Helgakvitha Hundingsbana II: Dag and the Mound

Chapters

1. 01

   Dag Seeks Vengeance for His Father

   After Hogni dies, Dag sacrifices to Odin for vengeance.

   DagHogni, Sigrun's FatherOdin
2. 02

   Odin Gives the Spear

   Odin gives Dag a spear; the prose does not state his intention.

   OdinDag
3. 03

   A Blow at Fjoturlund

   At Fjoturlund, Dag pierces Helgi and then rides away with the news.

   DagHelgi HundingsbaneFjoturlund
4. 04

   Sigrun Curses Her Brother

   Hearing of Helgi’s death, Sigrun curses Dag by the oaths he swore with Helgi.

   SigrunDagHelgi Hundingsbane
5. 05

   Rings and Land Cannot Restore Helgi

   Dag offers compensation; Sigrun does not let it settle her grief.

   DagSigrun
6. 06

   Helgi Is Received in Valhalla

   An inserted prose passage says Odin receives Helgi in Valhalla.

   OdinHelgi HundingsbaneValhalla
7. 07

   A Maiden Sees Riders at the Mound

   At night, a maiden sees Helgi and his followers return to the mound and calls Sigrun out.

   SigrunHelgi HundingsbaneHelgi’s Mound Visit
8. 08

   A Parting Before Dawn

   Sigrun makes Helgi a bed in the mound; he leaves before dawn and does not return the next night.

   SigrunHelgi HundingsbaneHelgi’s Mound Visit

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.