ed of impropriety in thus
reshaping a narrative, which, although hallowed by an antiquity of
a thousand years and more, has already appeared in so many different
forms, and been clothed in so many different garbs; for, however much
I may have allowed my fancy or my judgment to retouch and remodel the
immaterial portions of the legend, the essential parts of this immortal
myth remain the same. And, if I succeed in leading you to a clearer
understanding and a wiser appreciation of the thoughts and feelings of
our old northern ancestors, I shall have accomplished the object for
which I have written this Story of Siegfried.

Contents.

The Fore Word
I. Mimer, the Master
II. Greyfell
III. The Curse of Gold
IV. Fafnir, the Dragon
V. In AEgir's Kingdom
VI. Brunhild
VII. In Nibelungen Land
VIII. Siegfried's Welcome Home
IX. The Journey to Burgundy-land
X. Kriemhill's Dream
XI. How the Spring Time Came
XII. The War with the North-kings
XIII. The Story of Balder
XIV. How Gunther Outwitted Brunhild
XV. In Nibelungen Land Again
XVI. How Brunhild Was Welcomed Home
XVII. How Siegfried Lived in Nibelungen Land
XVIII. How the Mischief Began to Brew
XIX. How They Hunted in the Odenwald
XX. How the Hoard Was Brought to Burgundy
The After Word
Notes

Adventure I. Mimer, the Master.

At Santen, in the Lowlands, there once lived a young prince named
Siegfried. His father, Siegmund, was king of the rich country through
which the lazy Rhine winds its way just before reaching the great North
Sea; and he was known, both far and near, for his good deeds and his
prudent thrift. And Siegfried's mother, the gentle Sigelind, was loved
by all for her goodness of heart and her kindly charity to the poor.
Neither king nor queen left aught undone that might make the young
prince happy, or fit him for life's usefulness. Wise men were brought
from far-off lands to be his teachers; and every day something was added
to his store of knowledge or his stock of happiness. And very skilful
did he become in warlike games and in manly feats of strength. No other
youth could throw the spear with so great force, or shoot the arrow
with surer aim. No other youth could run more swiftly, or ride with more
becoming ease. His gentle mother took delight in adding to the beauty