Siegfried and the Famous Sword Balmung
The Slaying of Fafnir[45]
[45] In the Volsunga Saga the hero is now often called Sigurd, Fafnir’s bane. [Back]
ONE day Regin said to Siegfried, “You have forged for yourself the famous sword Balmung as your father Siegmund foretold. Now it remains for you to fulfil the rest of the prophecy and win fame that will add glory to the name of the Volsungs. Of my celebrated wisdom you have already learned all there is of worth, and there are no ties to hold you to this people; but before you leave the land which has nourished you, there is one more task which I would fain lay upon you—the slaying of the dragon which guards a wonderful treasure.”
“How can I start out upon adventures with nothing but a sword, even though that sword be Odin’s gift?” asked Siegfried. “I have no horse, and I should make a sorry appearance if I went on foot.”
“Go out into yonder meadow,” said Regin, “and there you will find the best steeds that King Alf has gathered either by purchase or as the spoil of battle. Choose yourself one from among them; they are all of noble race.”
Siegfried went over to the meadow where the stately horses were grazing, and saw that each one of them was truly fine enough to be the charger of a king’s son. Indeed, they all seemed to him so desirable that there was none which he would prefer above another. While he was hesitating, he heard a voice at his side ask, “Would you choose a steed, Sir Siegfried?”
Siegfried turned quickly around, for he had not heard any one approaching, and his heart beat fast when he saw beside him a tall form wrapped in a blue mantle. He dared not look closer, and he trembled now with both fear and joy, for the form and voice were strangely familiar. Then falteringly he answered:—