + "Shelter you shall have," said the farmer, whose name was + Hreidmar, "for the rising clouds foretell a storm. But food + I have none to give you. Surely huntsmen of skill should not + want for food; since the forest teems with game, and the + streams are full of fish." + + Then Loki threw upon the ground the otter and the fish, and + said, "We have sought in both forest and stream, and we have + taken from them at one blow both flesh and fish. Give us but + the shelter you promise, and we will not trouble you for + food." + + The farmer gazed with horror upon the lifeless body of the + otter, and cried out, "This creature which you mistook for + an otter, and which you have robbed and killed, is my son + Oddar, who for mere pastime had taken the form of the furry + beast. You are but thieves and murderers!" + + Then he called loudly for help: and his two sons Fafnir and + Regin, sturdy and valiant kin of the dwarf-folk, rushed in, + and seized upon the huntsmen, and bound them hand and foot; + for the three Asas, having taken upon themselves the forms + of men, had no more than human strength, and were unable to + withstand them. + + Then Odin and his fellows bemoaned their ill fate. And Loki + said, "Wherefore did we foolishly take upon ourselves the + likenesses of puny men? Had I my own power once more, I + would never part with it in exchange for man's weaknesses." + + And Hoenir sighed, and said, "Now, indeed, will darkness + win: and the frosty breath of the Reimthursen giants will + blast the fair handiwork of the sunlight and the heat; for + the givers of life and light and warmth are helpless + prisoners in the hands of these cunning and unforgiving + jailers." + + "Surely," said Odin, "not even the highest are free from + obedience to heaven's behests and the laws of right. I, whom + men call the Preserver of Life, have demeaned myself by + being found in evil company; and, although I have done no + other wrong, I suffer rightly for the doings of this + mischief-maker with whom I have stooped to have fellowship. + For all are known, not so much by what they are as by what + they seem to be, and they bear the bad name which their + comrades bear. Now I am fallen from my high estate. Eternal + right is higher than I. And in the last Twilight of the gods + I must needs meet the dread Fenris-wolf, and in the end the + world will be made new again, and the shining Balder will + rule in sunlight majesty forever." + + Then the Asas asked Hreidmar, their jailer, what ransom they + should pay for their freedom; and he, not knowing who they + were, said, "I must first know what ransom you are able to + give." + + "We will give any thing you may ask," hastily answered Loki. + + Hreidmar then called his sons, and bade them strip the skin + from the otter's body. When this was done, they brought the + furry hide and spread it upon the ground; and Hreidmar said, + "Bring shining gold and precious stones enough to cover + every part of this otter-skin. When you have paid so much + ransom, you shall have your freedom." + + "That we will do," answered Odin. "But one of us must have + leave to go and fetch it: the other two will stay fast bound + until the morning dawns. If, by that time, the gold is not + here, you may do with us as you please." + + Hreidmar and the two young men agreed to Odin's offer; and, + lots being cast, it fell to Loki to go and fetch the + treasure. When he had been loosed from the cords which bound + him, Loki donned his magic shoes, which had carried him over + land and sea from the farthest bounds of the mid-world, and + hastened away upon his errand. And he sped with the + swiftness of light, over the hills and the wooded slopes, + and the deep dark valleys, and the fields and forests and + sleeping hamlets, until he came to the place where dwelt the + swarthy elves and the cunning dwarf Andvari. There the River + Rhine, no larger than a meadow-brook, breaks forth from + beneath a mountain of ice, which the Frost giants and blind + old Hoder, the Winter-king, had built long years before; for + they had vainly hoped that they might imprison the river at + its fountain-head. But the baby-brook had eaten its way + beneath the frozen mass, and had sprung out from its prison, + and gone on, leaping and smiling, and kissing the sunlight, + in its ever-widening course towards Burgundy and the sea. + + Loki came to this place, because he knew that here was the + home of the elves who had laid up the greatest hoard of + treasures ever known in the mid-world. He scanned with + careful eyes the mountain-side, and the deep, rocky caverns, + and the dark gorge through which the little river rushed; + but in the dim moonlight not a living being could he see, + save a lazy salmon swimming in the quieter eddies of the + stream. Any one but Loki would have lost all hope of finding + treasure there, at least before the dawn of day; but his + wits were quick, and his eyes were very sharp. + + "One salmon has brought us into this trouble, and another + shall help us out of it!" he cried. + + Then, swift as thought, he sprang again into the air; and + the magic shoes carried him with greater speed than before + down the Rhine valley, and through Burgundy-land, and the + low meadows, until he came to the shores of the great North + Sea. He sought the halls of old AEgir, the Ocean-king; but + he wist not which way to go,--whether across the North Sea + towards Isenland, or whether along the narrow channel + between Britain-land and the main. While he paused, + uncertain where to turn, he saw the pale-haired daughters of + old AEgir, the white-veiled Waves, playing in the moonlight + near the shore. Of them he asked the way to AEgir's hall. + + "Seven days' journey westward," said they, "beyond the green + Isle of Erin, is our father's hall. Seven days' journey + northward, on the bleak Norwegian shore, is our father's + hall." + + And they stopped not once in their play, but rippled and + danced on the shelving beach, or dashed with force against + the shore. + + "Where is your mother Ran, the Queen of the Ocean?" asked + Loki. + + And they answered,-- + + "In the deep sea-caves + By the sounding shore, + In the dashing waves + When the wild storms roar, + In her cold green bowers + In the northern fiords, + She lurks and she glowers, + She grasps and she hoards, + And she spreads her strong net for her prey." + + Loki waited to hear no more; but he sprang into the air, and + the magic shoes carried him onwards over the water in search + of the Ocean-queen. He had not gone far when his sharp eyes + espied her, lurking near a rocky shore against which the + breakers dashed with frightful fury. Half hidden in the deep + dark water, she lay waiting and watching; and she spread her + cunning net upon the waves, and reached out with her long + greedy fingers to seize whatever booty might come near her. + + When the wary queen saw Loki, she hastily drew in her net, + and tried to hide herself in the shadows of an overhanging + rock. But Loki called her by name, and said,-- + + "Sister Ran, fear not! I am your friend Loki, whom once you + served as a guest in AEgir's gold-lit halls." + + Then the Ocean-queen came out into the bright moonlight, and + welcomed Loki to her domain, and asked, "Why does Loki thus + wander so far from Asgard, and over the trackless waters?" + + And Loki answered, "I have heard of the net which you spread + upon the waves, and from which no creature once caught in + its meshes can ever escape. I have found a salmon where the + Rhine-spring gushes from beneath the mountains, and a very + cunning salmon he is for no common skill can catch him. + Come, I pray, with your wondrous net, and cast it into the + stream where he lies. Do but take the wary fish for me, and + you shall have more gold than you have taken in a year from + the wrecks of stranded vessels." + + "I dare not go," cried Ran. "A bound is set, beyond which I + may not venture. If all the gold of earth were offered me, I + could not go." + + "Then lend me your net," entreated Loki. "Lend me your net, + and I will bring it back to-morrow filled with gold." + + "Much I would like your gold," answered Ran; "but I cannot + lend my net. Should I do so, I might lose the richest prize + that has ever come into my husband's kingdom. For three + days, now, a gold-rigged ship, bearing a princely crew with + rich armor and abundant wealth, has been sailing carelessly + over these seas. To-morrow I shall send my daughters and the + bewitching mermaids to decoy the vessel among the rocks. And + into my net the ship, and the brave warriors, and all their + armor and gold, shall fall. A rich prize it will be. No: I + cannot part with my net, even for a single hour." + + But Loki knew the power of flattering words. + + "Beautiful queen," said he, "there is no one on earth, nor + even in Asgard, who can equal you in wisdom and foresight. + Yet I promise you, that, if you will but lend me your net + until the morning dawns, the ship and the crew of which you + speak shall be yours, and all their golden treasures shall + deck your azure halls in the deep sea." + + Then Ran carefully folded the net, and gave it to Loki. + + "Remember your promise," was all that she said. + + "An Asa never forgets," he answered. + + And he turned his face again towards Rhineland; and the + magic shoes bore him aloft, and carried him in a moment back + to the ice-mountain and the gorge and the infant river, + which he had so lately left. The salmon still rested in his + place, and had not moved during Loki's short absence. + + Loki unfolded the net, and cast it into the stream. The + cunning fish tried hard to avoid being caught in its meshes; + but, dart which way he would, he met the skilfully woven + cords, and these drew themselves around him, and held him + fast. Then Loki pulled the net up out of the water, and + grasped the helpless fish in his right hand. But, lo! as he + held the struggling creature high in the air, it was no + longer a fish, but the cunning dwarf Andvari. + + "Thou King of the Elves," cried Loki, "thy cunning has not + saved thee. Tell me, on thy life, where thy hidden treasures + lie!" + + The wise dwarf knew who it was that thus held him as in a + vise; and he answered frankly, for it was his only hope of + escape, "Turn over the stone upon which you stand. Beneath + it you will find the treasure you seek." + + Then Loki put his shoulder to the rock, and pushed with all + his might. But it seemed as firm as the mountain, and would + not be moved. + + "Help us, thou cunning dwarf," he cried,--"help us, and thou + shalt have thy life!" + + The dwarf put his shoulder to the rock, and it turned over + as if by magic, and underneath was disclosed a wondrous + chamber, whose walls shone brighter than the sun, and on + whose floor lay treasures of gold and glittering gem-stones + such as no man had ever seen. And Loki, in great haste, + seized upon the hoard, and placed it in the magic net which + he had borrowed from the Ocean-queen. Then he came out of + the chamber; and Andvari again put his shoulder to the rock + which lay at the entrance, and it swung back noiselessly to + its place. + + "What is that upon thy finger?" suddenly cried Loki. + "Wouldst keep back a part of the treasure? Give me the ring + thou hast!" + + But the dwarf shook his head, and made answer, "I have given + thee all the riches that the elves of the mountain have + gathered since the world began. This ring I cannot give + thee, for without its help we shall never be able to gather + more treasures together." + + And Loki grew angry at these words of the dwarf; and he + seized the ring, and tore it by force from Andvari's + fingers. It was a wondrous little piece of mechanism shaped + like a serpent, coiled, with its tail in its mouth; and its + scaly sides glittered with many a tiny diamond, and its ruby + eyes shone with an evil light. When the dwarf knew that Loki + really meant to rob him of the ring, he cursed it and all + who should ever possess it, saying,-- + + "May the ill-gotten treasure that you have seized tonight be + your bane, and the bane of all to whom it may come, whether + by fair means or by foul! And the ring which you have torn + from my hand, may it entail upon the one who wears it sorrow + and untold ills, the loss of friends, and a violent death! + The Norns have spoken, and thus it must be." + + Loki was pleased with these words, and with the dark curses + which the dwarf pronounced upon the gold; for he loved + wrong-doing, for wrong-doing's sake, and he knew that no + curses could ever make his own life more cheerless than it + always had been. So he thanked Andvari for his curses and + his treasures; and, throwing the magic net upon his + shoulder, he sprang again into the air, and was carried + swiftly back to Hunaland; and, just before the dawn appeared + in the east, he alighted at the door of the farmhouse where + Odin and Hoenir still lay bound with thongs, and guarded by + Fafnir and Regin. + + Then the farmer, Hreidmar, brought the otter's skin, and + spread it upon the ground; and, lo! it grew, and spread out + on all sides, until it covered an acre of ground. And he + cried out, "Fulfil now your promise! Cover every hair of + this hide with gold or with precious stones. If you fail to + do this, then your lives, by your own agreement, are + forfeited, and we shall do with you as we list." + + Odin took the magic net from Loki's shoulder; and opening + it, he poured the treasures of the mountain elves upon the + otter-skin. And Loki and Hoenir spread the yellow pieces + carefully and evenly over every part of the furry hide. But, + after every piece had been laid in its place; Hreidmar saw + near the otter's mouth a single hair uncovered; and he + declared, that unless this hair, too, were covered, the + bargain would be unfulfilled, and the treasures and lives of + his prisoners would be forfeited. And the Asas looked at + each other in dismay; for not another piece of gold, and not + another precious stone, could they find in the net, although + they searched with the greatest care. At last Odin took from + his bosom the ring which Loki had stolen from the dwarf; for + he had been so highly pleased with its form and workmanship, + that he had hidden it, hoping that it would not be needed to + complete the payment of the ransom. And they laid the ring + upon the uncovered hair. And now no portion of the otter's + skin could be seen. And Fafnir and Regin, the ransom being + paid, loosed the shackles of Odin and Hoenir, and bade the + three huntsmen go on their way. + + Odin and Hoenir at once shook off their human disguises, + and, taking their own forms again, hastened with all speed + back to Asgard. But Loki tarried a little while, and said to + Hreidmar and his sons,-- + + "By your greediness and falsehood you have won for + yourselves the Curse of the Earth, which lies before you. It + shall be your bane. It shall be the bane of every one who + holds it. It shall kindle strife between father and son, + between brother and brother. It shall make you mean, + selfish, beastly. It shall transform you into monsters. The + noblest king among men-folk shall feel its curse. Such is + gold, and such it shall ever be to its worshippers. And the + ring which you have gotten shall impart to its possessor its + own nature. Grasping, snaky, cold, unfeeling, shall he live; + and death through treachery shall be his doom." + + Then he turned away, delighted that he had thus left the + curse of Andvari with Hreidmar and his sons, and hastened + northward toward the sea; for he wished to redeem the + promise that he had made to the Ocean-queen, to bring back + her magic net, and to decoy the richly laden ship into her + clutches. + + No sooner were the strange huntsmen well out of sight than + Fafnir and Regin began to ask their father to divide the + glittering hoard with them. + + "By our strength and through our advice," said they, "this + great store has come into your hands. Let us place it in + three equal heaps, and then let each take his share and go + his way." + + At this the farmer waxed very angry; and he loudly declared + that he would keep all the treasure for himself, and that + his sons should not have any portion of it whatever. So + Fafnir and Regin, nursing their disappointment, went to the + fields to watch their sheep; but their father sat down to + guard his new-gotten treasure. And he took in his hand the + glittering serpent-ring, and gazed into its cold ruby eyes: + and, as he gazed, all his thoughts were fixed upon his gold; + and there was no room in his heart for love toward his + fellows, nor for deeds of kindness, nor for the worship of + the All-Father. And behold, as he continued to look at the + snaky ring, a dreadful change came over him. The warm red + blood, which until that time had leaped through his veins, + and given him life and strength and human feelings, became + purple and cold and sluggish; and selfishness, like + serpent-poison, took hold of his heart. Then, as he kept on + gazing at the hoard which lay before him, he began to lose + his human shape; his body lengthened into many scaly folds, + and he coiled himself around his loved treasures,--the very + likeness of the ring upon which he had looked so long. + + When the day drew near its close, Fafnir came back from the + fields with his herd of sheep, and thought to find his + father guarding the treasure, as he had left him in the + morning; but instead he saw a glittering snake, fast asleep, + encircling the hoard like a huge scaly ring of gold. His + first thought was that the monster had devoured his father; + and, hastily drawing his sword, with one blow he severed the + serpent's head from its body. And, while yet the creature + writhed in the death-agony, he gathered up the hoard, and + fled with it beyond the hills of Hunaland, until on the + seventh day he came to a barren heath far from the homes of + men. There he placed the treasures in one glittering heap; + and he clothed himself in a wondrous mail-coat of gold that + was found among them, and he put on the Helmet of Dread, + which had once been the terror of the mid-world, and the + like of which no man had ever seen; and then he gazed with + greedy eyes upon the fateful ring, until he, too, was + changed into a cold and slimy reptile,--a monster dragon. + And he coiled himself about the hoard; and, with his + restless eyes forever open, he gloated day after day upon + his loved gold, and watched with ceaseless care that no one + should come near to despoil him of it. This was ages and + ages ago; and still he wallows among his treasures on the + Glittering Heath, and guards as of yore the garnered wealth + of Andvari.[EN#10] + + When I, Regin, the younger brother, came back in the late + evening to my father's dwelling, I saw that the treasure had + been carried away; and, when I beheld the dead serpent lying + in its place, I knew that a part of Andvari's curse had been + fulfilled. And a strange fear came over me; and I left every + thing behind me, and fled from that dwelling, never more to + return. Then I came to the land of the Volsungs, where your + father's fathers dwelt, the noblest king-folk that the world + has ever seen. But a longing for the gold and the treasure, + a hungry yearning, that would never be satisfied, filled my + soul. Then for a time I sought to forget this craving. I + spent my days in the getting of knowledge and in teaching + men-folk the ancient lore of my kin, the Dwarfs. I taught + them how to plant and to sow, and to reap the yellow grain. + I showed them where the precious metals of the earth lie + hidden, and how to smelt iron from its ores,--how to shape + the ploughshare and the spade, the spear and the battle-axe. + I taught them how to tame the wild horses of the meadows, + and how to train the yoke-beasts to the plough; how to build + lordly dwellings and mighty strongholds, and how to sail in + ships across old AEgir's watery kingdom. But they gave me no + thanks for what I had done; and as the years went by they + forgot who had been their teacher, and they said that it was + Frey who had given them this knowledge and skill. And I + taught the young maidens how to spin and weave, and to + handle the needle deftly,--to make rich garments, and to + work in tapestry and embroidery. But they, too, forgot me, + and said that it was Freyja who had taught them. Then I + showed men how to read the mystic runes aright, and how to + make the sweet beverage of poetry, that charms all hearts, + and enlightens the world. But they say now that they had + these gifts from Odin. I taught them how to fashion the + tales of old into rich melodious songs, and with music and + sweet-mouthed eloquence to move the minds of their + fellow-men. But they say that Bragi taught them this; and + they remember me only as Regin, the elfin schoolmaster, or + at best as Mimer, the master of smiths. At length my heart + grew bitter because of the neglect and ingratitude of men; + and the old longing for Andvari's hoard came back to me, and + I forgot much of my cunning and lore. But I lived on and on, + and generations of short-lived men arose and passed, and + still the hoard was not mine; for I was weak, and no man was + strong enough to help me. + + Then I sought wisdom of the Norns, the weird women who weave + the woof of every creature's fate.[EN#6] and [EN#7] + + "How long," asked I, "must I hope and wait in weary + expectation of that day when the wealth of the world and the + garnered wisdom of the ages shall be mine?" + + And the witches answered, "When a prince of the Volsung race + shall come who shall excel thee in the smithying craft, and + to whom the All-Father shall give the Shining Hope as a + helper, then the days of thy weary watching, shall cease." + + "How long," asked I, "shall I live to enjoy this wealth and + this wisdom, and to walk as a god among men? Shall I be + long-lived as the Asa-folk, and dwell on the earth until the + last Twilight comes?" + + "It is written," answered Skuld, "that a beardless youth + shall see thy death. But go thou now, and bide thy time." + + Here Regin ended his story, and both he and Siegfried sat + for a long time silent and thoughtful. + + "I know what you wish," said Siegfried at last. "You think + that I am the prince of whom the weird sisters spoke; and + you would have me slay the dragon Fafnir, and win for you + the hoard of Andvari." + + "It is even so," answered Regin. + + "But the hoard is accursed," said the lad. + + "Let the curse be upon me," was the answer. "Is not the + wisdom of the ages mine? And think you that I cannot escape + the curse? Is there aught that can prevail against him who + has all knowledge and the wealth of the world at his call?" + + "Nothing but the word of the Norns and the will of the + All-Father," answered Siegfried. + + "But will you help me?" asked Regin, almost wild with + earnestness. "Will you help me to win that which is + rightfully mine, and to rid the world of a horrible evil?" + + "Why is the hoard of Andvari more thine than Fafnir's?" + + "He is a monster, and he keeps the treasure but to gloat + upon its glittering richness. I will use it to make myself a + name upon the earth. I will not hoard it away. But I am + weak, and he is strong and terrible. Will you help me?" + + "To-morrow," said Siegfried, "be ready to go with me to the + Glittering Heath. The treasure shall be thine, and also the + curse." + + "And also the curse," echoed Regin. + + + + + + Adventure IV. + Fafnir, the Dragon. + + + + Regin took up his harp, and his fingers smote the strings; + and the music which came forth sounded like the wail of the + winter's wind through the dead treetops of the forest. And + the song which he sang was full of grief and wild hopeless + yearning for the things which were not to be. When he had + ceased, Siegfried said,-- + + "That was indeed a sorrowful song for one to sing who sees + his hopes so nearly realized. Why are you so sad? Is it + because you fear the curse which you have taken upon + yourself? or is it because you know not what you will do + with so vast a treasure, and its possession begins already + to trouble you?" + + "Oh, many are the things I will do with that treasure!" + answered Regin; and his eyes flashed wildly, and his face + grew red and pale. "I will turn winter into summer; I will + make the desert-places glad; I will bring back the golden + age; I will make myself a god: for mine shall be the wisdom + and the gathered wealth of the world. And yet I fear"-- + + "What do you fear?" + + "The ring, the ring--it is accursed! The Norns, too, have + spoken, and my doom is known. I cannot escape it." + + "The Norns have woven the woof of every man's life," + answered Siegfried. "To-morrow we fare to the Glittering + Heath, and the end shall be as the Norns have spoken." + + And so, early the next morning, Siegfried mounted Greyfell, + and rode out towards the desert-land that lay beyond the + forest and the barren mountain-range; and Regin, his eyes + flashing with desire, and his feet never tiring, trudged by + his side. For seven days they wended their way through the + thick greenwood, sleeping at night on the bare ground + beneath the trees, while the wolves and other wild beasts of + the forest filled the air with their hideous howlings. But + no evil creature dared come near them, for fear of the + shining beams of light which fell from Greyfell's gleaming + mane. On the eighth day they came to the open country and to + the hills, where the land was covered with black bowlders + and broken by yawning chasms. And no living thing was seen + there, not even an insect, nor a blade of grass; and the + silence of the grave was over all. And the earth was dry and + parched, and the sun hung above them like a painted shield + in a blue-black sky, and there was neither shade nor water + anywhere. But Siegfried rode onwards in the way which Regin + pointed out, and faltered not, although he grew faint with + thirst and with the overpowering heat. Towards the evening + of the next day they came to a dark mountain-wall which + stretched far out on either hand, and rose high above them, + so steep that it seemed to close up the way, and to forbid + them going farther. + + "This is the wall!" cried Regin. "Beyond this mountain is + the Glittering Heath, and the goal of all my hopes." + + And the little old man ran forwards, and scaled the rough + side of the mountain, and reached its summit, while + Siegfried and Greyfell were yet toiling among the rocks at + its foot. Slowly and painfully they climbed the steep + ascent, sometimes following a narrow path which wound along + the edge of a precipice, sometimes leaping, from rock to + rock, or over some deep gorge, and sometimes picking their + way among the crags and cliffs. The sun at last went down, + and one by one the stars came out; and the moon was rising, + round and red, when Siegfried stood by Regin's side, and + gazed from the mountain-top down upon the Glittering Heath + which lay beyond. And a strange, weird scene it was that met + his sight. At the foot of the mountain was a river, white + and cold and still; and beyond it was a smooth and barren + plain, lying silent and lonely in the pale moonlight. But in + the distance was seen a circle of flickering flames, ever + changing,--now growing brighter, now fading away, and now + shining with a dull, cold light, like the glimmer of the + glow-worm or the fox-fire. And as Siegfried gazed upon the + scene, he saw the dim outline of some hideous monster moving + hither and thither, and seeming all the more terrible in the + uncertain light. + + "It is he!" whispered Regin, and his lips were ashy pale, + and his knees trembled beneath him. "It is Fafnir, and he + wears the Helmet of Terror! Shall we not go back to the + smithy by the great forest, and to the life of ease and + safety that may be ours there? Or will you rather dare to go + forwards, and meet the Terror in its abode?" + + "None but cowards give up an undertaking once begun," + answered Siegfried. "Go back to Rhineland yourself, if you + are afraid; but you must go alone. You have brought me thus + far to meet the dragon of the heath, to win the hoard of the + swarthy elves, and to rid the world of a terrible evil. + Before the setting of another sun, the deed which you have + urged me to do will be done." + + Then he dashed down the eastern slope of the mountain, + leaving Greyfell and the trembling Regin behind him. Soon he + stood on the banks of the white river, which lay between the + mountain and the heath; but the stream was deep and + sluggish, and the channel was very wide. He paused a moment, + wondering how he should cross; and the air seemed heavy with + deadly vapors, and the water was thick and cold. While he + thus stood in thought, a boat came silently out of the + mists, and drew near; and the boatman stood up and called to + him, and said,-- + + "What man are you who dares come into this land of + loneliness and fear?" + + "I am Siegfried," answered the lad; "and I have come to slay + Fafnir, the Terror." + + "Sit in my boat," said the boatman, "and I will carry you + across the river." + + And Siegfried sat by the boatman's side; and without the use + of an oar, and without a breath of air to drive it forwards, + the little vessel turned, and moved silently towards the + farther shore. + + "In what way will you fight the dragon?" asked the boatman. + + "With my trusty sword Balmung I shall slay him," answered + Siegfried. + + "But he wears the Helmet of Terror, and he breathes deathly + poisons, and his eyes dart forth lightning, and no man can + withstand his strength," said the boatman. + + "I will find some way by which to overcome him." + + "Then be wise, and listen to me," said the boatman. "As you + go up from the river you will find a road, worn deep and + smooth, starting from the water's edge, and winding over the + moor. It is the trail of Fafnir, adown which he comes at + dawn of every day to slake his thirst at the river. Do you + dig a pit in this roadway,--a pit narrow and deep,--and hide + yourself within it. In the morning, when Fafnir passes over + it, let him feel the edge of Balmung." + + As the man ceased speaking, the boat touched the shore, and + Siegfried leaped out. He looked back to thank his unknown + friend, but neither boat nor boatman was to be seen. Only a + thin white mist rose slowly from the cold surface of the + stream, and floated upwards and away towards the + mountain-tops. Then the lad remembered that the strange + boatman had worn a blue hood bespangled with golden stars, + and that a gray kirtle was thrown over his shoulders, and + that his one eye glistened and sparkled with a light that + was more than human. And he knew that he had again talked + with Odin. Then, with a braver heart than before, he went + forwards, along the river-bank, until he came to Fafnir's + trail,--a deep, wide furrow in the earth, beginning at the + river's bank, and winding far away over the heath, until it + was lost to sight in the darkness. The bottom of the trail + was soft and slimy, and its sides had been worn smooth by + Fafnir's frequent travel through it. + + In this road, at a point not far from the river, Siegfried, + with his trusty sword Balmung, scooped out a deep and narrow + pit, as Odin had directed. And when the gray dawn began to + appear in the east he hid himself within this trench, and + waited for the coming of the monster. He had not long to + wait; for no sooner had the sky begun to redden in the light + of the coming sun than the dragon was heard bestirring + himself. Siegfried peeped warily from his hiding-place, and + saw him coming far down the road, hurrying with all speed, + that he might quench his thirst at the sluggish river, and + hasten back to his gold; and the sound which he made was + like the trampling of many feet and the jingling of many + chains. With bloodshot eyes, and gaping mouth, and flaming + nostrils, the hideous creature came rushing onwards. His + sharp, curved claws dug deep into the soft earth; and his + bat-like wings, half trailing on the ground, half flapping + in the air, made a sound like that which is heard when Thor + rides in his goat-drawn chariot over the dark + thunder-clouds. It was a terrible moment for Siegfried, but + still he was not afraid. He crouched low down in his + hiding-place, and the bare blade of the trusty Balmung + glittered in the morning light. On came the hastening feet + and the flapping wings: the red gleam from the monster's + flaming nostrils lighted up the trench where Siegfried lay. + He heard a roaring and a rushing like the sound of a + whirlwind in the forest; then a black, inky mass rolled + above him, and all was dark. Now was Siegfried's + opportunity. The bright edge of Balmung gleamed in the + darkness one moment, and then it smote the heart of Fafnir + as he passed. Some men say that Odin sat in the pit with + Siegfried, and strengthened his arm and directed his sword, + or else he could not thus have slain the Terror. But, be + this as it may, the victory was soon won. The monster + stopped short, while but half of his long body had glided + over the pit; for sudden death had overtaken him. His horrid + head fell lifeless upon the ground; his cold wings flapped + once, and then lay, quivering and helpless, spread out on + either side; and streams of thick black blood flowed from + his heart, through the wound beneath, and filled the trench + in which Siegfried was hidden, and ran like a + mountain-torrent down the road towards the river. Siegfried + was covered from head to foot with the slimy liquid, and, + had he not quickly leaped from his hiding-place, he would + have been drowned in the swift-rushing, stream.[EN#11] + + The bright sun rose in the east, and gilded the + mountain-tops, and fell upon the still waters of the river, + and lighted up the treeless plains around. The south wind + played gently against Siegfried's cheeks and in his long + hair, as he stood gazing on his fallen foe. And the sound of + singing birds, and rippling waters, and gay insects,--such + as had not broken the silence of the Glittering Heath for + ages,--came to his ears. The Terror was dead, and Nature had + awakened from her sleep of dread. And as the lad leaned upon + his sword, and thought of the deed he had done, behold! the + shining Greyfell, with the beaming, hopeful mane, having + crossed the now bright river, stood by his side. And Regin, + his face grown wondrous cold, came trudging over the + meadows; and his heart was full of guile. Then the mountain + vultures came wheeling downwards to look upon the dead + dragon; and with them were two ravens, black as midnight. + And when Siegfried saw these ravens he knew them to be + Odin's birds,--Hugin, thought, and Munin, memory. And they + alighted on the ground near by; and the lad listened to hear + what they would say. Then Hugin flapped his wings, and + said,-- + + "The deed is done. Why tarries the hero?" + + And Munin said,-- + + "The world is wide. Fame waits for the hero." + + And Hugin answered,-- + + "What if he win the Hoard of the Elves? That is not honor. + Let him seek fame by nobler deeds." + + Then Munin flew past his ear, and whispered,-- + + "Beware of Regin, the master! His heart is poisoned. He + would be thy bane." + + And the two birds flew away to carry the news to Odin in the + happy halls of Gladsheim. + + When Regin drew near to look upon the dragon, Siegfried + kindly accosted him: but he seemed not to hear; and a snaky + glitter lurked in his eyes, and his mouth was set and dry, + and he seemed as one walking in a dream. + + "It is mine now," he murmured: "it is all mine, now,--the + Hoard of the swarthy elf-folk, the garnered wisdom of ages. + The strength of the world is mine. I will keep, I will save, + I will heap up; and none shall have part or parcel of the + treasure which is mine alone." + + Then his eyes fell upon Siegfried; and his cheeks grew dark + with wrath, and he cried out,-- + + "Why are you here in my way? I am the lord of the Glittering + Heath: I am the master of the Hoard. I am the master, and + you are my thrall." + + Siegfried wondered at the change which had taken place in + his old master; but he only smiled at his strange words, and + made no answer. + + "You have slain my brother!" Regin cried; and his face grew + fearfully black, and his mouth foamed with rage. + + "It was my deed and yours," calmly answered Siegfried. "I + have rid the world of a Terror: I have righted a grievous + wrong." + + "You have slain my brother," said Regin; "and a murderer's + ransom you shall pay!" + + "Take the Hoard for your ransom, and let us each wend his + way," said the lad. + + "The Hoard is mine by rights," answered Regin still more + wrathfully. "I am the master, and you are my thrall. Why + stand you in my way?" + + Then, blinded with madness, he rushed at Siegfried as if to + strike him down; but his foot slipped in a puddle of gore, + and he pitched headlong against the sharp edge of Balmung. + So sudden was this movement, and so unlooked for, that the + sword was twitched out of Siegfried's hand, and fell with a + dull splash into the blood-filled pit before him; while + Regin, slain by his own rashness, sank dead upon the ground. + Full of horror, Siegfried turned away, and mounted + Greyfell.[EN#12] + + "This is a place of blood," said he, "and the way to glory + leads not through it. Let the Hoard still lie on the + Glittering Heath: I will go my way from hence; and the world + shall know me for better deeds than this." + + And he turned his back on the fearful scene, and rode away; + and so swiftly did Greyfell carry him over the desert land + and the mountain waste, that, when night came, they stood on + the shore of the great North Sea, and the white waves broke + at their feet. And the lad sat for a long time silent upon + the warm white sand of the beach, and Greyfell waited at his + side. And he watched the stars as they came out one by one, + and the moon, as it rose round and pale, and moved like a + queen across the sky. And the night wore away, and the stars + grew pale, and the moon sank to rest in the wilderness of + waters. And at day-dawn Siegfried looked towards the west, + and midway between sky and sea he thought he saw dark + mountain-tops hanging above a land of mists that seemed to + float upon the edge of the sea. + + While he looked, a white ship, with sails all set, came + speeding over the waters towards him. It came nearer and + nearer, and the sailors rested upon their oars as it glided + into the quiet harbor. A minstrel, with long white beard + floating in the wind, sat at the prow; and the sweet music + from his harp was wafted like incense to the shore. The + vessel touched the sands: its white sails were reefed as if + by magic, and the crew leaped out upon the beach. + + "Hail, Siegfried the Golden!" cried the harper. "Whither do + you fare this summer day?" + + "I have come from a land of horror and dread," answered the + lad; "and I would fain fare to a brighter." + + "Then go with me to awaken the earth from its slumber, and + to robe the fields in their garbs of beauty," said the + harper. And he touched the strings of his harp, and strains + of the softest music arose in the still morning air. And + Siegfried stood entranced, for never before had he heard + such music. + + "Tell me who you are!" he cried, when the sounds died away. + "Tell me who you are, and I will go to the ends of the earth + with you." + + "I am Bragi," answered the harper, smiling. And Siegfried + noticed then that the ship was laden with flowers of every + hue, and that thousands of singing birds circled around and + above it, filling the air with the sound of their glad + twitterings. + + Now, Bragi was the sweetest musician in all the world. It + was said by some that his home was with the song-birds, and + that he had learned his skill from them. But this was only + part of the truth: for wherever there was loveliness or + beauty, or things noble and pure, there was Bragi; and his + wondrous power in music and song was but the outward sign of + a blameless soul. When he touched the strings of his golden + harp, all Nature was charmed with the sweet harmony: the + savage beasts of the wood crept near to listen; the birds + paused in their flight; the waves of the sea were becalmed, + and the winds were hushed; the leaping waterfall was still, + and the rushing torrent tarried in its bed; the elves forgot + their hidden treasures, and joined in silent dance around + him; and the strom-karls and the musicians of the wood + vainly tried to imitate him. And he was as fair of speech as + he was skilful in song. His words were so persuasive that he + had been known to call the fishes from the sea, to move + great lifeless rocks, and, what is harder, the hearts of + kings. He understood the voice of the birds, and the + whispering of the breeze, the murmur of the waves, and the + roar of the waterfalls. He knew the length and breadth of + the earth, and the secrets of the sea, and the language of + the stars. And every day he talked with Odin the All-Father, + and with the wise and good in the sunlit halls of Gladsheim. + And once every year he went to the North-lands, and woke the + earth from its long winter's sleep, and scattered music and + smiles and beauty everywhere.[EN#13] + + Right gladly did Siegfried agree to sail with Bragi over the + sea; for he wot that the bright Asa-god would be a very + different guide from the cunning, evil-eyed Regin. So he + went on board with Bragi, and the gleaming Greyfell followed + them, and the sailors sat at their oars. And Bragi stood in + the prow, and touched the strings of his harp. And, as the + music arose, the white sails leaped up the masts, and a warm + south breeze began to blow; and the little vessel, wafted by + sweet sounds and the incense of spring, sped gladly away + over the sea. + + + + + + Adventure V. + In AEgir's Kingdom. + + + + The vessel in which Siegfried sailed was soon far out at + sea; for the balmy south wind, and the songs of the birds, + and the music from Bragi's harp, all urged it cheerily on. + And Siegfried sat at the helm, and guided it in its course. + By and by they lost all sight of land, and the sailors wist + not where they were; but they knew that Bragi, the Wise, + would bring them safely into some haven whenever it should + so please him, and they felt no fear. And the fishes leaped + up out of the water as the white ship sped by on woven + wings; and the monsters of the deep paused, and listened to + the sweet music which floated down from above. After a time + the vessel began to meet great ice-mountains in the + sea,--mountains which the Reifriesen, and old Hoder, the + King of the winter months, had sent drifting down from the + frozen land of the north. But these melted at the sound of + Bragi's music and at the sight of Siegfried's radiant armor. + And the cold breath of the Frost-giants, which had driven + them in their course, turned, and became the ally of the + south wind. + + At length they came in sight of a dark shore, which + stretched on either hand, north and south, as far as the eye + could reach; and as they drew nearer they saw a line of huge + mountains, rising, as it were, out of the water, and + stretching their gray heads far above the clouds. And the + overhanging cliffs seemed to look down, half in anger, half + in pity, upon the little white winged vessel which had dared + thus to sail through these unknown waters. But the surface + of the sea was smooth as glass; and the gentle breeze drove + the ship slowly forwards through the calm water, and along + the rock-bound coast, and within the dark shadows of the + mountain-peaks. Long ago the Frost-giants had piled great + heaps of snow upon these peaks, and built huge fortresses of + ice between, and sought, indeed, to clasp in their cold + embrace the whole of the Norwegian land. But the breezes of + the South-land that came with Bragi's ship now played among + the rocky steeps, and swept over the frozen slopes above, + and melted the snow and ice; and thousands of rivulets of + half-frozen water ran down the mountain-sides, and tumbled + into rocky gorges, or plunged into the sea. And the grass + began to grow on the sunny slopes, and the flowers peeped up + through the half-melted snow, and the music of spring was + heard on every side. Now and then the little vessel passed + by deep, dark inlets enclosed between high mountain-walls, + and reaching many leagues far into land. But the sailors + steered clear of these shadowy fjords; for they said that + Ran, the dread Ocean-queen, lived there, and spread her nets + in the deep green waters to entangle unwary seafaring men. + And the sound of Bragi's harp awakened all sleeping things; + and it was carried from rock to rock, and from + mountain-height to valley, and was borne on the breeze far + up the fjords, and all over the land. + + One day, as they were sailing through these quiet waters, + beneath the overhanging cliffs, Bragi tuned his harp, and + sang a song of sea. And then he told Siegfried a story of + AEgir and his gold-lit hall. + + Old AEgir was the Ocean-king. At most times he was rude and + rough, and his manners were uncouth and boisterous. But when + Balder, the Shining One, smiled kindly upon him from above, + or when Bragi played his harp by the seashore, or sailed his + ship on the waters, the heart of the bluff old king was + touched with a kindly feeling, and he tried hard to curb his + ungentle passions, and to cease his blustering ways. He was + one of the old race of giants; and men believe that he would + have been a very good and quiet giant, had it not been for + the evil ways of his wife, the crafty Queen Ran. For, + however kind at heart the king might be, his good intentions + were almost always thwarted by the queen. Ran could never be + trusted; and no one, unless it were Loki, the + Mischief-maker, could ever say any thing in her praise. She + was always lurking among hidden rocks, or in the deep sea, + or along the shores of silent fjords, and reaching out with + her long lean fingers, seeking to clutch in her greedy grasp + whatever prey might unwarily come near her. And many + richly-laden vessels, and many brave seamen and daring + warriors, had she dragged down to her blue-hung chamber in + old AEgir's hall. + + And this is the story that Bragi told of + + + + The Feast in AEgir's Hall. + + + + It happened long ago, when the good folk at Gladsheim were + wont to visit the mid-world oftener than now. On a day in + early autumn Queen Ran, with her older daughters,--Raging + Sea, Breaker, Billow, Surge, and Surf,--went out to search + for plunder. But old AEgir staid at home, and with him his + younger daughters,--fair Purple-hair, gentle Diver, dancing + Ripple, and smiling Sky-clear. And as they played around + him, and kissed his old storm-beaten cheeks, the heart of + the king was softened into gentleness, and he began to think + kindly of the green earth which bordered his kingdom, and of + the brave men who lived there; but most of all did he think + of the great and good Asa-folk, who dwell in Asgard, and + overlook the affairs of the world. Then he called his + servants, Funfeng and Elder, and bade them prepare a feast + in his gold-lit hall. And he sent fleet messengers to invite + the Asa-folk to come and partake of the good cheer. And his + four young daughters played upon the beach, and smiled and + danced in the beaming sunlight. And the hearts of many + seafaring men were gladdened that day, as they spread their + sails to the wind; for they saw before them a pleasant + voyage, and the happy issue of many an undertaking. + + Long before the day had begun to wane, the Asa-folk arrived + in a body at AEgir's hall; for they were glad to answer the + bidding of the Ocean-king. Odin came, riding Sleipner, his + eight-footed steed; Thor rode in his iron chariot drawn by + goats; Frey came with Gullinburste, his golden-bristled + boar. There, too, was the war-like Tyr, and blind Hoder, and + the silent Vidar, and the sage Forsete, and the hearkening + Heimdal, and Niord, the Ruler of the Winds, and Bragi, with + his harp; and lastly came many elves, the thralls of the + Asa-folk, and Loki, the cunning Mischief-maker. In his rude + but hearty way old AEgir welcomed them; and they went down + into his amber hall, and rested themselves upon the + sea-green couches that had been spread for them. And a + thousand fair mermaids stood around them, and breathed sweet + melodies through sea-shells of rainbow hue, while the gentle + white-veiled daughters of the Ocean-king danced to the + bewitching music. + + Hours passed by, and the sun began to slope towards the + west, and the waiting guests grew hungry and ill at ease; + and then they began to wonder why the feast was so long in + getting ready. At last the host himself became impatient; + and he sent out in haste for his servants, Funfeng and + Elder. Trembling with fear, they came and stood before him. + + "Master," said they, "we know that you are angry because the + feast is not yet made ready; but we beg that your anger may + not fall upon us. The truth is, that some thief has stolen + your brewing-kettle, and we have no ale for your guests." + + Then old AEgir's brow grew dark, and his breath came quick + and fast; and, had not Niord held the winds tightly clutched + in his hand, there would have been a great uproar in the + hall. Even as it was, the mermaids fled away in great + fright, and the white-veiled Waves stopped dancing, and a + strange silence fell upon all the company. + + "Some enemy has done this!" crier AEgir, as soon as he could + speak. "Some enemy has taken away my brewing-kettle; and, + unless we can find it, I fear our feast will be but a dry + one." + + Then Thor said,-- + + "If any one knows where this kettle is, let him speak, and I + will bring it back; and I promise you you shall not wait + long for the feast." + + But not one in all this company knew aught about the missing + kettle. At last Tyr stood up and said,-- + + "If we cannot find the same vessel that our host has lost, + mayhap we may find another as good. I know a dogwise giant + who lives east of the Rivers Elivagar, and who has a strong + kettle, fully a mile deep, and large enough to brew ale for + all the world." + + "That is the very kettle we want!" cried Thor. "Think you + that we can get it?" + + "If we are cunning enough, we may," answered Tyr. "But old + Hymer will never give it up willingly." + + "Is it Hymer of whom you speak?" asked Thor. "Then I know + him well; and, willingly or not willingly he must let us + have his kettle. For what is a feast without the gladsome + ale?" + + Then Thor and Tyr set out on their journey towards the land + of Elivagar; and they travelled many a league northwards, + across snowy mountains and barren plains, until they came to + the shores of the frozen sea. And there the sun rises and + sets but once a year, and even in summer the sea is full of + ice. On the lonely beach, stood Hymer's dwelling,--a dark + and gloomy abode. Tyr knocked at the door; and it was opened + by Hymer's wife, a strangely handsome woman, who bade them + come in. Inside the hall they saw Hymer's old mother, + sitting in the chimney-corner, and crooning over the + smouldering fire. She was a horribly ugly old giantess, with + nine hundred heads; but every head was blind and deaf and + toothless. Ah, me! what a wretched old age that must have + been! + + "Is your husband at home?" asked Thor, speaking to the + pretty woman who had opened the door. + + "He is not," was the answer. "He is catching fish in the + warm waters of the sheltered bay; or, mayhap, he is tending + his cows in the open sea, just around the headland." + + For the great icebergs that float down from the frozen sea + are called old Hymer's cows. + + "We have come a very long journey," said Tyr. "Will you not + give two tired strangers food and lodging until they shall + have rested themselves?" + + The woman seemed in nowise loath to do this; and she set + before the two Asa-folk a plentiful meal of the best that + she had in the house. When they had eaten, she told them + that it would be far safer for them to hide themselves under + the great kettles in the hall; for, she said, her husband + would soon be home, and he might not be kind to them. So + Thor and Tyr hid themselves, and listened for Hymer's + coming. After a time, the great hall-door opened, and they + heard the heavy steps of the giant. + + "Welcome home!" cried the woman, as Hymer shook the frost + from his hair and beard, and stamped the snow from his feet. + "I am so glad that you have come! for there are two + strangers in the hall, and they have asked for you. One of + them I know is Thor, the foe of the giants, and the friend + of man. The other is the one-armed god of war, the brave + Tyr. What can be their errand at Hymer's hall?" + + "Where are they?" roared Hymer, stamping so furiously, that + even his deaf old mother seemed to hear, and lifted up her + heads. + + "They are under the kettles, at the gable-end of the hall," + answered the woman. + + Hymer cast a wrathful glance towards the place. The post at + the end of the hall was shivered in pieces by his very look; + the beam that upheld the floor of the loft was broken, and + all the kettles tumbled down with a fearful crash. Thor and + Tyr crept out from among the rubbish, and stood before old + Hymer. The giant was not well pleased at the sight of such + guests come thus unbidden to his hall. But he knew that his + rude strength would count as nothing if matched with their + skill and weapons: hence he deemed it wise to treat the two + Asas as his friends, and to meet them with cunning and + strategy. + + "Welcome to my hall!" he cried. "Fear no hurt from Hymer, + for he was never known to harm a guest." + + And Thor and Tyr were given the warmest seats at the + fireside. And the giant ordered his thralls to kill the + fatted oxen, and to make ready a great feast in honor of his + guests. And, while the meal was being got ready, he sat by + Thor's side, and asked him many questions about what was + going on in the great South-land. And Thor answered him + pleasantly, meeting guile with guile. When the feast was in + readiness, all sat down at the table, which groaned beneath + its weight of meat and drink; for Hymer's thralls had killed + three fat oxen, and baked them whole for this meal, and they + had filled three huge bowls with ale from his great + brewing-kettle. Hymer ate and drank very fast, and wished to + make his guests fear him, because he could eat so much. But + Thor was not to be taken aback in this way; for he at once + ate two of the oxen, and quaffed a huge bowl of ale which + the giant had set aside for himself. The giant saw that he + was outdone, and he arose from the table, saying,-- + + "Not all my cows would serve to feed two guests so hungry as + these. We shall be obliged to live on fish now." + + He strode out of the hall without another word, and began + getting his boat ready for a sail. But Thor followed him. + + "It is a fine day for fishing," said Thor gayly. "How I + should like to go out with you!" + + "Such little fellows as you would better stay at home," + growled Hymer. + + "But let me go with you," persisted Thor. "I can certainly + row the boat while you fish." + + "I have no need of help from such a stunted pygmy," muttered + the giant. "You could not be of the least use to me: you + would only be in my way. Still, if you are bent on doing so, + you may go, and you shall take all the risks. If I go as far + as I do sometimes, and stay as long as I often do, you may + make up your mind never to see the dry land again; for you + will certainly catch your death of cold, and be food for the + fishes--if, indeed, they would deign to eat such a scrawny + scrap!" + + These taunting words made Thor so angry, that he grasped his + hammer, and was sorely tempted to crush the giant's skull. + But he checked himself, and coolly said,-- + + "I pray you not to trouble yourself on my account I have set + my head on going with you, and go I will. Tell me where I + can find something that I can use for bait, and I will be + ready in a trice." + + "I have no bait for you," roughly answered Hymer "You must + look for it yourself." + + Half a dozen oxen, the very finest and fattest of Hymer's + herd, were grazing on the short grass which grew on the + sunnier slopes of the hillside; for not all of the giant's + cattle had yet taken to the water. When Thor saw these great + beasts, he ran quickly towards them, and seizing the largest + one, which Hymer called the Heaven-breaker, he twisted off + his head as easily as he would that of a small fowl, and ran + back with it to the boat. Hymer looked at him in anger and + amazement, but said nothing; and the two pushed the boat off + from the shore. The little vessel sped through the water + more swiftly than it had ever done before, for Thor plied + the oars. + + In a moment the long, low beach was out of sight; and Hymer, + who had never travelled so fast, began to feel frightened. + + "Stop!" he cried. "Here is the place to fish: I have often + caught great store of flat-fish here. Let us out with our + lines!" + + "No, no!" answered Thor; and he kept on plying the oars. "We + are not yet far enough from shore. The best fish are still + many leagues out." + + And the boat skimmed onwards through the waters, and the + white spray dashed over the prow; and Hymer, now very much + frightened, sat still, and looked at his strange + fellow-fisherman, but said not a word. On and on they went; + and the shore behind them first grew dim, and then sank out + of sight; and the high mountain-tops began to fade away in + the sky, and then were seen no more. And when at last the + fishermen were so far out at sea that nothing was in sight + but the rolling waters on every side, Thor stopped his + rowing. + + "We have come too far!" cried the giant, trembling in every + limb. "The great Midgard snake lies hereabouts. Let us turn + back!" + + "Not yet," answered Thor quietly. "We will fish here a + little while." + + Without loss of time he took from his pocket a strong hook, + wonderfully made, to which he fastened a long line as strong + as ten ships' cables twisted together; then he carefully + baited the hook with the gory head of the Heaven-breaker ox, + and threw it into the water. As the giant had feared, they + were now right over the head of the great Midgard snake. The + huge beast looked upward with his sleepy eyes, and saw the + tempting bait falling slowly through the water; but he did + not see the boat, it was so far above him. Thinking of no + harm, he opened his leathern jaws, and greedily gulped the + morsel down; but the strong iron hook stuck fast in his + throat. Maddened by the pain, he began to lash his tail + against the floor of the sea; and he twisted and writhed + until the ocean was covered with foam, and the waves ran + mountain-high. But Thor pulled hard upon the line above, and + strove to lift the reptile's head out of the water; then the + snake darted with lightning speed away, pulling the boat + after him so swiftly, that, had not Thor held on to the + oar-locks, he would have been thrown into the sea. Quickly + he tightened his magic girdle of strength around him, and, + standing up in the boat, he pulled with all his might. The + snake would not be lifted. But the boat split in two; and + Thor slid into the water, and stood upon the bottom of the + sea. He seized the great snake in his hands, and raised his + head clean above the water. What a scene of frightful + turmoil was there then! The earth shook; the mountains + belched forth fire; the lightnings flashed; the caves + howled; and the sky grew black and red. Nobody knows what + the end would have been, had not Hymer reached over, and cut + the strong cord. The slippery snake glided out of Thor's + hands, and hid himself in the deep sea; and every thing + became quiet again. + + Silently Thor and Hymer sat in the broken boat, and rowed + swiftly back towards land. Thor felt really ashamed of + himself, because he had gained nothing by his venture. And + the giant was not at all happy. + + When they reached the frozen shore and Hymer's cheerless + castle again, they found Tyr there, anxiously waiting for + them. He felt that they were tarrying too long in this + dreary place; and he wished to be back among his fellows in + old AEgir's hall. Hymer felt very cross and ugly because his + boat had been broken; and, when they came into the hall, he + said to Thor,-- + + "You may think that you are very stout,--you who dared + attack the Midgard snake, and lifted him out of the sea. Yet + there are many little things that you cannot do. For + instance, here is the earthen goblet from which I drink my + ale. Great men, like myself, can crush such goblets between + their thumbs and fingers; but such puny fellows as you will + find that they cannot break it by any means." + + "Let me try!" cried Thor. + + He took the great goblet in his hands, and threw it with all + his strength against a stone post in the middle of the hall. + The post was shattered into a thousand pieces, but the + goblet was unharmed. + + "Ha, ha!" laughed the giant. "Try again!" + + Thor did so. This time he threw it against a huge granite + rock that stood like a mountain near the seashore. The rock + crumbled in pieces and fell, but the goblet was whole as + ever. + + "What a very stout fellow you are!" cried Hymer in glee. "Go + home now, and tell the good Asa-folk that you cannot even + break a goblet!" + + "Let me try once more," said Thor, amazed, but not + disheartened. + + "Throw it against Hymer's forehead," whispered some one over + his shoulder. "It is harder than any rock." + + Thor looked, and saw that it was the giant's handsome wife + who had given him this kind advice. He took the goblet, and + hurled it quickly, straight at old Hymer's head. The giant + had no time to dodge. The vessel struck him squarely between + the eyes, and was shattered into ten thousand little pieces. + But the giant's forehead was unhurt. + + "That drink was rather hot!" cried Hymer, trying to joke at + his ill luck. "But it doesn't take a very great man to break + a goblet. There is one thing, however, that you cannot do. + Yonder is my great brewing-kettle, a mile deep. No man has + ever lifted it. Now, if you will carry it out of the hall, + where it sits, you may have it for your own." + + "Agreed!" cried Thor. "It is a fair bargain; and, if I fail, + I will go home and never trouble you again." + + Then he took hold of the edge of the great kettle, and + lifted it with all his might. The floor of Hymer's hall + broke under him, and the walls and roof came tumbling down; + but he turned the kettle over his head, and walked away with + it, the great rings of the vessel clattering at his heels. + Tyr went before him, and cleared the way; and Hymer gazed + after him in utter amazement. The two Asa-folk had fairly + won the brewing-kettle. + + In due time they reached old AEgir's hall, where the guests + were still waiting for them. Some said that they had been + gone three days, but most agreed that it was only three + hours. Be that as it may, AEgir's thralls, Funfeng and + Elder, brewed great store of ale in the kettle which Thor + had brought; and, when the guests were seated at the table, + the foaming liquor passed itself around to each, and there + was much merriment and glad good cheer. And old AEgir was so + happy in the pleasant company of the Asa-folk, that men say + that he forgot to blow and bluster for a full six months + thereafter.[EN#14] + + Such was the story which the wise harper told to Siegfried + as they sailed gayly along the Norwegian shore. And with + many other pleasant tales did they beguile the hours away. + And no one ever thought of danger, for the sky was blue and + cloudless. And, besides this, Bragi himself was on board; + and he could charm and control the rudest elements. + + One day, however, the sea became unaccountably ruffled. + There was no wind; but yet the waves rose suddenly, and + threatened to overwhelm the little ship. Quickly the sailors + sprang to their oars, and tried by rowing to drive the + vessel away from the shore and into the quieter waters of + the open sea. But all their strength was of no avail: the + swift stream carried the little bark onward in its course, + as an autumn leaf is borne on the bosom of a mighty river. + Then the whole surface of the water seemed lashed into fury. + The waves formed hundreds of currents, each stronger than a + mountain torrent, and each seeming to follow a course of its + own. They clashed wildly against each other; they heaved, + and boiled, and hissed, and threw great clouds of spray high + into the air; they formed deep whirlpools, which twisted and + twirled, and broke into a thousand eddies, and then plunged + deep down into rocky caverns beneath, or laid bare the + bottom of the sea. The helpless ship was carried round and + round, swiftly and more swiftly still; and vain were the + efforts of the crew to steer her out of the seething caldron + of waters. Then the cheeks of the sailors grew white with + fear; and they dropped their oars, and clung to the masts + and ropes, and cried out,-- + + "Alas, we are lost! This is old AEgir's brewing-kettle!" + + But Siegfried stood by the helm, and said,-- + + "If that be true, then we may sup with him in his gold-lit + hall." + + And all this time Bragi slept in the hold, and no one dared + awaken him. Faster and faster the ship was carried round the + seething pool. The flying spray was frozen in the air; and + it filled the masts with snow, and pattered like heavy hail + upon the deck. The light of the sun seemed shut out, and + darkness closed around. A dismal chasm yawned deep before + them, and in the gray gloom the ship's crew saw many + wondrous things. Great sea-monsters swam among the rocks, + and seemed not to heed the uproar above them. Lovely + mermaids sat in their green-and-purple caves, and combed + their tresses of golden hair; and thoughtful mermen groped + among the seaweeds, searching hopefully for lost or hidden + treasures. Then Siegfried caught a glimpse of the mighty + AEgir, sitting in his banquet-room; and, as he quaffed his + foaming ale, he called aloud to his daughters to leave their + play, and come to their father in his gold-lit hall. And the + white-veiled Waves answered to their names, and came at his + call. First, Raging Sea entered the wide hall, and sat by + the Ocean-king's side; then Billow, then Surge, then Surf, + and Breakers; then came the Purple-haired, and the Diver; + but AEgir's two youngest daughters, Laughing Ripple and + Smiling Sky-clear, came not at their father's beck, but + lingered to play among the rocks and in the open sea. + + So deeply engaged was Siegfried in watching this scene, that + he did not notice Bragi, who now came upon the deck with his + harp in his hand. And sweet music arose from among the + dashing waves, and was heard far down in the deep + sea-caverns, and even in AEgir's hall. And, when Siegfried + looked up again, the eddying whirlpools, and the threatening + waves, and the flying spray, were no more; but the ship was + gliding over the quiet waters of a deep blue sea, and the + sun was shining brightly in the clear sky above. Then an + east wind filled the sails; and, as Bragi's music rose + sweeter and higher, they glided swiftly away from the coast, + and soon the snow-capped mountain-peaks grew dim in the + distance, and then sank from sight. + + Many days they sailed over an unknown sea, and towards an + unknown land; and none but Bragi knew what the end of their + voyage would be. And yet no one doubted or was afraid, for + the secrets of the earth and the sea were known to the sweet + singer. After a time, the water became as smooth as glass: + not a ripple moved upon its surface, and not the slightest + breath of air stirred among the idly-hanging sails. Then the + sailors went to their oars; but they seemed overcome with + languor and sleepiness, and only when Bragi played upon his + harp did they move their oars with their wonted strength and + quickness. And at last they came in sight of a long, low + coast, and a shelving beach up which the tide was slowly + creeping in drowsy silence. And not half a league from the + shore was a grand old castle, with a tall tower and many + turrets, and broad halls and high battlements; and in the + light of the setting sun every thing was as green as emerald + or as the fresh grass of early spring. And a pale flickering + light gleamed on the castle-walls, and the moat seemed + filled with a glowing fire. + + The ship glided silently up to the sandy beach, and the + sailors moored it to the shore. But Siegfried heard no sound + upon the land, nor could he see any moving, living thing. + Silence brooded everywhere, and the castle and its inmates + seemed to be wrapped in slumber. The sentinels could be seen + upon the ramparts, standing like statues of stone, and + showing no signs of life; while above the barbacan gate the + watchman was at his post, motionless and asleep. + + + + + + Adventure VI + Brunhild. + + + + Siegfried and the harper sat together in the little ship as + it lay moored to the sandy shore; and their eyes were turned + towards the sea-green castle and its glowing walls, and they + looked in vain for any movement, or any sign of wakeful + life. Every thing was still. Not a breath of air was + stirring. The leaves of the trees hung motionless, as if + they, too, were asleep. The great green banner on the + tower's top clung around the flagstaff as if it had never + fluttered to the breeze. No song of birds, nor hum of + insects, came to their ears. There was neither sound nor + motion anywhere. + + "Play your harp, good Bragi, and awaken all these sleepers," + said Siegfried. + + Then the harper touched the magic strings, and strains of + music, loud and clear, but sweet as a baby's breath, rose up + in the still air, and floated over the quiet bay, and across + the green meadows which lay around the castle-walls; and it + was borne upward over the battlements, and among the shining + turrets and towers, and was carried far out over the hills, + and among the silent trees of the plain. And Bragi sung of + the beginning of all things, and of whatsoever is beautiful + on the land, or in the sea, or in the sky. And Siegfried + looked to see every thing awakened, and quickened into life, + as had oft been done before by Bragi's music; but nothing + stirred. The sun went down, and the gray twilight hung over + sea and land, and the red glow in the castle-moat grew + redder still; and yet every thing slept. Then Bragi ended + his song, and the strings of his harp were mute. + + "Music has no charms to waken from sleep like that," he + said. + + And then he told Siegfried what it all meant; and, to make + the story plain, he began by telling of Odin's bright home + at Gladsheim and of the many great halls that were there. + + One of the halls in Gladsheim is called Valhal. This hall is + so large and wide, that all the armies of the earth might + move within it. Outside, it is covered with gold and with + sun-bright shields. A fierce wolf stands guard before it, + and a mountain-eagle hovers over it. It has five hundred and + forty doors, each large enough for eight hundred heroes to + march through abreast. Inside, every thing is glittering + bright. The rafters are made of spears, and the ceiling is + covered with shields, and the walls are decked with + war-coats. In this hall Odin sets daily a feast for all the + heroes that have been slain in battle. These sit at the + great table, and eat of the food which Odin's servants have + prepared, and drink of the heavenly mead which the + Valkyries, Odin's handmaids, bring them. + + But the Valkyries have a greater duty. When the battle + rages, and swords clash, and shields ring, and the air is + filled with shouts and groans and all the din of war, then + these maidens hover over the field of blood and death, and + carry the slain heroes home to Valhal.[EN#15] + + One of Odin's Valkyries was named Brunhild, and she was the + most beautiful of all the maidens that chose heroes for his + war-host. But she was wilful too, and did not always obey + the All-Father's behests. And when Odin knew that she had + sometimes snatched the doomed from death, and sometimes + helped her chosen friends to victory, he was very angry. And + he drove her away from Gladsheim, and sent her, friendless + and poor, to live among the children of men, and to be in + all ways like them. But, as she wandered weary and alone + over the earth, the good old King of Isenland saw her beauty + and her distress, and pity and love moved his heart; and, as + he had no children of his own, he took her for his daughter, + and made her his heir. And not long afterward he died, and + the matchless Brunhild became queen of all the fair lands of + Isenland and the hall of Isenstein. When Odin heard of this, + he was more angry still; and he sent to Isenstein, and + caused Brunhild to be stung with the thorn of Sleep. And he + said,-- + + "She shall sleep until one shall come who is brave enough to + ride through fire to awaken her." + + And all Isenland slept too, because Brunhild, the Maiden of + Spring, lay wounded with the Sleepful thorn. + + * * * * * + + When Siegfried heard this story, he knew that the land which + lay before them was Isenland, and that the castle was + Isenstein, and that Brunhild was sleeping within that circle + of fire. + + "My songs have no power to awaken such a sleeper," said + Bragi. "A hero strong and brave must ride through the flame + to arouse her. It is for this that I have brought you + hither; and here I will leave you, while I sail onwards to + brighten other lands with my music." + + Siegfried's heart leaped up with gladness; for he thought + that here, at last, was a worthy deed for him to do. And he + bade his friend Bragi good-by, and stepped ashore; and + Greyfell followed him. And Bragi sat at the prow of the + ship, and played his harp again; and the sailors plied their + oars; and the little vessel moved swiftly out of the bay, + and was seen no more. And Siegfried stood alone on the + silent, sandy beach. + + As he thus stood, the full moon rose white and dripping from + the sea; and its light fell on the quiet water, and the + sloping meadows, and the green turrets of the castle. And + the last notes of Bragi's harp came floating to him over the + sea. + + Then a troop of fairies came down to dance upon the sands. + It was the first sign of life that Siegfried had seen. As + the little creatures drew near, he hid himself among the + tall reeds which grew close to the shore; for he wished to + see them at their gambols, and to listen to their songs. At + first, as if half afraid of their own tiny shadows, they + danced in silence; but, as the moon rose higher, they grew + bolder, and began to sing. And their music was so sweet and + soft, that Siegfried forgot almost every thing, else for the + time: they sang of the pleasant summer days, and of cooling + shades, and still fountains, and silent birds, and peaceful + slumber. And a strange longing for sleep took hold of + Siegfried; and his eyes grew heavy, and the sound of the + singing seemed dim and far away. But just as he was losing + all knowledge of outward things, and his senses seemed + moving in a dream, the fairies stopped dancing, and a little + brown elf came up from the sea, and saluted the queen of the + tiny folk. + + "What news bring you from the great world beyond the water?" + asked the queen. + + "The prince is on his way hither," answered the elf. + + "And what will he do?" + + "If he is brave enough, he will awaken the princess, and + arouse the drowsy people of Isenstein; for the Norns have + said that such a prince shall surely come." + + "But he must be the bravest of men ere he can enter the + enchanted castle," said the queen; "for the wide moat is + filled with flames, and no faint heart will ever dare battle + with them." + + "But I will dare!" cried Siegfried; and he sprang from his + hiding-place, forgetful of the little folk, who suddenly + flitted away, and left him alone upon the beach. He glanced + across the meadows at the green turrets glistening in the + mellow moonlight, and then at the flickering flames around + the castle walls, and he resolved that on the morrow he + would at all hazards perform the perilous feat. + + In the morning, as soon as the gray dawn appeared, he began + to make ready for his difficult undertaking. But, when he + looked again at the red flames, he began to hesitate. He + paused, uncertain whether to wait for a sign and for help + from the All-Father, or whether to go straightway to the + castle, and, trusting in his good armor alone, try to pass + through the burning moat. While he thus stood in doubt, his + eyes were dazzled by a sudden flash of light. He looked up. + Greyfell came dashing across the sands; and from his long + mane a thousand sunbeams gleamed and sparkled in the morning + light. Siegfried had never seen the wondrous creature so + radiant; and as the steed stood by him in all his strength + and beauty he felt new hope and courage, as if Odin himself + had spoken to him. He hesitated no longer, but mounted the + noble horse; and Greyfell bore him swiftly over the plain, + and paused not until he had reached the brink of the burning + moat. + + Now, indeed, would Siegfried's heart have failed him, had he + not been cheered by the sunbeam presence of Greyfell. For + filling the wide, deep ditch, were angry, hissing flames, + which, like a thousand serpent-tongues, reached out, and + felt here and there, for what they might devour; and ever + and anon they took new forms, and twisted and writhed like + fiery snakes, and then they swirled in burning coils high + over the castle-walls. Siegfried stopped not a moment. He + spoke the word, and boldly the horse with his rider dashed + into the fiery lake; and the vile flames fled in shame and + dismay before the pure sunbeam flashes from Greyfell's mane. + And, unscorched and unscathed, Siegfried rode through the + moat, and through the wide-open gate, and into the + castle-yard. + + The gate-keeper sat fast asleep in his lodge, while the + chains and the heavy key with which, when awake, he was wont + to make the great gate fast, lay rusting at his feet; and + neither he, nor the sentinels on the ramparts above, stirred + or awoke at the sound of Greyfell's clattering hoofs. As + Siegfried passed from one part of the castle to another, + many strange sights met his eyes. In the stables the horses + slumbered in their stalls, and the grooms lay snoring by + their sides. The birds sat sound asleep on their nests + beneath the eaves. The watch-dogs, with fast-closed eyes, + lay stretched at full-length before the open doors. In the + garden the fountain no longer played, the half-laden bees + had gone to sleep among the blossoms of the apple-trees, and + the flowers themselves had forgotten to open their petals to + the sun. In the kitchen the cook was dozing over the + half-baked meats in front of the smouldering fire; the + butler was snoring in the pantry; the dairy-maid was quietly + napping among the milk-pans; and even the house-flies had + gone to sleep over the crumbs of sugar on the table. In the + great banquet-room a thousand knights, overcome with + slumber, sat silent at the festal board; and their chief, + sitting on the dais, slept, with his half-emptied goblet at + his lips. + + Siegfried passed hurriedly from room to room and from hall + to hall, and cast but one hasty glance at the strange sights + which met him at every turn; for he knew that none of the + drowsy ones in that spacious castle could be awakened until + he had aroused the Princess Brunhild. In the grandest hall + of the palace he found her. The peerless maiden, most richly + dight, reclined upon a couch beneath a gold-hung canopy; and + her attendants, the ladies of the court, sat near and around + her. Sleep held fast her eyelids, and her breathing was so + gentle, that, but for the blush upon her cheeks, Siegfried + would have thought her dead. For long, long years had her + head thus lightly rested on that gold-fringed pillow; and in + all that time neither her youth had faded, nor her wondrous + beauty waned. + + Siegfried stood beside her. Gently he touched his lips to + that matchless forehead; softly he named her name,-- + + "Brunhild!" + + The charm was broken. Up rose the peerless princess in all + her queen-like beauty; up rose the courtly ladies round her. + All over the castle, from cellar to belfry-tower, from the + stable to the banquet hall, there was a sudden awakening, a + noise of hurrying feet and mingled voices, and sounds which + had long been strangers to the halls of Isenstein. The + watchman on the tower, and the sentinels on the ramparts, + yawned, and would not believe they had been asleep; the + porter picked up his keys, and hastened to lock the + long-forgotten gates; the horses neighed in their stalls; + the watchdogs barked at the sudden hubbub; the birds, + ashamed at having allowed the sun to find them napping, + hastened to seek their food in the meadows; the servants + hurried here and there, each intent upon his duty; the + warriors in the banquet-hall clattered their knives and + plates, and began again their feast; and their chief dropped + his goblet, and rubbed his eyes, and wondered that sleep + should have overtaken him in the midst of such a + meal.[EN#16] + + And Siegfried, standing at an upper window, looked out over + the castle-walls; and he saw that the flames no longer raged + in the moat, but that it was filled with clear sparkling + water from the fountain which played in the garden. And the + south wind blew gently from the sea, bringing from afar the + sweetest strains of music from Bragi's golden harp; and the + breezes whispered among the trees, and the flowers opened + their petals to the sun, and birds and insects made the air + melodious with their glad voices. Then Brunhild, radiant + with smiles, stood by the hero's side, and welcomed him + kindly to Isenland and to her green-towered castle of + Isenstein. + + + + + + + Adventure VII + In Nibelungen Land. + + + + Every one in the castle of Isenstein, from the princess to + the kitchen-maid, felt grateful to the young hero for what + he had done. The best rooms were fitted up for his use, and + a score of serving men and maidens were set apart to do his + bidding, and ordered to be mindful of his slightest wish. + And all the earl-folk and brave men, and all the fair + ladies, and Brunhild, fairest of them all, besought him to + make his home there, nor ever think of going back to + Rhineland. Siegfried yielded to their persuasions, and for + six months he tarried in the enchanted land in one long + round of merry-making and gay enjoyment. But his thoughts + were ever turned toward his father's home in the Lowlands + across the sea, and he longed to behold again his gentle + mother Sigelind. Then he grew tired of his life of idleness + and ease, and he wished that he might go out again into the + busy world of manly action and worthy deeds. And day by day + this feeling grew stronger, and filled him with unrest. + + One morning, as he sat alone by the seashore, and watched + the lazy tide come creeping up the sands, two ravens lighted + near him. Glad was he to see them, for he knew them to be + Hugin and Munin, the sacred birds of Odin, and he felt sure + that they brought him words of cheer from the All-Father. + Then Hugin flapped his wings, and said, "In idleness the + stings of death lie hidden, but in busy action are the + springs of life. For a hundred years fair Brunhild slept, + but why should Siegfried sleep? The world awaits him, but it + waits too long." + + Then Munin flapped his wings also, but he said nothing. And + busy memory carried Siegfried back to his boyhood days; and + he called to mind the wise words of his father Siegmund, and + the fond hopes of his gentle mother, and he thought, too, of + the noble deeds of his kinsfolk of the earlier days. And he + rose in haste, and cried, "Life of ease, farewell! I go + where duty leads. To him who wills to do, the great + All-Father will send strength and help." + + While he spoke, his eyes were dazzled with a flash of light. + He looked; and the beaming Greyfell, his long mane sparkling + like a thousand sunbeams, dashed up the beach, and stood + beside him. As the noble steed in all his strength and + beauty stood before him, the youth felt fresh courage; for, + in the presence of the shining hope which the All-Father had + given him, all hinderances seemed to vanish, and all + difficulties to be already overcome. He looked toward the + sea again, and saw in the blue distance a white-sailed ship + drawing swiftly near, its golden dragon-stem ploughing + through the waves like some great bird of the deep. And as + with straining, eager eyes, he watched its coming, he felt + that Odin had sent it, and that the time had come wherein he + must be up and doing. The hour for thriving action comes to + us once: if not seized upon and used, it may never come + again. + + The ship drew near the shore. The sailors rested on their + oars. Siegfried and the steed Greyfell sprang upon the deck; + then the sailors silently bent again to their rowing. The + flapping sails were filled and tightened by the strong west + wind; and the light vessel leaped from wave to wave like a + thing of life, until Isenstein, with its tall towers and its + green marble halls, sank from sight in the distance and the + mist. And Siegfried and his noble steed seemed to be the + only living beings on board; for the sailors who plied the + oars were so silent and phantom-like, that they appeared to + be nought but the ghosts of the summer sea-breezes. As the + ship sped swiftly on its way, all the creatures in the sea + paused to behold the sight. The mermen rested from their + weary search for hidden treasures, and the mermaids forgot + to comb their long tresses, as the radiant vessel and its + hero-freight glided past. And even old King AEgir left his + brewing-kettle in his great hall, and bade his daughters, + the white-veiled Waves, cease playing until the vessel + should safely reach its haven. + + When, at length, the day had passed, and the evening + twilight had come, Siegfried saw that the ship was nearing + land; but it was a strange land.[EN#17] Like a fleecy cloud + it appeared to rest above the waves, midway between the + earth and the sky; a dark mist hung upon it, and it seemed a + land of dreams and shadows. The ship drew nearer and nearer + to the mysterious shore, and as it touched the beach the + sailors rested from their rowing. Then Siegfried and the + horse Greyfell leaped ashore; but, when they looked back, + the fair vessel that had carried them was nowhere to be + seen. Whether it had suddenly been clutched by the greedy + fingers of the Sea-queen Ran, and dragged down into her deep + sea-caverns, or whether, like the wondrous ship Skidbladner, + it had been folded up, and made invisible to the eyes of + men, Siegfried never knew. The thick mists and the darkness + of night closed over and around both hero and horse; and + they dared not stir, but stood long hours in the silent + gloom, waiting for the coming of the dawn. + + At length the morning came, but the light was not strong + enough to scatter the fogs and thick vapors that rested upon + the land. Then Siegfried mounted Greyfell; and the sunbeams + began to flash from the horse's mane and from the hero's + glittering mail-coat; and the hazy clouds fled upward and + away, until they were caught and held fast by great + mist-giants, who stood like sentinels on the mountain-tops. + As the shining pair came up from the sea, and passed through + the woods and valleys of the Nibelungen Land, there streamed + over all that region such a flood of sunlight as had never + before been seen. + + In every leafy tree, and behind every blade of grass, elves + and fairies were hidden; and under every rock and in every + crevice lurked cunning dwarfs. But Siegfried rode straight + forward until he came to the steep side of a shadowy + mountain. There, at the mouth of a cavern, a strange sight + met his eyes. Two young men, dressed in princes' clothing, + sat upon the ground: their features were all haggard and + gaunt, and pinched with hunger, and their eyes wild with + wakefulness and fear; and all around them were heaps of gold + and precious stones,--more than a hundred wagons could carry + away. And neither of the two princes would leave the shining + hoard for food, nor close his eyes in sleep, lest the other + might seize and hide some part of the treasure. And thus + they had watched and hungered through many long days and + sleepless nights, each hoping that the other would die, and + that the whole inheritance might be his own. + + When they saw Siegfried riding near, they called out to him, + and said, "Noble stranger, stop a moment! Come and help us + divide this treasure." + + "Who are you?" asked Siegfried; "and what treasure is it + that lies there?" + + "We are the sons of Niblung, who until lately was king of + this Mist Land. Our names are Schilbung and the young + Niblung," faintly answered the princes. + + "And what are you doing here with this gold and these + glittering stones?" + + "This is the great Nibelungen Hoard, which our father not + long ago brought from the South-land. It is not clear just + how he obtained it.[EN#18] Some say that he got it unjustly + from his brother, whose vassals had digged it from the + earth. Others say that he found it lying on the Glittering + Heath, where Fafnir the Dragon had guarded it zealously for + ages past, until he was slain by a hero who cared nought for + his gold. But, be this as it may, our father is now dead, + and we have brought the hoard out of the cavern where he had + hidden it, in order that we may share it between us equally. + But we cannot agree, and we pray you to help us divide it." + + Then Siegfried dismounted from the horse Greyfell, and came + near the two princes. + + "I will gladly do as you ask," said he; "but first I must + know more about your father,--who he was, and whether this + is really the Hoard of the Glittering Heath." + + Then Niblung answered, as well as his feeble voice would + allow, "Our father was, from the earliest times, the ruler + of this land, and the lord of the fog and the mist. Many + strongholds, and many noble halls, had he in this land; and + ten thousand brave warriors were ever ready to do his + bidding. The trolls, and the swarthy elves of the mountains, + and the giants of the cloudy peaks, were his vassals. But he + did more than rule over the Nibelungen Land. Twice every + year he crossed the sea and rambled through the Rhine + valleys, or loitered in the moist Lowlands; and now and then + he brought rich trophies back to his island home. The last + time, he brought this treasure with him; but, as we have + said, it is not clear how he obtained it. We have heard men + say that it was the Hoard of Andvari, and that when Fafnir, + the dragon who watched it, was slain, the hero who slew him + left it to be taken again by the swarthy elves who had + gathered it; but because of a curse which Andvari had placed + upon it, no one would touch it, until some man would assume + its ownership, and take upon himself the risk of incurring + the curse. This thing, it is said, our father did. And the + dwarf Alberich undertook to keep it for him; and he, with + the help of the ten thousand elves who live in these + caverns, and the twelve giants whom you see standing on the + mountain-peaks around, guarded it faithfully so long as our + father lived. But, when he died, we and our thralls fetched + it forth from the cavern, and spread it here on the ground. + And, lo! for many days we have watched and tried to divide + it equally. But we cannot agree." + + "What hire will you give me if I divide it for you?" asked + Siegfried. + + "Name what you will have," answered the princes. + + "Give me the sword which lies before you on the glittering + heap." + + Then Niblung handed him the sword, and said, "Right gladly + will we give it. It is a worthless blade that our father + brought from the South-land. They say that he found it also + on the Glittering Heath, in the trench where Fafnir was + slain. And some will have it that it was forged by Regin, + Fafnir's own brother. But how that is, I do not know. At any + rate, it is of no use to us; for it turns against us + whenever we try to use it." + + Siegfried took the sword. It was his own Balmung, that had + been lost so long. + + Forthwith he began the task of dividing the treasure; and + the two brothers, so faint from hunger and want of sleep + that they could scarcely lift their heads, watched him with + anxious, greedy eyes. First he placed a piece of gold by + Niblung's side, and then a piece of like value he gave to + Schilbung. And this he did again and again, until no more + gold was left. Then, in the same manner, he divided the + precious gem-stones until none remained. And the brothers + were much pleased; and they hugged their glittering + treasures, and thanked Siegfried for his kindness, and for + the fairness with which he had given to each his own. But + one thing was left which had not fallen to the lot of either + brother. It was a ring of curious workmanship,--a serpent + coiled, with its tail in its mouth, and with ruby eyes + glistening and cold. + + "What shall I do with this ring?" asked Siegfried. + + "Give it to me!" cried Niblung. + + "Give it to me!" cried Schilbung. + + And both tried to snatch it from Siegfried's hand. + + But the effort was too great for them. Their arms fell + helpless at their sides, their feet slipped beneath them, + their limbs failed: they sank fainting, each upon his pile + of treasures. + + "O my dear, dear gold!" murmured Niblung, trying to clasp it + all in his arms,--"my dear, dear gold! Thou art mine, mine + only. No one shall take thee from me. Here thou art, here + thou shalt rest. O my dear, dear gold!" And then, calling up + the last spark of life left in his famished body, he cried + out to Siegfried, "Give me the ring!--the ring, I say!" + + He hugged his cherished gold nearer to his bosom; he ran his + thin fingers deep down into the shining yellow heap; he + pressed his pale lips to the cold and senseless metal; he + whispered faintly, "My dear, dear gold!" and then he died. + + "O precious, precious gem-stones," faltered Schilbung, "how + beautiful you are! And you are mine, all mine. I will keep + you safe. Come, come, my bright-eyed beauties! No one but me + shall touch you. You are mine, mine, mine!" And he chattered + and laughed as only madmen laugh. And he kissed the hard + stones, and sought to hide them in his bosom. But his hands + trembled and failed, dark mists swam before his eyes; he + fancied that he heard the black dwarfs clamoring for his + treasure; he sprang up quickly, he shrieked--and then fell + lifeless upon his hoard of sparkling gems. + + A strange, sad sight it was,--boundless wealth, and + miserable death; two piles of yellow gold and sun-bright + diamonds, and two thin, starved corpses stretched upon them. + Some stories relate that the brothers were slain by + Siegfried, because their foolish strife and greediness had + angered him.[EN#19] But I like not to think so. It was the + gold, and not Siegfried, that slew them. + + "O gold, gold!" cried the hero sorrowfully, "truly thou art + the mid-world's curse; thou art man's bane. But when the + bright spring-time of the new world shall come, and Balder + shall reign in his glory, then will the curse be taken from + thee, and thy yellow brightness will be the sign of purity + and enduring worth; and then thou wilt be a blessing to + mankind, and the precious plaything of the gods." + + But Siegfried had little time for thought and speech. A + strange sound was heard upon the mountain-side. The twelve + great giants who had stood as watchmen upon the peaks above + were rushing down to avenge their masters, and to drive the + intruder out of Nibelungen Land. Siegfried waited not for + their onset; but he mounted the noble horse Greyfell, and, + with the sword Balmung in his hand, he rode forth to meet + his foes, who, with fearful threats and hideous roars, came + striding toward him. The sunbeams flashed from Greyfell's + mane, and dazzled the dull eyes of the giants, unused as + they were to the full light of day. Doubtful, they paused, + and then again came forward. But they mistook every tree in + their way for an enemy, and every rock they thought a foe; + and in their fear they fancied a great host to be before + them. Did you ever see the dark and threatening storm-clouds + on a summer's day scattered and put to flight by the bright + beams of the sun? It was thus that Siegfried's giant foes + were routed. One and all, they dropped their heavy clubs, + and stood ashamed and trembling, not knowing what to do. And + Siegfried made each one swear to serve him faithfully; and + then he sent them back to the snow-covered mountain-peaks to + stand again as watchmen at their posts. + + And now another danger appeared. Alberich the dwarf, the + master of the swarthy elves who guarded the Nibelungen + Hoard, had come out from his cavern, and seen the two + princes lying dead beside their treasures, and he thought + that they had been murdered by Siegfried; and, when he + beheld the giants driven back to the mountain-tops, he + lifted a little silver horn to his lips, and blew a shrill + bugle-call. And the little brown elves came trooping forth + by thousands: from under every rock, from the nooks and + crannies and crevices in the mountain-side, from the deep + cavern and the narrow gorge, they came at the call of their + chief. Then, at Alberich's word, they formed in line of + battle, and stood in order around the hoard and the bodies + of their late masters. Their little golden shields and their + sharp-pointed spears were thick as the blades of grass in a + Rhine meadow. And Siegfried, when he saw them, was pleased + and surprised; for never before had such a host of pygmy + warriors stood before him. + + While he paused and looked, the elves became suddenly + silent, and Siegfried noticed that Alberich stood no longer + at their head, but had strangely vanished from sight. + + "Ah, Alberich!" cried the hero. "Thou art indeed cunning. I + have heard of thy tricks. Thou hast donned the Tarnkappe, + the cloak of darkness, which hides thee from sight, and + makes thee as strong as twelve common men. But come on, thou + brave dwarf!" + + Scarcely had he spoken, when he felt a shock which almost + sent him reeling from his saddle, and made Greyfell plunge + about with fright. Quickly, then, did Siegfried dismount, + and, with every sense alert, he waited for the second onset + of the unseen dwarf. It was plain that Alberich wished to + strike him unawares, for many minutes passed in utter + silence. Then a brisk breath of wind passed by Siegfried's + face, and he felt another blow; but, by a quick downward + movement of his hand, he caught the plucky elf-king, and + tore off the magic Tarnkappe, and then, with firm grasp, he + held him, struggling in vain to get free. + + "Ah, Alberich!" he cried, "now I know thou art cunning. But + the Tarnkappe I must have for my own. What wilt thou give + for thy freedom?" + + "Worthy prince," answered Alberich humbly, "you have fairly + overcome me in fight, and made me your prisoner. I and all + mine, as well as this treasure, rightfully belong to you. We + are yours, and you we shall obey." + + "Swear it!" said Siegfried. "Swear it, and thou shalt live, + and be the keeper of my treasures." + + And Alberich made a sign to his elfin host, and every spear + was turned point downwards, and every tiny shield was thrown + to the ground, and the ten thousand little warriors kneeled, + as did also their chief, and acknowledged Siegfried to be + their rightful master, and the lord of the Nibelungen Land, + and the owner of the Hoard of Andvari. + + Then, by Alberich's orders, the elves carried the Hoard back + into the cavern, and there kept faithful watch and ward over + it. And they buried the starved bodies of the two princes on + the top of the mist-veiled mountain; and heralds were sent + to all the strongholds in Nibelungen Land, proclaiming that + Siegfried, through his wisdom and might, had become the true + lord and king of the land. Afterwards the prince, riding on + the beaming Greyfell, went from place to place, scattering + sunshine and smiles where shadows and frowns had been + before. And the Nibelungen folk welcomed him everywhere with + glad shouts and music and dancing; and ten thousand + warriors, and many noble earl-folk, came to meet him, and + plighted their faith to him. And the pure brightness of his + hero-soul, and the gleaming sunbeams from Greyfell's + mane,--the light of hope and faith,--lifted the curtain of + mists and fogs that had so long darkened the land, and let + in the glorious glad light of day and the genial warmth of + summer. + + + + + + Adventure VIII. + Siegfried's Welcome Home. + + + + In Santen Castle, one day, there was a strange uproar and + confusion. Everybody was hurrying aimlessly about, and no + one seemed to know just what to do. On every side there were + restless whisperings, and hasty gestures, and loud commands. + The knights and warriors were busy donning their war-coats, + and buckling on their swords and helmets. Wise King Siegmund + sat in his council-chamber, and the knowing men of the + kingdom stood around him; and the minds of all seemed + troubled with doubt, if not with fear. + + What could have caused so great an uproar in the once quiet + old castle? What could have brought perplexity to the mind + of the wisest king in all Rhineland? It was this: a herald + had just come from the seashore, bringing word that a + strange fleet of a hundred white-sailed vessels had cast + anchor off the coast, and that an army of ten thousand + fighting men had landed, and were making ready to march + against Santen. Nobody had ever heard of so large a fleet + before; and no one could guess who the strangers might be, + nor whence they had come, nor why they should thus, without + asking leave, land in the country of a peace-loving king. + + The news spread quickly over all the land. People from every + part came hastening to the friendly shelter of the castle. + The townsmen, with their goods and cattle, hurried within + the walls. The sentinels on the ramparts paced uneasily to + and fro, and scanned with watchful eye every stranger that + came near the walls. The warders stood ready to hoist the + drawbridge, and close the gate, at the first signal given by + the watchman above, who was straining his eyes to their + utmost in order to see the first approach of the foe. + + A heavy mist hung over the meadow-lands between Santen and + the sea, and nothing was visible beyond the gates of the + town. The ten thousand strange warriors might be within half + a league of the castle, and yet the sharpest eagle-eye could + not see them. + + All at once a clatter of horse's hoofs was heard; the dark + mist rose up from the ground, and began to roll away, like a + great cloud, into the sky; and then strange sunbeam-flashes + were seen where the fog had lately rested. + + "They come!" cried one of the sentinels. "I see the glitter + of their shields and lances." + + "Not so," said the watchman from his place on the tower + above. "I see but one man, and he rides with the speed of + the wind, and lightning flashes from the mane of the horse + which carries him." + + The drawbridge was hastily hoisted. The heavy gates were + quickly shut, and fastened with bolts and bars. Every man in + the castle was at his post, ready to defend the fortress + with his life. In a short time the horse and his rider drew + near. All who looked out upon them were dazzled with the + golden brightness of the hero's armor, as well as with the + lightning gleams that flashed from the horse's mane. And + some whispered,-- + + "This is no man who thus comes in such kingly splendor. More + likely it is Odin on one of his journeys, or the Shining + Balder come again to earth." + + As the stranger paused on the outer edge of the moat, the + sentinels challenged him,-- + + "Who are you who come thus, uninvited and unheralded, to + Santen?" + + "One who has the right to come," answered the stranger. "I + am Siegfried; and I have come to see my father, the good + Siegmund, and my mother, the gentle Sigelind." + + It was indeed Siegfried; and he had come from his kingdom in + the Nibelungen Land, with his great fleet, and the noblest + of his warriors, to see once more his boyhood's home, and to + cheer for a time the hearts of his loving parents. For he + had done many noble deeds, and had ruled wisely and well, + and he felt that he was now not unworthy to be called the + son of Siegmund, and to claim kinship with the heroes of the + earlier days. + + As soon as it was surely known that he who stood before the + castle-walls was the young prince who had been gone so many + years, and about whom they had heard so many wonderful + stories, the drawbridge was hastily let down, and the great + gates were thrown wide open. And Siegfried, whose return had + been so long wished for, stood once again in his father's + halls. And the fear and confusion which had prevailed gave + place to gladness and gayety; and all the folk of Santen + greeted the returned hero with cheers, and joyfully welcomed + him home. And in the whole world there was no one more happy + than Siegmund and Sigelind. + + On the morrow the ten thousand Nibelungen warriors came to + Santen; and Siegmund made for them a great banquet, and + entertained them in a right kingly way, as the faithful + liegemen of his son. And Siegfried, when he had given them + rich gifts, sent them with the fleet back to Nibelungen + Land; for he meant to stay for a time with his father and + mother at Santen. + + When the harvest had been gathered, and the fruit was + turning purple and gold, and the moon rode round and full in + the clear autumn sky, a gay high-tide was held for + Siegfried's sake; and everybody in the Lowland country, + whether high or low, rich or poor, was asked to come to the + feast. For seven days, nought but unbridled gayety prevailed + in Siegmund's halls. On every hand were sounds of music and + laughter, and sickness and poverty and pain were for the + time forgotten. A mock-battle was fought on the grassy plain + not far from the town, and the young men vied with each + other in feats of strength and skill. Never before had so + many beautiful ladies nor so many brave men been seen in + Santen. And, when the time of jollity and feasting had drawn + to an end, Siegmund called together all his guests, and gave + to each choice gifts,--a festal garment, and a horse with + rich trappings. And Queen Sigelind scattered gold without + stint among the poor, and many were the blessings she + received. Then all the folk went back to their homes with + light hearts and happy faces.[EN#20] + + The autumn days passed quickly by, and Siegfried began to + grow weary of the idle, inactive life in his father's halls; + and Greyfell in his stall pined for the fresh, free air, and + his mane lost all its brightness. When Siegmund saw how full + of unrest his son had become, he said to him,-- + + "Siegfried, I have grown old and feeble, and have no longer + the strength of my younger days. My kingdom would fare + better were a younger ruler placed over it. Take my crown, I + pray you, and let me withdraw from kingly cares." + + But Siegfried would not listen to such an offer. He had his + own kingdom of the Nibelungens, he said; and, besides, he + would never sit on his father's throne while yet that father + lived. And although he loved the pleasant companionship of + his mother, and was delighted to listen to the wise counsels + of his father, the craving for action, and the unrest which + would not be satisfied, grew greater day by day. At last he + said,-- + + "I will ride out into the world again. Mayhap I may find + some other wrong to right, or some other kingdom to win. It + was thus that my kin, in the golden age long past, went + faring over the land and sea, and met their doom at last. + They were not home-abiders, nor tillers of the soil; but the + world was their abiding-place, and they filled the hearts of + men." + + And, when his father and mother heard this, they tried no + longer to keep him with them; for they knew that it would be + more cruel than the keeping of a caged bird away from the + sunlight. + + "Only go not into Burgundy," said his father. "The kings of + that country are not friendly to us, and they may do you + harm. Hagen, the kinsman of the kings, and the chief of + their fighting-men, is old and crafty, and he cannot brook a + greater hero than himself." + + Siegfried laughed. + + "That is all the better reason why I should go to + Burgundy-land," he said. + + "Then take ten thousand of my warriors," said his father, + "and make yourself master of the land." + + "No, no!" cried Siegfried. "One kingdom is enough for me. My + own Nibelungen Land is all I want. I will take my twelve + Nibelungen knights that I have with me here, and we will + fare forth to see the world and its beauties, and men's + work; and, when we have tired with riding, we will sail + across the sea to our Nibelungen home." + + + + + + Adventure IX + The Journey to Burgundy-Land. + + + + For many days before Siegfried's departure, the queen, and + all the women of the household, busily plied their needles; + and many suits of rich raiment made they for the prince and + his worthy comrades. At length the time for leave-taking + came, and all the inmates of the castle went out to the gate + to bid the heroes God-speed. Siegfried sat upon his noble + horse Greyfell, and his trusty sword Balmung hung at his + side. And his Nibelungen knights were mounted on lordly + steeds, with gold-red saddles and silver trappings chased + with gold; and their glittering helmets, and burnished + shields, and war-coats of polished steel, when added to + their noble bearing and manlike forms, made up a picture of + beauty and strength such as no one in Santen had ever seen + before, or would ever see again. + + "Only go not into Burgundy-land," were the parting words of + Siegmund. + + And all who had come to bid them farewell wept bitterly as + the young men rode out of the city, and were lost to sight + in the distance. + + "Only go not into Burgundy-land!" These words of his father + sounded still in Siegfried's ears; and he turned his horse's + head towards the west and south; and they rode through the + level country, and among the fields, from which the corn had + already been gathered; and at night they slept in the open + air, upon the still warm ground. Thus for many days they + travelled. And they left the Lowlands far behind them, and + Burgundy far to the left of them; and by and by they came to + a country covered with high hills, and mountains that seemed + to touch the sky. The crags and peaks were covered with + snow, and ice lay all summer in the dales and in the deep + gorges cleft long time ago by giant hands. Here it is that + the rivers take their beginning. And here it is that the + purple grapes and the rare fruits of milder climes are + found; for the sun shines warm in the valleys and upon the + plains, and the soil is exceeding rich. It is said that + these mountains are midway between the cold regions of + Jotunheim and the glowing gardens of Muspelheim, and that, + in ages past, they were the scene of many battles between + the giants who would overwhelm the earth,--these with ice, + and those with fire. Here and there were frowning caves dug + out of the solid mountain-side; while higher up were great + pits, half-filled with ashes, where, it is said, the + dwarf-folk, when they were mighty on earth, had their + forges. + + Siegfried stopped not long in this land. Thoughts of the + Nibelungen Land, and of his faithful liegemen who waited for + his return, began to fill his mind. Then the heroes turned + their horses' heads, and rode back towards the north, + following the course of the River Rhine, as it wound, here + and there, between hills and mountains, and through meadows + where the grass was springing up anew, and by the side of + woodlands, now beginning to be clothed in green again; for + the winter was well over, and spring was hastening on apace. + And as they rode down the valley of the Rhine they came, ere + they were aware, into the Burgundian Land, and the high + towers of King Gunther's castle rose up before them. Then + Siegfried remembered again his father's words,-- + + "Only go not into Burgundy-land." + + But it was now too late to go back, and they determined to + stop for a few days with the Burgundian kings. They rode + onwards through the meadows and the pleasant farming-lands + which lay around the city; and they passed a wonderful + garden of roses, said to belong to Kriemhild, the peerless + princess of the Rhine country; and at last they halted + before the castle-gate. So lordly was their bearing, that a + company of knights came out to meet them, and offered, as + the custom was, to take charge of their horses and their + shields. But Siegfried asked that they be led at once to + King Gunther and his brothers; and, as their stay would not + be long, they said they would have no need to part with + horses or with shields. Then they followed their guides, and + rode through the great gateway, and into the open court, and + halted beneath the palace windows. + + And the three kings--Gunther, Gernot, and Giselher--and + their young sister, the matchless Kriemhild, looked down + upon them from above, and hazarded many guesses as to who + the lordly strangers might be. And all the inmates of the + castle stood at the doors and windows, or gathered in + curious groups in the courtyard, and gazed with open-mouthed + wonder upon the rich armor and noble bearing of the thirteen + heroes. But all eyes were turned most towards Siegfried and + the wondrous steed Greyfell. Some of the knights whispered + that this was Odin, and some that it was Thor, the + thunderer, making a tour through Rhineland. But others said + that Thor was never known to ride on horseback, and that the + youth who sat on the milk-white steed was little like the + ancient Odin. And the ladies who looked down upon the heroes + from the palace windows said that this man could be no other + than the Sunbright Balder, come from his home in Breidablik, + to breathe gladness and sunshine into the hearts and lives + of men. + + Only one among all the folk in the castle knew who the hero + was who had ridden thus boldly into the heart of + Burgundy-land. That one was Hagen, the uncle of the three + kings, and the doughtiest warrior in all Rhineland. With a + dark frown and a sullen scowl he looked out upon the little + party, and already plotted in his mind how he might outwit, + and bring to grief, the youth whose name and fame were known + the whole world over. For his evil mind loved deeds of + darkness, and hated the pure and good. By his side, at an + upper window, stood Kriemhild, the peerless maiden of the + Rhine; but her thoughts were as far from his thoughts as the + heaven-smile on her face was unlike the sullen scowl on his + grim visage. As the moon in her calm beauty is sometimes + seen in the sky, riding gloriously by the side of a dark + thunder-cloud,--the one more lovely, the other more + dreadful, by their very nearness,--so seemed Kriemhild + standing there by the side of Hagen. + + "Think you not, dear uncle," she said, "that this is the + Shining Balder come to earth again?" + + "The gods have forgotten the earth," answered Hagen in surly + tones. "But if, indeed, this should be Balder, we shall, + without doubt, find another blind archer, who, with another + sprig of mistletoe, will send him back again to Hela." + + "What do you mean?" asked Kriemhild earnestly. + + But old Hagen said not a word in answer. He quietly withdrew + from the room, and left the maiden and her mother, the good + dame Ute, alone. + + "What does uncle Hagen mean by his strange words? and why + does he look so sullen and angry?" asked Kriemhild. + + "Indeed, I know not," answered the queen-mother. "His ways + are dark, and he is cunning. I fear that evil will yet come + to our house through him." + + Meanwhile the three kings and their chiefs had gone into the + courtyard to greet their unknown guests. Very kindly did + Gunther welcome the strangers to his home; and then he + courteously asked them whence they came, and what the favors + they wished. + + "I have heard," answered Siegfried, "that many knights and + heroes live in this land, and that they are the bravest and + the proudest in the world. I, too, am a knight; and some + time, if I am worthy, I shall be a king. But first I would + make good my right to rule over land and folk; and for this + reason I have come hither. If, indeed, you are as brave as + all the world says you are, ride now to the meadows with us, + and let us fight man to man; and he who wins shall rule over + the lands of both. We will wager our kingdom and our heads + against yours." + + King Gunther and his brothers were amazed at this + unlooked-for speech. + + "Such is not the way to try where true worth lies!" they + cried. "We have no cause of quarrel with you, neither have + you any cause of quarrel with us. Why, then, should we spill + each other's blood?" + + Again Siegfried urged them to fight with him; but they + flatly refused. And Gernot said,-- + + "The Burgundian kings have never wished to rule over folk + that are not their own. Much less would they gain new lands + at the cost of their best heroes' blood. And they have never + taken part in needless quarrels. Good men in Burgundy are + worth more than the broadest lands, and we will not hazard + the one for the sake of gaining the other. No, we will not + fight. But we greet you most heartily as our friends and + guests." + + All the others joined in urging Siegfried and his comrades + to dismount from their steeds, and partake of the cheer with + which it was their use to entertain strangers. And at last + he yielded to their kind wishes, and alighted from Greyfell, + and, grasping King Gunther's hand, he made himself known. + And there was great rejoicing in the castle and throughout + all the land; and the most sumptuous rooms were set apart + for the use of Siegfried and his Nibelungen knights; and a + banquet was at once made ready; and no pains were spared in + giving the strangers a right hearty welcome to the kingly + halls of Burgundy. But Hagen, dark-browed and evil-eyed, + stood silent and alone in his chamber and waited his time. + + + + + + Adventure X + Kriemhild's Dream. + + + + Early on the morrow morning, ere the sun had risen high, the + peerless Kriemhild walked alone amid the sweet-scented + bowers of her rose-garden. The dewdrops still hung thick on + flower and thorn, and the wild birds carolled their songs of + merry welcome to the new-born day. Every thing seemed to + have put on its handsomest colors, and to be using its + sweetest voice, on purpose to gladden the heart of the + maiden. But Kriemhild was not happy. There was a shadow on + her face and a sadness in her eye that the beauty and the + music of that morning could not drive away. + + "What ails thee, my child?" asked her mother, Queen Ute, who + met her. "Why so sad, as if thy heart were heavy with care? + Has any one spoken unkindly, or has aught grievous happened + to thee?" + + "Oh, no, dearest mother!" said Kriemhild. "It is nothing + that saddens me,--nothing but a foolish dream. I cannot + forget it." + + "Tell me the dream," said her mother: "mayhap it betokens + something that the Norns have written for thee." + + Then Kriemhild answered, "I dreamed that I sat at my window, + high up in the eastern tower; and the sun shone bright in + the heavens, and the air was mild and warm, and I thought of + nought but the beauty and the gladness of the hour. Then in + the far north I saw a falcon flying. At first he seemed but + a black speck in the sky; but swiftly he drew nearer and + nearer, until at last he flew in at the open window, and I + caught him in my arms. Oh, how strong and beautiful he was! + His wings were purple and gold, and his eyes were as bright + as the sun. Oh, a glorious prize I thought him! and I held + him on my wrist, and spoke kind words to him. Then suddenly, + from out of the sky above, two eagles dashed in at the + window, and snatched my darling from me, and they tore him + in pieces before my eyes, and laughed at my distress." + + "Thy dream," said Queen Ute, "is easy to explain. A king + shall come from the north-land, and a mighty king shall he + be. And he shall seek thee, and love thee, and wed thee, and + thy heart shall overflow with bliss. The two eagles are the + foes who shall slay him; but who they may be, or whence they + may come, is known only to the Norns." + + "But I slept, and I dreamed again," said Kriemhild. "This + time I sat in the meadow, and three women came to me. And + they span, and they wove a woof more fair than any I have + ever seen. And methought that another woof was woven, which + crossed the first, and yet it was no whit less beautiful. + Then the women who wove the woofs cried out, 'Enough!' And a + fair white arm reached out and seized the rare fabrics, and + tore them into shreds. And then the sky was overcast, and + the thunder began to roll and the lightning to flash, and + red fires gleamed, and fierce wolves howled around me, and I + awoke." + + "This dream," said Queen Ute, "is more than I can + understand. Only this I can see and explain, that in the dim + future the woof of another's fate shall cross thy own. But + trouble not thyself because of that which shall be. While + yet the sun shines for thee, and the birds sing, and the + flowers shed their sweet perfume, it is for thee to rejoice + and be light-hearted. What the Norns have woven is woven, + and it cannot be undone."[EN#21] + + + + + + Adventure XI + How the Spring-time Came. + + + + Siegfried, when he came to Gunther's castle, thought of + staying there but a few days only. But the king and his + brothers made every thing so pleasant for their honored + guest, that weeks slipped by unnoticed, and still the hero + remained in Burgundy. + + Spring had fairly come, and the weeping April clouds had + given place to the balmy skies of May. The young men and + maidens, as was their wont, made ready for the May-day + games; and Siegfried and his knights were asked to take part + in the sport. + + On the smooth greensward, which they called Nanna's carpet, + beneath the shade of ash-trees and elms, he who played Old + Winter's part lingered with his few attendants. These were + clad in the dull gray garb which becomes the sober season of + the year, and were decked with yellow straw, and dead, brown + leaves. Out of the wood came the May-king and his followers, + clad in the gayest raiment, and decked with evergreens and + flowers. With staves and willow-withes they fell upon Old + Winter's champions, and tried to drive them from the sward. + In friendly fray they fought, and many mishaps fell to both + parties. But at length the May-king won; and grave Winter, + battered and bruised, was made prisoner, and his followers + were driven from the field. Then, in merry sport, sentence + was passed on the luckless wight, for he was found guilty of + killing the flowers, and of covering the earth with + hoar-frost; and he was doomed to a long banishment from + music and the sunlight. The laughing party then set up a + wooden likeness of the worsted winter-king, and pelted it + with stones and turf; and when they were tired they threw it + down, and put out its eyes, and cast it into the river. And + then a pole, decked with wild-flowers and fresh green + leaves, was planted in the midst of the sward, and all + joined in merry dance around it. And they chose the most + beautiful of all the maidens to be the Queen of May, and + they crowned her with a wreath of violets and yellow + buttercups; and for a whole day all yielded fealty to her, + and did her bidding. + + It was thus that May Day came in Burgundy. And in the + evening, when the party were seated in King Gunther's hall, + Siegfried, at the command of the May-queen,--who was none + other than Kriemhild the peerless,--amused them by telling + the story of + + + + Idun and Her Apples. + + + + It is a story that Bragi told while at the feast in AEgir's + hall. Idun is Bragi's wife. Very handsome is she; but the + beauty of her face is by no means greater than the goodness + of her heart. Right attentive is she to every duty, and her + words and thoughts are always worthy and wise. A long time + ago the good Asa-folk who dwell in heaven-towering Asgard, + knowing how trustworthy Idun was, gave into her keeping a + treasure which they would not have placed in the hands of + any other person. This treasure was a box of apples, and + Idun kept the golden key safely fastened to her girdle. You + ask me why the gods should prize a box of apples so highly? + I will tell you. + + Old age, you know, spares none, not even Odin and his + Asa-folk. They all grow old and gray; and, if there were no + cure for age, they would become feeble and toothless and + blind, deaf, tottering, and weak minded. The apples which + Idun guarded so carefully were the priceless boon of youth. + Whenever the gods felt old age coming on, they went to her, + and she gave them of her fruit; and, when they had tasted, + they grew young and strong and handsome again. Once, + however, they came near losing the apples,--or losing rather + Idun and her golden key, without which no one could ever + open the box. + + In those early days Odin delighted to come down now and then + from his high home above the clouds, and to wander, + disguised, among the woods and mountains, and by the + seashore, and in wild desert places. For nothing pleases him + more than to commune with Nature as she is found in the + loneliness of vast solitudes, or in the boisterous uproar of + the elements. Once on a time he took with him his friends + Hoenir and Loki; and they rambled many days among the icy + cliffs, and along the barren shores, of the great frozen + sea. In that country there was no game, and no fish was + found in the cold waters; and the three wanderers, as they + had brought no food with them, became very hungry. Late in + the afternoon of the seventh day, they reached some + pasture-lands belonging to the giant Hymer, and saw a herd + of the giant's cattle browsing upon the short grass which + grew in the sheltered nooks among the hills. + + "Ah!" cried Loki: "after fasting for a week, we shall now + have food in abundance. Let us kill and eat." + + So saying, he hurled a sharp stone at the fattest of Hymer's + cows, and killed her; and the three quickly dressed the + choicest pieces of flesh for their supper. Then Loki + gathered twigs and dry grass, and kindled a blazing fire; + Hoenir filled the pot with water from melted ice; and Odin + threw into it the bits of tender meat. But, make the fire as + hot as they would, the water would not boil, and the flesh + would not cook. + + All night long the supperless three sat hungry around the + fire; and, every time they peeped into the kettle, the meat + was as raw and gustless as before. Morning came, but no + breakfast. And all day Loki kept stirring the fire, and Odin + and Hoenir waited hopefully but impatiently. When the sun + again went down, the flesh was still uncooked, and their + supper seemed no nearer ready than it was the night before. + As they were about yielding to despair, they heard a noise + overhead, and, looking up, they saw a huge gray eagle + sitting on the dead branch of an oak. + + "Ha, ha!" cried the bird. "You are pretty fellows indeed! To + sit hungry by the fire a night and a day, rather than eat + raw flesh, becomes you well. Do but give me my share of it + as it is, and I warrant you the rest shall boil, and you + shall have a fat supper." + + "Agreed," answered Loki eagerly. "Come down and get your + share." + + The eagle waited for no second asking. Down he swooped right + over the blazing fire, and snatched not only the eagle's + share, but also what the Lybians call the lion's share; that + is, he grasped in his strong talons the kettle, with all the + meat in it, and, flapping his huge wings, slowly rose into + the air, carrying his booty with him. The three gods were + astonished. Loki was filled with anger. He seized a long + pole, upon the end of which a sharp hook was fixed, and + struck at the treacherous bird. The hook stuck fast in the + eagle's back, and Loki could not loose his hold of the other + end of the pole. The great bird soared high above the + tree-tops, and over the hills, and carried the astonished + mischief-maker with him. + + But it was no eagle. It was no bird that had thus outwitted + the hungry gods: it was the giant Old Winter, clothed in his + eagle-plumage. Over the lonely woods, and the snow-crowned + mountains, and the frozen sea, he flew, dragging the + helpless Loki through tree-tops, and over jagged rocks, + scratching and bruising his body, and almost tearing his + arms from his shoulders. At last he alighted on the craggy + top of an iceberg, where the storm-winds shrieked, and the + air was filled with driving snow. As soon as Loki could + speak, he begged the giant to carry him back to his + comrades,--Odin and Hoenir. + + "On one condition only will I carry you back," answered Old + Winter. "Swear to me that you will betray into my hands dame + Idun and her golden key." + + Loki asked no questions, but gladly gave the oath; and the + giant flew back with him across the sea, and dropped him, + torn and bleeding and lame, by the side of the fire, where + Odin and Hoenir still lingered. And the three made all haste + to leave that cheerless place, and returned to Odin's glad + home in Asgard. + + Some weeks after this, Loki, the Prince of Mischief-makers, + went to Bragi's house to see Idun. He found her busied with + her household cares, not thinking of a visit from any of the + gods. + + "I have come, good dame," said he, "to taste your apples + again; for I feel old age coming on apace." + + Idun was astonished. + + "You are not looking old," she answered. "There is not a + single gray hair upon your head, and not a wrinkle on your + brow. If it were not for that scar upon your cheek, and the + arm which you carry in a sling you would look as stout and + as well as I have ever seen you. Besides, I remember that it + was only a year ago when you last tasted of my fruit. Is it + possible that a single winter should make you old?" + + "A single winter has made me very lame and feeble, at + least," said Loki. "I have been scarcely able to walk about + since my return from the North. Another winter without a + taste of your apples will be the death of me." + + Then the kind-hearted Idun, when she saw that Loki was + really lame, went to the box, and opened it with her golden + key, and gave him one of the precious apples to taste. He + took the fruit in his hand, bit it, and gave it back to the + good dame. She put it in its place again, closed the lid, + and locked it with her usual care. + + "Your apples are not so good as they used to be," said Loki, + making a very wry face. "Why don't you fill your box with + fresh fruit?" + + Idun was amazed. Her apples were supposed to be always + fresh,--fresher by far than any that grow nowadays. None of + the gods had ever before complained about them; and she told + Loki so. + + "Very well," said he. "I see you do not believe me, and that + you mean to feed us on your sour, withered apples, when we + might as well have golden fruit. If you were not so bent on + having your own way, I could tell you where you might fill + your box with the choicest of apples, such as Odin loves. I + saw them in the forest over yonder, hanging ripe on the + trees. But women will always have their own way; and you + must have yours, even though you do feed the gods on + withered apples." + + So saying, and without waiting to hear an answer, he limped + out at the door, and was soon gone from sight. + + Idun thought long and anxiously upon the words which Loki + had spoken; and, the more she thought, the more she felt + troubled. If her husband, the wise Bragi, had been at home, + what would she not have given? He would have understood the + mischief-maker's cunning. But he had gone on a long journey + to the South, singing in Nature's choir, and painting + Nature's landscapes, and she would not see him again until + the return of spring. At length she opened the box, and + looked at the fruit. The apples were certainly fair and + round: she could not see a wrinkle or a blemish on any of + them; their color was the same golden-red,--like the sky at + dawn of a summer's day; yet she thought there must be + something wrong about them. She took up one of the apples, + and tasted it. She fancied that it really was sour, and she + hastily put it back, and locked the box again. + + "He said that he had seen better apples than these growing + in the woods," said she to herself. "I half believe that he + told the truth, although everybody knows that he is not + always trustworthy. I think I shall go to the forest and see + for myself, at any rate." + + So she donned her cloak and hood, and, with a basket on her + arm, left the house, and walked rapidly away, along the road + which led to the forest. It was much farther than she had + thought, and the sun was almost down when she reached the + edge of the wood. But no apple-trees were there. Tall oaks + stretched their bare arms up towards the sky, as if praying + for help. There were thorn-trees and brambles everywhere; + but there was no fruit, neither were there any flowers, nor + even green leaves. The Frost-giants had been there. + + Idun was about to turn her footsteps homewards, when she + heard a wild shriek in the tree-tops over her head; and, + before she could look up, she felt herself seized in the + eagle-talons of Old Winter. Struggle as she would, she could + not free herself. High up, over wood and stream, the giant + carried her; and then he flew swiftly away with her, towards + his home in the chill North-land; and, when morning came, + poor Idun found herself in an ice-walled castle in the + cheerless country of the giants. But she was glad to know + that the precious box was safely locked at home, and that + the golden key was still at her girdle. + + Time passed; and I fear that Idun would have been forgotten + by all, save her husband Bragi, had not the gods begun to + feel the need of her apples. Day after day they came to + Idun's house, hoping to find the good dame and her golden + key at home; and each day they went away some hours older + than when they had come. Bragi was beside himself with + grief, and his golden harp was unstrung and forgotten. No + one had seen the missing Idun since the day when Loki had + visited her, and none could guess what had become of her. + The heads of all the folk grew white with age; deep furrows + were ploughed in their faces; their eyes grew dim, and their + hearing failed; their hands trembled; their limbs became + palsied; their feet tottered; and all feared that Old Age + would bring Death in his train. + + Then Bragi and Thor questioned Loki very sharply; and when + he felt that he, too, was growing odd and feeble, he + regretted the mischief he had done, and told them how he had + decoyed Idun into Old Winter's clutches. The gods were very + angry; and Thor threatened to crush Loki with his hammer, if + he did not at once bring Idun safe home again. + + So Loki borrowed the falcon-plumage of Freyja, the goddess + of love, and with it flew to the country of the giants. When + he reached Old Winter's castle, he found the good dame Idun + shut up in the prison-tower, and bound with fetters of ice; + but the giant himself was on the frozen sea, herding old + Hymer's cows. And Loki quickly broke the bonds that held + Idun, and led her out of her prison-house; and then he shut + her up in a magic nut-shell which he held between his claws, + and flew with the speed of the wind back towards the + South-land and the home of the gods. But Old Winter coming + home, and learning what had been done, donned his + eagle-plumage and followed swiftly in pursuit. + + Bragi and Thor, anxiously gazing into the sky, saw Loki, in + Freyja's falcon-plumage, speeding homewards, with the + nut-shell in his talons, and Old Winter, in his + eagle-plumage, dashing after in sharp pursuit. Quickly they + gathered chips and slender twigs, and placed them high upon + the castle-wall; and, when Loki with his precious burden had + flown past, they touched fire to the dry heap, and the + flames blazed up to the sky, and caught Old Winter's + plumage, as, close behind the falcon, he blindly pressed. + And his wings were scorched in the flames; and he fell + helpless to the ground, and was slain within the + castle-gates. Loki slackened his speed; and, when he reached + Bragi's house, he dropped the nut-shell softly before the + door. As it touched the ground, it gently opened, and Idun, + radiant with smiles, and clothed in gay attire, stepped + forth, and greeted her husband and the waiting gods. And the + heavenly music of Bragi's long-silent harp welcomed her + home; and she took the golden key from her girdle, and + unlocked the box, and gave of her apples to the aged + company; and, when they had tasted, their youth was + renewed.[EN#22] + + It is thus with the seasons and their varied changes. The + gifts of Spring are youth and jollity, and renewed strength; + and the music of air and water and all things, living and + lifeless, follow in her train. The desolating Winter plots + to steal her from the earth, and the Summer-heat deserts and + betrays her. Then the music of Nature is hushed, and all + creatures pine in sorrow for her absence, and the world + seems dying of white Old Age. But at length the Summer-heat + repents, and frees her from her prison-house; and the icy + fetters with which Old Winter bound her are melted in the + beams of the returning sun, and the earth is young again. + + + + + + Adventure XII + The War with the North-kings. + + + + So swiftly and so pleasantly the days went by, that weeks + lengthened into months, and the spring-time passed, and the + summer came, and still Siegfried lingered in Burgundy with + his kind friends. The time was spent in all manner of + joyance,--in hunting the deer in the deep oak-woods, in + riding over the daisied meadows or among the fields of corn, + in manly games and sports, in music and dancing, in feasting + and in pleasant talk. And of all the noble folk who had ever + sat at Gunther's table, or hunted in the Burgundian woods, + none were so worthy or so fair as the proud young lord of + the Nibelungens. + + One day in early autumn a party of strange knights rode up + to the castle, and asked to speak with the Burgundian kings. + They were led straightway into the great hall; and Gunther + and his brothers welcomed them, as was their wont, right + heartily, and asked them from what country they had come, + and what was their errand. + + "We come," they answered, "from the North country; and we + bring word from our lords and kings, Leudiger and + Leudigast." + + "And what would our kingly neighbors say to us?" asked + Gunther. + + Then the strangers said that their lords had become very + angry with the Burgundian kings, and that they meant, within + twelve weeks from that day, to come with a great army, and + lay the country waste, and besiege their city and castle. + All this they had sworn to do unless the Burgundians would + make peace with them upon such terms as Leudiger and + Leudigast should please to grant. + + When Gunther and his brothers heard this, they were struck + with dismay. But they ordered the messengers to be well + cared for and handsomely entertained within the palace until + the morrow, at which time they should have the Burgundians' + answer. All the noblest knights and earl-folk were called + together, and the matter was laid before them. + + "What answer shall we send to our rude neighbors of the + North?" asked Gunther. + + Gernot and the young Giselher declared at once for war. Old + Hagen and other knights, whose prudence was at least equal + to their bravery, said but little. It was known, that, in + the armies of the North-kings, there were at least forty + thousand soldiers; but in Burgundy there were not more than + thirty thousand fighting-men, all told. The North-kings' + forces were already equipped, and ready to march; but the + Burgundians could by no means raise and arm any considerable + body of men in the short space of twelve weeks. It would be + the part of wisdom to delay, and to see what terms could + best be made with their enemies. Such were the prudent + counsels of the older knights, but Gernot and the young + chief Volker would not listen to such words. + + "The Burgundians are not cowards," said they. "We have never + been foiled in battle; never have we been the vassals of a + stranger. Why, then, shall we cringe and cower before such + men as Leudiger and Leudigast?" + + Then Hagen answered, "Let us ask our friend and guest + Siegfried. Let us learn what he thinks about this business. + Everybody knows that he is as wise in council as he is brave + in the field. We will abide by what he says." + + But Gunther and Gernot and the young Giselher were unwilling + to do this; for it was not their custom to annoy their + guests with questions which should be allowed to trouble + themselves alone. And the kings and their counsellors went + out of the council-chamber, each to ponder in silence upon + the troublesome question. + + As Gunther, with downcast head and troubled brow, walked + thoughtfully through the great hall, he unexpectedly met + Siegfried. + + "What evil tidings have you heard?" asked the prince, + surprised at the strange mien of the king. "What has gone + amiss, that should cause such looks of dark perplexity?" + + "That is a matter which I can tell only to friends long + tried and true," answered Gunther. + + Siegfried was surprised and hurt by these words; and he + cried out,-- + + "What more would Gunther ask of me that I might prove my + friendship? Surely I have tried to merit his esteem and + trust. Tell me what troubles you, and I will further show + myself to be your friend both tried and true." + + Then Gunther was ashamed of the words he had spoken to his + guest; and he took Siegfried into his own chamber, and told + him all; and he asked him what answer they should send on + the morrow to the overbearing North-kings. + + "Tell them we will fight," answered Siegfried. "I myself + will lead your warriors to the fray. Never shall it be said + that my friends have suffered wrong, and I not tried to help + them." + + Then he and Gunther talked over the plans which they would + follow. And the clouds fled at once from the brow of the + king, and he was no longer troubled or doubtful; for he + believed in Siegfried. + + The next morning the heralds of the North-kings were brought + again before Gunther and his brothers; and they were told to + carry this word to their masters,-- + + "The Burgundians will fight. They will make no terms with + their enemies, save such as they make of their own + free-will." + + Then the heralds were loaded with costly presents, and a + company of knights and warriors went with them to the + border-line of Burgundy; and, filled with wonder at what + they had seen, they hastened back to their liege lords, and + told all that had happened to them. And Leudiger and + Leudigast were very wroth when they heard the answer which + the Burgundians had sent to them; but, when they learned + that the noble Siegfried was at Gunther's castle, they shook + their heads, and seemed to feel more doubtful of success. + + Many and busy were the preparations for war, and in a very + few days all things were in readiness for the march + northwards. It was settled that Siegfried with his twelve + Nibelungen chiefs, and a thousand picked men, should go + forth to battle against their boastful enemies. The + dark-browed Hagen, as he had always done, rode at the head + of the company, and by his side was Siegfried on the noble + horse Greyfell. Next came Gernot and the bold chief Volker, + bearing the standard, upon which a golden dragon was + engraved; then followed Dankwart and Ortwin, and the twelve + worthy comrades of Siegfried; and then the thousand + warriors, the bravest in all Rhineland, mounted on impatient + steeds, and clad in bright steel armor, with broad shields, + and plumed helmets, and burnished swords, and sharp-pointed + spears. And all rode proudly out through the great + castle-gate. And Gunther and the young Giselher and all the + fair ladies of the court bade them God-speed. + + The little army passed through the forest, and went + northwards, until, on the fifth day, they reached the + boundaries of Saxon Land. And Siegfried gave spur to his + horse Greyfell, and, leaving the little army behind him, + hastened forwards to see where the enemy was encamped. As he + reached the top of a high hill, he saw the armies of the + North-kings resting carelessly in the valley beyond. + Knights, mounted on their horses, rode hither and thither: + the soldiers sauntered lazily among the trees, or slept upon + the grass; arms were thrown about in great disorder, or + stacked in piles near the smoking camp-fires. No one dreamed + of danger; but all supposed that the Burgundians were still + at home, and would never dare to attack a foe so numerous + and so strong. + + For it was, indeed, a mighty army which Siegfried saw before + him. Full forty thousand men were there; and they not only + filled the valley, but spread over the hills beyond, and far + to the right and left. + + While he stood at the top of the hill, and gazed upon this + sight, a warrior, who had spied him from below, rode up, and + paused before him. Like two black thunder-clouds, with + lightning flashing between, the two knights stood facing + each other, and casting wrathful glances from beneath their + visors. Then each spurred his horse, and charged with fury + upon the other; and the heavy lances of both were broken in + shivers upon the opposing shields. Then, quick as thought, + they turned and drew their swords, and hand to hand they + fought. But soon Siegfried, by an unlooked-for stroke, sent + his enemy's sword flying from him, broken in a dozen pieces, + and by a sudden movement he threw him from his horse. The + heavy shield of the fallen knight was no hinderance to the + quick strokes of Siegfried's sword; and his glittering + armor, soiled by the mud into which he had been thrown, held + him down. He threw up his hands, and begged for mercy. + + "I am Leudigast the king!" he cried. "Spare my life. I am + your prisoner." + + Siegfried heard the prayer of the discomfited king; and, + lifting him from the ground, he helped him to remount his + charger. But, while he was doing this, thirty warriors, who + had seen the combat from below, came dashing up the hill to + the rescue of their liege-lord. Siegfried faced about with + his horse Greyfell, and quietly waited for their onset. But, + as they drew near, they were so awed by the noble bearing + and grand proportions of the hero, and so astonished at + sight of the sunbeam mane of Greyfell, and the cold glitter + of the blade Balmung, that in sudden fright they stopped, + then turned, and fled in dismay down the sloping hillside, + nor paused until they were safe among their friends. + + In the mean while Leudiger, the other king, seeing what was + going on at the top of the hill, had caused an alarm to be + sounded; and all his hosts had hastily arranged themselves + in battle-array. At the same time Hagen and Gernot, and + their little army of heroes, hove in sight, and came quickly + to Siegfried's help, and the dragon-banner was planted upon + the crest of the hill. The captive king, Leudigast, was + taken to the rear, and a guard was placed over him. The + champions of the Rhine formed in line, and faced their foes. + The great army of the North-kings moved boldly up the hill: + and, when they saw how few were the Burgundians, they + laughed and cheered most lustily; for they felt that the + odds was in their favor--and forty to one is no small odds. + + Then Siegfried and his twelve comrades, and Hagen and the + thousand Burgundian knights, dashed upon them with the fury + of the whirlwind. The lances flew so thick in the air, that + they hid the sun from sight; swords flashed on every side; + the sound of clashing steel, and horses' hoofs, and + soldiers' shouts, filled earth and sky with a horrid din. + And soon the boastful foes of the Burgundians were + everywhere worsted, and thrown into disorder. Siegfried + dashed hither and thither, from one part of the field to + another, in search of King Leudiger. Thrice he cut his way + through the ranks, and at last he met face to face the one + for whom he sought. + + King Leudiger saw the flashing sunbeams that glanced from + Greyfell's mane, he saw the painted crown upon the hero's + broad shield, and then he felt the fearful stroke of the + sword Balmung, as it clashed against his own, and cut it + clean in halves. He dropped his weapons, raised his visor, + and gave himself up as a prisoner. + + "Give up the fight, my brave fellows," he cried. "This is + Siegfried the brave, the Prince of the Lowlands, and the + Lord of Nibelungen Land. It were foolishness to fight + against him. Save yourselves as best you can." + + This was the signal for a frightful panic. All turned and + fled. Each thought of nothing but his own safety; and + knights and warriors, horsemen and foot-soldiers, in one + confused mass, throwing shields and weapons here and there, + rushed wildly down the hill, and through the valley and + ravines, and sought, as best they could, their way homeward. + The Burgundian heroes were the masters of the field, and on + the morrow they turned their faces joyfully towards + Rhineland. And all joined in saying that to Siegfried was + due the praise for this wonderful victory which they had + gained. + + Heralds had been sent on the fleetest horses to carry the + glad news to Burgundy; and when, one morning, they dashed + into the court-yard of the castle, great was the anxiety to + know what tidings they brought. And King Gunther, and the + young Giselher, and the peerless Kriemhild, came out to + welcome them, and eagerly to inquire what had befallen the + heroes. With breathless haste the heralds told the story of + all that had happened. + + "And how fares our brother Gernot?" asked Kriemhild. + + "There is no happier man on earth," answered the herald. "In + truth, there was not a coward among them all; but the + bravest of the brave was Siegfried. He it was who took the + two kings prisoners; and everywhere in the thickest of the + fight there was Siegfried. And now our little army is on its + homeward march, with a thousand prisoners, and large numbers + of the enemy's wounded. Had it not been for the brave + Siegfried, no such victory could have been won." + + In a few days the Rhine champions reached their home. And + gayly were the castle and all the houses in the city decked + in honor of them. And all those who had been left behind + went out to meet them as they came down from the + forest-road, and drew near to the castle. And the young + girls strewed flowers in their path, and hung garlands upon + their horses; and music and song followed the heroes into + the city, and through the castle-gate. + + When they reached the palace, the two prisoner kings, + Leudiger and Leudigast, were loosed from their bonds, and + handsomely entertained at Gunther's table. And the + Burgundian kings assured them that they should be treated as + honored guests, and have the freedom of the court and + castle, if they would pledge themselves not to try to escape + from Burgundy until terms of peace should be agreed upon. + This pledge they gladly gave, and rich apartments in the + palace were assigned for their use. Like favors were shown + to all the prisoners, according to their rank; and the + wounded were kindly cared for. And the Burgundians made + ready for a gay high-tide,--a glad festival of rejoicing, to + be held at the next full moon. + + When the day drew near which had been set for this + high-tide, the folk from all parts of Rhineland began to + flock towards the city. They came in companies, with music + and laughter, and the glad songs of the spring-time. And all + the knights were mounted on gallant horses caparisoned with + gold-red saddles, from which hung numbers of tinkling silver + bells. As they rode up the sands towards the castle-gate, + with their dazzling shields upon their saddle-bows, and + their gay and many-colored banners floating in the air, King + Gernot and the young Giselher, with the noblest knights of + the fortress, went courteously out to meet them; and the + friendly greetings which were offered by the two young kings + won the hearts of all. Thirty and two princes and more than + five thousand warriors came as bidden guests. The city and + castle were decked in holiday attire, and all the people in + the land gave themselves up to enjoyment. The sick and the + wounded, who until now had thought themselves at death's + door, forgot their ailments and their pains as they heard + the shouts of joy and the peals of music in the streets. + + In a green field outside of the city walls, arrangements had + been made for the games, and galleries and high stages had + been built for the lookers-on. Here jousts and tournaments + were held, and the knights and warriors engaged in trials of + strength and skill. When King Gunther saw with what keen + enjoyment both his own people and his guests looked upon + these games, and took part in the gay festivities, he asked + of those around him,-- + + "What more can we do to heighten the pleasures of the day?" + + And one of his counsellors answered,-- + + "My lord, the ladies of the court, and the little children, + pine in silence in the sunless rooms of the palace, while we + enjoy the free air and light of heaven, the music, and the + gay scenes before us. There is nothing wanting to make this + day's joy complete, save the presence of our dear ones to + share these pleasures with us." + + Gunther was delighted to hear these words; and he sent a + herald to the palace, and invited all the ladies of the + court and all the children to come out and view the games, + and join in the general gladness. + + When Dame Ute heard the message which the herald brought + from her kingly son, she hastened to make ready rich dresses + and costly jewels wherewith to adorn the dames and damsels + of the court. And, when all were in readiness, the peerless + Kriemhild, with her mother at her side, went forth from the + castle; and a hundred knights, all sword in hand, went with + her as a body-guard, and a great number of noble ladies + dressed in rich attire followed her. As the red dawn peers + forth from behind gray clouds, and drives the mists and + shadows away from earth, so came the lovely one. As the + bright full moon in radiant splendor moves in queen-like + beauty before her train of attendant stars, and outshines + them all, so was Kriemhild the most glorious among all the + noble ladies there. And the thousand knights and warriors + paused in their games, and greeted the peerless princess as + was due to one so noble and fair. Upon the highest platform, + under a rich canopy of cloth-of-gold, seats were made ready + for the maiden and her mother and the fair ladies in their + train; and all the most worthy princes in Rhineland sat + around, and the games were begun again. + + For twelve days the gay high-tide lasted, and nought was + left undone whereby the joy might be increased. And of all + the heroes and princes who jousted in the tournament, or + took part in the games, none could equal the unassuming + Siegfried; and his praises were heard on every hand, and all + agreed that he was the most worthy prince that they had ever + seen. + + When at last the festal days came to an end, Gunther and his + brothers called their guests and vassals around them, and + loaded them with costly gifts, and bade them God-speed. And + tears stood in the eyes of all at parting. + + The captive kings, Leudiger and Leudigast, were not + forgotten. + + "What will ye give me for your freedom?" asked King Gunther, + half in jest. + + They answered,-- + + "If you will allow us without further hinderance to go back + to our people, we pledge our lives and our honor that we + will straightway send you gold, as much as half a thousand + horses can carry." + + Then Gunther turned to Siegfried, and said,-- + + "What think you, friend Siegfried, of such princely ransom?" + + "Noble lord," said Siegfried, "I think you are in need of no + such ransom. Friendship is worth much more than gold. If + your kingly captives will promise, on their honor, never + more to come towards Burgundy as enemies, let them go. We + have no need of gold." + + "'Tis well said," cried Gunther highly pleased. + + And Leudiger and Leudigast, with tears of thankfulness, + gladly made the asked-for promise, and on the morrow, with + light hearts and costly gifts, they set out on their journey + homewards. + + When all the guests had gone, and the daily routine of idle + palace-life set in again, Siegfried began to talk of going + back to Nibelungen Land. But young Giselher, and the + peerless Kriemhild, and King Gunther, besought him to stay + yet a little longer. And he yielded to their kind wishes. + And autumn passed away with its fruits and its vintage, and + grim old winter came howling down from the north, and + Siegfried was still in Burgundy. And then old Hoder, the + king of the winter months, came blustering through the Rhine + valley; and with him were the Reifriesen,--the thieves that + steal the daylight from the earth and the warmth from the + sun. And they nipped the flowers, and withered the grass, + and stripped the trees, and sealed up the rivers, and + covered the earth with a white mantle of sorrow. + + But within King Gunther's wide halls there was joy and good + cheer. And the season of the Yule-feast came, and still + Siegfried tarried in Burgundy-land. + + + + + + Adventure XIII + The Story of Balder. + + + + There was mirth in King Gunther's dwelling, for the time of + the Yule-feast had come. The broad banquet hall was gayly + decked with cedar and spruce and sprigs of the mistletoe; + and the fires roared in the great chimneys, throwing warmth + and a ruddy glow of light into every corner of the room. The + long table fairly groaned under its weight of good cheer. At + its head sat the kings and the earl-folk; and before them, + on a silver platter of rare workmanship, was the head of a + huge wild boar,--the festal offering to the good Frey, in + honor of whom the Yule-feast was held. For now the sun, + which had been driven by the Frost-giants far away towards + the South-land, had begun to return, and Frey was on his way + once more to scatter peace and plenty over the land. + + The harp and the wassail-bowl went round; and each one of + the company sang a song, or told a story, or in some way did + his part to add to the evening's enjoyment. And a young + sea-king who sat at Siegfried's side told most bewitching + tales of other lands which lie beyond Old AEgir's kingdom. + Then, when the harp came to him, he sang the wondrous song + of the shaping of the earth. And all who heard were charmed + with the sweet sound and with the pleasant words. He sang of + the sunlight and the south winds and the summer-time, of the + storms and the snow and the sombre shadows of the + North-land. And he sang of the dead Ymir, the giant whose + flesh had made the solid earth, and whose blood the sea, and + whose bones the mountains, whose teeth the cliffs and crags, + and whose skull the heavens. And he sang of Odin, the + earth's preserver, the Giver of life, the Father of all; and + of the Asa-folk who dwell in Asgard; and of the ghostly + heroes in Valhal. Then he sang of the heaven-tower of the + thunder-god, and of the shimmering Asa-bridge, or rainbow, + all afire; and, lastly, of the four dwarfs who hold the blue + sky-dome above them, and of the elves of the mountains, and + of the wood-sprites and the fairies. Then he laid aside his + harp, and told the old but ever-beautiful story of the death + of Balder the Good. + + + + The Story. + + + + Balder, as you know, was Odin's son; and he was the + brightest and best of all the Asa-folk. Wherever he went, + there were gladness and light-hearted mirth, and blooming + flowers, and singing birds, and murmuring waterfalls. + Balder, too, was a hero, but not one of the blustering kind, + like Thor. He slew no giants; he never went into battle; he + never tried to make for himself a name among the dwellers of + the mid-world; and yet he was a hero of the noblest type. He + dared to do right, and to stand up for the good, the true, + and the beautiful. There are still some such heroes, but the + world does not always hear of them. + + Hoder, the blind king of the winter months, was Balder's + brother, and as unlike him as darkness is unlike daylight. + While one rejoiced, and was merry and cheerful, the other + was low-spirited and sad. While one scattered sunshine and + blessings everywhere, the other carried with him a sense of + cheerlessness and gloom. Yet the brothers loved each other + dearly. + + One night Balder dreamed a strange dream, and when he awoke + he could not forget it. All day long he was thoughtful and + sad, and he was not his own bright, happy self. His mother, + the Asa-queen, saw that something troubled him; and she + asked,-- + + "Whence comes that cloud upon your brow? Will you suffer it + to chase away all your sunshine? and will you become, like + your brother Hoder, all frowns and sighs and tears?" + + Then Balder told her what he had dreamed; and she, too, was + sorely troubled, for it was a frightful dream, and foreboded + dire disasters. Then both she and Balder went to Odin, and + to him they told the cause of their uneasiness. And the + All-Father also was distressed; for he knew that such + dreams, dreamed by Asa-folk, were the forewarnings of evil. + So he saddled his eight-footed steed Sleipner; and, without + telling any one where he was going, he rode with the speed + of the winds down into the Valley of Death. The dog that + guards the gateway to that dark and doleful land came out to + meet him. Blood was on the fierce beast's breast, and he + barked loudly and angrily at the All-Father and his wondrous + horse. But Odin sang sweet magic songs as he drew near; and + the dog was charmed with the sound, and Sleipner and his + rider went onward in safety. And they passed the dark halls + of the pale-faced queen, and came to the east gate of the + valley. There stood the low hut of a witch who lived in + darkness, and, like the Norns, spun the thread of fate for + gods and men. + + Odin stood before the hut, and sang a wondrous song of + witchery and enchantment; and he laid a spell upon the weird + woman, and forced her to come out of her dark dwelling, and + to answer his questions. + + "Who is this stranger?" asked the witch. "Who is this + unknown who calls me from my narrow home, and sets an + irksome task for me? Long have I been left alone in my quiet + house; nor recked I that the snow sometimes covered with its + cold white mantle both me and my resting-place, or that the + pattering rain and the gently falling dew often moistened + the roof of my dwelling. Long have I rested quietly, and I + do not wish now to be aroused." + + "I am Valtam's son," said Odin; "and I come to learn of + thee. Tell me, I pray, for whom are the soft couches + prepared that I saw in the broad halls of Death? For whom + are the jewels, and the rings, and the rich clothing, and + the shining shield?" + + "All are for Balder, Odin's son," she answered. "And the + mead which has been brewed for him is hidden beneath the + shining shield." + + Then Odin asked who would be the slayer of Balder, and she + answered that Hoder was the one who would send the shining + Asa to the halls of Death. + + "Who will avenge Balder, and bring distress upon his + slayer?" asked Odin. + + "A son of Earth but one day old shall be Balder's avenger. + Go thou now home, Odin; for I know thou art not Valtam's + son. Go home; and none shall again awaken me, nor disturb me + at my task, until the new day shall dawn, and Balder shall + rule over the young world in its purity, and there shall be + no more Death." + + Then Odin rode sorrowfully homeward; but he told no one of + his journey to the Dark Valley, nor of what the weird witch + had said to him. + + Balder's mother, the Asa-queen, could not rest because of + the ill-omened dream that her son had had; and in her + distress she called all the Asa-folk together to consider + what should be done. But they were speechless with sorrow + and alarm; and none could offer advice, nor set her mind at + ease. Then she sought out every living creature, and every + lifeless thing, upon the earth, and asked each one to swear + that it would not on any account hurt Balder, nor touch him + to do him harm. And this oath was willingly made by fire and + water, earth and air, by all beasts and creeping things and + birds and fishes, by the rocks and by the trees and all + metals; for every thing loved Balder the Good. + + Then the Asa-folk thought that great honor was shown to + Balder each time any thing refused to hurt him; and to show + their love for him, as well as to amuse themselves, they + often hewed at him with their battle-axes, or struck at him + with their sharp swords, or hurled toward him their heavy + lances. For every weapon turned aside from its course, and + would neither mark nor bruise the shining target at which it + was aimed; and Balder's princely beauty shone as bright and + as pure as ever. + + When Loki the Mischief-maker saw how all things loved and + honored Balder, his heart was filled with jealous hate, and + he sought all over the earth for some beast or bird or tree + or lifeless thing, that had not taken the oath. But he could + find not one. Then, disguised as a fair maiden, he went to + Fensal Hall, where dwelt Balder's mother. The fair Asa-queen + was busy at her distaff, with her golden spindles, spinning + flax to be woven into fine linen for the gods. And her + maid-servant, Fulla of the flowing hair, sat on a stool + beside her. When the queen saw Loki, she asked,-- + + "Whence come you, fair stranger? and what favor would you + ask of Odin's wife?" + + "I come," answered the disguised Loki, "from the plains of + Ida, where the gods meet for pleasant pastime, as well as to + talk of the weightier matters of their kingdom." + + "And how do they while away their time to-day?" asked the + queen. + + "They have a pleasant game which they call Balder's Honor," + was the answer. "The shining hero stands before them as a + target, and each one tries his skill at hurling some weapon + toward him. First Odin throws at him the spear Gungner, + which never before was known to miss its mark; but it passes + harmlessly over Balder's head. Then Thor takes up a huge + rock, and hurls it full at Balder's breast; but it turns in + its course, and will not smite the sun-bright target. Then + Tyr seizes a battle-axe, and strikes at Balder as though he + would hew him down; but the keen edge refuses to touch him: + and in this way the Asa-folk show honor to the best of their + number." + + The Asa-queen smiled in the glad pride of her mother-heart, + and said, "Yes, every thing shows honor to the best of + Odin's sons; for neither metal nor wood nor stone nor fire + nor water will touch Balder to do him harm." + + "Is it true, then," asked Loki, "that every thing has made + an oath to you, and promised not to hurt your son?" + + And the queen, not thinking what harm an unguarded word + might do, answered, "Every thing has promised, save a little + feeble sprig that men call the mistletoe. So small and weak + it is, that I knew it could never harm any one; and so I + passed it by, and did not ask it to take the oath." + + Then Loki went out of Fensal Hall, and left the Asa-queen at + her spinning. And he walked briskly away, and paused not + until he came to the eastern side of Valhal, where, on the + branches of an old oak, the mistletoe grew. Rudely he tore + the plant from its supporting branch, and hid it under his + cloak. Then he walked leisurely back to the place where the + Asa-folk were wont to meet in council. + + The next day the Asas went out, as usual, to engage in + pleasant pastimes on the plains of Ida. When they had tired + of leaping and foot-racing and tilting, they placed Balder + before them as a target again; and, as each threw his weapon + toward the shining mark, they laughed to see the missile + turn aside from its course, and refuse to strike the honored + one. But blind Hoder stood sorrowfully away from the others, + and did not join in any of their sports. Loki, seeing this, + went to him and said,-- + + "Brother of the gloomy brow, why do you not take part with + us in our games?" + + "I am blind," answered Hoder. "I can neither leap, nor run, + nor throw the lance." + + "But you can shoot arrows from your bow," said Loki. + + "Alas!" said Hoder, "that I can do only as some one shall + direct my aim, for I can see no target." + + "Do you hear that laughter?" asked Loki. "Thor has hurled + the straight trunk of a pine-tree at your brother; and, + rather than touch such a glorious mark; it has turned aside, + and been shivered to pieces upon the rocks over there. It is + thus that the Asa-folk, and all things living and lifeless, + honor Balder. Hoder is the only one who hangs his head, and + fears to do his part. Come, now, let me fit this little + arrow in your bow, and then, as I point it, do you shoot. + When you hear the gods laugh, you will know that your arrow + has shown honor to the hero by refusing to hit him." + + And Hoder, thinking no harm, did as Loki wished. And the + deadly arrow sped from the bow, and pierced the heart of + shining Balder, and he sank lifeless upon the ground. Then + the Asa-folk who saw it were struck speechless with sorrow + and dismay; and, had it not been that the Ida plains where + they then stood were sacred to peace, they would have seized + upon Loki, and put him to death. + + Forthwith the world was draped in mourning for Balder the + Good; the birds stopped singing, and flew with drooping + wings to the far South-land; the beasts sought to hide + themselves in their lairs and in the holes of the ground; + the trees shivered and sighed until their leaves fell + withered to the earth; the flowers closed their eyes, and + died; the rivers stopped flowing, and dark and threatening + billows veiled the sea; even the sun shrouded his face, and + withdrew silently towards the south. + + When Balder's good mother heard the sad news, she left her + golden spindle in Fensal Hall, and with her maidens hastened + to the Ida-plains, where the body of her son still lay. + Nanna, the faithful wife of Balder, was already there; and + wild was her grief at sight of the lifeless loved one. And + all the Asa-folk--save guilty Loki, who had fled for his + life--stood about them in dumb amazement. But Odin was the + most sorrowful of all; for he knew, that, with Balder, the + world had lost its most gladsome life. + + They lifted the body, and carried it down to the sea, where + the great ship "Ringhorn," which Balder himself had built, + lay ready to be launched. And a great company followed, and + stood upon the beach, and bewailed the untimely death of the + hero. First came Odin, with his grief-stricken queen, and + then his troop of handmaidens, the Valkyrien, followed by + his ravens Hugin and Munin. Then came Thor in his goat-drawn + car, and Heimdal on his horse Goldtop; then Frey, in his + wagon, behind the boar Gullinbruste of the golden bristles. + Then Freyja, in her chariot drawn by cats, came weeping + tears of gold. Lastly, poor blind Hoder, overcome with + grief, was carried thither on the back of one of the + Frost-giants. And Old AEgir, the Ocean king, raised his + dripping head above the water, and gazed with dewy eyes upon + the scene; and the waves, as if affrighted, left off their + playing, and were still. + + High on the deck they built the funeral-pile; and they + placed the body upon it, and covered it with costly + garments, and with woods of the finest scent; and the noble + horse which had been Balder's they slew, and placed beside + him, that he might not have to walk to the halls of Death. + And Odin took from his finger the ring Draupner, the earth's + enricher, and laid it on the pile. Then Nanna, the faithful + wife, was overcome with grief, and her gentle heart was + broken, and she fell lifeless at the feet of the Asa-queen. + And they carried her upon the ship, and laid her by her + husband's side. + + When all things were in readiness to set fire to the pile, + the gods tried to launch the ship; but it was so heavy that + they could not move it. So they sent in haste to Jotunheim + for the stout giantess Hyrroken; and she came with the speed + of the whirlwind, and riding on a wolf, which she guided + with a bridle of writhing snakes. + + "What will you have me do?" she asked. + + "We would have you launch the great ship 'Ring horn,'" + answered Odin. + + "That I will do!" roared the grim giantess. And, giving the + vessel a single push, she sent it sliding with speed into + the deep waters of the bay. Then she gave the word to her + grisly steed, and she flew onwards and away, no one knew + whither. + + The "Ringhorn" floated nobly upon the water,--a worthy bier + for the body which it bore. The fire was set to the + funeral-pile, and the red flames shot upwards to the sky; + but their light was but a flickering beam when matched with + the sun-bright beauty of Balder, whose body they consumed. + + Then the sorrowing folk turned away, and went back to their + homes: a cheerless gloom rested heavily where light gladness + had ruled before. And, when they reached the high halls of + Asgard, the Asa-queen spoke, and said,-- + + "Who now, for the love of Balder and his stricken mother, + will undertake an errand? Who will go down into the Valley + of Death, and seek for Balder, and ransom him, and bring him + back to Asgard and the mid-world?" + + Then Hermod the Nimble, the brother of Balder, answered, "I + will go. I will find him, and, with Hela's leave, will bring + him back." + + And he mounted Sleipner, the eight-footed steed, and + galloped swiftly away. Nine days and nine nights he rode + through strange valleys and mountain gorges, where the sun's + light had never been, and through gloomy darkness and + fearful silence, until he came to the black river, and the + glittering, golden bridge which crosses it. Over the bridge + his strong horse carried him; although it shook and swayed + and threatened to throw him into the raging, inky flood + below. On the other side a maiden keeps the gate, and Hermod + stopped to pay the toll. + + "What is thy name?" she asked. + + "My name is Hermod, and I am called the Nimble," he + answered. + + "What is thy father's name?" + + "His name is Odin. Mayhap you have heard of him." + + "Why ridest thou with such thunderous speed? Five kingdoms + of dead men passed over this bridge yesterday, and it shook + not with their weight as it did with thee and thy strange + steed. Thou art not of the pale multitude that are wont to + pass this gate. What is thy errand? and why ridest thou to + the domains of the dead?" + + "I go to find my brother Balder," answered Hermod. "It is + but a short time since he unwillingly came down into these + shades." + + "Three days ago," said the maiden, "Balder passed this way, + and by his side rode the faithful Nanna. So bright was his + presence, even here, that the whole valley was lighted up as + it had never before been lighted. The black river glittered + like a gem; the frowning mountains smiled for once; and Hela + herself, the queen of these regions, slunk far away into her + most distant halls. But Balder went on his way, and even now + he sups with Nanna in the dark castle over yonder." + + Then Hermod rode forward till he came to the castle walls. + These were built of black marble; and the iron gate was + barred and bolted, and none who went in had ever yet come + out. Hermod called loudly to the porter to open the gate and + let him in; but no one seemed to hear nor heed him, for the + words of the living are unknown in that place. Then he drew + the saddle-girths more tightly around the horse Sleipner, + and urged him forward. High up, the great horse leaped; and + he sprang clear over the gates, and landed at the open door + of the great hall. Leaving his steed, Hermod went boldly in; + and there he found his brother Balder and the faithful Nanna + seated at the festal board, and honored as the most worthy + of all the guests. With Balder, Hermod staid until the night + had passed; and many were the pleasant words they spoke. + When morning came, Hermod went into the presence of Hela, + and said,-- + + "O mighty queen! I come to ask a boon of thee. Balder the + Good, whom both gods and men loved, has been sent to dwell + with thee here in thy darksome house; and all the world + weeps for him, and has donned the garb of mourning, and + cannot be consoled until his bright light shall shine upon + them again. And the gods have sent me, his brother, to ask + thee to let Balder ride back with me to Asgard, to his + noble, sorrowing mother, the Asa-queen; for then will hope + live again in the hearts of men, and happiness will return + to the earth." + + The Death-queen was silent for a moment; and then she said + in a sad voice, "Hardly can I believe that any being is so + greatly loved by things living and lifeless; for surely + Balder is not more the friend of earth than I am, and yet + men love me not. But go thou back to Asgard; and, if every + thing shall weep for Balder, then I will send him to you. + But, if any thing shall refuse to weep, then I will keep him + in my halls." + + So Hermod made ready to return home; and Balder gave him the + ring Draupner to carry to his father as a keepsake; and + Nanna sent to the queen-mother a rich carpet of purest + green. Then the nimble messenger mounted his horse, and rode + swiftly back over the dark river, and through the frowning + valleys, until he at last reached Odin's halls. + + When the Asa-folk learned upon what terms they might have + Balder again with them, they sent heralds all over the world + to beseech every thing to mourn for him. And men and beasts, + and creeping things, and birds and fishes, and trees and + stones, and air and water,--all things, living and lifeless, + joined in weeping for the lost Balder. + + But, as the heralds were on their way back to Asgard, they + met a giantess named Thok, and they asked her to join in the + universal grief. And she answered, "What good thing did + Balder ever do for Thok? What gladness did he ever bring + her? If she should weep for him, it would be with dry tears. + Let Hela keep him in her halls."[EN#23] + + "And yet the day shall come," added the story-teller, "when + the words of the weird woman to Odin shall prove true; and + Balder shall come again to rule over a newborn world in + which there shall be no wrong-doing and no more death." + + + + + + Adventure XIV + How Gunther Outwitted Brunhild. + + + + While still the festivities were at their height, an old man + of noble mien, and with snow-white beard and hair, came into + the great hall, and sang for the gay company. And some + whispered that this must be Bragi, for surely such rare + music could not be made by any other. But he sang not of + spring, as Bragi does, nor yet of youth nor of beauty, nor + like one whose home is with the song-birds, and who lives + beside the babbling brooks and the leaping waterfalls. His + song was a sorrowful one,--of dying flowers, and falling + leaves, and the wailing winds of autumn, of forgotten joys, + of blasted hopes, of a crushed ambition, of gray hairs, of + uttering footsteps, of old age, of a lonely grave. And, as + he sang, all were moved to tears by the mournful melody and + the sad, sad words. + + "Good friend," said Siegfried, "thy music agrees not well + with this time and place; for, where nothing but mirth and + joy are welcome, thou hast brought sorrowful thoughts and + gloomy forebodings. Come, now, and undo the harm thou hast + done, by singing a song which shall tell only of mirth and + gladness." + + The old man shook his head, and answered, "Were I Bragi; as + some think I am, or were I even a strolling harper, I might + do as you ask. But I am neither, and I know no gladsome + songs. Men have called me a messenger of ill omen; and such, + indeed, I have sometimes been, although through no wish of + my own. I come as a herald from a far-off land, and I bear a + message to all the kings and the noblest chiefs of + Rhineland. If King Gunther will allow me, I will now make + that message known." + + "Let the herald speak on," said Gunther graciously. + + "Far over the sea," said the herald, "there lies a dreamy + land called Isenland; and in that land there is a glorious + castle, with six and eighty towers, built of purest marble, + green as grass. In that castle there lives the fairest of + all Earth's daughters, Brunhild, the maiden of the + spring-time. In the early days she was one of Odin's + Valkyrien; and with other heavenly maidens it was her duty + to follow, unseen, in the wake of armies, and when they met + in battle to hover over the field, and with kisses to waken + the dead heroes, and lead their souls away to Odin's glad + banquet-hall. But upon a day she failed to do the + All-Father's bidding, and he, in anger, sent her to live + among men, and like them to be short-lived, and subject to + old age and death. But the childless old king of Isenland + took pity upon the friendless maiden, and called her his + daughter, and made her his heir. Then Odin, still more + angered, sent the thorn of sleep to wound the princess. And + sleep seized upon every creature in Isenland, and silence + reigned in the halls of the marble palace. For Odin said, + 'Thus shall they all sleep until the hero comes, who will + ride through fire, and awaken Brunhild with a kiss.' + + "At last the hero so long waited for came. He passed the + fiery barrier safe, and awoke the slumbering maiden; and all + the castle sprang suddenly into life again. And Brunhild + became known once more as the most glorious princess in this + mid-world. But the sun-bright hero who freed her from her + prison of sleep vanished from Isenland, and no one knew + where he went; but men say that he rides through the noble + world, the fairest and the best of kings. And Brunhild has + sought for him in many lands; and, although all folk have + heard of his deeds, none know where he dwells. And so, as a + last resort, she has sent heralds into every land to + challenge every king to match his skill with hers in three + games of strength,--in casting the spear, in hurling the + heavy stone, and in leaping. The one who can equal her in + these feats shall be king of Isenland, and share with her + the throne of Isenstein. And by this means she hopes to find + the long-absent hero; for she believes that there is no + other prince on earth whose strength and skill are equal to + her own. Many men have already risked their lives in this + adventure, and all have failed. + + "And now, King Gunther," continued the herald, "I have come + by her orders into Rhineland, and I deliver the challenge to + you. If you accept, and are beaten, your life is forfeited. + If you succeed, the fairest kingdom and the most beautiful + queen in the world are yours; for you will have proved that + you are at least the equal of the hero whom she seeks. What + reply shall I carry back to Isenland?" + + King Gunther answered hastily, and as one dazed and in a + dream, "Say that I accept the challenge, and that when the + spring-time comes again, and the waters in the river are + unlocked, I shall go to Isenland, and match my skill and + strength with that of the fair and mighty Brunhild." + + All who stood around were greatly astonished at Gunther's + reply; for, although his mind was somewhat weak, he was not + given to rash and hazardous undertakings. And Siegfried, who + was at his side, whispered, "Think twice, friend Gunther, + ere you decide. You do not know the strength of this mighty + but lovely warrior-maiden. Were your strength four times + what it is, you could not hope to excel her in those feats. + Give up this hasty plan, I pray you, and recall your answer + to the challenge. Think no more of such an undertaking, for + it surely will cost you your life." + + But these warnings, and the words of others who tried to + dissuade him, only made Gunther the more determined; and he + vowed that nothing should hinder him from undertaking the + adventure. Then the dark-browed Hagen said,-- + + "Our friend Siegfried seems to know much about Isenland and + its maiden-queen. And indeed, if there is any truth in + hearsay, he has had the best of means for learning. Now, if + our good King Gunther has set his mind on going upon this + dangerous enterprise, mayhap Siegfried would be willing to + bear him company." + + Gunther was pleased with Hagen's words; and he said to + Siegfried, "My best of friends, go with me to Isenland, and + help me. If we do well in our undertaking, ask of me any + reward you wish, and I will give it you, so far as in my + power lies." + + "You know, kind Gunther," answered Siegfried, "that for + myself I have no fear; and yet again I would warn you to + shun the unknown dangers with which this enterprise is + fraught. But if, after all, your heart is set upon it, make + ready to start as soon as the warm winds shall have melted + the ice from the river. I will go with you." + + The king grasped Siegfried's hand, and thanked him heartily. + + "We must build a fleet," said he. "A thousand fighting-men + shall go with us, and we will land in Isenland with a + retinue such as no other prince has had. A number of stanch + vessels shall be built at once, and in the early spring they + shall be launched upon the Rhine." + + Siegfried was amused at Gunther's earnestness, and he + answered, "Do not think of taking such a following. You + would waste twelve months in building and victualling such a + fleet. You would take from Burgundy its only safeguard + against foes from without; and, after you should reach + Isenland, you would find such a large force to be altogether + useless. Take my advice: have one small vessel built and + rigged and victualled for the long and dangerous voyage; + and, when the time shall come, you and I, and your kinsmen + Hagen and Dankwart,--we four only,--will undertake the + voyage and the emprise you have decided upon." + + Gunther knew that his friend's judgment in this matter was + better than his own, and he agreed readily to all of + Siegfried's plans. + + * * * * * + + When, at length, the winter months began to wane, many hands + were busy making ready for the voyage. The peerless + Kriemhild called together thirty of her maidens, the most + skilful seamstresses in Burgundyland, and began the making + of rich clothing for her brother and his friends.[EN#24] + With her own fair hands she cut out garments from the rarest + stuffs,--from the silky skins brought from the sunny lands + of Lybia; from the rich cloth of Zazemang, green as clover; + from the silk that traders bring from Araby, white as the + drifted snow. For seven weeks the clever maidens and their + gentle mistress plied their busy needles, and twelve suits + of wondrous beauty they made for each of the four heroes. + And the princely garments were covered with fine + needle-work, and with curious devices all studded with rare + and costly jewels; and all were wrought with threads of + gold. + + Many carpenters and ship-builders were busy with axes and + hammers, and flaming forges, working day and night to make + ready a vessel new and stanch, to carry the adventurers over + the sea. And great stores of food, and of all things needful + to their safety or comfort, were brought together and put on + board. + + Neither were the heroes themselves idle; for when not busy + in giving directions to the workmen, or in overseeing the + preparations that were elsewhere going on, they spent the + time in polishing their armor (now long unused), in looking + after their weapons, or in providing for the management of + their business while away. And Siegfried forgot not his + trusty sword Balmung, nor his cloak of darkness the + priceless Tarnkappe, which he had captured from the dwarf + Alberich in the Nibelungen Land. + + Then the twelve suits of garments which fair fingers had + wrought were brought. And when the men tried them on, so + faultless was the fit, so rare and perfect was every piece + in richness and beauty, that even the wearers were amazed, + and all declared that such dazzling and kingly raiment had + never before been seen. + + At last the spring months had fairly vanquished all the + forces of the cold North-land. The warm breezes had melted + the snow and ice, and unlocked the river; and the time had + come for Gunther and his comrades to embark. The little + ship, well victualled, and made stanch and stout in every + part, had been launched upon the Rhine; and she waited with + flying streamers and impatient sails the coming of her crew. + Down the sands at length they came, riding upon their + steeds; and behind them followed a train of vassals bearing + their kingly garments and their gold-red shields. And on the + banks stood many of the noblest folk of Burgundy,--Gernot + and the young Giselher, and Ute the queen-mother, and + Kriemhild the peerless, and a number of earl-folk, and + warriors, and fair dames, and blushing damsels. And the + heroes bade farewell to their weeping friends, and went upon + the waiting vessel, taking their steeds with them. And + Siegfried seized an oar, and pushed the bark off from the + shore. + + "I myself will be the steersman, for I know the way," he + said. + + And the sails were unfurled to the brisk south wind, and the + vessel sped swiftly toward the sea; and many fair eyes were + filled tears as they watched it until it could be seen no + more. And with sighs and gloomy forebodings the good people + went back to their homes, and but few hoped ever again to + see their king and his brave comrades. + + Driven by favorable winds, the trusty little vessel sailed + gayly down the Rhine, and, ere many days had passed, was out + in the boundless sea. For a long time the heroes sailed and + rowed through Old AEgir's watery kingdom. But they kept good + cheer, and their hearts rose higher and higher; for each day + they drew nearer the end of their voyage and the goal of + their hopes. At length they came in sight of a far-reaching + coast and a lovely land; and not far from the shore they saw + a noble fortress, with a number of tall towers pointing + toward the sky. + + "What land is that?" asked the king.[EN#25] + + And Siegfried answered that it was Isenland, and that the + fortress which they saw was the Castle of Isenstein and the + green marble hall of the Princess Brunhild. But he warned + his friends to be very wary when they should arrive at the + hall. + + "Let all tell this story," said he: "say that Gunther is the + king, and that I am his faithful vassal. The success of our + undertaking depends on this." And his three comrades + promised to do as he advised. + + As the vessel neared the shore, the whole castle seemed to + be alive. From every tower and turret-window, from every + door and balcony, lords and ladies, fighting-men and + serving-men, looked out to see what strangers these were who + came thus unheralded to Isenland. The heroes went on shore + with their steeds, leaving the vessel moored to the bank; + and then they rode slowly up the beach, and across the + narrow plain, and came to the drawbridge and the great + gateway, where they paused. + + The matchless Brunhild in her chamber had been told of the + coming of the strangers; and she asked the maidens who stood + around,-- + + "Who, think you, are the unknown warriors who thus come + boldly to Isenstein without asking leave? What is their + bearing? Do they seem to be worthy of our notice? or are + they some straggling beggars who have lost their way?" + + And one of the maidens, looking through the casement, + answered, "The first is a king, I know, from his noble mien + and the respect which his fellows pay to him. But the second + bears himself with a prouder grace, and seems the noblest of + them all. He reminds me much of the brave young Siegfried of + former days. Indeed, it must be Siegfried; for he rides a + steed with sunbeam mane, which can be none other than + Greyfell. The third is a dark and gloomy man: he wears a + sullen frown upon his brow, and his eyes seem to shoot quick + glances around. How nervously he grasps his sword-hilt, as + if ever guarding against surprise! I think his temper must + be grim and fiery, and his heart a heart of flint. The + fourth and last of the company is young and fair, and of + gentle port. Little business has he with rude warriors; and + many tears, methinks, would be shed for him at home should + harm overtake him. Never before have I seen so noble a + company of strangers in Isenland. Their garments are of + dazzling lustre; their saddles are covered with gem-stones; + their weapons are of unequalled brightness. Surely they are + worthy of your notice." + + When Brunhild heard that Siegfried was one of the company, + she was highly pleased, and she hastened to make ready to + meet them in the great hall. And she sent ten worthy lords + to open the gate, and to welcome the heroes to Isenland. + + When Siegfried and his comrades passed through the great + gateway, and came into the castle-yard, their horses were + led away to the stables, and the clanging armor and the + broad shields and swords which they carried were taken from + them, and placed in the castle armory. Little heed was paid + to Hagen's surly complaint at thus having every means of + defence taken away. He was told that such had always been + the rule at Isenstein, and that he, like others, must + submit. + + After a short delay the heroes were shown into the great + hall, where the matchless Brunhild already was awaiting + them. Clad in richest raiment, from every fold of which rare + jewels gleamed, and wearing a coronet of pearls and gold, + the warrior-maiden sat on a throne of snow-white ivory. Five + hundred earl-folk and warriors, the bravest in Isenland, + stood around her with drawn swords, and fierce, determined + looks. Surely men of mettle less heroic than that of the + four knights from Rhineland would have quaked with fear in + such a presence. + + King Gunther and his comrades went forward to salute the + queen. With a winning smile she kindly greeted them, and + then said to Siegfried, "Gladly do we welcome you back to + our land, friend Siegfried, We have ever remembered you as + our best friend. May we ask what is your will, and who are + these warriors whom you have with you?" + + "Most noble queen," answered he, "right thankful am I that + you have not forgotten me, and that you should deign to + notice me while in the presence of this my liege lord," and + he pointed towards King Gunther. "The king of all + Burgundy-land, whose humble vassal I am, has heard the + challenge you have sent into different lands, and he has + come to match his strength with yours." + + "Does he know the conditions?" asked Brunhild. + + "He does," was the answer. "In case of success, the fairest + of women for his queen: in case of failure, death." + + "Yet scores of worthy men have made trial, and all have + failed," said she. "I warn your liege lord to pause, and + weigh well the chances ere he runs so great a risk." + + Then Gunther stepped forward and spoke:-- + + "The chances, fairest queen, have all been weighed, and + nothing can change our mind. Make your own terms, arrange + every thing as pleases you best. We accept your challenge, + and ask to make a trial of our strength." + + The warrior-maiden, without more words, bade her servants + help her to make ready at once for the contest. She donned a + rich war-coat, brought long ago from the far-off Lybian + shores,--an armor which, it was said, no sword could dint, + and upon which the heaviest stroke of spear fell harmless. + Her hemlet was edged with golden lace, and sparkled all over + with rich gem-stones. Her lance, of wondrous length, a heavy + weight for three stout men, was brought. Her shield was as + broad and as bright as the sun, and three spans thick with + steel and gold. + + While the princess was thus arming herself, the heroes + looked on with amazement and fear. But Siegfried, unnoticed, + hastened quietly out of the hall, and through the open + castle-gate, and sped like the wind to the seashore and to + their little ship. There he arrayed himself in the + Tarnkappe, and then, silent and unseen, he ran back to his + friends in the great hall. + + "Be of good cheer," he whispered in the ears of the + trembling Gunther. + + But the king could not see who it was that spoke to him, so + well was the hero hidden in the cloak of darkness. Yet he + knew that it must be Siegfried and he felt greatly + encouraged. + + Hagen's frowning face grew darker, and the uneasy glances + which shot from beneath his shaggy eyebrows were not those + of fear, but of anger and deep anxiety. Dankwart gave up all + as lost, and loudly bewailed their folly. + + "Must we, unarmed, stand still and see our liege lord slain + for a woman's whim?" he cried. "Had we only our good swords, + we might defy this maiden-queen and all her Isenland." + + Brunhild overheard his words. Scornfully she called to her + servants, "Bring to these boasters their armor, and let them + have their keen-edged swords. Brunhild has no fear of such + men, whether they be armed or unarmed." + + When Hagen and Dankwart felt their limbs again enclosed in + steel, and when they held their trusty swords in hand, their + uneasiness vanished, and hope returned. + + In the castle-yard a space was cleared, and Brunhild's five + hundred warriors stood around as umpires. The unseen + Siegfried kept close by Gunther's side. + + "Fear not," he said. "Do my bidding, and you are safe. Let + me take your shield. When the time comes, make you the + movements, and trust me to do the work." + + Then Brunhild threw her spear at Gunther's shield. The + mighty weapon sped through the air with the swiftness of + lightning; and, when it struck the shield, both Gunther and + the unseen Siegfried fell to the ground, borne down by its + weight and the force with which it was thrown. Blood gushed + from the nostrils of both; and sad would have been their + fate if the friendly Tarnkappe had not hidden Siegfried from + sight, and given him the strength of twelve giants. Quickly + they rose. And Gunther seemed to pick up the heavy shaft, + but it was really Siegfried who raised it from the ground. + For one moment he poised the great beam in the air, and + then, turning the blunt end foremost, he sent it flying back + more swiftly than it had come. It struck the huge shield + which Brunhild held before her, with a sound that echoed to + the farthest cliffs of Isenland. The warrior-maiden was + dashed to the earth; but, rising at once, she cried,-- + + "That was a noble blow, Sir Gunther. I confess myself fairly + outdone. But there are two chances yet, and you will do well + if you equal me in those. We will now try hurling the stone, + and jumping." + + Twelve men came forward, carrying a huge rough stone in + weight a ton or more. And Brunhild raised this mass of rock + in her white arms, and held it high above her head; then she + swung it backwards once, and threw it a dozen fathoms across + the castle-yard. Scarcely had it reached the ground when the + mighty maiden leaped after, and landed just beside it. And + the thousand lookers-on shouted in admiration. But old Hagen + bit his unshorn lip, and cursed the day that had brought + them to Isenland. + + Gunther and the unseen Siegfried, not at all disheartened, + picked up the heavy stone, which was half buried in the + ground, and, lifting it with seeming ease, threw it swiftly + forward. Not twelve, but twenty, fathoms it flew; and + Siegfried, snatching up Gunther in his arms, leaped after, + and landed close to the castle-wall. And Brunhild believed + that Gunther alone had done these great feats through his + own strength and skill; and she at once acknowledged herself + beaten in the games, and bade her vassals do homage to + Gunther as their rightful liege lord. + + Alas that the noblest of men-folk should gave stooped to + such deed of base deception! The punishment, although long + delayed, came surely at last; for not even the highest are + exempt from obedience to Heaven's behests and the laws of + right. + + When the contest was ended, the unseen Siegfried ran quickly + back to the little ship, and hastily doffed the magic + Tarnkappe. Then, in his own form, he returned to the castle, + and leisurely entered the castle-yard. When he met his + pleased comrades and the vanquished maiden-queen, he asked + in careless tones when the games would begin. All who heard + his question laughed; and Brunhild said,-- + + "Surely, Sir Siegfried, the old sleep-thorn of Isenstein + must have caught you, and held you in your ship. The games + are over, and Gunther, your liege lord, is the winner." + + At this news Siegfried seemed much delighted, as indeed he + was. And all went together to the great banquet-hall, where + a rich feast was served to our heroes and to the worthy + earl-folk and warriors of Isenland. + + + + + + Adventure XV + In Nibelungen Land Again. + + + + When the folk of Isenland learned that their queen had been + outwitted and won by a strange chief from a far-off and + unknown land, great was their sorrow and dismay; for they + loved the fair maiden-queen, and they feared to exchange her + mild reign for that of an untried foreigner. Nor was the + queen herself at all pleased with the issue of the late + contest. She felt no wish to leave her loved people, and her + pleasant home, and the fair island which was her kingdom, to + take up her abode in a strange land, as the queen of one for + whom she could feel no respect. And every one wondered how + it was that a man like Gunther, so commonplace, and so + feeble in his every look and act, could have done such + deeds, and won the wary warrior-maiden. + + "If it had only been Siegfried!" whispered the maidens among + themselves. + + "If it had only been Siegfried!" murmured the knights and + the fighting-men. + + "If it had only been Siegfried!" thought the queen, away + down in the most secret corner of her heart. And she shut + herself up in her room, and gave wild vent to her feelings + of grief and disappointment. + + Then heralds mounted the swiftest horses, and hurried to + every village and farm, and to every high-towered castle, in + the land. And they carried word to all of Brunhild's kinsmen + and liegemen, bidding them to come without delay to + Isenstein. And every man arose as with one accord, and + hastened to obey the call of their queen. And the whole land + was filled with the notes of busy preparation for war. And + day by day to the castle the warriors came and went, and the + sound of echoing horse-hoofs, and the rattling of ready + swords, and the ringing of the war-shields, were heard on + every hand. + + "What means this treason?" cried Gunther in dismay. "The coy + warrior-maiden would fain break her plighted word; and we, + here in our weakness, shall perish from her wrath." + + And even old Hagen, who had never felt a fear when meeting a + host in open battle, was troubled at the thought of the + mischief which was brewing. + + "'Tis true, too true," he said, and the dark frown deepened + on his face, "that we have done a foolish thing. For we four + men have come to this cheerless land upon a hopeless errand; + and, if we await the gathering of the storm, our ruin will + be wrought." And he grasped his sword-hilt with such force, + that his knuckles grew white as he paced fiercely up and + down the hall. + + Dankwart, too, bewailed the fate that had driven them into + this net, from which he saw no way of escape. And both the + warriors besought King Gunther to take ship at once, and to + sail for Rhineland before it was too late. But Siegfried + said,-- + + "What account will you give to the folk at home, if you thus + go back beaten, outwitted, and ashamed? Brave warriors, + indeed! we should be called. Wait a few days, and trust all + to me. When Brunhild's warriors shall be outnumbered by our + own, she will no longer hesitate, and our return to + Rhineland shall be a triumphant one; for we shall carry the + glorious warrior-queen home with us." + + "Yes," answered Hagen, mocking, "we will wait until her + warriors are outnumbered by our own. But how long shall that + be? Will the lightning carry the word to Burgundy? and will + the storm-clouds bring our brave men from across the sea? + Had you allowed King Gunther's plans to be followed, they + would have been here with us now, and we might have quelled + this treason at the first." + + And Dankwart said, "By this time the fields of the + South-land are green with young corn, and the meadows are + full of sweet-smelling flowers, and the summer comes on + apace. Why should we stay longer in this chilly and + fog-ridden land, waiting upon the whims of a fickle + maiden,--as fickle as the winds themselves? Better face the + smiles and the jeers of the folk at home than suffer + shameful shipwreck in this cold Isenland." + + But Siegfried would not be moved by the weak and wavering + words of his once valiant comrades. + + "Trust me," he said, "and all will yet be well. Wait here + but a few days longer in quietness, while I go aboard ship, + and fare away. Within three days I will bring to Isenstein a + host of warriors such as you have never seen. And then the + fickle fancies of Brunhild will flee, and she will no longer + refuse to sail with us to the now sunny South-land." + + Hagen frowned still more deeply; and as he strode away he + muttered, "He only wants to betray us, and leave us to die + in this trap which he himself has doubtless set for us." + + But Gunther anxiously grasped the hand of Siegfried, and + said, "Go! I trust you, and believe in you. But be sure not + to linger, for no one knows what a day may bring forth in + this uncertain and variable clime." + + Without saying a word in reply, Siegfried turned, and + hastened down to the shore. Without any loss of time he + unmoored the little ship, and stepped aboard. Then he donned + his Tarnkappe, spread the sails, and seized the helm; and + the vessel, like a bird with woven wings, sped swiftly out + of the bay, and Isenstein, with its wide halls and + glass-green towers, was soon lost to the sight of the + invisible helmsman. For four and twenty hours did Siegfried + guide the flying vessel as it leaped from wave to wave, and + sent the white foam dashing to left and right like flakes of + snow. And late on the morrow he came to a rock-bound coast, + where steep cliffs and white mountain-peaks rose up, as it + were, straight out of the blue sea. Having found a safe and + narrow inlet, he moored his little bark; and, keeping the + Tarnkappe well wrapped around him, he stepped ashore. + Briskly he walked along the rough shore, and through a dark + mountain-pass, until he came to a place well known to + him,--a place where, years before, he had seen a cavern's + yawning mouth, and a great heap of shining treasures, and + two princes dying of hunger. But now, upon the selfsame spot + there stood a frowning fortress, dark and gloomy and strong, + which Siegfried himself had built in after-years; and the + iron gates were barred and bolted fast, and no living being + was anywhere to be seen. + + Loud and long did Siegfried, wrapped in his cloak of + darkness, knock and call outside. At last a grim old giant, + who sat within, and kept watch and ward of the gate, cried + out,-- + + "Who knocks there?" + + Siegfried, angrily and in threatening tones, answered,-- + + "Open the gate at once, lazy laggard, and ask no questions. + A stranger, who has lost his way among the mountains, seeks + shelter from the storm which is coming. Open the gate + without delay, or I will break it down upon your dull head." + + Then the giant in hot anger seized a heavy iron beam, and + flung the gate wide open, and leaped quickly out to throttle + the insolent stranger. Warily he glanced around on every + side; but Siegfried was clad in the magic Tarnkappe, and the + giant could see no one. Amazed and ashamed, he turned to + shut the gate, and to go again to his place; for he began to + believe that a foolish dream had awakened and deceived him. + Then the unseen Siegfried seized him from behind; and though + he struggled hard, and fought with furious strength, our + hero threw him upon the ground, and bound him with cords of + sevenfold strength. + + The unwonted noise at the gate rang through the castle, and + awakened the sleeping inmates. The dwarf Alberich, who kept + the fortress against Siegfried's return, and who watched the + Nibelungen treasure, which was stored in the hollow hill, + arose, and donned his armor, and hurried to the giant's + help. A right stout dwarf was Alberich; and, as we have seen + in a former adventure, he was as bold as stout. Armed in a + war-coat of steel, he ran out to the gate, flourishing a + seven-thonged whip, on each thong of which a heavy golden + ball was hung. Great was his amazement and his wrath when he + saw the giant lying bound and helpless upon the ground; and + with sharp, eager eyes he peered warily around to see if, + perchance, he might espy his hidden foe. But, when he could + find no one, his anger grew hotter than before, and he swung + his golden scourge fiercely about his head. Well was it for + Siegfried then, that the Tarnkappe hid him from sight; for + the dwarf kept pounding about in air so sturdily and strong, + that, even as it was, he split the hero's shield from the + centre to the rim. Then Siegfried rushed quickly upon the + doughty little fellow, and seized him by his long gray + beard, and threw him so roughly upon the ground, that + Alberich shrieked with pain. + + "Spare me, I pray you," he cried. "I know that you are no + mean knight; and, if I had not promised to serve my master + Siegfried until death, I fain would acknowledge you as my + lord." + + But Siegfried bound the writhing dwarf, and placed him, + struggling and helpless, by the side of the giant. + + "Tell me, now, your name, I pray," said the dwarf; "for I + must give an account of this adventure to my master when he + comes." + + "Who is your master?" + + "His name is Siegfried; and he is king of the Nibelungens, + and lord, by right, of the great Nibelungen Hoard. To me and + to my fellows he long ago intrusted the keeping of this + castle and of the Hoard that lies deep hidden in the hollow + hill; and I have sworn to keep it safe until his return." + + Then Siegfried threw off his Tarnkappe, and stood in his own + proper person before the wonder-stricken dwarf. + + "Noble Siegfried," cried the delighted Alberich, "right glad + I am that you have come again to claim your own. Spare my + life, and pardon me, I pray, and let me know what is your + will. Your bidding shall be done at once." + + "Hasten, then," said Siegfried, loosing him from his + bonds,--"hasten, and arouse my Nibelungen hosts. Tell them + that their chief has come again to Mist Land, and that he + has work for them to do." + + Then Alberich, when he had set the giant gatekeeper free, + sent heralds to every town and castle in the land to make + known the words and wishes of Siegfried. And the gallant + Nibelungen warriors, when they heard that their liege lord + had come again, sprang up joyously, and girded on their + armor, and hastened to obey his summons. And soon the + strong-built castle was full of noble men,--of earls, and + the faithful liegemen who had known Siegfried of old. And + joyful and happy were the words of greeting. + + In the mean while, Alberich had busied himself in preparing + a great feast for his master and his master's chieftains. In + the long low hall that the dwarfs had hollowed out within + the mountain's heart, the table was spread, and on it was + placed every delicacy that could be wished. There were + fruits and wines from the sunny South-land, and snow-white + loaves made from the wheat of Gothland, and fish from Old + AEgir's kingdom, and venison from the king's wild-wood, and + the flesh of many a fowl most delicately baked, and, near + the head of the board, a huge wild boar roasted whole. And + the hall was lighted by a thousand tapers, each held in the + hands of a swarthy elf; and the guests were served by the + elf-women, who ran hither and thither, obedient to every + call. But Alberich, at Siegfried's desire, sat upon the dais + at his lord's right hand. Merriment ruled the hour, and + happy greetings were heard on every side. And, when the + feast was at its height, a troop of hill-folk came dancing + into the hall; and a hundred little fiddlers, perched in the + niches of the wall, made merry music, and kept time for the + busy, clattering little feet. And when the guests had tired + of music and laughter, and the dancers had gone away, and + the tables no longer groaned under the weight of good cheer + Siegfried and his earls still sat at their places, and + beguiled the hours with pleasant talk and with stories of + the earlier days. And Alberich, as the master of the feast, + told a tale of the dwarf-folk, and how once they were + visited in their hill-home by Loki the Mischief-maker. + + + + Alberich's Story. + + + + My story begins with the Asa-folk, and has as much to do + with the gods as with my kinsmen the dwarfs. It happened + long ago, when the world was young, and the elf-folk had not + yet lost all their ancient glory. + + Sif, as you all know, is Thor's young wife, and she is very + fair. It is said, too, that she is as gentle and lovable as + her husband is rude and strong; and that while he rides + noisily through storm and wind, furiously fighting the foes + of the mid-world, she goes quietly about, lifting up the + down-trodden, and healing the broken-hearted. In the summer + season, when the Thunderer has driven the Storm-giants back + to their mist-hidden mountain homes, and the black clouds + have been rolled away, and piled upon each other in the far + east, Sif comes gleefully tripping through the meadows, + raising up the bruised flowers, and with smiles calling the + frightened birds from their hiding-places to frolic and sing + in the fresh sunshine again. The growing fields and the + grassy mountain slopes are hers; and the rustling green + leaves, and the sparkling dewdrops, and the sweet odors of + spring blossoms, and the glad songs of the summer-time, + follow in her footsteps. + + Sif, as I have said, is very fair; and, at the time of my + story, there was one thing of which she was a trifle vain. + That was her long silken hair, which fell in glossy waves + almost to her feet. On calm, warm days, she liked to sit by + the side of some still pool, and gaze at her own beauty + pictured in the water below, while, like the sea-maidens of + old AEgir's kingdom, she combed and braided her rich, + flowing tresses. And in all the mid-world nothing has ever + been seen so like the golden sunbeams as was Sif's silken + hair. + + At that time the cunning Mischief-maker, Loki, was still + living with the Asa-folk. And, as you well know, this evil + worker was never pleased save when he was plotting trouble + for those who were better than himself. He liked to meddle + with business which was not his own, and was always trying + to mar the pleasures of others. His tricks and jokes were + seldom of the harmless kind, and yet great good sometimes + grew out of them. + + When Loki saw how proud Sif was of her long hair, and how + much time she spent in combing and arranging it, he planned + a very cruel piece of mischief. He hid himself in a little + rocky cavern, near the pool where Sif was wont to sit, and + slily watched her all the morning as she braided and + unbraided her flowing silken locks. At last, overcome by the + heat of the mid-day sun, she fell asleep upon the grassy + bank. Then the Mischief-maker quietly crept near, and with + his sharp shears cut off all that wealth of hair, and shaved + her head until it was as smooth as her snow-white hand. Then + he hid himself again in the little cave, and chuckled with + great glee at the wicked thing he had done. + + By and by Sif awoke, and looked into the stream; but she + started quickly back with horror and affright at the image + which she saw. She felt of her shorn head; and, when she + learned that those rich waving tresses which had been her + joy and pride were no longer there, she knew not what to do. + Hot, burning tears ran down her cheeks, and with sobs and + shrieks she began to call aloud for Thor. Forthwith there + was a terrible uproar. The lightning flashed, and the + thunder rolled, and an earthquake shook the rocks and trees. + Loki, looking out from his hiding-place, saw that Thor was + coming, and he trembled with fear; for he knew, that, should + the Thunderer catch him, he would have to pay dearly for his + wicked sport. He ran quickly out of the cavern, and leaped + into the river, and changed himself into a salmon, and swam + as swiftly as he could away from the shore. + + But Thor was not so easily fooled; for he had long known + Loki, and was acquainted with all his cunning ways. So when + he saw Sif bewailing her stolen hair, and beheld the + frightened salmon hurrying alone towards the deep water, he + was at no loss to know whose work this mischief was. + Straightway he took upon himself the form of a sea-gull, and + soared high up over the water. Then, poising a moment in the + air, he darted, swift as an arrow, down into the river. When + he arose from the water, he held the struggling salmon + tightly grasped in his strong talons. + + "Vile Mischief-maker!" cried Thor, as he alighted upon the + top of a neighboring crag: "I know thee who thou art; and I + will make thee bitterly rue the work of this day. Limb from + limb will I tear thee, and thy bones will I grind into + powder." + + Loki, when he saw that he could not by any means get away + from the angry Thunderer, changed himself back to his own + form, and humbly said to Thor,-- + + "What if you do your worst with me? Will that give back a + single hair to Sif's shorn head? What I did was only a + thoughtless joke, and I really meant no harm. Do but spare + my life, and I will more than make good the mischief I have + done." + + "How can that be?" asked Thor. + + "I will hie me straight to the secret smithies of dwarfs," + answered Loki; "and those cunning little kinsmen of mine + shall make golden tresses for fair Sif, which will grow upon + her head like other hair, and cause her to be an + hundred-fold more beautiful than before." + + Thor knew that Loki was a slippery fellow, and that he did + not always do what he promised, and hence he would not let + him go. He called to Frey, who had just come up, and said,-- + + "Come, cousin Frey, help me to rid the world of this sly + thief. While I hold fast to his raven hair, and his long + slim arms, do you seize him by the heels, and we will give + his limbs to the fishes, and his body to the birds, for + food." + + Loki, now thoroughly frightened, wept, and kissed Frey's + feet, and humbly begged for mercy. And he promised that he + would bring from the dwarf's smithy, not only the golden + hair for Sif, but also a mighty hammer for Thor, and a swift + steed for Frey. So earnest were his words, and so pitiful + was his plea, that Thor at last set the trembling + Mischief-maker free, and bade him hasten away on his errand. + Quickly, then, he went in search of the smithy of the + dwarfs. + + He crossed the desert moorlands, and came, after three days, + to the bleak hill-country, and the rugged mountain-land of + the South. There the earthquake had split the mountains + apart, and dug dark and bottomless gorges, and hollowed out + many a low-walled cavern, where the light of day was never + seen. Through deep, winding ways, and along narrow crevices, + Loki crept; and he glided under huge rocks, and downward + through slanting, crooked clefts, until at last he came to a + great underground hall, where his eyes were dazzled by a + light which was stronger and brighter than day; for on every + side were glowing fires, roaring in wonderful little forges, + and blown by wonderful little bellows And the vaulted roof + above was thickly set with diamonds and precious stones, + that sparkled and shone like thousands of bright stars in + the blue sky. And the little dwarfs, with comical brown + faces, and wearing strange leathern aprons, and carrying + heavy hammers, were hurrying here and there, each busy at + his task. Some were smelting pure gold from the coarse rough + rocks; others were making precious gems, and rich rare + jewels, such as the proudest king would be glad to wear. + Here, one was shaping pure, round pearls from dewdrops and + maidens' tears; there, another wrought green emeralds from + the first leaves of spring. So busy were they all, that they + neither stopped nor looked up when Loki came into their + hall, but all kept hammering and blowing and working, as if + their lives depended upon their being always busy. + + After Loki had curiously watched their movements for some + time, he spoke to the dwarf whose forge was nearest to him, + and made known his errand. But the little fellow was + fashioning a flashing diamond, which he called the Mountain + of Light; and he scarcely looked up as he answered,-- + + "I do not work in gold. Go to Ivald's sons: they will make + whatever you wish." + + To Ivald's sons, then, in the farthest and brightest corner + of the hall, Loki went. They very readily agreed to make the + golden hair for Sif, and they began the work at once. A lump + of purest gold was brought, and thrown into the glowing + furnace; and it was melted and drawn, and melted and drawn, + seven times. Then it was given to a little brown elf with + merry, twinkling eyes, who carried it with all speed to + another part of the great hall, where the dwarfs' pretty + wives were spinning. One of the little women took the yellow + lump from the elf's hands, and laid it, like flax, upon her + spinning-wheel. Then she sat down and began to spin; and, as + she span, the dwarf-wives sang a strange, sweet song of the + old, old days when the dwarf-folk ruled the world. And the + tiny brown elves danced gleefully around the spinner, and + the thousand little anvils rang out a merry chorus to the + music of the singers. And the yellow gold was twisted into + threads, and the threads ran into hair softer than silk, and + finer than gossamer. And at last the dwarf-woman held in her + hand long golden tresses ten times more beautiful than the + amber locks that Loki had cut from Sif's fair head. When + Ivald's sons, proud of their skill, gave the rare treasure + to the Mischief-maker, Loki smiled as if he were well + pleased; but in his heart he was angry because the dwarfs + had made so fair a piece of workmanship. Then he said,-- + + "This is, indeed, very handsome, and will be very becoming + to Sif. Oh, what an uproar was made about those flaxen + tresses that she loved so well! And that reminds me that her + husband, the gruff old Giant-killer, wants a hammer. I + promised to get him one; and, if I fail, he will doubtless + be rude with me. I pray you make such a hammer as will be of + most use to him in fighting the Jotuns, and you may win + favor both for yourselves and me." + + "Not now," said the elder of Ivald's sons. "We cannot make + it now; for who would dare to send a present to Thor before + he has offered one to Odin, the great All-Father?" + + "Make me, then, a gift for Odin," cried Loki; "and he will + shelter me from the Thunderer's wrath." + + So the dwarfs put iron into their furnace, and heated it to + a glowing white-heat; and then they drew it out, and rolled + it upon their anvils, and pounded it with heavy hammers, + until they had wrought a wondrous spear, such as no man had + ever seen. Then they inlaid it with priceless jewels, and + plated the point with gold seven times tried. + + "This is the spear Gungner," said they. "Take it to the + great All-Father as the best gift of his humble + earth-workers." + + "Make me now a present for Frey the gentle," said Loki. "I + owe my life to him; and I have promised to take him a swift + steed that will bear him everywhere." + + Then Ivald's sons threw gold into the furnace, and blew with + their bellows until the very roof of the great cave-hall + seemed to tremble, and the smoke rolled up the wide chimney, + and escaped in dense fumes from the mountain-top. When they + left off working, and the fire died away, a fairy ship, with + masts and sails, and two banks of long oars, and a golden + dragon stem, rose out of the glowing coals; and it grew in + size until it filled a great part of the hall, and might + have furnished room for a thousand warriors with their arms + and steeds. Then, at a word from the dwarfs, it began to + shrink, and it became smaller and smaller until it was no + broader than an oak-leaf. And the younger of Ivald's sons + folded it up like a napkin, and gave it to Loki, saying,-- + + "Take this to Frey the gentle. It is the ship Skidbladner. + When it is wanted for a voyage, it will carry all the + Asa-folk and their weapons and stores; and, no matter where + they wish to go, the wind will always drive it straight to + the desired port. But, when it is not needed, the good Frey + may fold it up, as I have done, and carry it safely in his + pocket." + + Loki was much pleased; and, although he felt disappointed + because he had no present for Thor, he heartily thanked the + dwarfs for their kindness; and taking the golden hair, and + the spear Gungner, and the ship Skidbladner, he bade Ivald's + sons good-by, and started for home. But, before he reached + the narrow doorway which led out of the cave, he met two + crooked-backed dwarfs, much smaller and much uglier than any + he had seen before. + + "What have you there?" asked one of them, whose name was + Brok. + + "Hair for Sif, a spear for Odin, and a ship for Frey," + answered Loki. + + "Let us see them," said Brok. + + Loki kindly showed them the strange gifts, and told them, + that, in his belief, no dwarfs in all the world had ever + before wrought such wonderful things. + + "Who made them?" inquired Brok. + + "Ivald's sons." + + "Ah! Ivald's sons sometimes do good work, but there are many + other dwarfs who can do better. For instance, my brother + Sindre, who stands here, can make three other treasures + altogether as good as those you have." + + "It cannot be!" cried Loki. + + "I tell you the truth," said the dwarf. "And, to show you + that I mean just what I say, I will wager against your head + all the diamonds in the ceiling above us, that he will make + not only as good treasures, but those which the Asas will + esteem much higher." + + "Agreed!" cried Loki,--"agreed! I take the wager. Let your + brother try his skill at once." + + The three went straightway to Sindre's forge, and the + brothers began their task. When the fire was roaring hot, + and the sparks flew from the chimney like showers of + shooting-stars, Sindre put a pig-skin into the furnace, and + bade Brok blow the bellows with all his might, and never + stop until he should speak the word. The flames leaped up + white and hot, and the furnace glowed with a dazzling light, + while Brok plied the bellows, and Sindre, with unblinking + eyes, watched the slowly changing colors that played around + the melted and shapeless mass within. While the brothers + were thus intent upon their work, Loki changed himself to a + great horse-fly, and settled upon Brok's hand, and bit him + without mercy. But the dwarf kept on blowing the bellows, + and stopped not until his brother cried out,-- + + "Enough!" + + Then Sindre drew out of the flickering blue flames a huge + wild boar with long tusks of ivory, and golden bristles that + glittered and shone like the beams of the sun. + + "This is Golden Bristle," said the dwarf. "It is the gift of + Brok and his brother to the gentle Frey. His ship + Skidbladner can carry him only over the sea; but Golden + Bristle shall be a trusty steed that will bear him with the + speed of the wind over the land or through the air." + + Next the dwarfs threw gold into the furnace, and Brok plied + the bellows, and Sindre gazed into the flames, as before. + And the great horse-fly buzzed in Brok's face, and darted at + his eyes, and at last settled upon his neck, and stung him + until the pain caused big drops of sweat to roll off of his + forehead. But the dwarf stopped not nor faltered, until his + brother again cried out,-- + + "Enough!" + + This time Sindre drew out a wondrous ring of solid gold, + sparkling all over with the rarest and most costly jewels. + + "This is the ring Draupner," said he. "It is well worthy to + be worn on Odin's finger. Every ninth day eight other rings, + equal to it in every way, shall drop from it. It shall + enrich the earth, and make the desert blossom as the rose; + and it shall bring plentiful harvests, and fill the farmers' + barns with grain, and their houses with glad good cheer. + Take it to the All-Father as the best gift of the earth-folk + to him and to mankind." + + After this the dwarfs took iron which had been brought from + the mountains of Norse Land; and, after beating it upon + their bellows until it glowed white and hot, Sindre threw it + into the furnace. + + "This shall be the gift of gifts," said he to Brok. "Ply the + bellows as before, and do not, for your life, stop or falter + until the work is done." + + But as Brok blew the bellows, and his brother gazed into the + glowing fire, the horse-fly came again. This time he settled + between the dwarf's eyes, and stung his eyelids until the + blood filled his eyes, and ran down his cheeks, and blinded + him so that he could not see. At last, in sore distress, and + wild with pain, Brok let go of the bellows, and lifted his + hand to drive the fly away. Then Sindre drew his work out of + the furnace. It was a blue steel hammer, well made in every + way, save that the handle was half an inch too short. + + "This is the mighty Mjolner," said Sindre to Loki, who had + again taken his proper shape. "The Thunderer may have the + hammer that you promised him; although it is our gift, and + not yours. The stoutest giant will not be able now to cope + with Thor. No shield nor armor, nor mountain-wall, nor, + indeed, any thing on earth, shall be proof against the + lightning-strokes of Mjolner." + + And Brok took the three treasures which Sindre had + fashioned, and went with Loki to Asgard, the home of the + Asa-folk. And they chose Odin and Thor and Frey to examine + and judge which was best,--Loki's three gifts, the work of + Ivald's sons; or Brok's three gifts, the work of Sindre. + When the judges were seated, and all were in readiness, Loki + went forward and gave to Odin the spear Gungner, that would + always hit the mark; and to Frey he gave the ship + Skidbladner, that would sail whithersoever he wished. Then + he gave the golden hair to Thor, who placed it upon the head + of fair Sif; and it grew there, and was a thousand-fold more + beautiful than the silken tresses she had worn before. + + After the Asas had carefully looked at these treasures, and + talked of their merits, little Brok came humbly forward and + offered his gifts. To Odin he gave the precious ring + Draupner, already dropping richness. To Frey he gave the + boar Golden Bristle, telling him that wherever he chose to + go this steed would serve him well, and would carry him + faster than any horse, while his shining bristles would + light the way on the darkest night or in the gloomiest path. + At last he gave to Thor the hammer Mjolner, and said that + it, like Odin's spear, would never miss the mark, and that + whatever it struck, it would crush in pieces, and + whithersoever it might be hurled, it would come back to his + hand again. + + Then the Asas declared at once that Thor's hammer was the + best of all the gifts, and that the dwarf had fairly won the + wager. But, when Brok demanded Loki's head as the price of + the wager, the cunning Mischief-maker said,-- + + "My head is, by the terms of our agreement, yours; but my + neck is my own, and you shall not on any account touch or + harm it."[EN#26] + + So Brok went back to his brother and his smithy without the + head of Loki, but he was loaded with rich and rare presents + from the Asa-folk. + + + + + + Adventure XVI + How Brunhild Was Welcomed Home. + + + + When the next morning's sun arose, and its light gilded the + mountain peaks, and fell in a flood of splendor down upon + the rich uplands and the broad green fields of Nibelungen + Land, Siegfried, with his earls and mighty men, rode through + the valley, and down to the seashore. There a pleasant sight + met his eyes: for the little bay was white with the sails of + a hundred gold-beaked vessels which lay at anchor; and on + the sandy beach there stood in order three thousand island + warriors,--the bravest and the best of all the + Nibelungens,--clad in armor, and ready to hear and to do + their master's bidding. And Siegfried told them why he had + thus hastily called them together; and he gave to each one + rich gifts of gold and jewels and costly raiment. Then he + chose from among them one thousand of the most trustworthy, + who should follow him back to Isenland; and these went + aboard the waiting vessels, amid the cheers and the + farewells of their comrades who were left behind. And when + every thing was in readiness, the anchors were hoisted and + the sails were set, and the little fleet, wafted by pleasant + winds, sailed out of the bay, and eastward across the calm + blue sea. And Siegfried's vessel, with a golden dragon + banner floating from the masthead, led all the rest. + + On the fourth day after Siegfried's departure from Isenland, + Dankwart and grim old Hagen sat in a room of the castle at + Isenstein. Outside and below they heard the fair-haired + warriors of Queen Brunhild pacing to and fro, and ready, at + a word, to seize upon the strangers, and either to put them + to death, or to drive them forever from the land. Old + Hagen's brows were closely knit, and his face was dark as a + thunder-cloud, and his hands played nervously with his + sword-hilt, as he said,-- + + "Where now is Gunther, the man whom we once called king?" + + "He is standing on the balcony above, talking with the queen + and her maidens," answered Dankwart. + + "The craven that he is!" cried Hagen hoarsely. "Once he was + a king, and worthy to be obeyed; but now who is the king? + That upstart Siegfried has but to say what shall be done, + and our master Gunther, blindly and like a child, complies. + Four days ago we might have taken ship, and sailed safely + home. Now our vessel is gone, the boasted hero is gone, and + nothing is left for us to do but to fight and die." + + "But we are sure of Odin's favor," returned Dankwart; and a + wild light gleamed from his eyes, and he brandished his + sword high over his head. "A place in Valhal is promised to + us; for, him who bravely dies with his blood-stained sword + beside him and his heart unrent with fears, the All-Father's + victory-wafters will gently carry home. Even now, methinks, + I sit in the banqueting-hall of the heroes, and quaff the + flowing mead." + + * * * * * + + In the mean while Gunther stood with Queen Brunhild at an + upper window, and looked out upon the great sea that spread + forever and away towards the setting sun. And all at once, + as if by magic, the water was covered with white-sailed + ships, which, driven by friendly winds and the helping hands + of AEgir's daughters and the brawny arms of many a stalwart + oarsman, came flying towards the bay. + + "What ships are those with the snow-white sails and the + dragon-stems?" asked Brunhild, wondering. + + Gunther gazed for a moment towards the swift-coming fleet, + and his eyes were gladdened with the sight of Siegfried's + dragon-banner floating from the vessel in the van. A great + load seemed lifted from his breast, for now he knew that the + hoped-for help was at hand. And, smiling he answered the + queen,-- + + "Those white-sailed ships are mine. My body-guard--a + thousand of my trustiest fighting-men--are on board, and + every man is ready to die for me." + + And as the vessels came into the harbor, and the sailors + furled the sails, and cast the anchors into the sea, + Siegfried was seen standing on the golden prow of his ship, + arrayed in princely raiment, with his earls and chiefs + around him. And their bright armor glittered in the + sunlight, and their burnished shields shone like so many + golden mirrors. A fairer sight had the folk of Isenstein + never seen. + + Long and earnestly Queen Brunhild gazed, and then, turning + away, she burst into tears; for she knew that she had been + again outwitted, and that it was vain for her to struggle + against the Norns' decrees. Then, crushing back the grief + and the sore longing that rose in her heart, she spoke again + to Gunther, and her eyes shone stern and strange. + + "What now will you have me do?" she asked; "for you have + fairly won me, and my wayward fancies shall no longer vex + you. Shall I greet your friends with kindness, or shall we + send them back again over the sea?" + + "I pray you give them welcome to the broad halls of + Isenstein," he answered; "for no truer, nobler men live than + these my liegemen." + + So the queen sent word to Siegfried and his Nibelungen + warriors to leave the ships and come ashore. And she + herself, as radiant now as a morning in May, went down to + meet them and welcome them. Then she had a great feast made + in honor of the heroes, and the long, low-raftered + feast-hall rang with the sounds of merriment, instead of + with the clash of arms. The fair-haired, blue-eyed warriors + of the queen sat side by side with the tall strangers from + over the sea. And in the high-seat was Brunhild, her face + exceeding pale, yet beauteous to behold; and by her side sat + Gunther, smiling and glad, and clad in his kingly raiments. + And around them were the earls and chieftains, and many a + fair lady of Isenland, and Hagen, smiling through his + frowns, and Dankwart, now grown fearless, and Siegfried sad + and thoughtful. Mirth and gladness ruled the hour, and not + until the morning star began to fade in the coming sunlight + lid the guests retire to rest. + + Only a few days longer did the heroes tarry in Isenland; for + the mild spring days were growing warmer, and all faces were + southward turned, and the queen herself was anxious to haste + to her South-land home. When, at last, the time for + leave-taking came, the folk of Isenland gathered around to + bid their queen Godspeed. Then Brunhild called to Dankwart, + and gave him her golden keys, and bade him unlock her + closets where her gold and jewels were stored, and to + scatter with hands unstinted her treasures among the poor. + And many were the tearful blessings, and many the kind words + said, as the radiant queen went down to the waiting, + white-winged vessel, and stepped aboard with Gunther and the + heroes of the Rhine. But she was not to go alone to the land + of strangers; for with her were to sail a hundred fair young + damsels, and more than fourscore noble dames, and two + thousand blue-eyed warriors, the bravest of her land. + + When all had gone on board the waiting fleet, the anchors + were hoisted, and the sails were unfurled to the breeze; and + amid the tearful farewells of friends, and the joyful + shouting of the sailors, the hundred heavy-laden vessels + glided from the bay, and were soon far out at sea. And the + sorrowing folk of Isenland turned away, and went back to + their daily tasks, and to the old life of mingled pain and + pleasure, of shadow and sunshine; and they never saw their + loved warrior-queen again. + + The gay white fleet, with its precious cargo of noble men + and fair ladies, sped swiftly onwards through Old AEgir's + kingdom; and it seemed as if Queen Ran had forgotten to + spread her nets, so smooth and quiet was the sea; and the + waves slept on the peaceful bosom of the waters: only Ripple + and Sky-clear danced in the wake of the flying ships, and + added to the general joy. And on shipboard music and song + enlivened the dragging hours; and from morn till eve no + sounds were heard, save those of merriment and sport, and + glad good cheer. Yet, as day after day passed by, and no + sight met their eyes but the calm blue waters beneath, and + the calm blue sky above, all began to wish for a view, once + more, of the solid earth, and the fields, and the wild + greenwood. But the ships sailed steadily onward, and every + hour brought them nearer and nearer to the wished-for haven. + + At length, on the ninth day, they came in sight of a long, + flat coast, stretching far away towards the Lowlands, where + Old AEgir and his daughters--sometimes by wasting warfare, + sometimes by stealthy strategy--ever plot and toil to widen + the Sea-king's domains. When the sailors saw the green shore + rising up, as it were, out of the quiet water, and the wild + woodland lying dense and dark beyond, and when they knew + that they were nearing the end of their long sea-voyage, + they rent the air with their joyful shouts. And a brisker + breeze sprang up, and filled the sails, and made the ships + leap forward over the water, like glad living creatures. + + It was then that the thought came to King Gunther that he + ought to send fleet heralds to Burgundy-land to make known + the happy issue of his bold emprise, and to tell of his glad + home-coming, with Brunhild, the warrior-maiden, as his + queen. So he called old Hagen to him, and told him of his + thoughts, and asked him if he would be that herald. + + "Nay," answered the frowning chief. "No bearer of glad + tidings am I. To every man Odin has given gifts. To some he + has given light hearts, and cheery faces, and glad voices; + and such alone are fitted to carry good news and happy + greetings. To others he has given darker souls, and less + lightsome faces, and more uncouth manners; and these may + bear the brunt of the battle, and rush with Odin's heroes to + the slaughter: but they would be ill at ease standing in the + presence of fair ladies, or telling glad tidings at court. + Let me still linger, I pray, on board this narrow ship, and + send your friend Siegfried as herald to Burgundy-land. He is + well fitted for such a duty." + + So Gunther sent at once for Siegfried, to whom, when he had + come, he said,-- + + "My best of friends, although we are now in sight of land, + our voyage still is a long one; for the river is yet far + away, and, when it is reached, its course is winding, and + the current will be against us, and our progress must needs + be slow. The folk at home have had no tidings from us since + we left them in the early spring; and no doubt their hearts + grow anxious, and they long to hear of our whereabouts, and + whether we prosper or no. Now, as we near the headland which + juts out dark and green before us, we will set you on shore, + with the noble Greyfell, and as many comrades as you wish, + to haste with all speed to Burgundy, to tell the glad news + of our coming to the loved ones waiting there." + + Siegfried at first held back, and tried to excuse himself + from undertaking this errand,--not because he felt any fear + of danger, but because he scorned to be any man's thrall, to + go and do at his beck and bidding. Then Gunther spoke again, + and in a different tone. + + "Gentle Siegfried," he said, "if you will not do this errand + for my sake, I pray that you will undertake it for the sake + of my sister, the fair Kriemhild, who has so long waited for + our coming." + + Then willingly did the prince agree to be the king's herald. + And on the morrow the ship touched land; and Siegfried bade + his companions a short farewell, and went ashore with four + and twenty Nibelungen chiefs, who were to ride with him to + Burgundy. And, when every thing was in readiness, he mounted + the noble Greyfell, as did also each warrior his favorite + steed, and they galloped briskly away; and their glittering + armor and nodding plumes were soon lost to sight among the + green trees of the wood. And the ship which bore Gunther and + his kingly party weighed anchor, and moved slowly along the + shore towards the distant river's mouth. + + For many days, and through many strange lands, rode + Siegfried and his Nibelungen chiefs. They galloped through + the woodland, and over a stony waste, and came to a peopled + country rich in farms and meadows, and dotted with pleasant + towns. And the folk of that land wondered greatly at sight + of the radiant Siegfried, and the tall warriors with him, + and their noble steeds, and their sunbright armor. For they + thought that it was a company of the gods riding through the + mid-world, as the gods were wont to do in the golden days of + old. So they greeted them with smiles, and kind, good words, + and scattered flowers and blessings in their way. + + They stopped for a day in Vilkina-land, where dwelt one + Eigill, a famous archer, who, it is said, was a brother of + Veliant, Siegfried's fellow-apprentice in the days of his + boyhood. And men told them this story of Eigill. That once + on a time old Nidung, the king of that land, in order to + test his skill with the bow, bade him shoot an apple, or, as + some say, an acorn, from the head of his own little son. And + Eigill did this; but two other arrows, which he had hidden + beneath his coat, dropped to the ground. And when the king + asked him what these were for he answered, "To kill thee, + wretch, had I slain my child."[EN#27] + + After this our heroes rode through a rough hill-country, + where the ground was covered with sharp stones, and the + roads were steep and hard. And their horses lost their + shoes, and were so lamed by the travel, that they were + forced to turn aside to seek the house of one Welland, a + famous smith, who re-shod their steeds, and entertained them + most kindly three days and nights. And it is said by some + that Welland is but another name for Veliant, and that this + was the selfsame foreman whom we knew in Siegfried's younger + days. But, be this as it may, he was at this time the master + of all smiths, and no one ever wrought more cunningly. And + men say that his grandfather was Vilkinus, the first king of + that land; and that his grandmother, Wachitu, was a fair + mermaid, who lived in the deep green sea; and that his + father, Wada, had carried him, when a child, upon his + shoulders through water five fathoms deep, to apprentice him + to the cunning dwarfs, from whom he learned his trade. And + if this story is true, he could not have been Veliant. He + was wedded to a beautiful lady, who sometimes took the form + of a swan, and flew away to a pleasant lake near by, where, + with other swan-maidens, she spent the warm summer days + among the reeds and the water-lilies. And many other strange + tales were told of Welland the smith: how he had once made a + boat from the single trunk of a tree, and had sailed in it + all around the mid-world; how, being lame in one foot, he + had forged a wondrous winged garment, and flown like a + falcon through the air; and how he had wrought for Beowulf, + the Anglo-Saxon hero, a gorgeous war-coat that no other + smith could equal.[EN#28] And so pleasantly did Welland + entertain his guests that they were loath to leave him; but + on the fourth day they bade him farewell, and wended again + their way. + + Now our heroes rode forward, with greater speed than before, + across many a mile of waste land, and over steep hills, and + through pleasant wooded dales. Then, again, they came to + fair meadows, and broad pasture-lands, and fields green with + growing corn; and every one whom they met blessed them, and + bade them a hearty God-speed. Then they left the farmlands + and the abodes of men far behind them; and they passed by + the shore of a sparkling lake, where they heard the + swan-maidens talking to each other as they swam among the + rushes, or singing in silvery tones of gladness as they + circled in the air above. Then they crossed a dreary moor, + where nothing grew but heather; and they climbed a barren, + stony mountain, where the feet of men had never been, and + came at last to a wild, dark forest, where silence reigned + undisturbed forever. + + It was the wood in which dwells Vidar, the silent god, far + from the sound of man's busy voice, in the solemn shade of + century-living oaks and elms. There he sits in quiet but + awful grandeur,--strong almost as Thor, but holding his + mighty strength in check. Hoary and gray, he sits alone in + Nature's temple, and communes with Nature's self, waiting + for the day when Nature's silent but resistless forces shall + be quickened into dread action. His head is crowned with + sear and yellow leaves, and long white moss hangs pendent + from his brows and cheeks, and his garments are rusted with + age. On his feet are iron shoes, with soles made thick with + the scraps of leather gathered through centuries past; and + with these, it is said, he shall, in the last great twilight + of the mid-world, rend the jaws of the Fenris-wolf.[EN#29] + + "Who is this Fenris-wolf?" asked one of the Nibelungens as + they rode through the solemn shadows of the wood. + + And Siegfried thereupon related how that fierce creature had + been brought up and cared for by the Asa-folk; and how, when + he grew large and strong, they sought to keep him from doing + harm by binding him with an iron chain called Leding. But + the strength of the monster was so great, that he burst the + chain asunder, and escaped. Then the Asas made another chain + twice as strong, which they called Drome. And they called to + the wolf, and besought him to allow them to bind him again, + so that, in bursting the second chain, he might clear up all + doubts in regard to his strength. Flattered by the words of + the Asas, the wolf complied; and they chained him with + Drome, and fastened him to a great rock. But Fenris + stretched his legs, and shook himself, and the great chain + was snapped in pieces. Then the Asas knew that there was no + safety for them so long as a monster so huge and terrible + was unbound; and they besought the swarthy elves to forge + them another and a stronger chain. This the elves did. They + made a most wondrous chain, smooth as silk, and soft as + down, yet firmer than granite, and stronger than steel. They + called it Gleipner; and it was made of the sinews of a bear, + the footsteps of a cat, the beard of a woman, the breath of + a fish, the sweat of a bird, and the roots of a mountain. + When the Asas had obtained this chain, they lured the + Fenris-wolf to the rocky Island of Lyngve, and by flattery + persuaded him to be bound again. But this he would not agree + to do until Tyr placed his hand in his mouth as a pledge of + good faith. Then they tied him as before, and laughingly + bade him break the silken cord. The huge creature stretched + himself as before, and tried with all his might to burst + away; but Gleipner held him fast, and the worst that he + could do was to bite off the hand of unlucky Tyr. And this + is why Tyr is called the one-armed god. + + "But it is said," added Siegfried, "that in the last + twilight the Fenris-wolf will break his chain, and that he + will swallow the sun, and slay the great Odin himself, and + that none can subdue him save Vidar the Silent." + + It was thus that the heroes conversed with each other as + they rode through the silent ways of the wood. + + At length, one afternoon in early summer, the little company + reached the Rhine valley; and looking down from the sloping + hill-tops, green with growing corn, they saw the pleasant + town of the Burgundians and the high gray towers of + Gunther's dwelling. And not long afterwards they rode + through the streets of the old town, and, tired and + travel-stained, halted outside of the castle-gates. Very + soon it became noised about that Siegfried and a company of + strange knights, fair and tall, had come again to Burgundy + and to the home of the Burgundian kings. But when it was + certainly known that neither Gunther the king, nor Hagen of + the evil eye, nor Dankwart his brother, had returned, the + people felt many sad misgivings; for they greatly feared + that some hard mischance had befallen their loved king. Then + Gernot and the young Giselher, having heard of Siegfried's + arrival, came out with glad but anxious faces to greet him. + + "Welcome, worthy chief!" they cried. "But why are you alone? + What are your tidings? Where is our brother? and where are + our brave uncles, Hagen and Dankwart? And who are those + strange, fair men who ride with you? And what about + Brunhild, the warrior-maiden? Alas! if our brother has + fallen by her cruel might, then woe to Burgundy! Tell us + quickly all about it!" + + "Have patience, friends!" answered Siegfried. "Give me time + to speak, and I will gladden the hearts of all the folk of + Burgundy with my news. Your brother Gunther is alive and + well; and he is the happiest man in the whole mid-world, + because he has won the matchless Brunhild for his bride. And + he is ere now making his way up the river with a mighty + fleet of a hundred vessels and more than two thousand + warriors. Indeed, you may look for him any day. And he has + sent me, with these my Nibelungen earls, to bid you make + ready for his glad home-coming." + + Then, even before he had alighted from Greyfell, he went on + to tell of the things that had happened at Isenstein; but he + said nothing of the part which he had taken in the strange + contest. And a crowd of eager listeners stood around, and + heard with unfeigned joy of the happy fortune of their king. + + "And now," said Siegfried to Giselher, when he had finished + his story, "carry the glad news to your mother and your + sister; for they, too, must be anxious to learn what fate + has befallen King Gunther." + + "Nay," answered the prince, "you yourself are the king's + herald, and you shall be the one to break the tidings to + them. Full glad they'll be to hear the story from your own + lips, for long have they feared that our brother would never + be seen by us again. I will tell them of your coming, but + you must be the first to tell them the news you bring." + + "Very well," answered Siegfried. "It shall be as you say." + + Then he dismounted from Greyfell, and, with his Nibelungen + earls, was shown into the grand hall, where they were + entertained in a right kingly manner. + + When Kriemhild the peerless, and Ute her mother, heard that + Siegfried had come again to Burgundy, and that he brought + news from Gunther the king, they hastened to make ready to + see him. And, when he came before them, he seemed so noble, + so bright, and so glad, that they knew he bore no evil + tidings. + + "Most noble prince," said Kriemhild, trembling in his + presence, "right welcome are you to our dwelling! But + wherefore are you come? How fares my brother Gunther? Why + came he not with you back to Burgundy-land? Oh! undone are + we, if, through the cruel might of the warrior-queen, he has + been lost to us." + + "Now give me a herald's fees!" cried Siegfried, laughing. + "King Gunther is alive and well. In the games of strength to + which fair Brunhild challenged him, he was the winner. And + now he comes up the Rhine with his bride, and a great + retinue of lords and ladies and fighting-men. Indeed, the + sails of his ships whiten the river for miles. And I am come + by his desire to ask that every thing be made ready for his + glad home-coming and the loving welcome of his peerless + queen." + + Great was the joy of Kriemhild and her queenly mother when + they heard this gladsome news; and they thanked the prince + most heartily for all that he had done. + + "You have truly earned a herald's fee," said the lovely + maiden, "and gladly would I pay it you in gold; for you have + cheered us with pleasant tidings, and lightened our minds of + a heavy load. But men of your noble rank take neither gifts + nor fees, and hence we have only to offer our deepest and + heartiest thanks." + + "Not so," answered Siegfried gayly. "Think not I would scorn + a fee. Had I a kingdom of thirty realms, I should still be + proud of a gift from you." + + "Then, you shall have your herald's fee!" cried Kriemhild; + and she sent her maidens to fetch the gift. And with her own + lily hands she gave him twenty golden bracelets, richly + inwrought with every kind of rare and costly gem-stones. + Happy, indeed, was Siegfried to take such priceless gift + from the hand of so peerless a maiden; and his face shone + radiant with sunbeams as he humbly bowed, and thanked her. + But he had no need for the jewels, nor wished he to keep + them long: so he gave them, with gracious wishes, to the + fair young maidens at court. + + From this time forward, for many days, there was great + bustle in Gunther's dwelling. On every side was heard the + noise of busy hands, making ready for the glad day when the + king should be welcomed home. The broad halls and the tall + gray towers were decked with flowers, and floating banners, + and many a gay device; the houses and streets of the + pleasant burgh put on their holiday attire; the shady road + which led through Kriemhild's rose-garden down to the + river-banks was dusted and swept with daily care; and the + watchman was cautioned to keep on the lookout every moment + for the coming of the expected fleet. And heralds had been + sent to every burgh and castle, and to every countryside in + Burgundy, announcing the happy home-coming of Gunther and + his bride, and bidding every one, both high and low, to the + glad merry-making. + + On the morning of the eleventh day, ere the sun had dried + the dew from the springing grass, the keen-eyed watchman, in + his perch on the topmost tower, cried out in happy accents + to the waiting folk below,-- + + "They come at last! I see the white-winged ships still far + down the stream. But a breeze springs up from the northward, + and the sailors are at the oars, and swift speed the + hastening vessels, as if borne on the wings of the wind. + Ride forth, O ye brave and fair, to welcome the fair and the + brave!" + + Then quickly the king-folk, and the warriors, and fair + ladies, mounted their ready steeds, and gayly through the + gates of the castle they rode out river-wards. And Ute, the + noble queen-mother, went first. And the company moved in + glittering array, with flying banners, and music, and the + noisy flourish of drums, adown the rose-covered pathway + which led to the water's side. And the peerless Kriemhild + followed, with a hundred lovely maidens, all mounted on + snow-white palfreys; and Siegfried, proud and happy, on + Greyfell, rode beside her. + + When the party reached the river-bank, a pleasant sight met + their eyes; for the fleet had now drawn near, and the whole + river, as far as the eye could reach, glittered with the + light reflected from the shield-hung rails and the golden + prows of the swift-coming ships. King Gunther's own vessel + led all the rest; and the king himself stood on the deck, + with the glorious Brunhild by his side. Nearer and nearer + the fresh breeze of the summer morning wafted the vessel to + the shore, where stood the waiting multitude. Softly the + golden dragon glided in to the landing-place, and quickly + was it moored to the banks; then Gunther, clad in his kingly + garments, stepped ashore, and with him his lovely queen. And + a mighty shout of welcome, and an answering shout of + gladness, seemed to rend the sky as the waiting hosts beheld + the sight. And the queen-mother Ute, and the peerless + Kriemhild, and her kingly brothers, went forward to greet + the pair. And Kriemhild took Brunhild by the hand, and + kissed her, and said,-- + + "Welcome, thrice welcome, dear sister! to thy home and thy + kindred and thy people, who hail thee as queen. And may thy + days be full of joyance, and thy years be full of peace!" + + Then all the folk cried out their goodly greetings; and the + sound of their glad voices rang out sweet and clear in the + morning air, and rose up from the riverside, and was echoed + among the hill-slopes, and carried over the meadows and + vineyards, to the farthest bounds of Burgundy-land. And the + matchless Brunhild, smiling, returned the happy greeting; + and her voice was soft and sweet, as she said,-- + + "O kin of the fair Rhineland, and folk of my new-found home! + may your days be summer sunshine, and your lives lack grief + and pain; and may this hour of glad rejoicing be the type of + all hours to come!" + + Then the lovely queen was seated in a golden wain which + stood in waiting for her; and Gunther mounted his own + war-steed; and the whole company made ready to ride to the + castle. Never before had so pleasant a sight been seen in + Rhineland, as that glorious array of king-folk and lords and + ladies wending from river to fortress along the rose-strewn + roadway. Foremost went the king, and by his side was + Siegfried on the radiant Greyfell. Then came the queen's + golden wain, drawn by two snow-white oxen, which were led + with silken cords by sweet-faced maidens; and in it, on an + ivory throne deep-carved with mystic runes, sat glorious + Brunhild. Behind rode the queen-mother and her kingly sons, + and frowning Hagen, and Dankwart, and Volker, and all the + earl-folk and mighty warriors of Burgundy and of Nibelungen + Land. And lastly came Kriemhild and her hundred damsels, + sitting on their snow-white steeds. And they rode past the + blooming gardens, and through the glad streets of the burgh, + and then, like a radiant vision, they entered the + castle-halls; and the lovely pageant was seen no more. + + For twelve days after this, a joyful high-tide was held at + the castle; and the broad halls rang with merriment and + music and festive mirth. And games and tournaments were held + in honor of the king's return. Brave horsemen dashed here + and there at break-neck speed, or contended manfully in the + lists; lances flew thick in the air; shouts and glad cries + were heard on every hand; and for a time the most boisterous + tumult reigned. But gladness and good-feeling ruled the + hour, and no one thought of aught but merry-making and + careless joy. At length, when the days of feasting were + past, the guests bade Gunther and his queen farewell; and + each betook himself to his own home, and to whatsoever his + duty called him. And one would have thought that none but + happy days were henceforth in store for the kingly folk of + Burgundy. But alas! too soon the cruel frost and the cold + north winds nipped the buds and blossoms of the short + summer, and the days of gladness gave place to nights of + gloom. + + + + + + Adventure XVII + How Siegfried Lived in Nibelungen Land. + + + + When the twelve-days' high-tide at King Gunther's + home-coming had been brought to an end, and the guests had + all gone to their homes, Siegfried, too, prepared to bid + farewell to the Rhineland kings, and to wend to his own + country. But he was not to go alone; for Kriemhild, the + peerless princess, was to go with him as his bride. They had + been wedded during the merry festivities which had just + closed, and that event had added greatly to the general joy; + for never was there a fairer or a nobler pair than Siegfried + the fearless, and Kriemhild the peerless. + + "It grieves my heart to part with you," said Gunther, + wringing Siegfried's hand. "It will fare but ill with us, I + fear, when we no longer see your radiant face, or hear your + cheery voice." + + "Say not so, my brother," answered Siegfried; "for the gods + have many good things in store for you. And, if ever you + need the help of my arm, you have but to say the word, and I + will hasten to your aid." + + Then the Burgundian kings besought the hero to take the + fourth part of their kingdom as his own and Kriemhild's, and + to think no more of leaving them. But Siegfried would not + agree to this. His heart yearned to see his father and + mother once again, and then to return to his own loved + Nibelungen Land. So he thanked the kings for their kind + offer, and hastened to make ready for his intended journey. + + Early on Midsummer Day the hero and his bride rode out of + Gunther's dwelling, and turned their faces northward. And + with them was a noble retinue of warriors,--five hundred + brave Burgundians, with Eckewart as their chief,--who had + sworn to be Queen Kriemhild's vassals in her new, + far-distant home. Thirty and two fair maidens, too, went + with her. And with Siegfried were his Nibelungen earls. + + As the company rode down the sands, and filed gayly along + the river-road, it seemed a lovely although a sad sight to + their kinsmen who gazed after them from the castle-towers. + Fair and young were all the folk; and the world, to most, + was still untried. And they rode, in the morning sunlight, + away from their native land, nor recked that never again + would they return. Each warrior sat upon a charger, richly + geared with gilt-red saddle, and gorgeous bridle, and + trappings of every hue; and their war-coats were bright and + dazzling; and their spears glanced in the sun; and their + golden shields threw rays of resplendent light around them. + The maidens, too, were richly dight in broidered cloaks of + blue, and rare stuffs brought from far-off Araby; and each + sat on a snow-white palfrey geared with silken housings, and + trappings of bright blue. + + For some days the company followed the course of the river, + passing through many a rich meadow, and between lovely + vineyards, and fields of yellow corn. Then they rode over a + dreary, barren waste, and through a wild greenwood, and + reached, at last, the hills which marked the beginning of + King Siegmund's domains. Then Siegfried sent fleet heralds + before them to carry to his father the tidings of his coming + with his bride, fair Kriemhild. Glad, indeed, were old King + Siegmund and Siegfried's gentle mother when they heard this + news. + + "Oh, happy is the day!" cried the king. "Thrice happy be the + day that shall see fair Kriemhild a crowned queen, and + Siegfried a king in the throne of his fathers!" + + And they showered upon the heralds who had brought the happy + news rich fees of gold and silver, and gave them garments of + silken velvet. And on the morrow they set out, with a train + of earl-folk and lovely ladies, to meet their son and his + bride. For one whole day they journeyed to the old fortress + of Santen, where in former days the king's dwelling had + been. There they met the happy bridal-party, and fond and + loving were the hearty greetings they bestowed upon + Kriemhild and the radiant Siegfried. Then, without delay, + they returned to Siegmund's kingly hall; and for twelve days + a high tide, more happy and more splendid than that which + had been held in Burgundy, was made in honor of Siegfried's + marriage-day. And, in the midst of those days of sport and + joyance, the old king gave his crown and sceptre to his son; + and all the people hailed Siegfried, king of the broad + Lowlands, and Kriemhild his lovely queen. + + Old stories tell how Siegfried reigned in peace and glad + contentment in his fatherland; and how the joyous sunshine + shone wherever he went, and poured a flood of light and + warmth and happiness into every nook and corner of his + kingdom; and how, at length, after the gentle Sigelind had + died, he moved his court to that other country of his,--the + far-off Nibelungen Land. And it is in that strange, + dream-haunted land, in a strong-built mountain fortress, + that we shall next find him. + + Glad were the Nibelungen folk when their own king and his + lovely wife came to dwell among them; and the mists once + more were lifted, and the skies grew bright and clear, and + men said that the night had departed, and the better days + were near. Golden, indeed, and most glorious, was that + summer-time; and long to be remembered was Siegfried's too + brief reign in Nibelungen Land. And, ages afterward, folk + loved to sing of his care for his people's welfare, of his + wisdom and boundless lore, of his deeds in the time of + warring, and the victories gained in peace. And strong and + brave were the men-folk, and wise and fair were the women, + and broad and rich were the acres, in Siegfried's well-ruled + land. The farm-lands were yellow with the abundant harvests, + fruitful orchards grew in the pleasant dales, and fair + vineyards crowned the hills. Fine cities sprang up along the + seacoast, and strong fortresses were built on every height. + Great ships were made, which sailed to every land, and + brought home rich goods from every clime,--coffee and spices + from India, rich silks from Zazemang, fine fruits from the + Iberian shore, and soft furs, and ivory tusks of the + sea-beast, from the frozen coasts of the north. Never before + was country so richly blessed; for Siegfried taught his + people how to till the soil best, and how to delve far down + into the earth for hidden treasures, and how to work + skilfully in iron and bronze and all other metals, and how + to make the winds and the waters, and even the thunderbolt, + their thralls and helpful servants. And he was as great in + war as in peace; for no other people dared harm, or in any + way impose upon, the Nibelungen folk, or any of his faithful + liegemen. + + It is told how, once on a time, he warred against the + Hundings, who had done his people an injury, and how he + sailed against them in a long dragon-ship of a hundred oars. + When he was far out in the mid-sea, and no land was anywhere + in sight, a dreadful storm arose. The lightnings flashed, + and the winds roared, and threatened to carry the ship to + destruction. Quickly the fearful sailors began to reef the + sails, but Siegfried bade them stop. + + "Why be afraid?" he cried. "The Norns have woven the woof of + every man's life, and no man can escape his destiny. If the + gods will that we should drown, it is folly for us to strive + against fate. We are bound to the shore of the Hundings' + land, and thither must our good ship carry us. Hoist the + sails high on the masts, even though the wind should tear + them into shreds, and split the masts into splinters!" + + The sailors did as they were bidden; and the hurricane + caught the ship in its mighty arms, and hurried it over the + rolling waves with the speed of lightning. And Siegfried + stood calmly at the helm, and guided the flying vessel. + Presently they saw a rocky point rising up out of the waters + before them; and on it stood an old man, his gray cloak + streaming in the wind, and his blue hood tied tightly down + over his head. + + "Whose ship is that which comes riding on the storm?" cried + the man. + + "King Siegfried's ship," answered the man at the prow. + "There lives no braver man on earth than he." + + "Thou sayest truly," came back from the rock. "Lay by your + oars, reef the sails, and take me on board!" + + "What is your name?" asked the sailor, as the ship swept + past him. + + "When the raven croaks gladly over his battle-feast, men + call me Hnikar. But call me now Karl from the mountain, + Fengr, or Fjolner. Reef, quick, your sails, and take me in!" + + The men, at Siegfried's command, obeyed. And at once the + wind ceased blowing, and the sea was calm, and the warm sun + shone through the rifted clouds, and the coast of Hundings + Land lay close before them. But when they looked for + Fjolner, as he called himself, they could not find him. + + One day Siegfried sat in his sun-lit hall in Nibelungen + Land; and Kriemhild, lovely as a morning in June, sat beside + him. And they talked of the early days when alone he fared + through the mid-world, and alone did deeds of wondrous + daring. And Siegfried bethought him then of the glittering + Hoard of Andvari, and the cave and the mountain fortress, + where the faithful dwarf Alberich still guarded the + measureless treasure. + + "How I should like to see that mountain fastness and that + glittering hoard!" cried Kriemhild. + + "You shall see," answered the king. + + And at once horses were saddled, and preparations were made + for a morning's jaunt into the mountains. And, ere an hour + had passed, Siegfried and his queen, and a small number of + knights and ladies, were riding through the passes. About + noon they came to Alberich's dwelling,--a frowning fortress + of granite built in the mountain-side. The gate was opened + by the sleepy giant who always sat within, and the party + rode into the narrow court-yard. There they were met by + Alberich, seeming smaller and grayer, and more pinched and + wan, than ever before. + + "Hail, noble master!" cried he, bowing low before Siegfried. + "How can Alberich serve you to-day?" + + "Lead us to the treasure-vaults," answered the king. "My + queen would fain feast her eyes upon the yellow, sparkling + hoard." + + The dwarf obeyed. Through a narrow door they were ushered + into a long, low cavern, so frowning and gloomy, that the + queen started back in affright. But, re-assured by + Siegfried's smiling face, she went forward again. The + entrance-way was lighted by little torches held in the hands + of tiny elves, who bowed in humble politeness to the kingly + party. But, when once beyond the entrance-hall, no torches + were needed to show the way; for the huge pile of glittering + gold and sparkling jewels, which lay heaped up to the + cavern's roof, lighted all the space around with a glory + brighter than day. + + "There is the dwarf's treasure!" cried Siegfried. "Behold + the Hoard of Andvari, the gathered wealth of the ages! + Henceforth, fair Kriemhild, it is yours--all yours, save + this serpent-ring." + + "And why not that too?" asked the queen; for she admired its + glittering golden scales, and its staring ruby eyes. + + "Alas!" answered he, "a curse rests upon it,--the curse + which Andvari the ancient laid upon it when Loki tore it + from his hand. A miser's heart--selfish, cold, snaky--is + bred in its owner's being; and he thenceforth lives a very + serpent's life. Or, should he resist its influence, then + death through the guile of pretended friends is sure to be + his fate." + + "Then why," asked the queen,--"why do you keep it yourself? + Why do you risk its bane? Why not give it to your sworn foe, + or cast it into the sea, or melt it in the fire, and thus + escape the curse?" + + Siegfried answered by telling how, when in the heyday of his + youth, he had slain Fafnir, the keeper of this hoard, upon + the Glittering Heath; and how, while still in the narrow + trench which he had dug, the blood of the horrid beast had + flown in upon him, and covered him up. + + "And this I have been told by Odin's birds," he went on to + say, "that every part of my body that was touched by the + slimy flood was made forever proof against sword and spear, + and sharp weapons of every kind. Hence I have no cause to + fear the stroke, either of open foes or of traitorous false + friends." + + "But was all of your body covered with the dragon's blood? + Was there no small spot untouched?" asked the queen, more + anxious now than she had ever seemed to be before she had + known aught of her husband's strange security from wounds. + + "Only one very little spot between the shoulders was left + untouched," answered Siegfried. "I afterwards found a + lime-leaf sticking there, and I know that the slimy blood + touched not that spot. But then who fears a thrust in the + back? None save cowards are wounded there." + + "Ah!" said the queen, toying tremulously with the fatal + ring, "that little lime-leaf may yet bring us unutterable + woe." + + But Siegfried laughed at her fears; and he took the + serpent-ring, and slipped it upon his forefinger, and said + that he would wear it there, bane or no bane, so long as + Odin would let him live. + + Then, after another long look at the heaps of glittering + gold and priceless gem-stones, the company turned, and + followed Alberich back, through the gloomy entranceway and + the narrow door, to the open air again. And mounting their + steeds, which stood ready, they started homewards. But, at + the outer gate, Siegfried paused, and said to the dwarf at + parting,-- + + "Hearken, Alberich! The Hoard of Andvari is no longer mine. + I have made a present of it to my queen. Hold it and guard + it, therefore, as hers and hers alone; and, whatever her + bidding may be regarding it, that do." + + "Your word is law, and shall be obeyed," said the dwarf, + bowing low. + + Then the drowsy gate-keeper swung the heavy gate to its + place, and the kingly party rode gayly away. + + On their way home the company went, by another route, + through the narrow mountain pass which led towards the sea, + and thence through a rocky gorge between two smoking + mountains. And on one side of this road a great cavern + yawned, so dark and deep that no man had ever dared to step + inside of it. And as they paused before it, and listened, + they heard, away down in its dismal depths, horrid groans, + sad moanings, and faint wild shrieks, so far away that it + seemed as if they had come from the very centre of the + earth. And, while they still listened, the ground around + them trembled and shook, and the smoking mountain on the + other side of the gorge smoked blacker than before. + + "Loki is uneasy to-day," said Siegfried, as they all put + spurs to their horses, and galloped swiftly home. + + It was the Cavern of the Mischief-maker which the party had + visited; and that evening, as they again sat in Siegfried's + pleasant hall, they amused themselves by telling many + strange old tales of the mid-world's childhood, when the + gods, and the giants, and the dwarf-folk, had their dwelling + on the earth. But they talked most of Loki, the flame, the + restless, the evil-doer. And this, my children, is the story + that was told of the Doom of the Mischief-maker.[EN#30] + + + + The Story. + + + + You have heard of the feast that old AEgir once made for the + Asa-folk in his gold-lit dwelling in the deep sea; and how + the feast was hindered, through the loss of his great + brewing-kettle, until Thor had obtained a still larger + vessel from Hymer the giant. It is very likely that the + thief who stole King AEgir's kettle was none other than Loki + the Mischief-maker; but, if this was so, he was not long + unpunished for his meanness. + + There was great joy in the Ocean-king's hall, when at last + the banquet was ready, and the foaming ale began to pass + itself around to the guests. But Thor, who had done so much + to help matters along, could not stay to the merry-making: + for he had heard that the Storm-giants were marshalling + their forces for a raid upon some unguarded corner of the + mid-world; and so, grasping his hammer Mjolner, he bade his + kind host good-by, and leaped into his iron car. + + "Business always before pleasure!" he cried, as he gave the + word to his swift, strong goats, and rattled away at a + wonderful rate through the air. + + In old AEgir's hall glad music resounded on every side; and + the gleeful Waves danced merrily as the Asa-folk sat around + the festal-board, and partook of the Ocean-king's good fare. + AEgir's two thralls, the faithful Funfeng and the trusty + Elder, waited upon the guests, and carefully supplied their + wants. Never in all the world had two more thoughtful + servants been seen; and every one spoke in praise of their + quickness, and their skill, and their ready obedience. + + Then Loki, unable to keep his hands from mischief, waxed + very angry, because every one seemed happy and free from + trouble, and no one noticed or cared for him. So, while good + Funfeng was serving him to meat, he struck the faithful + thrall with a carving-knife, and killed him. Then arose a + great uproar in the Ocean-king's feast-hall. The Asa-folk + rose up from the table, and drove the Mischief-maker out + from among them; and in their wrath they chased him across + the waters, and forced him to hide in the thick greenwood. + After this they went back to AEgir's hall, and sat down + again to the feast. But they had scarcely begun to eat, when + Loki came quietly out of his hiding-place, and stole slyly + around to AEgir's kitchen, where he found Elder, the other + thrall, grieving sadly because of his brother's death. + + "I hear a great chattering and clattering over there in the + feast-hall," said Loki. "The greedy, silly Asa-folk seem to + be very busy indeed, both with their teeth and their + tongues. Tell me, now, good Elder, what they talk about + while they sit over their meat and ale." + + "They talk of noble deeds," answered Elder. "They speak of + gallant heroes, and brave men, and fair women, and strong + hearts, and willing hands, and gentle manners, and kind + friends. And for all these they have words of praise, and + songs of beauty; but none of them speak well of Loki, the + thief and the vile traitor." + + "Ah!" said Loki wrathfully, twisting himself into a dozen + different shapes, "no one could ask so great a kindness from + such folk. I must go into the feast-hall, and take a look at + this fine company, and listen to their noisy merry-making. I + have a fine scolding laid up for those good fellows; and, + unless they are careful with their tongues, they will find + many hard words mixed with their ale." + + Then he went boldly into the great hall, and stood up before + the wonder-stricken guests at the table. When the Asa-folk + saw who it was that had darkened the doorway, and was now in + their midst, a painful silence fell upon them, and all their + merriment was at an end. And Loki stretched himself up to + his full height, and said to them,-- + + "Hungry and thirsty come I to AEgir's gold lit hall. Long + and rough was the road I trod, and wearisome was the way. + Will no one bid me welcome? Will none give me a seat at the + feast? Will none offer me a drink of the precious mead? Why + are you all so dumb? Why so sulky and stiff-necked, when + your best friend stands before you? Give me a seat among + you,--yes, one of the high-seats,--or else drive me from + your hall! In either case, the world will never forget me. I + am Loki." + + Then one among the Asa-folk spoke up, and said, "Let him sit + with us. He is mad; and when be slew Funfeng, he was not in + his right mind. He is not answerable for his rash act." + + But Bragi the Wise, who sat on the innermost seat, arose, + and said, "Nay, we will not give him a seat among us. + Nevermore shall he feast or sup with us, or share our + good-fellowship. Thieves and murderers we know, and will + shun." + + This speech enraged Loki all the more; and he spared not + vile words, but heaped abuse without stint upon all the folk + before him. And by main force he seized hold of the silent + Vidar, who had come from the forest solitudes to be present + at the feast, and dragged him away from the table, and + seated himself in his place. Then, as he quaffed the foaming + ale, he flung out taunts and jeers and hard words to all who + sat around, but chiefly to Bragi the Wise. Then he turned to + Sif, the beautiful wife of Thor, and began to twit her about + her golden hair. + + "Oh, how handsome you were, when you looked at your bald + head in the mirror that day! Oh, what music you made when + your hands touched your smooth pate! And now whose hair do + you wear?" + + And the wretch laughed wickedly, as he saw the tears welling + up in poor Sif's eyes. + + Then suddenly a great tumult was heard outside. The + mountains shook and trembled; and the bottom of the sea + seemed moved; and the waves, affrighted and angry, rushed + hither and thither in confusion. All the guests looked up in + eager expectation, and some of them fled in alarm from the + hall. Then the mighty Thor strode through the door, and up + to the table, swinging his hammer, and casting wrathful + glances at the Mischief-maker. Loki trembled, and dropped + his goblet, and sank down upon his knees before the terrible + Asa. + + "I yield me!" he cried. "Spare my life, I pray you, and I + will be your thrall forever!" + + "I want no such thrall," answered Thor. "And I spare your + life on one condition only,--that you go at once from hence, + and nevermore presume to come into the company of Asa-folk." + + "I promise all that you ask," said Loki, trembling more than + ever. "Let me go." + + Thor stepped aside; and the frightened culprit fled from the + hall, and was soon out of sight. The feast was broken up. + The folk bade AEgir a kind farewell, and all embarked on + Frey's good ship Skidbladner; and fair winds wafted them + swiftly home to Asgard. + + Loki fled to the dark mountain gorges of Mist Land, and + sought for a while to hide himself from the sight of both + gods and men. In a deep ravine by the side of a roaring + torrent, he built himself a house of iron and stone, and + placed a door on each of its four sides, so that he could + see whatever passed around him. There, for many winters, he + lived in lonely solitude, planning with himself how he might + baffle the gods, and regain his old place in Asgard. And now + and then he slipped slyly away from his hiding-place, and + wrought much mischief for a time among the abodes of men. + But when Thor heard of his evil-doings, and sought to catch + him, and punish him for his evil deeds, he was nowhere to be + found. And at last the Asa-folk determined, that, if he + could ever be captured, the safety of the world required + that he should be bound hand and foot, and kept forever in + prison. + + Loki often amused himself in his mountain home by taking + upon him his favorite form of a salmon, and lying + listlessly, beneath the waters of the great Fanander + Cataract, which fell from the shelving rocks a thousand feet + above him. One day while thus lying, he bethought himself of + former days, when he walked the glad young earth in company + with the All-Father. And among other things he remembered + how he had once borrowed the magic net of Ran, the + Ocean-queen, and had caught with it the dwarf Andvari, + disguised, as he himself now was, in the form of a slippery + salmon. + + "I will make me such a net!" he cried. "I will make it + strong and good; and I, too, will fish for men." + + So he took again his proper shape, and went back to his + cheerless home in the ravine. And he gathered flax and wool + and long hemp, and spun yarn and strong cords, and wove them + into meshes, after the pattern of Queen Ran's magic net; for + men had not, at that time, learned how to make or use nets + for fishing. And the first fisherman who caught fish in that + way is said to have taken Loki's net as a model. + + Odin sat, on the morrow, in his high hall of Hlidskialf, and + looked out over all the world, and saw, even to the + uttermost corners, what men-folk were everywhere doing. When + his eye rested upon the dark line which marked the + mountain-land of the Mist Country, he started up in quick + surprise, and cried out, + + "Who is that who sits by the Fanander Force, and ties strong + cords together?" + + But none of those who stood around could tell, for their + eyes were not strong enough and clear enough to see so far. + + "Bring Heimdal!" then cried Odin. + + Now, Heimdal the White dwells among the blue mountains of + sunny Himminbjorg, where the rainbow, the shimmering + Asa-bridge, spans the space betwixt heaven and earth. He is + the son of Odin, golden-toothed, pure-faced, and + clean-hearted; and he ever keeps watch and ward over the + mid-world and the homes of frail men-folk, lest the giants + shall break in, and destroy and slay. He rides upon a + shining steed named Goldtop; and he holds in his hand a horn + called Gjallar-horn, with which, in the last great twilight, + he shall summon the world to battle with the Fenris-wolf and + the sons of Loki. This watchful guardian of the mid-world is + as wakeful as the birds. And his hearing is so keen, that no + sound on earth escapes him,--not even that of the rippling + waves upon the seashore, nor of the quiet sprouting of the + grass in the meadows, nor even of the growth of the soft + wool on the backs of sheep. And his eyesight, too, is + wondrous clear and sharp; for he can see by night as well as + by day, and the smallest thing, although a hundred leagues + away, cannot be hidden from him. + + To Heimdal, then, the heralds hastened, bearing the words + which Odin had spoken. And the watchful warder of the + mid-world came at once to the call of the All-Father. + + "Turn your eyes to the sombre mountains that guard the + shadowy Mist-land from the sea," said Odin, "Now look far + down into the rocky gorge in which the Fanander Cataract + pours, and tell me what you see." + + Heimdal did as he was bidden. + + "I see a shape," said he, "sitting by the torrent's side. It + is Loki's shape, and he seems strangely busy with strong + strings and cords." + + "Call all our folk together!" commanded Odin. "The wily + Mischief-maker plots our hurt. He must be driven from his + hiding-place, and put where he can do no further harm." + + Great stir was there then in Asgard. Every one hastened to + answer Odin's call, and to join in the quest for the + Mischief-maker. Thor came on foot, with his hammer tightly + grasped in his hands, and lightning flashing from beneath + his red brows. Tyr, the one-handed, came with his sword. + Then followed Bragi the Wise, with his harp and his sage + counsels; then Hermod the Nimble, with his quick wit and + ready hands; and, lastly, a great company of elves and + wood-sprites and trolls. Then a whirlwind caught them up in + its swirling arms, and carried them through the air, over + the hill-tops and the country-side, and the meadows and the + mountains, and set them down in the gorge of the Fanander + Force. + + But Loki was not caught napping. His wakeful ears had heard + the tumult in the air, and he guessed who it was that was + coming. He threw the net, which he had just finished, into + the fire, and jumped quickly into the swift torrent, where, + changing himself into a salmon, he lay hidden beneath the + foaming waters. + + When the eager Asa-folk reached Loki's dwelling, they found + that he whom they sought had fled; and although they + searched high and low, among the rocks and the caves and the + snowy crags, they could see no signs of the cunning + fugitive. Then they went back to his house again to consult + what next to do. And, while standing by the hearth, Kwaser, + a sharp-sighted elf, whose eyes were quicker than the + sunbeam, saw the white ashes of the burned net lying + undisturbed in the still hot embers, the woven meshes + unbroken and whole. + + "See what the cunning fellow has been making!" cried the + elf. "It must have been a trap for catching fish." + + "Or rather for catching men," said Bragi; "for it is + strangely like the Sea-queen's net." + + "In that case," said Hermod the Nimble, "he has made a trap + for himself; for, no doubt, he has changed himself, as is + his wont, to a slippery salmon, and lies at this moment + hidden beneath the Fanander torrent. Here are plenty of + cords of flax and hemp and wool, with which he intended to + make other nets. Let us take them, and weave one like the + pattern which lies there in the embers; and then, if I + mistake not, we shall catch the too cunning fellow." + + All saw the wisdom of these words, and all set quickly to + work. In a short time they had made a net strong and large, + and full of fine meshes, like the model among the coals. + Then they threw it into the roaring stream, Thor holding to + one end, and all the other folk pulling at the other. With + great toil, they dragged it forwards, against the current, + even to the foot of the waterfall. But the cunning Loki + crept close down between two sharp stones, and lay there + quietly while the net passed harmlessly over him. + + "Let us try again!" cried Thor. "I am sure that something + besides dead rocks lies at the bottom of the stream." + + So they hung heavy weights to the net, and began to drag it + a second time, this time going down stream. Loki looked out + from his hiding-place, and saw that he would not be able to + escape again by lying between the rocks, and that his only + chance for safety was either to leap over the net, and hide + himself behind the rushing cataract itself, or to swim with + the current out to the sea. But the way to the sea was long, + and there were many shallow places; and Loki had doubts as + to how old AEgir would receive him in his kingdom. He feared + greatly to undertake so dangerous and uncertain a course. + So, turning upon his foes, and calling up all his strength, + he made a tremendous leap high into the air, and clean over + the net. But Thor was too quick for him. As he fell towards + the water, the Thunderer quickly threw out his hand, and + caught the slippery salmon, holding him firmly by the tail. + + When Loki found that he was surely caught, and could not by + any means escape, he took again his proper shape. Fiercely + did he struggle with mighty Thor, and bitter were the curses + which he poured down upon his enemies. But he could not get + free. Into the deep, dark cavern, beneath the smoking + mountain, where daylight never comes, nor the warmth of the + sun, nor the sound of Nature's music, the fallen + Mischief-maker was carried. And they bound him firmly to the + sharp rocks, with his face turned upwards toward the + dripping roof; for they said that nevermore, until the last + dread twilight, should he be free to vex the world with his + wickedness. And Skade, the giant wife of Niord and the + daughter of grim Old Winter, took a hideous poison snake, + and hung it up above Loki, so that its venom would drop into + his upturned face. But Sigyn, the loving wife of the + suffering wretch, left her home in the pleasant halls of + Asgard, and came to his horrible prison-house to soothe and + comfort him; and evermore she holds a basin above his head, + and catches in it the poisonous drops as they fall. When the + basin is filled, and she turns to empty it in the tar-black + river that flows through that home of horrors, the terrible + venom falls upon his unprotected face, and Loki writhes and + shrieks in fearful agony, until the earth around him shakes + and trembles, and the mountains spit forth fire, and fumes + of sulphur-smoke. + + And there the Mischief-maker, the spirit of evil, shall lie + in torment until the last great day and the dread twilight + of all mid-world things. How strange and how sad, that, + while Loki lies thus bound and harmless, evil still walks + the earth, and that so much mischief and such dire disasters + were prepared for Siegfried and the folk of Nibelungen Land! + + + + + + Adventure XVIII + How the Mischief Began to Brew. + + + + One day a party of strangers came to Siegfried's Nibelungen + dwelling, and asked to speak with the king. + + "Who are you? and what is your errand?" asked the porter at + the gate. + + "Our errand is to the king, and he will know who we are when + he sees us," was the answer. + + When Siegfried was told of the strange men who waited below, + and of the strange way in which they had answered the + porter's question, he asked,-- + + "From what country seem they to have come? For surely their + dress and manners will betray something of that matter to + you. Are they South-land folk, or East-land folk? Are they + from the mountains, or from the sea?" + + "They belong to none of the neighbor-lands," answered the + earl who had brought the word to the king. "No such men live + upon our borders. They seem to have come from a far-off + land; for they are travel-worn, and their sea-stained + clothing betokens a people from the south. They are tall and + dark, and their hair is black, and they look much like those + Rhineland warriors who came hither with our lady the queen. + And they carry a blood-red banner with a golden dragon + painted upon it." + + "Oh, they must be from Burgundy!" cried the queen, who had + overheard these words. And she went at once to the window to + see the strangers, who were waiting in the courtyard below. + + There, indeed, she saw thirty tall Burgundians, clad in the + gay costume of Rhineland, now faded and worn with long + travel. But all save one were young, and strangers to + Kriemhild. That one was their leader,--an old man with a + kind face, and a right noble bearing. + + "See!" said the queen to Siegfried: "there is our brave + captain Gere, who, ever since my childhood, has been the + trustiest man in my brother Gunther's household. Those men + are from the fatherland, and they bring tidings from the + dear old Burgundian home." + + "Welcome are they to our Nibelungen Land!" cried the + delighted king. + + And he ordered that the strangers should be brought into the + castle, and that the most sumptuous rooms should be allotted + to them, and a plenteous meal prepared, and every thing done + to entertain them in a style befitting messengers from + Kriemhild's fatherland. Then Gere, the trusty captain, was + led into the presence of the king and queen. Right gladly + did they welcome him, and many were the questions they asked + about their kin-folk, and the old Rhineland home. + + "Tell us, good Gere," said Siegfried, "what is thy message + from our friends; for we are anxious to know whether they + are well and happy, or whether some ill luck has overtaken + them. If any harm threatens them, they have but to speak, + and I, with my sword and my treasures, will hasten to their + help." + + "They are all well," answered the captain. "No ill has + befallen them, and no harm threatens them. Peace rules all + the land; and fair weather and sunshine have filled the + people's barns, and made their hearts glad. And thus it has + been ever since Gunther brought to his dwelling the + warrior-maiden Brunhild to be his queen. And this is my + errand and the message that I bring: King Gunther, blessed + with happiness, intends to hold a grand high-tide of joy and + thanksgiving at the time of the harvest-moon. And nothing is + wanting to complete the gladness of that time, but the sight + of you and the peerless Kriemhild in your old places at the + feast. And it is to invite you to this festival of rejoicing + that I have come, at the king's command, to Nibelungen + Land." + + Siegfried sat a moment in silence, and then thoughtfully + answered,-- + + "It is a long, long journey from this land to Burgundy, and + many dangers beset the road; and my own people would sadly + miss me while away, and I know not what mishaps might + befall." + + Then Gere spoke of the queen-mother Ute, now grown old and + feeble, who wished once more, ere death called her hence, to + see her daughter Kriemhild. And he told how all the people, + both high and low, yearned for another sight of the radiant + hero who in former days had blessed their land with his + presence and his noble deeds. And his persuasive words had + much weight with Siegfried, who said at length,-- + + "Tarry a few days yet for my answer. I will talk with my + friends and the Nibelungen earls; and what they think best, + that will I do." + + For nine days, then, waited Gere at Siegfried's hall; but + still the king put off his answer. + + "Wait until to-morrow," he said each day, for his heart + whispered dim forebodings. + + At length, as midsummer was fast drawing near, the impatient + captain could stay no longer; and he bade his followers make + ready to go back forthwith to Burgundy. When the queen saw + that they were ready to take their leave, and that Gere + could wait no longer upon the king's pleasure, she urged her + husband to say to Gunther that they would come to his + harvest festival. And the lords and noble earl-folk added + their persuasions to hers. + + "Send word back to the Burgundian king," said they, "that + you will go, as he desires. We will see to it that no harm + comes to your kingdom while you are away." + + So Siegfried called Gere and his comrades into the ball, and + loaded them with costly gifts such as they had never before + seen, and bade them say to their master that he gladly + accepted the kind invitation he had sent, and that, ere the + harvest high-tide began, he and Kriemhild would be with him + in Burgundy. + + And the messengers went back with all speed, and told what + wondrous things they had seen in Nibelungen Land, and in + what great splendor Siegfried lived. And, when they showed + the rare presents which had been given them, all joined in + praising the goodness and greatness of the hero-king. But + old chief Hagen frowned darkly as he said,-- + + "It is little wonder that he can do such things, for the + Shining Hoard of Andvari is his. If we had such a treasure, + we, too, might live in more than kingly grandeur." + + Early in the month of roses, Siegfried and his peerless + queen, with a retinue of more than a thousand warriors and + many fair ladies, started on their long and toilsome journey + to the South-land. And the folk who went with them to the + city gates bade them mane tearful farewells, and returned to + their homes, feeling that the sunshine had gone forever from + the Nibelungen Land. But the sky was blue and cloudless, and + the breezes warm and mild, and glad was the song of the + reapers as adown the seaward highway the kingly company + rode. Two days they rode through Mist Land, to the shore of + the peaceful sea. Ten days they sailed on the waters. And + the winds were soft and gentle; and the waves slept in the + sunlight, or merrily danced in their wake. But each day, far + behind them, there followed a storm-cloud, dark as night, + and the pleasant shores of Mist Land were hidden forever + behind it. Five days they rode through the Lowlands, and + glad were the Lowland folk with sight of their hero-king. + Two days through the silent greenwood, and one o'er the + barren moor, and three amid vineyards and fields, and + between orchards fruitful and fair, they rode. And on the + four and twentieth day they came in sight of the quiet town, + and the tall gray towers, where dwelt the Burgundian kings. + And a great company on horseback, with flashing shields and + fine-wrought garments and nodding plumes, came out to meet + them. It was King Gernot and a thousand of the best men and + fairest women in Burgundy; and they welcomed Siegfried and + Kriemhild and their Nibelungen-folk to the fair land of the + Rhine. And then they turned, and rode back with them to the + castle. And, as the company passed through the pleasant + streets of the town, the people stood by the wayside, + anxious to catch sight of the radiant Siegfried on his + sunbright steed, and of the peerless Kriemhild, riding on a + palfrey by his side. And young girls strewed roses in their + pathway, and hung garlands upon their horses; and every one + shouted, "Hail to the conquering hero! Hail to the matchless + queen!" + + When they reached the castle, King Gunther and Giselher met + them, and ushered them into the old familiar halls, where a + right hearty welcome greeted them from all the kingly + household. And none seemed more glad in this happy hour than + Brunhild the warrior-queen, now more gloriously beautiful + than even in the days of yore. + + When the harvest-moon began to shine full and bright, + lighting up the whole world from evening till morn with its + soft radiance, the gay festival so long looked forward to + began. And care and anxiety, and the fatigues of the long + journey, were forgotten amid the endless round of pleasure + which for twelve days enlivened the whole of Burgundy. And + the chiefest honors were everywhere paid to Siegfried the + hero-king, and to Kriemhild the peerless queen of beauty. + + Then Queen Brunhild called to mind, how, on a time, it had + been told her in Isenland that Siegfried was but the + liegeman and vassal of King Gunther; and she wondered why + such honor should be paid to an underling, and why the king + himself should treat him with so much respect. And as she + thought of this, and of the high praises with which every + one spoke of Kriemhild, her mind became filled with jealous + broodings. And soon her bitter jealousy was turned to deadly + hate; for she remembered then, how, in the days long past, a + noble youth, more beautiful and more glorious than the world + would ever see again, had awakened her from the deep sleep + that Odin's thorn had given; and she remembered how Gunther + had won her by deeds of strength and skill which he never + afterwards could even imitate; and she thought how grand + indeed was Kriemhild's husband compared with her own weak + and wavering and commonplace lord. And her soul was filled + with sorrow and bitterness and deepest misery, when, putting + these thoughts together, she believed that she had in some + way been duped and cheated into becoming Gunther's wife. + + When at last the gay feast was ended, and most of the guests + had gone to their homes, she sought her husband, and thus + broached the matter to him. + + "Often have I asked you," said she, "why your sister + Kriemhild was given in marriage to a vassal, and as often + have you put me off with vague excuses. Often, too, have I + wondered why your vassal, Siegfried, has never paid you + tribute for the lands which he holds from you, and why he + has never come to render you homage. Now he is here in your + castle; but he sets himself up, not as your vassal, but as + your peer. I pray you, tell me what such strange things + mean. Was an underling and a vassal ever known before to put + himself upon a level with his liege lord?" + + Gunther was greatly troubled, and he knew not what to say; + for he feared to tell the queen how they had deceived her + when he had won the games at Isenstein, and how the truth + had ever since been kept hidden from her. + + "Ask me not to explain this matter further than I have + already done," he answered. "It is enough that Siegfried is + the greatest of all my vassals, and that his lands are + broader even than my own. He has helped me out of many + straits, and has added much to the greatness and strength of + my kingdom: for this reason he has never been asked to pay + us tribute, and for this reason we grant him highest + honors." + + But this answer failed to satisfy the queen. + + "Is it not the first duty of a vassal," she asked, "to help + his liege lord in every undertaking? If so, Siegfried has + but done his duty, and you owe him nothing. But you have not + told me all. You have deceived me, and you would fain + deceive me again. You have a secret, and I will find it + out." + + The king made no answer, but walked silently and + thoughtfully away. + + It happened one evening, not long thereafter, that the two + queens sat together at an upper window, and looked down upon + a company of men in the courtyard below. Among them were the + noblest earl-folk of Burgundy, and Gunther the king, and + Siegfried. But Siegfried towered above all the rest; and he + moved like a god among men. + + "See my noble Siegfried!" cried Kriemhild in her pride. "How + grandly he stands there! What a type of manly beauty and + strength! No one cares to look at other men when he is + near." + + "He maybe handsome," answered Brunhild sadly; "and, for + aught I know, he may be noble. But what is all that by the + side of kingly power? Were he but the peer of your brother + Gunther, then you might well boast." + + "He is the peer of Gunther," returned Kriemhild. "And not + only his peer, but more; for he stands as high above him in + kingly power and worth as in bodily stature." + + "How can that be?" asked Brunhild, growing angry. "For, when + Gunther so gallantly won me at Isenstein, he told me that + Siegfried was his vassal; and often since that time I have + heard the same. And even your husband told me that Gunther + was his liege lord." + + Queen Kriemhild laughed at these words, and answered, "I + tell you again that Siegfried is a king far nobler and + richer and higher than any other king on earth. Think you + that my brothers would have given me to a mere vassal to be + his wife?" + + Then Brunhild, full of wrath, replied, "Your husband is + Gunther's vassal and my own, and he shall do homage to us as + the humblest and meanest of our underlings. He shall not go + from this place until he has paid all the tribute that has + so long been due from him. Then we shall see who is the + vassal, and who is the lord." + + "Nay," answered Kriemhild. "It shall not be. No tribute was + ever due; and, if homage is to be paid, it is rather Gunther + who must pay it." + + "It shall be settled once for all!" cried Brunhild, now + boiling over with rage. "I will know the truth. If Siegfried + is not our vassal, then I have been duped; and I will have + revenge." + + "It is well," was the mild answer. "Let it be settled, once + for all; and then, mayhap, we shall know who it was who + really won the games at Isenstein, and you for Gunther's + wife." + + And the two queens parted in wrath.[EN#31] + + Kriemhild's anger was as fleeting as an April cloud, which + does but threaten, and then passes away in tears and + sunshine. But Brunhild's was like the dread winter storm + that sweeps down from Niflheim, and brings ruin and death in + its wake. She felt that she had been cruelly wronged in some + way, and that her life had been wrecked, and she rested not + until she had learned the truth. + + It was Hagen who at last told her the story of the cruel + deceit that had made her Gunther's wife; and then her wrath + and her shame knew no bounds. + + "Woe betide the day!" she cried,--"woe betide the day that + brought me to Rhineland, and made me the wife of a weakling + and coward, and the jest of him who might have done nobler + things!" + + Hagen smiled. He had long waited for this day. + + "It was Siegfried, and Siegfried alone, who plotted to + deceive you," he said. "Had it not been for him, you might + still have been the happy maiden-queen of Isenland. And now + he laughs at you, and urges his queen, Kriemhild, to scorn + you as she would an underling." + + "I know it, I know it," returned the queen in distress. "And + yet how grandly noble is the man! How he rushed through the + flames to awaken me, when no one else could save! How brave, + how handsome,--and yet he has been my bane. I can have no + peace while he lives." + + Hagen smiled again, and a strange light gleamed from his + dark eye. Then he said, "Truly handsome and brave is he, but + a viler traitor was never born. He even now plots to seize + this kingdom, and to add it to his domain. Why else should + he bring so great a retinue of Nibelungen warriors to + Burgundy? I will see King Gunther at once, and we will put + an end to his wicked projects." + + "Do even so, good Hagen," said Brunhild. "Take him from my + path, and bring low the haughty pride of his wife, and I + shall be content." + + "That I will do!" cried Hagen. "That I will do! Gunther is + and shall be the king without a peer; and no one shall dare + dispute the worth and the queenly beauty of his wife." + + Then the wily chief sought Gunther, and with cunning words + poisoned his weak mind. The feeble old king was easily made + to believe that Siegfried was plotting against his life, and + seeking to wrest the kingdom from him. And he forgot the + many kind favors he had received at the hero's hand. He no + longer remembered how Siegfried had slain the terror of the + Glittering Heath, and freed the Burgundians from many a + fear; and how he had routed the warlike hosts of the + North-land, and made prisoners of their kings; and how he + had brought his voyage to Isenland to a happy and successful + ending. He forgot, also, that Siegfried was his sister's + husband. He had ears and mind only for Hagen's wily words. + + "While this man lives," said the dark-browed chief, "none of + us are safe. See how the people follow him! Hear how they + shout at his coming! They look upon him as a god, and upon + Gunther as a nobody. If we are wise, we shall rid ourselves + of so dangerous a man." + + "It is but a week until he takes his leave of us, and goes + back to his own home in Nibelungen Land. Watch him carefully + until that time, but do him no harm. When he is once gone, + he shall never come back again," said the king. But he spoke + thus, not because of any kind feelings towards Siegfried, + but rather because he feared the Nibelungen hero. + + "He has no thought of going at that time," answered Hagen. + "He speaks of it, only to hide his wicked and traitorous + plots. Instead of going home, his plans will then be ready + for action, and it will be too late for us to save + ourselves. Still, if you will not believe me, take your own + course. You have been warned." + + The cunning chief arose to leave the room; but Gunther, now + thoroughly frightened, stopped him. + + "Hagen," he said, "you have always been my friend, and the + words which you say are wise. Save us and our kingdom now, + in whatsoever way you may deem best. I know not what to do." + + Then the weak king and the warrior-chief talked long + together in low, hoarse whispers. And, when they parted, + shame and guilt were stamped in plain lines on Gunther's + face, from which they were nevermore erased; and he dared + not lift his gaze from the floor, fearing that his eyes + would betray him, if seen by any more pure-hearted than he. + But a smile of triumph played under the lurking gleams of + Hagen's eye; and he walked erect and bold, as if he had done + a praiseworthy deed. + + That night a storm came sweeping down from the North, and + the cold rain fell in torrents; and great hailstones + pattered on the roofs and towers of the castle, and cruelly + pelted the cattle in the fields, and the birds in the + friendly shelter of the trees. And old Thor fought bravely + with the Storm-giants; and all night long the rattle of his + chariot-wheels, and the heavy strokes of his dread hammer, + were heard resounding through the heavens. In his lonely + chamber Hagen sat and rubbed his hands together, and grimly + smiled. + + "The time so long waited for has come at last," he said. + + But the guilty king, unable to sleep, walked restlessly to + and fro, and trembled with fear at every sound of the + storm-gust without. + + When day dawned at last, a sad scene met the eyes of all + beholders. The earth was covered with the broken branches of + leafy trees; the flowers and shrubs were beaten pitilessly + to the ground; and here and there lay the dead bodies of + little feathered songsters, who, the day before, had made + the woods glad with their music. + + The sun had scarcely risen above this sorrowful scene, + gilding the gray towers and turrets and the drooping trees + with the promise of better things, than a strange confusion + was noticed outside of the castle-gates. Thirty and two + horsemen wearing the livery of the North-lands stood there, + and asked to be led to the Burgundian kings. + + "Who are you? and what is your errand?" asked the + gate-keeper. + + "We come as heralds and messengers from Leudiger and + Leudigast, the mighty kings of the North," they answered. + "But our errand we can tell to no man save to Gunther your + king, or to his brothers Gernot and Giselher." + + Then they were led by the king's command into the + council-hall, where sat Gunther, Gernot, and the noble + Giselher; and behind them stood their uncle and chief, brave + old Hagen. + + "What message bring you from our old friends Leudiger and + Leudigast?" asked Gunther of the strangers. + + "Call them not your friends," answered the chief of the + company. "We bring you this message from our liege lords, + whom you may well count as enemies. Many years ago they were + sorely beaten in battle, and suffered much hurt at your + hands. And they vowed then to avenge the injury, and to wipe + out the disgrace you had caused them, just so soon as they + were strong enough to do so. Now they are ready, with fifty + thousand men, to march into your country. And they swear to + lay waste your lands, and to burn your towns and villages + and all your castles, unless you at once acknowledge + yourselves their vassals, and agree to pay them tribute. + This is the kings' message. And we were further ordered not + to wait for an answer, but to carry back to them without + delay your reply, whether you will agree to their terms or + no." + + King Gunther, as was his wont, turned to Hagen for advice. + + "Send for Siegfried," whispered the chief. + + It was done. And soon the hero came into the hall. His + kingly grace and warlike bearing were such that Gunther + dared not raise his guilty eyes from the ground; and Hagen's + furtive glances were, for the moment, freighted with fear + and shame. The message of the heralds was repeated to + Siegfried; and Gunther said,-- + + "Most noble friend, you hear what word these traitorous + kings dare send us. Now, we remember, that, long years ago, + you led us against them, and gave us a glorious victory. We + remember, too, how, by your counsel, their lives were + spared, and they were sent home with costly gifts. It is + thus they repay our kindness. What answer shall we send + them?" + + "Say that we will fight," answered Siegfried at once. "I + will lead my brave Nibelungens against them, and they shall + learn how serious a thing it is to break an oath, or to + return treason for kindness." + + The news soon spread through all the town and through the + country-side, that Leudiger and Leudigast, with fifty + thousand men, were marching into Burgundy, and destroying + every thing in their way. And great flight and confusion + prevailed. Men and women hurried hither and thither in + dismay. Soldiers busily sharpened their weapons, and + burnished their armor, ready for the fray. Little children + were seen cowering at every sound, and anxious faces were + found everywhere. + + When Queen Kriemhild saw the busy tumult, and heard the + shouts and cries in the street and the courtyard, and + learned the cause of it all, she was greatly troubled, and + went at once to seek Siegfried. When she found him, she drew + him aside, and besought him not to take part in the war + which threatened, but to hasten with all speed back to their + own loved Nibelungen Land. + + "And why would my noble queen wish me thus to play the part + of a coward, and to leave my friends when they most need my + help?" asked Siegfried in surprise. + + "I would not have you play the coward," answered Kriemhild, + and hot tears stood in her eyes. "But some unseen danger + overhangs. There are other traitors than Leudiger and + Leudigast, and men to be more feared than they. Last night I + dreamed a fearful dream, and it follows me still. I dreamed + that you hunted in the forest, and that two wild boars + attacked you. The grass and the flowers were stained with + your gore, and the cruel tusks of the beasts tore you in + pieces, and no one came to your help. And I cried out in my + distress, and awoke; and the storm-clouds roared and + threatened, and the hail pattered on the roof, and the wind + and rain beat against the windowpanes. Then I slept again, + and another dream, as fearful as the first, came to me. I + dreamed that you rode in the forest, and that music sprang + up in your footsteps, and all things living called you + blessed, but that suddenly two mountains rose up from the + ground, and their high granite crags toppled over, and fell + upon you, and buried you from my sight forever. Then I awoke + again, and my heart has ever since been heavy with fearful + forebodings. I know that some dread evil threatens us; yet, + what it is, I cannot tell. But go not out against the + North-kings. Our Nibelungen-folk wait too long for your + coming." + + Siegfried gayly laughed at his queen's fears, and said, "The + woof of every man's fate has been woven by the Norns, and + neither he nor his foes can change it. When his hour comes, + then he must go to meet his destiny." + + Then he led her gently back to her room in the castle, and + bade her a loving farewell, saying, "When the foes of our + Burgundian hosts are put to flight, and there is no longer + need for us here, then will we hasten back to Nibelungen + Land. Have patience and hope for a few days only, and all + will yet be well. Forget your foolish dreams, and think only + of my glad return." + + It was arranged, that, in the march against the North-kings, + Siegfried with his Nibelungens should take the lead; while + Hagen, with a picked company of fighting-men, should bring + up the rear. Every one was eager to join in the undertaking; + and no one, save King Gunther and his cunning counsellor, + and Ortwin and Dankwart, knew that the pretended heralds + from the North-kings were not heralds at all, but merely the + false tools of wicked Hagen. For the whole was but a + well-planned plot, as we shall see, to entrap unwary, + trusting Siegfried. + + Soon all things were in readiness for the march; but, as the + day was now well spent, it was agreed, that, at early dawn + of the morrow, the little army should set out. And every one + went home to put his affairs in order, and to rest for the + night. + + Late that evening old Hagen went to bid Siegfried's queen + good-by. Kriemhild had tried hard to drown her gloomy fears, + and to forget her sad, foreboding dreams; but it was all in + vain, for deep anxiety still rested heavily upon her mind. + Yet she welcomed her dark-browed uncle with the kindest + words. + + "How glad I am," she said, "that my husband is here to help + my kinsfolk in this their time of need! I know right well, + that, with him to lead, you shall win. But, dear uncle, + remember, when you are in the battle, that we have always + loved you, and that Siegfried has done many kindnesses to + the Burgundians; and, if any danger threaten him, turn it + aside, I pray you, for Kriemhild's sake. I know that I merit + Queen Brunhild's anger, because of the sharp words I lately + spoke to her; but let not my husband suffer blame for that + which is my fault alone." + + "Kriemhild," answered Hagen, "no one shall suffer + blame,--neither Siegfried nor yourself. We are all + forgetful, and sometimes speak hasty words; but that which + we say in angry thoughtlessness should not be cherished up + against us. There is no one who thinks more highly of + Siegfried than I, and there is nothing I would not do to + serve him." + + "I should not fear for him," said she, "if he were not so + bold and reckless. When he is in the battle, he never thinks + of his own safety. And I tremble lest at some time he may + dare too much, and meet his death. If you knew every thing, + as I do, you would fear for him too." + + "What is it?" asked Hagen, trying to hide his + eagerness,--"what is it that gives you cause for fear? Tell + me all about it, and then I will know the better how to + shield him from danger. I will lay down my life for his + sake." + + Then Kriemhild, trusting in her uncle's word, and forgetful + of every caution, told him the secret of the dragon's blood, + and of Siegfried's strange bath, and of the mischief-working + lime-leaf. + + "And now," she added, "since I know that there is one spot + which a deadly weapon might reach, I am in constant fear + that the spear of an enemy may, perchance, strike him there. + Is there not some way of shielding that spot?" + + "There is," answered Hagen. "Make some mark, or put some + sign, upon his coat, that I may know where that spot is. + And, when the battle rages, I will ride close behind him, + and ward off every threatened stroke." + + And Kriemhild joyfully promised that she would at once + embroider a silken lime-leaf on the hero's coat, just over + the fatal spot. And Hagen, well pleased, bade her farewell, + and went away. + + Without delay the chief sought the weak-minded Gunther, and + to him he related all that the trustful Kriemhild had told + him. And, until the midnight hour, the two plotters sat in + the king's bed-chamber, and laid their cunning plans. Both + thought it best, now they had learned the fatal secret, to + give up the sham march against the North-kings, and to seek + by other and easier means to lure Siegfried to his death. + + "The chiefs will be much displeased," said Gunther. "For all + will come, ready to march at the rising of the sun. What + shall we do to please them, and make them more ready to + change their plans?" + + Hagen thought a moment, and then the grim smile that was + wont to break the dark lines of his face when he was pleased + spread over his features. + + "We will have a grand hunt in the Odenwald to-morrow," he + hoarsely whispered. + + + + + + Adventure XIX + How They Hunted in the Odenwald. + + + + Next morning, at earliest daybreak, while yet the stars were + bright, and the trees hung heavy with dew-drops, and the + clouds were light and high, King Siegfried stood with his + warriors before the castle-gate. They waited but for the + sunrise, and a word from Gunther the king, to ride forth + over dale and woodland, and through forest and brake and + field, to meet, as they believed, the hosts of the + North-land kings. And Siegfried moved among them, calm-faced + and bright as a war-god, upon the radiant Greyfell. And men + said, long years afterward, that never had the shining hero + seemed so glorious to their sight. Within the spacious + courtyard a thousand Burgundian braves stood waiting, too, + for the signal, and the king's word of command. And at their + head stood Hagen, dark as a cloud in summer, guilefully + hiding his vile plots, and giving out orders for the + marching. There, too, were honest Gernot, fearless and + upright, and Giselher, true as gold; and neither of them + dreamed of evil, or of the dark deed that day was doomed to + see. Close by the gate was Ortwin, bearing aloft the + blood-red dragon-banner, which the Burgundians were wont to + carry in honor of Siegfried's famous fight with Fafnir. And + there was Dankwart, also, ever ready to boast when no danger + threatened, and ever willing to do chief Hagen's bidding. + And next came Volker the Fiddler good, with the famed sword + Fiddle-bow by him, on which, it is said, he could make the + sweetest music while fighting his foes in battle. + + At length the sun began to peep over the eastern hills, and + his beams fell upon the castle-walls, and shot away through + the trees, and over the meadows, and made the dewdrops + glisten like myriads of diamonds among the dripping leaves + and blossoms. And a glad shout went up from the throats of + the waiting heroes; for they thought that the looked-for + moment had come, and the march would soon begin. And the + shout was echoed from walls to turrets, and from turrets to + trees, and from trees to hills, and from the hills to the + vaulted sky above. And nothing was wanting now but King + Gunther's word of command. + + Suddenly, far down the street, the sound of a bugle was + heard, and then of the swift clattering of horses' hoofs + coming up the hill towards the castle. + + "Who are they who come thus to join us at the last moment?" + asked Hagen of the watchman above the gate. + + "They are strangers," answered the watchman; "and they carry + a peace-flag." + + In a few moments the strange horsemen dashed up, and halted + some distance from the castle-gate, where Siegfried and his + heroes stood. + + "Who are you? and what is your errand?" cried Hagen, in the + king's name. + + They answered that they were heralds from the North-land + kings, sent quickly to correct the message of the day + before; for their liege lords, Leudiger and Leudigast, they + said, had given up warring against Burgundy, and had gone + back to their homes. And they had sent humbly to ask the + Rhineland kings to forget the rash threats which they had + made, and to allow them to swear fealty to Gunther, and + henceforth to be his humble vassals, if only they might be + forgiven. + + "Right cheerfully do we forgive them!" cried Gunther, not + waiting to consult with his wise men. "And our forgiveness + shall be so full, that we shall ask neither fealty nor + tribute from them." + + Then he turned to Siegfried, and said, "You hear, friend + Siegfried, how this troublesome matter has been happily + ended. Accept our thanks, we pray you, for your proffered + help; for, without it, it might have gone but roughly with + us in a second war with the Northland kings. But now you are + free to do what pleases you. If, as you said yesterday, you + would fain return to Nibelungen Land, you may send your + warriors on the way to-day, for they are already equipped + for the journey. But abide you with us another day, and + to-morrow we will bid you God-speed, and you may easily + overtake your Nibelungen friends ere they have reached our + own boundaries." + + Siegfried was not well pleased to give up an undertaking + scarce begun, and still less could he understand why the + king should be so ready to forgive the affront which the + North-land kings had offered him. And he was not slow in + reading the look of shame and guilt that lurked in Gunther's + face, or the smile of jealous hate that Hagen could no + longer hide. Yet no word of displeasure spoke he, nor seemed + he to understand that any mischief was brewing; for he + feared neither force nor guile. So he bade his Nibelungens + to begin their homeward march, saying that he and Kriemhild, + and the ladies of her train, would follow swiftly on the + morrow. + + "Since it is your last day with us," said Gunther, grown + cunning through Hagen's teaching, "what say you, dear + Siegfried, to a hunt in Odin's Wood?" + + "Right glad will I be to join you in such sport," answered + Siegfried. "I will change my war-coat for a hunting-suit, + and be ready within an hour." + + Then Siegfried went to his apartments, and doffed his + steel-clad armor, and searched in vain through his wardrobe + for his favorite hunting-suit. But it was nowhere to be + found; and he was fain to put on the rich embroidered coat + which he sometimes wore in battle, instead of a + coat-of-mail. And he did not see the white lime-leaf that + Kriemhild with anxious care had worked in silk upon it. Then + he sought the queen, and told her of the unlooked-for change + of plans, and how, on the morrow, they would ride towards + Nibelungen Land; but to-day he said he had promised Gunther + to hunt with him in the Odenwald. + + But Kriemhild, to his great surprise, begged him not to + leave her, even to hunt in the Odenwald. For she had begun + to fear that she had made a great mistake in telling Hagen + the story of the lime-leaf; and yet she could not explain to + Siegfried the true cause of her uneasiness. + + "Oh, do not join in the hunt!" she cried. "Something tells + me that danger lurks hidden in the wood. Stay in the castle + with me, and help me put things in readiness for our journey + homewards to-morrow. Last night I had another dream. I + thought that Odin's birds, Hugin and Munin, sat on a tree + before me. And Hugin flapped his wings, and said, 'What more + vile than a false friend? What more to be feared than a + secret foe? Harder than stone is his unfeeling heart; + sharper than the adder's poison-fangs are his words; a snake + in the grass is he!' Then Munin flapped his wings too, but + said nothing. And I awoke, and thought at once of the + sunbright Balder, slain through Loki's vile deceit. And, as + I thought upon his sad death, a withered leaf came + fluttering through the casement, and fell upon my couch. Sad + signs and tokens are these, my husband; and much grief, I + fear, they foretell." + + But Siegfried was deaf to her words of warning, and he + laughed at the foolish dream. Then he bade her farewell till + even-tide, and hastened to join the party of huntsmen who + waited for him impatiently at the gate. + + When the party reached the Odenwald, they separated; each + man taking his own course, and following his own game. + Siegfried, with but one trusty huntsman and his own + fleet-footed hound, sought at once the wildest and thickest + part of the wood. And great was the slaughter he made among + the fierce beasts of the forest; for nothing that was worthy + of notice could hide from his sight, or escape him. From his + lair in a thorny thicket, a huge wild boar sprang up; and + with glaring red eyes, and mouth foaming, and tusks gnashing + with rage, he charged fiercely upon the hero. But, with one + skilful stroke from his great spear, Siegfried laid the + beast dead on the heather. Next he met a tawny lion, couched + ready to spring upon him; but, drawing quickly his heavy + bow, he sent a quivering arrow through the animal's heart. + Then, one after another, he slew a buffalo, four bisons, a + mighty elk with branching horns, and many deers and stags + and savage beasts. + + At one time the hound drove from its hiding-place another + wild boar, much greater than the first, and far more fierce. + Quickly Siegfried dismounted from his horse, and met the + grizzly creature as it rushed with raving fury towards him. + The sword of the hero cleft the beast in twain, and its + bloody parts lay lifeless on the ground. Then Siegfried's + huntsman, in gay mood, said, "My lord, would it not be + better to rest a while! If you keep on slaughtering at this + rate, there will soon be no game left in Odenwald." + + Siegfried laughed heartily at the merry words, and at once + called in his hound, saying, "You are right! We will hunt no + more until our good friends have joined us." + + Soon afterward the call of a bugle was heard; and Gunther + and Hagen and Dankwart and Ortwin, with their huntsmen and + hounds, came riding up. + + "What luck have you had, my friends?" asked Siegfried. + + Then Hagen told what game they had taken,--a deer, a young + bear, and two small wild boars. But, when they learned what + Siegfried had done, the old chief's face grew dark, and he + knit his eyebrows, and bit his lips in jealous hate: for + four knights, ten huntsmen, and four and twenty hounds, had + beaten every bush, and followed every trail; and yet the + Nibelungen king, with but one follower and one hound, had + slain ten times as much game as they. + + While they stood talking over the successes of the day, the + sound of a horn was heard, calling the sportsmen together + for the mid-day meal; and knights and huntsmen turned their + steeds, and rode slowly towards the trysting-place. Suddenly + a huge bear, roused by the noise of baying hounds and + tramping feet, crossed their pathway. + + "Ah!" cried Siegfried, "there goes our friend Bruin, just in + time to give us a bit of fun, and some needed sport at + dinner. He shall go with us, and be our guest!" + + With these words he loosed his hound, and dashed swiftly + forwards after the beast. Through thick underbrush and + tangled briers, and over fallen trees, the frightened + creature ran, until at last it reached a steep hillside. + There, in a rocky cleft, it stood at bay, and fought + fiercely for its life. When Siegfried came up, and saw that + his hound dared not take hold of the furious beast, he + sprang from his horse, and seized the bear in his own strong + arms, and bound him safely with a stout cord. Then he + fastened an end of the cord to his saddle-bows, and + remounted his steed. And thus he rode through the forest to + the place where the dinner waited, dragging the unwilling + bear behind him, while the dog bounded gayly along by his + side. + + No nobler sight had ever been seen in that forest than that + which Gunther's people saw that day. The Nibelungen king was + dressed as well became so great a hero. His suit was of the + speckled lynx's hide and rich black silk, upon which were + embroidered many strange devices, with threads of gold. + (But, alas! between the shoulders was the silken lime-leaf + that Queen Kriemhild's busy fingers had wrought.) His cap + was of the blackest fur, brought from the frozen Siberian + land. Over his shoulder was thrown his well-filled quiver, + made of lion's skin; and in his hands he carried his bow of + mulberry,--a very beam in size, and so strong that no man + save himself could bend it. A golden hunting-horn was at his + side, and his sunbright shield lay on his saddle-bow; while + his mighty sword, the fire-edged Balmung, in its sheath + glittering with gemstones, hung from his jewelled belt. + + The men who stood around chief Hagen, and who saw the hero + coming thus god-like through the greenwood, admired and + trembled; and Dankwart whispered a word of caution to his + dark-browed brother. But the old chief's face grew gloomier + than before; and he scowled fiercely upon the faint-hearted + Dankwart, as he hoarsely whispered in return,-- + + "What though he be Odin himself, still will I dare! It is + not I: it is the Norns, who shape every man's fate." + + When Siegfried reached the camp with his prize, the huntsmen + shouted with delight; and the hounds howled loudly, and + shook their chains, and tried hard to get at the shaggy + beast. The king leaped to the ground, and unloosed the cords + which bound him; and at the same time the hounds were + unleashed, and set upon the angry, frightened creature. + Hemmed in on every side, the bear rushed blindly forwards, + and leaped over the fires, where the cooks were busy with + the dinner. Pots and kettles were knocked about in great + confusion, and the scared cooks thrown sprawling upon the + ground; and many a dainty dish and savory mess was spoiled. + The bear fled fast down the forest road, followed by the + baying hounds and the fleet-footed warriors. But none dared + shoot an arrow at him for fear of killing the dogs; and it + seemed as if he would surely escape, so fast he ran away. + Then Siegfried bounded forwards, swifter than a deer, + overtook the bear, and with one stroke of the sword gave him + his death-blow. And all who saw this feat of strength and + quickness wondered greatly, and felt that such a hero must + indeed be without a peer. + + When Gunther's cooks had made the dinner ready, the company + sat down on the grass, and all partook of a merry meal; for + the bracing air and the morning's sport had made sharp + appetites. But, when they had eaten, they were surprised to + find that there was nothing to drink. Indeed, there was + neither wine nor water in the camp. + + "How glad I am," said Siegfried gayly, "that I am not a + huntsman by trade, if it is a huntsman's way to go thus dry! + Oh for a glass of wine, or even a cup of cold spring-water, + to quench my thirst!" + + "We will make up for this oversight when we go back home," + said Gunther; and his heart was black with falsehood. "The + blame in this matter should rest on Hagen, for it was he who + was to look after the drinkables." + + "My lord," said Hagen, "I fell into a mistake by thinking + that we would dine, not here, but at the Spessart Springs; + and thither I sent the wine." + + "And is there no water near?" asked Siegfried. + + "Yes," answered Hagen. "There is a cool, shady spring not + far from here, where the water gushes in a clear, cold + stream from beneath a linden-tree. Do but forgive me for the + lack of wine, and I will lead you to it. It is a rare + spring, and the water is almost as good as wine." + + "Better than wine for me!" cried Siegfried. And he asked to + be shown to the spring at once. + + Hagen arose, and pointed to a tree not far away, beneath + whose spreading branches Siegfried could see the water + sparkling in the sunlight. + + "Men have told me," said the chief, "that the Nibelungen + king is very fleet of foot, and that no one has ever + outstripped him in the race. Time was, when King Gunther and + myself were spoken of as very swift runners; and, though we + are now growing old, I fancy that many young men would, even + now, fail to keep pace with us. Suppose we try a race to the + spring, and see which of the three can win." + + "Agreed!" cried Siegfried. "We will run; and, if I am + beaten, I will kneel down in the grass to him who wins. I + will give the odds in your favor too; for I will carry with + me my spear, and my shield, and my helmet and sword, and all + the trappings of the chase, while you may doff from your + shoulders whatever might hinder your speed." + + So Gunther and Hagen laid aside all their arms, and put off + their heavy clothing; but Siegfried took up his bow and + quiver, and his heavy shield, and his beamlike spear. Then + the word was given, and all three ran with wondrous speed. + Gunther and his chief flew over the grass as light-footed as + two wild panthers: but Siegfried sped swift as an arrow shot + from the hand of a skilful bowman. He reached the spring + when yet the others were not half way to it. He laid his + spear and sword, and bow and quiver of arrows, upon the + ground, and leaned his heavy shield against the linden-tree; + and then he waited courteously for King Gunther to come up, + for his knightly honor would not allow him to drink until + his host had quenched his thirst. + + Gunther, when he reached the spring, stooped over, and drank + heartily of the cool, refreshing water; and, after he had + risen, Siegfried knelt upon the grass at the edge of the + pool to quaff from the same gushing fountain. Stealthily + then, and with quickness, did chief Hagen hide his huge bow + and his quiver, and his good sword Balmung, and, seizing the + hero's spear, he lifted it in air, and with too steady aim + struck the silken lime-leaf that the loving Kriemhild had + embroidered. Never in all the wide mid-world was known a + deed more cowardly, never a baser act. The hero was pierced + with his own weapon by one he had deemed his friend. His + blood gushed forth in torrents, and dyed the green grass + red, and discolored the sparkling water, and even filled the + face and eyes of vile Hagen. + + Yet, in the hour of death, King Siegfried showed how noble + was his soul, how great his strength of will. Up he rose + from his bended knees, and fiercely glanced around. Then, + had not the evil-eyed chief, who never before had shunned a + foe, fled with fleet-footed fear, quick vengeance would have + overtaken him. In vain did the dying king look for his bow + and his trusty sword: too safely had they been hidden. Then, + though death was fast dimming his eyes, he seized his heavy + shield, and sprang after the flying Hagen. Swift as the wind + he followed him, quickly he overtook him. With his last + strength he felled the vile wretch to the ground, and beat + him with the shield, until the heavy plates of brass and + steel were broken, and the jewels which adorned it were + scattered among the grass. The sound of the heavy blows was + heard far through the forest; and, had the hero's strength + held out, Hagen would have had his reward.[EN#32] But + Siegfried, weak and pale from the loss of blood, now + staggered, and fell among the trampled flowers of the wood. + + Then with his last breath he thus upbraided his false + friends:-- + + "Cowards and traitors, ye! A curse shall fall upon you. My + every care has been to serve and please you, and thus I am + requited. Bitterly shall you rue this deed. The brand of + traitor is set upon your foreheads, and it shall be a mark + of loathing and shame to you forever." + + Then the weak old Gunther began to wring his hands, and to + bewail the death of Siegfried. But the hero bade him hush, + and asked him of what use it was to regret an act which + could have been done only by his leave and sanction. + + "Better to have thought of tears and groans before," said + he. "I have always known that you were a man of weak mind, + but never did I dream that you could lend yourself to so + base a deed. And now, if there is left aught of manliness in + your bosom, I charge you to have a care for Kriemhild your + sister. Long shall my loved Nibelungen-folk await my coming + home." + + The glorious hero struggled in the last agony. The grass and + flowers were covered with his blood; the trees shivered, as + if in sympathy with him, and dropped their leaves upon the + ground; the birds stopped singing, and sorrowfully flew + away; and a solemn silence fell upon the earth, as if the + very heart of Nature had been crushed. + + And the men who stood around--all save the four guilty + ones--bowed their heads upon their hands, and gave way to + one wild burst of grief. Then tenderly they took up + Siegfried, and laid him upon a shield, with his mighty + weapons by him. And, when the sorrowing Night had spread her + black mantle over the mid-world, they carried him silently + out of the forest, and across the river, and brought him, by + Gunther's orders, to the old castle, which now nevermore + would resound with mirth and gladness. And they laid him at + Kriemhild's door, and stole sadly away to their own places, + and each one thought bitterly of the morrow.[EN#33] + + + + + + Adventure XX + How the Hoard Was Brought to Burgundy. + + + + And what was done on the morrow? + + Too sad is the tale of Kriemhild's woe and her grief for the + mighty dead. Let us pass it by in tearful, pitying silence, + nor wish to awaken the echoes of that morning of hopeless + anguish which dawned on the cold and cheerless dwelling of + the kings. For peace had fled from Burgundy, nevermore to + return. + + Siegfried was dead. Faded, now, was the glory of the + Nibelungen Land, and gone was the mid-world's hope. + + It is told in ancient story, how men built a funeral-pile + far out on the grassy meadows, where the quiet river flows; + and how, in busy silence, they laid the sun-dried beams of + ash and elm together, and made ready the hero's couch; and + how the pile was dight with many a sun-bright shield, with + war-coats and glittering helms, and silks and rich dyed + cloths from the South-land, and furs, and fine-wrought + ivory, and gem-stones priceless and rare; and how, over all, + they scattered sweet spices from Araby, and the pleasantest + of all perfumes. Then they brought the golden Siegfried, and + laid him on his couch; and beside him were his battered + shield, and Balmung with its fire-edge bare. And, as the sun + rose high in heaven, the noblest earl-folk who had loved + Siegfried best touched fire to the funeral-pile. And a + pleasant breeze from the Southland fanned the fire to a + flame, and the white blaze leaped on high, and all the folk + cried out in mighty agony to the gods. + + Such was the story that men told to each other when the + world was still young, and the heroes were + unforgotten.[EN#34] And some said, too, that Brunhild, the + fair and hapless queen, died then of a broken heart and of a + hopeless, yearning sorrow, and that she was burned with + Siegfried on that high-built funeral-pile. + + "They are gone,--the lovely, the mighty, the hope of the + ancient earth: + It shall labor and bear the burden as before the day of + their birth: . . . + It shall yearn, and be oft-times holpen, and forget their + deeds no more, + Till the new sun beams on Balder and the happy sealess + shore."[EN#35] + + Another and much later story is sometimes told of these last + sad days,--how the hero's body was laid in a coffin, and + buried in the quiet earth, amid the sorrowful lamentations + of all the Rhineland folk; and how, at Kriemhild's earnest + wish, it was afterwards removed to the place where now + stands the little minster of Lorsch. As to which of these + stories is the true one, it is not for me to say. Enough it + is to know that Siegfried was dead, and that the spring-time + had fled, and the summer-season with all its golden glories + had faded away from Rhineland, and that the powers of + darkness and of cold and of evil had prevailed. + + To this day the city where was the dwelling of the + Burgundian kings is called Worms, in remembrance of the + dragon, or worm, which Siegfried slew; and a figure of that + monster was for many years painted upon the city arms, and + borne on the banner of the Burgundians. And, until recently, + travellers were shown the Reisen-haus,--a stronghold, which, + men say, Siegfried built; and in it were many strange and + mighty weapons, which, they claim, were wielded by the hero. + The lance which was shown there was a great beam nearly + eighty feet in length; and the war-coat, wrought with steel + and gold, and bespangled with gem-stones, was a wonder to + behold. And now, in the Church of St. Cecilia, you may see + what purports to be the hero's grave. And a pleasant meadow, + not far from the town, is still called Kriemhild's + Rose-garden; while farther away is the place called + Drachenfels, or the dragon's field, where, they say, + Siegfried met Fafnir. But whether it is the same as the + Glittering Heath of the ancient legend, I know not. + + And what became of the Hoard of Andvari? + + The story is briefly told.[EN#36] When the days of mourning + were past, and the people had gone back sadly to their + homes, Queen Kriemhild began to speak of returning to the + land of the Nibelungens. But Ute, her aged mother, could not + bear to part with her, and besought her to stay, for a while + at least, in the now desolate Burgundian castle. And Gernot + and Giselher, her true and loving brothers, added their + words of entreaty also. And so, though heart-sick, and with + many misgivings, she agreed to abide for a season in this + cheerless and comfortless place. Many days, even months, + dragged by, and still she remained; for she found it still + harder and harder to tear herself away from her mother, and + all that her heart held dear. Yet never, for three years and + more, did she even speak to Gunther, or by any sign show + that she remembered him. And, as for Hagen, no words could + utter the deep and settled hate she felt towards him. But + the dark-browed chief cared nought either for love or hate; + and he walked erect, as in the days of yore, and he smiled + and frowned alike for both evil and good. And he said, "It + was not I: it was the Norns, who wove the woof of his life + and mine." + + The years went by on leaden wings, and brought no sunlight + to Gunther's dwelling; for his days were full of sadness, + and his nights of fearful dreams. At length he said to chief + Hagen, "If there is aught in the mid-world that can drive + away this gloom, I pray thee to help me find it; for madness + steals upon me." + + "There is one thing," answered Hagen, "which might brighten + our land again, and lift up your drooping spirits, and bring + gladness to your halls." + + "What is that?" asked the king. + + "It is the Nibelungen Hoard," said the chief. "It is the + wondrous treasure of Andvari, which Siegfried gave as a gift + to Kriemhild. If it were ours, we might become the masters + of the world." + + "But how can we obtain it?" + + "It is Kriemhild's," was the answer. "But she does not care + for it; neither could she use it if she wished. If you could + only gain her favor and forgiveness, I feel sure that she + would let you do with it as you wish." + + Then Gunther besought his younger brothers to intercede for + him with Kriemhild, that she would so far forgive him as to + look upon his face, and speak with him once more. And this + the queen at last consented to do. And, when Gunther came + into her presence, she was so touched at sight of his + haggard face and whitened locks, and his earnest words of + sorrow, that she forgave him the great wrong that he had + done, and welcomed him again as her brother. And he swore + that never would he again wrong her or hers, nor do aught to + grieve her. But it was not until a long time after this, + that he proposed to her that they should bring the Hoard of + Andvari away from the Nibelungen Land. + + "For, if it were here, dear sister," he said, "it might be + of great use to you." + + "Do whatever seems best to you," answered Kriemhild. "Only + remember the oath that you have given me." + + Then Gunther, because he was anxious to see the wondrous + Hoard, but more because he was urged on by Hagen, made ready + to send to the Nibelungen Land to bring away the treasure by + Kriemhild's command. Eight thousand men, with Gernot and + Giselher as their leaders, sailed over the sea in stanch + vessels, and landed on the Nibelungen shore. And when they + told who they were, and whence they came, and showed the + queen's signet-ring, they were welcomed heartily by the + fair-haired folk of Mist Land, who gladly acknowledged + themselves the faithful liegemen of the loved Kriemhild. + + When the Burgundians made known their errand to Alberich the + dwarf, who still held watch and ward over the mountain + stronghold, he was much amazed, and he grieved to part with + his cherished treasure. + + "But," said he to his little followers, who stood around him + by thousands, each anxious to fight the intruders,--"but + there is Queen Kriemhild's order and her signet-ring, and we + must, perforce, obey. Yet had we again the good Tarnkappe + which Siegfried took from us, the Hoard should never leave + us." + + Then sadly he gave up the keys, and the Burgundians began to + remove the treasure. For four whole days and nights they + toiled, carrying the Hoard in huge wagons down to the sea. + And on the fifth day they set sail, and without mishap + arrived in good time at Worms. And many of Alberich's + people, the swarthy elves of the cave, came with Gernot to + Rhineland; for they could not live away from the Hoard. And + it is said, that hidden among the gold and the gem-stones + was the far-famed Wishing-rod, which would give to its owner + the power of becoming the lord of the wide mid-world. + + And the vast treasure was stored in the towers and vaults of + the castle. And Queen Kriemhild alone held the keys, and + lavishly she scattered the gold wherever it was needed most. + The hungry were fed, the naked were clothed, the sick were + cared for; and everybody near and far blessed the peerless + Queen of Nibelungen Land. + + Then Hagen, always plotting evil, whispered to King Gunther, + and said, "It is dangerous to suffer your sister to hold so + vast a treasure. All the people are even now ready to leave + you, and follow her. She will yet plot to seize the kingdom, + and destroy us." + + And he urged the king to take the keys and to make the + Nibelungen Hoard his own. + + But Gunther answered, "I have already done too great a + wrong. And I have sworn to my sister never to harm her + again, or to do aught that will grieve her." + + "Let the guilt, then, rest on me," said Hagen. And he strode + away, and took the keys from Kriemhild by force. + + When Gernot and Giselher heard of this last vile act of the + evil-eyed chief, they waxed very angry, and vowed that they + would help their sister regain that which was her own. But + the wary Hagen was not to be foiled; for, while the brothers + were away from the burgh, he caused the great Hoard to be + carried to the river, at a place called Lochheim, and sunk, + fathoms deep, beneath the water. And then, for fear of the + vengeance which might be wreaked upon him, he fled from + Rhineland, and hid himself for a while among the mountains + and the barren hill-country of the South. + + And this was the end of the fated Hoard of Andvari. + + + + + + The After Word. + + + + Such is the story of Siegfried (or Sigurd), as we gather it + from various German and Scandinavian legends. In this + recital I have made no attempt to follow any one of the + numerous originals, but have selected here and there such + incidents as best suited my purpose in constructing one + connected story which would convey to your minds some notion + of the beauty and richness of our ancient myths. In doing + this, I have drawn, now from the Volsunga Saga, now from the + Nibelungen Lied, now from one of the Eddas, and now from + some of the minor legends relating to the great hero of the + North. These ancient stories, although differing widely in + particulars, have a certain general relationship and + agreement which proves beyond doubt a common origin. "The + primeval myth," says Thomas Carlyle, "whether it were at + first philosophical truth, or historical incident, floats + too vaguely on the breath of men: each has the privilege of + inventing, and the far wider privilege of borrowing and new + modelling from all that preceded him. Thus, though tradition + may have but one root, it grows, like a banian, into a whole + overarching labyrinth of trees." + + If you would follow the tradition of Siegfried to the end; + if you would learn how, after the great Hoard had been + buried in the Rhine, the curse of the dwarf Andvari still + followed those who had possessed it, and how Kriemhild + wreaked a terrible vengeance upon Siegfried's + murderers,--you must read the original story as related in + the Volsung Myth or in the Nibelungen Song. Our story ends + with Siegfried. + + The episodes which I have inserted here and there--the + stories of AEgir, and of Balder, and of Idun, and of + Thor--do not, as you may know, belong properly to the legend + of Siegfried; but I have thrown them in, in order to + acquaint you with some of the most beautiful mythical + conceptions of our ancestors. + + A grand old people were those early kinsmen of ours,--not at + all so savage and inhuman as our histories would sometimes + make us believe. For however mistaken their notions may have + been, and however ignorant they were, according to our ideas + of things, they were strong-hearted, brave workers; and, so + far as opportunity was afforded them, they acted well their + parts. What their notions were of true manhood,--a strong + mind in a strong body, good, brave, and handsome,--may be + learned from the story of Siegfried. + + + + + End of The Story of Siegfried. + + + + + + + The Story of Siegfried + Endnotes. + + + + [EN#1] Siegfried's Boyhood. + + "All men agree that Siegfried was a king's son. He was born, + as we here have good reason to know, 'at Santen in + Netherland,' of Siegmund and the fair Siegelinde; yet by + some family misfortune or discord, of which the accounts are + very various, he came into singular straits during boyhood, + having passed that happy period of life, not under the + canopies of costly state, but by the sooty stithy, in one + Mimer, a blacksmith's shop."--Thomas Carlyle, The Nibelungen + Lied. + + The older versions of this story represent Siegfried, under + the name of Sigurd, as being brought up at the court of the + Danish King Hialprek; his own father Sigmund having been + slain in battle, as related in this chapter. He was early + placed under the tuition of Regin, or Regino, an elf, who + instructed his pupil in draughts, runes, languages, and + various other accomplishments.--See Preface to Vollmer's + Nibelunge Not, also the Song of Sigurd Fafnisbane, in the + Elder Edda, and the Icelandic Volsunga Saga. + + + + [EN#2]--Mimer. + + "The Vilkinasaga brings before us yet another smith, Mimer, + by whom not only is Velint instructed in his art, but + Sigfrit (Siegfried) is brought up,--another smith's + apprentice. He is occasionally mentioned in the later poem + of Biterolf, as Mime the Old. The old name of Munster in + Westphalia was Mimigardiford; the Westphalian Minden was + originally Mimidun; and Memleben on the Unstrut, Mimileba. . + . . The elder Norse tradition names him just as often, and + in several different connections. In one place, a Mimingus, + a wood-satyr, and possessor of a sword and jewels, is + interwoven into the myth of Balder and Hoder. The Edda gives + a higher position to its Mimer. He has a fountain, in which + wisdom and understanding lie hidden: drinking of it every + morning, he is the wisest, most intelligent, of men. To + Mimer's fountain came Odin, and desired a drink, but did not + receive it till he had given one of his eyes in pledge, and + hidden it in the fountain: this accounts for Odin being + one-eyed. . . . Mimer is no Asa, but an exalted being with + whom the Asas hold converse, of whom they make use,--the sum + total of wisdom, possibly an older Nature-god. Later fables + degraded him into a wood-sprite, or clever smith.--Grimm's + Deutsche Mythologie, I. p. 379. + + Concerning the Mimer of the Eddas, Professor Anderson says, + "The name Mimer means the knowing. The Giants, being older + than the Asas, looked deeper than the latter into the + darkness of the past. They had witnessed the birth of the + gods and the beginning of the world, and they foresaw their + downfall. Concerning both these events, the gods had to go + to them for knowledge. It is this wisdom that Mimer keeps in + his fountain."--Norse Mythology, p 209. + + In the older versions of the legend, the smith who cared for + Siegfried (Sigurd) is called, as we have before noticed, + Regin. He is thus described by Morris:-- + + "The lore of all men he knew, + And was deft in every cunning, save the dealings of the + sword. + So sweet was his tongue-speech fashioned, that men + trowed his every word. + His hand with the harp-strings blended was the mingler + of delight + With the latter days of sorrow: all tales he told + aright. + The Master of the Masters in the smithying craft was + he; + And he dealt with the wind and the weather and the + stilling of the sea; + Nor might any learn him leech-craft, for before that + race was made, + And that man-folk's generation, all their life-days had + he weighed." + Sigurd the Volsung, Bk. II. + + + + [EN#3]--The Sword. + + "By this sword Balmung also hangs a tale. Doubtless it was + one of those invaluable weapons sometimes fabricated by the + old Northern smiths, compared with which our modern Foxes + and Ferraras and Toledos are mere leaden tools. Von der + Hagen seems to think it simply the sword Mimung under + another name; in which case, Siegfried's old master, Mimer, + had been the maker of it, and called it after himself, as if + it had been his son."--Carlyle, on the Nibelungen Lied, + note. + + In Scandinavian legends, the story of Mimer and Amilias is + given, differing but slightly from the rendering in this + chapter.--See Weber and Jamieson's Illustrations of Northern + Antiquities. + + In the older versions of the myth, the sword is called Gram, + or the Wrath. It was wrought from the shards, or broken + pieces, of Sigmund's sword, the gift of Odin. It was made by + Regin for Sigurd's (Siegfried's) use, and its temper was + tested as here described. + + + + [EN#4]--Sigmund The Volsung. + + Sigmund the Volsung, in the Volsunga Saga, is represented as + the father of Sigurd (Siegfried); but there is such a marked + contrast between him, and the wise, home-abiding King + Siegmund of the later stories, that I have thought proper to + speak of them here as two different individuals. The word + "Sigmund," or "Siegmund," means literally the mouth of + victory. The story of the Volsungs, as here supposed to be + related by Mimer, is derived mainly from the Volsunga Saga. + + + + [EN#5]--Siegfried's Journey Into The Forest. + + + + "In the shop of Mimer, Siegfried was nowise in his proper + element, ever quarrelling with his fellow-apprentices, nay, + as some say, breaking the hardest anvils into shivers by his + too stout hammering; so that Mimer, otherwise a first-rate + smith, could by no means do with him there. He sends him, + accordingly, to the neighboring forest to fetch charcoal, + well aware that a monstrous dragon, one Regin, the smith's + own brother, would meet him, and devour him. But far + otherwise it proved."--Carlyle, on The Nibelungen Lied. + + + + [EN#6]--The Norns. + + The Norns are the Fates, which watch over man through life. + They are Urd the Past, Verdande the Present, and Skuld the + Future. They approach every new-born child, and utter his + doom. They are represented as spinning the thread of fate, + one end of which is hidden by Urd in the far east, the other + by Verdande in the far west. Skuld stands ready to rend it + in pieces. --See Grimm's Teutonic Mythology, p. 405, also + Anderson's Norse Mythology, p. 209. + + The three weird women in Shakespeare's Tragedy of Macbeth + represent a later conception of the three Norns, now + degraded to mere witches. + + Compare the Norns with the Fates of the Greek Mythology. + These, also, are three in number. They sit clothed in white, + and garlanded, singing of destiny. Clotho, the Past, spins; + Lachesis, the Present, divides; and Atropos, the Future, + stands ready with her shears to cut the thread. + + + + [EN#7]--The Idea of Fatality. + + Throughout the story of the Nibelungs and Volsungs, of + Sigurd and of Siegfried,--whether we follow the older + versions or the mote recent renderings,--there is, as it + were, an ever-present but indefinable shadow of coming fate, + "a low, inarticulate voice of Doom," foretelling the + inevitable. This is but in consonance with the general ideas + of our Northern ancestors regarding the fatality which + shapes and controls every man's life. These ideas are + embodied in more than one ancient legend. We find them in + the old Anglo-Saxon poem of Beowulf. "To us," cries Beowulf + in his last fight, "to us it shall be as our Weird + betides,--that Weird that is every man's lord!" "Each man of + us shall abide the end of his life-work; let him that may + work, work his doomed deeds ere death comes!" Similar ideas + prevailed among the Greeks. Read, for example, that passage + in the Iliad describing the parting of Hector and + Andromache, and notice the deeper meaning of Hector's words. + + + + [EN#8]--Regin. + + + + As we have already observed (EN#1), the older versions of + this myth called Siegfried's master and teacher Regin, while + the more recent versions call him Mimer. We have here + endeavored to harmonize the two versions by representing + Mimer as being merely Regin in disguise. + + + + [EN#9]--Gripir. + + "A man of few words was Gripir; but he knew of all deeds + that had been; And times there came upon him, when the deeds + to be were seen: No sword had he held in his hand since his + father fell to field, And against the life of the slayer he + bore undinted shield: Yet no fear in his heart abided, nor + desired he aught at all: But he noted the deeds that had + been, and looked for what should befall." Morris's Sigurd + the Volsung, Bk. II. + + + + [EN#10]--The Hoard. + + This story is found in both the Elder and the Younger Eddas, + and is really the basis upon which the entire plot of the + legend of Sigurd, or Siegfried, is constructed. See also + EN#18. + + + + [EN#11]--The Dragon. + + The oldest form of this story is the Song of Sigurd + Fafnisbane, in the Elder Edda. The English legend of St. + George and the Dragon was probably derived from the same + original sources. A similar myth may be found among all + Aryan peoples. Sometimes it is a treasure, sometimes a + beautiful maiden, that the monster guards, or attempts to + destroy. Its first meaning was probably this: The maiden, or + the treasure, is the earth in its beauty and fertility. "The + monster is the storm-cloud. The hero who fights it is the + sun, with his glorious sword, the lightning-flash. By his + victory the earth is relieved from her peril. The fable has + been varied to suit the atmospheric peculiarities of + different climes in which the Aryans found themselves. . . . + In Northern mythology the serpent is probably the winter + cloud, which broods over and keeps from mortals the gold of + the sun's light and heat, till in the spring the bright orb + overcomes the powers of darkness and tempest, and scatters + his gold over the face of the earth." This myth appears in a + great variety of forms among the Scandinavian and German + nations. In the Eddas, Sigurd (Siegfried) is represented as + roasting the heart of Fafnir, and touching it to his lips. + We have ventured to present a less revolting version.--See + Baring-Gould's Curious Myths of the Middle Ages. + + "The slaying of the dragon Fafnir reminds us of Python, whom + Apollo overcame; and, as Python guarded the Delphic Oracle, + the dying Fafnir prophesies."--Jacob Grimm. + + + + + [EN#12.] + + In order to harmonize subsequent passages in the story as + related in different versions, we here represent Siegfried + as turning his back upon the Glittering Heath, and leaving + the Hoard to some other hero or discoverer. In the Younger + Edda, Siegfried (Sigurd) rides onward until he comes to + Fafnir's bed, from which "he took out all the gold, packed + it in two bags, and laid it on Grane's (Greyfell's) back, + then got on himself and rode away." + + + + [EN#13]--BRAGI. + + This episode of Bragi and his vessel is no part of the + original story of Siegfried, but is here introduced in order + to acquaint you with some of the older myths of our + ancestors. Bragi was the impersonation of music and + eloquence, and here represents the music of Nature,--the + glad songs and sounds of the spring-time. "Above any other + god," says Grimm, "one would like to see a more general + veneration of Bragi revived, in whom was vested the gift of + poetry and eloquence. . . . He appears to have stood in + pretty close relation to AEgir." + + + + [EN#14]--AEgir. + + "AEgir was the god presiding over the stormy sea. He + entertains the gods every harvest, and brews ale for them. + The name still survives in provincial English for the + sea-wave on rivers."--Anderson's Norse Mythology. See + Carlyle's Heroes and Hero-Worship. + + + + [EN#15]--The Valkyries. + + See Grimm's Teutonic Mythology, p. 417, and Anderson's Norse + Mythology, p. 265. + + + + [EN#16]--Brunhild. + + In the Elder Edda, Brunhild's inaccessible hall stands on a + mountain, where she was doomed to sleep under her shield + until Sigurd should release her. In the Nibelungen Lied, she + is represented as ruling in Isenland, an island far over the + sea. The well-known story of the Sleeping Beauty is derived + from this myth. + + + + [EN#17]--Nibelungen Land. + + "Vain were it to inquire where that Nibelungen Land + specially is. Its very name is Nebel-land, or Nifl-land, the + land of Darkness, of Invisibility. . . . Far beyond the firm + horizon, that wonder-bearing region swims on the infinite + waters, unseen by bodily eye, or, at most, discerned as a + faint streak hanging in the blue depths, uncertain whether + island or cloud."--Carlyle, on The Nibelungen Lied. + + + + [EN#18]--Schilbung and Nibelung. + + "Old King Nibelung, the former lord of the land, had left, + when he died, a mighty hoard concealed within a + mountain-cavern. As Siegfried rode past the mountain-side + alone, he found Schilbung and Nibelung, the king's sons, + seated at the mouth of the cavern surrounded by more gold + and precious stones than a hundred wagons could bear away. + Espying Siegfried, they called upon him to settle their + dispute, offering him as reward their father's mighty sword + Balmung."--Auber Forestier's Translation of the Nibelungen + Lied. + + We have here made some slight variations from the original + versions. (See also EN#12.) + + An ancient legend relates how King Schilbung had obtained + the Hoard in the upper Rhine valley, and how he was + afterwards slain by his brother Niblung. This Niblung + possessed a magic ring in the shape of a coiled serpent with + ruby eyes. It had been presented to him by a prince named + Gunthwurm, who had come to him in the guise of a serpent, + desiring the hand of his daughter in marriage. This ring, + according to the Eddas, was the one taken by Loki from the + dwarf Andvari, and was given by Sigurd (Siegfried) to + Brunhild in token of betrothal. It was the cause of all the + disasters that afterwards occurred.--See W. Jordan's + Sigfridssaga. See also EN#10. + + + + [EN#19] + + ". . . Siegfried the hero good + Failed the long task to finish: this stirred their + angry mood. + The treasure undivided he needs must let remain, + When the two kings indignant set on him with their + train; + But Siegfried gripped sharp Balmung (so hight their + father's sword), + And took from them their country, and the beaming, + precious hoard." + The Nibelungenlied, Lettsom, 96, 97 + + + + [EN#20]--Siegfried's Welcome Home. + + In the Nibelungen Lied this is our first introduction to the + hero. The "High-tide" held in honor of Siegfried's coming to + manhood, and which we suppose to have occurred at this time, + forms the subject of the Second Adventure in that poem. + + + + [EN#21]--Kriemhild's Dream. + + This forms the subject of the first chapter of the + Nibelungen Lied. "The eagles of Kriemhild's dream," says + Auber Forestier, "are winter-giants, whose wont it was to + transform themselves into eagles; while the pure gods were + in the habit of assuming the falcon's form." + + + + [EN#22]--Idun. + + The story of Idun and her Apples is related in the Younger + Edda. It is there represented as having been told by Bragi + himself to his friend AEgir. This myth means, that the + ever-renovating spring (Idun) being taken captive by the + desolating winter (Thjasse), all Nature (all the Asa-folk) + languishes until she regains her freedom through the + intervention of the summer's heat (Loki). --See Anderson's + Norse Mythology. + + + + [EN#23]--Balder. + + The story of Balder is, in reality, the most ancient form of + the Siegfried myth. Both Balder and Siegfried are + impersonations of the beneficent light of the summer's sun, + and both are represented as being treacherously slain by the + powers of winter. The errand of Hermod to the Halls of Death + (Hela) reminds us of the errand of Hermes to Hades to bring + back Persephone to her mother Demetre. We perceive also a + resemblance in this story to the myth of Orpheus, in which + that hero is described as descending into the lower regions + to bring away his wife Eurydice. + + + + [EN#24] + + The making of rich clothing for the heroes is frequently + referred to in the Nibelungen Lied. Carlyle says, "This is a + never-failing preparative for all expeditions, and is always + specified and insisted on with a simple, loving, almost + female impressiveness." + + + + [EN#25]--The Winning of Brunhild. + + The story of the outwitting of Brunhild, as related in the + pages which follow, is essentially the same as that given in + the Nibelungen Lied. It is quite different from the older + versions. + + + + [EN#26]--Sif. + + Sif corresponds to the Ceres of the Southern mythology. (See + Grimm, p. 309.) The story of Loki and the Dwarfs is derived + from the Younger Edda. It has been beautifully rendered by + the German poet Oelenschlager, a translation of whose poem + on this subject may be found in Longfellow's Poets and + Poetry of Europe. + + + + [EN#27]--Eigill. + + Eigill is the original William Tell. The story is related in + the Saga of Thidrik. For a full history of the Tell myth, + see Grimm's Teutonic Mythology, p. 380, and Baring-Gould's + Curious Myths of the Middle Ages, p. 110. + + + + [EN#28]--Welland the Smith. + + The name of this smith is variously given as Weland, + Wieland, Welland, Volundr, Velint etc. The story is found in + the Vilkina Saga, and was one of the most popular of middle + age myths. (See Grimm's Mythology.) Sir Walter Scott, in his + novel of Kenilworth, has made use of this legend in + introducing the episode of Wayland Smith. + + + + [EN#29]--Vidar[FN#1] the Silent. + + "Vidar is the name of the silent Asa. He has a very thick + shoe, and he is the strongest next to Thor. From him the + gods have much help in all hard tasks."--The Younger Edda + (Anderson's translation). + + [FN#1] The word Vidar means forest. + + + + [EN#30]--Loki. + + "Loki, in nature, is the corrupting element in air, fire, + and water. In the bowels of the earth he is the volcanic + flame, in the sea he appears as a fierce serpent, and in the + lower world we recognize him as pale death. Like Odin, he + pervades all nature. He symbolizes sin, shrewdness, + deceitfulness, treachery, malice etc."--Anderson's + Mythology, p. 372. + + He corresponds to the Ahriman of the Persians, to the Satan + of the Christians, and remotely to the Prometheus of the + Greeks. + + + + [EN#31]--The Quarrel of the Queens. + + In the ancient versions, the culmination of this quarrel + occurred while the queens were bathing in the river: in the + Nibelungen Lied it happened on the steps leading up to the + door of the church. + + + + [EN#32]--Hagen. + + Hagen corresponds to the Hoder of the more ancient myth of + Balder. In the Sigurd Sagas he is called Hogni, and is a + brother instead of an uncle, of Gunther (Gunnar). + + + + [EN#33]--The Death of Siegfried. + + This story is related here essentially as found in the + Nibelungen Lied. It is quite differently told in the older + versions. Siegfried's invulnerability save in one spot + reminds us of Achilles, who also was made invulnerable by a + bath, and who could be wounded only in the heel. + + + + [EN#34]--The Burial of Siegfried. + + The story of the burning of Siegfried's body upon a + funeral-pile, as related of Sigurd in the older myths, + reminds us of the burning of Balder upon the ship + "Ringhorn." (See p. 162.) The Nibelungen Lied represents him + as being buried in accordance with the rites of the + Roman-Catholic Church. This version of the story must, of + course, have been made after the conversion of the Germans + to Christianity. "When the Emperor Frederick III. (1440-93) + visited Worms after his Netherlands campaign," says + Forestier, "he undertook to have the mighty hero's bones + disinterred, probably in view of proving the truth of the + marvellous story then sung throughout Germany; but, although + he had the ground dug into until water streamed forth, no + traces of these became manifest." + + + + [EN#35]--Morris: Sigurd the Volsung, Bk. III. + + + + [EN#36]--The Hoard. + + The story of bringing the Hoard from Nibelungen Land belongs + to the later versions of the myth, and fitly closes the + First Part of the Nibelungen Lied. Lochheim, the place where + the Hoard was sunk, was not far from Bingen on the Rhine. + + + + [EN#37]--a Short Vocabulary of the Principal Proper Names + Mentioned in this Story. + + AEGIR. The god of the sea. + ALBERICH and ANDVARI. Dwarfs who guard the great Hoard. + ASA. A name applied to the gods of the Norse mythology. + ASGARD. The home of the gods. + BALDER. The god of the summer sunlight. + BRAGI. The god of eloquence and of poetry. + DRAUPNER. Odin's ring, which gives fertility to the earth. + FAFNIR. The dragon whom Siegfried slays. + FENRIS-WOLF. The monster who in the last twilight slays + Odin. + FREYJA. The goddess of love. + REY. The god of peace and plenty. + GRIPIR. The giant who gives wise counsel to Siegfried + (Sigurd). + GUNTHER. In the older myths called Gunnar. + HEIMDAL. The heavenly watchman. + HELA. The goddess of death. + HERMOD. The quick messenger who is sent to Hela for Balder. + HODER. The winter-god. He slays Balder. + HOENIR. One of the three most ancient gods. + HUGIN. Odin's raven, Thought. + IDUN. The goddess of spring. + IVALD. A skilful dwarf. + JOTUNHEIM. The home of the giants. + KRIEMHILD. In the older myths called Gudrun. + LOKI. The mischief-maker. The god of evil. + MIMER. In the later German mythology a skilful smith. In the + older mythology a wise giant. + NORNS. The three Fates,--Urd, Verdande, and Skuld. + ODIN. The chief of the gods. + REGIN. The teacher of Sigurd, by whom he is slain. + SIEGFRIED. In the older myths called Sigurd. + SIF. Thor's wife. + SLEIPNER. Odin's eight-footed horse. + TYR. The god of war. + THOR. The god of thunder. The foe of the giants. + VALHAL. The hall of the slain. + VALKYRIES. The choosers of the slain. Odin's handmaidens. + VIDAR. The silent god. + YMIR. The huge giant out of whose body the world was made. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of Siegfried, by James Baldwin + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STORY OF SIEGFRIED *** + +This file should be named stsgf10.txt or stsgf10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, stsgf11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, stsgf10a.txt + +Produced by J. C. Byers + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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