Rerir

His death was soon avenged, however, for Rerir, his son, returning
from an expedition upon which he had been absent from the land at the
time, put the murderers to death as his first act upon mounting the
throne. The rule of Rerir was marked by every sign of prosperity, but
his dearest wish, a son to succeed him, remained unfulfilled for many
a year. Finally, however, Frigga decided to grant his constant prayer,
and to vouchsafe the heir he longed for. She accordingly despatched
her swift messenger Gna, or Liod, with a miraculous apple, which she
dropped into his lap as he was sitting alone on the hillside. Glancing
upward, Rerir recognised the emissary of the goddess, and joyfully
hastened home to partake of the apple with his wife. The child who
in due time was born under these favourable auspices was a handsome
little lad. His parents called him Volsung, and while he was still
a mere infant they both died, and the child became ruler of the land.

Volsung

Years passed and Volsung's wealth and power ever increased. He was the
boldest leader, and rallied many brave warriors around him. Full oft
did they drink his mead underneath the Branstock, a mighty oak, which,
rising in the middle of his hall, pierced the roof and overshadowed
the whole house.

"And as in all other matters 'twas all earthly houses' crown,
And the least of its wall-hung shields was a battle-world's renown,
So therein withal was a marvel and a glorious thing to see,
For amidst of its midmost hall-floor sprang up a mighty tree,
That reared its blessings roofward and wreathed the roof-tree dear
With the glory of the summer and the garland of the year."

Ten stalwart sons were born to Volsung, and one daughter, Signy,
came to brighten his home. So lovely was this maiden that when she
reached marriageable age many suitors asked for her hand, among whom
was Siggeir, King of the Goths, who finally obtained Volsung's consent,
although Signy had never seen him.

The Wedding of Signy

When the wedding-day came, and the bride beheld her destined husband
she shrank in dismay, for his puny form and lowering glances contrasted
sadly with her brothers' sturdy frames and open faces. But it was
too late to withdraw--the family honour was at stake--and Signy so
successfully concealed her dislike that none save her twin brother
Sigmund suspected with what reluctance she became Siggeir's wife.

The Sword in