The Story of Sigurd the Volsung and the Fall of the Niblungs (Aziloth Books)

by William Morris MD

Overview

William Morris is more widely known for his beautifully designed 'Arts and Crafts' wallpapers, but his first love was ancient Nordic Poetry, and especially the 13th century Icelandic 'Volsunga Saga'. Morris was obsessed with this tale from his youth, and over many years penned a 10,000 line epic poem that, on publication, was accorded high praise by such literary luminaries as George Bernard Shaw and T. E. Lawrence. The saga tells the History of the Volsungs, a tale strewn with epic battles, supernatural visitations, dragon-guarded treasures, enchanted swords forged from ancient weapons, magical rings, beautiful maidens, undying loves and implacable hatreds. The motifs and themes in the 'Volsunga Saga' have inspired a host of artistic works, among them Richard Wagner's 'Der Ring des Nibelungen' and J. R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'. William Morris' full poem proved taxing for most readers, and a shorter version - with some of the less compelling episodes précised by W Turner and H Scott - was published in 1910 to great acclaim. It is here presented in a new edition, complete with original glossary, additional imagery and a précis of the rarely-noted Book IV.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781909735415
Publisher:	Aziloth Books
Publication date:	12/27/2015
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.25(d)

Table of Contents

BIOGRAPHICAL INTRODUCTION 5

INTRODUCTION TO SIGURD 9

BOOK I SIGMUND

Of the dwelling of King Volsung, & the wedding of Signy his daughter 13

1. the Volsungs fared to the Goths, and the fall of King Volsung. 20

Of the ending of all Volsung’s Sons save Sigmund only, 22

1. the fostering of Sinfiotli, & of the slaying of Siggeir the Goth-king. 23

How Sigmund cometh to the Volsungs again 26

1. the last battle of King Sigmund, and the death of him. 27

How King Sigmund the Volsung was laid in a mound in the Isle-realm 32

How Queen Hiordis is known; and how she abideth in the house of Elf 34

BOOK II REGIN

1. the birth of Sigurd the son of Sigmund. 35

Sigurd getteth to him the horse that is called Greyfell 37

Regin telleth Sigurd of his kindred, and of the Accursed Gold 41

Of the forging of the Sword that is called The Wrath of Sigurd 50

1. rideth to the Glittering Heath. 52

Sigurd slayeth Fafnir the Serpent 55

Sigurd slayeth Regin the Master of Masters on the Glittering Heath 58

How Sigurd took to him the Treasure of the Elf Andvari 61

How Sigurd awoke Brynhild upon Hindfell 61

BOOK III BRYNHILD

Of Sigurd’s riding to the Niblungs 67

Of Sigurd’s warfaring in the company of the Niblungs, 70

Of the Cup of evil drink that Grimhild the Wise-wife gave to Sigurd 72

Of the Wedding of Sigurd the Volsung 74

Sigurd rideth with the Niblungs, and wooeth Brynhild for King Gunnar 77

How Brynhild was wedded to Gunnar the Niblung 87

Of the Contention betwixt the Queens 90

Of the exceeding great grief and mourning of Brynhild 92

Of the slaying of Sigurd the Volsung 93

Of the mighty Grief of Gudrun over Sigurd dead 98

Of the passing away of Brynhild 99

GLOSSARY 102