limi, the brother of Hiordis. He
ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the
future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir's dwelling. Sigurd was
of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall,
whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:

1. Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation's king do people
name him?

_Geitir_.

Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and
people.

_Sigurd_.

2. Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come
and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily
Gripir to see.

_Geitir_.

3. The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands
speech of Gripir.

_Sigurd_.

Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiordis is the chieftain's
mother.

4. Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: "Here is a man without, a
stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king!
with thee to speak."

5. Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince
kindly greets: "Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier: but do
thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani."

6. They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men
together met. "Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother's brother! how will
Sigurd's life fall out?"

_Gripir_.

7. Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high above
every king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely,
and wise of words.

_Sigurd_.

8. Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd,
if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement,
when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?

_Gripir_.

9. First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of
Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay
low; thou wilt have victory.

_Sigurd_.

10. Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold
friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that
will highest soar under heaven's regions?"

_Gripir_.

11. Thou alone wilt slay that glistening serpent, which greedy lies
on Gnitaheid; thou shalt of both the slayer be, Regin and Fafnir.
Gripir tells truly.

_Sigurd_.

12. Riches will abound, if I so bring conflict among men, as thou
for certain sayest. Apply thy mind, and at length say what will yet my
life befall.

_Gripir_.

13. Thou wilt find Fafnir's lair, and thence wilt