The Saga of the Volsungs

Overview

A significant tale within Norse mythology, showcasing themes of gods, heroes, magical artifacts, monsters, death, and tragedy.
Known for its ancient origins and importance to the Norse people.
The summary provided here captures key events but is not a substitute for reading the full saga.

Siggy: Son of Odin, powerful and from a great family.
Rerir: Siggy's son who claims his father's kingdom and avenges his death.
Volsung: Rerir’s son, a great warrior who becomes king.
Sigmund: Volsung's eldest son, key hero of the saga.
Signe: Volsung's daughter.
King Siggeir: Foreign king who marries Signe and betrays the Volsung clan.
Sinfjotli: Child of Signe and Sigmund, assists Sigmund in avenging their family.
Sigurd: Son of Sigmund, destined for great deeds.
Fafnir: Evil dragon with a treasure hoard.
Brynhild: A Valkyrie who becomes engaged to Sigurd.

Siggy's Tale: Siggy kills a slave who outperformed him in hunting, leading to his exile and eventual kingship with Odin's help.
Rerir's Rule: Rerir avenges Siggy’s death, claims more land, and prays for a child with his wife.
Birth of Volsung: Volsung is born after an extended pregnancy, kisses his mother before she dies, and becomes a great warrior and king.

Sigmund's Test: During Signe's wedding, an unknown elderly man (Odin) places a sword in a tree; only Sigmund can pull it out.
Betrayal by Siggeir: Signe marries Siggeir, who then kills Volsung and captures Sigmund and his brothers. Sigmund escapes thanks to Signe’s help.
Revenge: Sigmund and Sinfjotli, son of Signe and Sigmund, avenge their family by killing Siggeir and his men.

Sigurd's Birth: Sigmund dies in battle after meeting Odin; Sigmund's wife saves the pieces of a magical sword for their son, Sigurd.
Fafnir’s Treasure: Sigurd, with a magical horse and reforged sword, kills the dragon Fafnir and takes his cursed hoard.
Brynhild: Sigurd awakens and engages to Brynhild, a Valkyrie punished by Odin.
Betrayal and Death: Through deception and enchanted ale, Sigurd marries another king’s daughter, leading to his tragic death orchestrated by Brynhild's manipulations.

Recurring themes: murder, betrayal, revenge, and greed.
Inspired other works: Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
Integral part of Norse mythology and culture, alongside tales of Asgard and the gods.

This summary captures the essence of the saga but omits various intricate details and episodes that enrich the full narrative.