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The Short Lay of Sigurd: An Oath-Broken Bedside

The Short Lay moves from the oaths between Sigurd and Gjuki’s house through Brynhild’s pressure, Hogni’s resistance, and Gotthorm’s attack, ending with Sigurd’s dying words as Guthrun wakes.

Chapters

  1. 01

    Sigurd Trusts Gjuki’s House

    Sigurd swears mighty oaths with Gjuki’s sons.

    SigurdGunnarHogni
  2. 02

    Guthrun Is Given to Sigurd

    Gjuki’s house gives Guthrun and jewels to Sigurd.

    GudrunSigurdGunnar
  3. 03

    Riding to Brynhild

    Sigurd rides with Gunnar to woo Brynhild.

    SigurdGunnarBrynhild
  4. 04

    A Sword Between Them

    This lay treats the wooing with a sword between the bed, without asking readers to treat it as the only version.

    SigurdBrynhild
  5. 05

    Brynhild Speaks Her Desire

    Brynhild sits alone and says she wants Sigurd.

    BrynhildSigurd
  6. 06

    Pressing Gunnar with Departure

    Brynhild places departure and Sigurd’s death before Gunnar.

    BrynhildGunnar
  7. 07

    Hogni Refuses Oath-Breaking

    Hogni says the oaths with Sigurd should not be broken by swords.

    HogniGunnarSigurd
  8. 08

    Choosing the One Outside the Oaths

    Gunnar turns to Gotthorm, who did not share the oaths.

    GunnarGotthorm
  9. 09

    The Sword Enters the Heart

    After a missing passage, the lay leaves an indoor killing with a sword in Sigurd’s heart.

    GotthormSigurdSigurd's Death
  10. 10

    Sigurd’s Return Stroke

    Sigurd rises and hurls his sword at Gotthorm.

    SigurdGotthorm
  11. 11

    Guthrun Wakes in Blood

    Guthrun wakes still beside Sigurd.

    GudrunSigurd
  12. 12

    Dying Words Do Not Close the Feud

    Sigurd warns Guthrun and, within this lay’s version, names Brynhild.

    SigurdGudrunBrynhild

Ancient sources

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

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