Andvari's Gift

The climax of the Norse Volsungasaga is the story of Sigrd, the son born of Sigmund after his death. The saga writes "when folk tell of all the mightiest champions, and the noblest chiefs, then ever is he named the foremost." Sigrd revenges his slain father, re-forges his father's shattered sword, slays a dragon, and recovers a treasure which includes a cursed ring. His treacherous murder by his wife's brothers precipitates the downfall of dynasties in a Europe convulsed by Hun invasions. Underlying the story are elements of Norse tragedy that have resurfaced countless times from the unknown author of Beowulf through the operas of Richard Wagner to the fantasies of Morris and Tolkien.