Sigurd the Volsung

The Volsunga Saga Written in 1300 CE by anonymous author Complex tales of several generations of Norse family– The Volsungs Reflected unstable political conditions in Northern Europe between 400 and 600 CE before arrival of Christianity.

The Iliad of northern countries Popular Adventure Story– like modern fantasy Our Hero is Ideal o Magic o Monsters o Treasure o Love o Hatred o Jealousy o Treachery o Danger o Death Influenced: Sleeping Beauty, and The Lord of the Rings Sigurd is as wise as he is courageous Lives an honorable life Puts the needs of others before his own

The Iliad of northern countries Complex Characters o Intelligent, but act foolishly with tragic consequences o No one is completely trustworthy—creates suspense and danger Subject of the saga is easily identifiable with its readers o Death is inevitable for all o Characters struggle to find happiness in an uncaring world o Can only hope to live with dignity and courage

The Norse Hero Achieving honor and fame is the primary goal o Honor is achieved on the battlefield o Glory comes to those based on number killed and amount of treasure acquired o Desires fame after death In the Norse world, a hero’s first loyalty is to his/her king o Family comes second Gold is the greatest treasure o People tended to hoard it and let the treasure corrupt their values o Only the best humans can withstand the effects

Retribution/ Justice dominated Norse society o Wergild is offered for accidental death or murder o Wergild can be refused, and if it is, the character accepts his or her own death as punishment Heroes are also measured by their kindness o Strength and courage are needed to survive, but those who are generous and loyal will not have to stand alone against the world. The Norse Hero

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