Dag

Overview

In prose section VI of Helgakvitha Hundingsbana II, Dag is called Hogni’s son and Sigrun’s brother. After Helgi kills Hogni, Dag sacrifices to Odin for vengeance, receives a spear, and uses it to pierce his own brother-in-law. He brings the news to Sigrun, who answers with an oath-bound curse. He acknowledges the harm he has done and offers red rings and half his land, but the offer does not end her grief.

Key facts

Relationships

• Hogni, Sigrun's Fatherfather

  The poem’s prose calls Dag Hogni’s son.

• Sigrunsiblings

  Dag addresses Sigrun as his sister when he brings the death news.

• Odinseeks vengeance from

  Dag sacrifices to Odin to avenge his father Hogni.

• Odingives a spear

  The prose says Odin gives Dag a spear.

• Helgi Hundingsbanekills with a spear

  At Fjoturlund, Dag pierces Helgi with Odin’s spear.

• Sigruncurses

  Sigrun curses Dag by the oaths he swore with Helgi.

• Sigrunoffers compensation

  Dag offers red rings and half his land as compensation for Sigrun and her sons.

Story appearances

• Helgakvitha Hundingsbana II: Dag and the MoundFigure or place in the Dag, mourning, and mound-visit sequence

  Hogni’s son in the Second Lay, who avenges his father by killing Helgi and then offers Sigrun compensation.

Ancient sources

MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.

• Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Helgakvitha Hundingsbana II, Editor’s introduction, prose section VI, stanzas 28–37, mound prose and stanzas 39–50, and closing prose: Dag’s vengeance, Sigrun’s mourning, and the mound visit.