SIGURD

in modern mythology, was the hero of the Volsunga Saga, on which the “ Nibelungenlied ” is based. According to the Volsungs’ legend Sigurd (the Siegfried of the “ Nibelungenlied) was a descendant of Odin, who obtained the golden treasure by slaying the dragon Fafius with his good sword Gram, after which he ate the monster’s heart, and so acquired the power of understanding birds’ songs. Then he rode through 'a volume of flame to Brenhyldr’s house, plighted his troth to her, and rode off to the palace of Giuki the Niflung, where he was given a potion that made him forget Brenhyldr and marry Giuki’s daughter. Giuki's son, wishing to marry Brenhyldr, his mother made Sigurd rescue her through the flames, and then she was married to Gunnar. When she discovered the truth she tried to kill Sigurd, but her husband, Gunnar’s half-brother, killed him, and she died of a broken heart.