Stories

The Lay of Helgi Hjorvarthsson

The ruin of Sigrlin’s homeland, Helgi’s naming and voyage, the vows of Svava and Hethin, and the final battle at Frekastein.

Chapters

  1. 01

    Sigrlin’s Threatened Homeland

    Hrothmar’s suit and attack leave Svafnir dead and Svavaland plundered and burned.

  2. 02

    The Unnamed Son Receives a Name and Sword

    The son of Hjorvarth and Sigrlin meets a woman on a hill; the prose calls her Svava, Eylimi’s daughter, and joins her guidance to a sword.

  3. 03

    Hrothmar Is Answered

    Helgi reproaches his father over his mother’s homeland, then kills Hrothmar.

  4. 04

    Hati’s Death and the Fleet at Night

    After Helgi kills Hati, his daughter Hrimgerth challenges the fleet by the ships over her father’s death.

  5. 05

    Riders over the Sea

    A damaged passage credits a woman and riders with the fleet’s safety; the prose-named Svava is linked only within this witness-specific reading.

  6. 06

    Helgi and Svava Exchange Vows

    The prose says Helgi seeks Svava’s hand and they exchange vows while remaining apart.

  7. 07

    Hethin’s Dangerous Vow

    At the king’s toast, Hethin vows to have Svava and is immediately seized by grief at his own words.

  8. 08

    The Battle at Frekastein

    Alf, Hrothmar’s son, sets the battle-place; Helgi receives a mortal wound in the fight.

  9. 09

    Svava Answers after the Battle

    Mortally wounded Helgi sends Sigar for Svava and asks her to turn to Hethin; she invokes her own vow, while Hethin leaves only a vengeance vow whose result is not narrated.

Ancient sources

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

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