[59] In the Volsunga Saga, Brunhilde kills herself with a sword. [Back]
And what of the ill-fated hoard upon which still rested Andvari’s curse?
When the shock of the terrible events connected with Siegfried’s death was over, and quiet was once more restored to Gunther’s palace, Hagen came one day to the king and said:—
“You remember that Siegfried gave all of his treasure to Kriemhild on their wedding day, and although the hoard was never brought to Burgundy it still remains in the possession of your sister. Entreat her, therefore, to have it conveyed here; and, to accomplish your end more easily, tell her that she can honour Siegfried’s memory by distributing his wealth among the poor. When we get the treasure into our hands, we will see, however, that nothing so foolish is done.”
The weak-willed Gunther, always under the control of Hagen, accordingly sought Kriemhild and told her what great things could be done in honour of Siegfried, if only the treasure in the dragon’s cave could be placed at her disposal. Kriemhild was not suspicious of her brother, for she did not know what part he had played in Siegfried’s death, so she listened readily to his words, and said,—
“It shall be done even as you say, for naught can now bring me solace in my grief save some way to make the name of Siegfried dearer to the hearts of the people.”
Then she handed Gunther the serpent ring which Siegfried had given her, and told him where to find the famous hoard in the cave of Glistenheath. She bade him keep the ring carefully, for Andvari might again have taken possession of the treasure, though he would yield it to the wearer of the ring.
The king took the ring from Kriemhild, and hastened with it to Hagen, who at once set to work to make preparations for conveying the hoard to Burgundy. In a few days a great number of wagons were fitted up, and with these a hundred men were despatched to gather all the treasure and bring it back to the palace. Although most of the men were Hagen’s own followers, he could not trust them to go alone on this important mission, so he placed Siegfried’s ring upon his own finger and led the expedition himself.
The hoard was found securely stowed away in Fafnir’s cave, and not a single piece of gold had been taken since Siegfried rode away after slaying the dragon. The dwarf Andvari still guarded the treasure which had once been his; but when Hagen showed the serpent ring, he allowed the stranger to enter the cave. He would have preferred to deliver the hoard to Siegfried himself, but the possession of the serpent ring made its wearer the rightful owner of all the treasure. So Andvari was obliged to admit Hagen’s claim, and assist him in bearing away the gold.
Some days later, the company which had set out from Gunther’s palace empty-handed came back laden with such wealth of gold and precious stones that all the riches of Burgundy seemed nothing in comparison. This great hoard was stored safely in Gunther’s palace, and Kriemhild was very glad to find so much wealth at her disposal.