The Greatest Hero of the North
Sigurd (Siegfried in Germanic tradition) was the greatest hero of Norse mythology, famous for slaying the dragon Fafnir, claiming a cursed treasure, and awakening the valkyrie Brynhildr. His tragic story, preserved in the Volsunga Saga and the Poetic Edda, explores themes of heroism, fate, betrayal, and the destructive power of cursed gold.
Birth and Upbringing
Sigurd was the posthumous son of Sigmund (a great warrior descended from Odin) and Hjordis. His father died in battle before his birth. Sigurd was raised by the cunning dwarf Regin, who taught him many skills but also manipulated him toward his own revenge against his brother Fafnir.
Slaying of Fafnir
The Cursed Gold
Regin's brother Fafnir had transformed into a fearsome dragon to guard a cursed hoard of gold (including the ring Andvaranaut, which brought doom to all who possessed it). Regin forged a magnificent sword called Gram for Sigurd and urged him to kill Fafnir and claim the treasure.
The Dragon Battle
Sigurd dug a pit in Fafnir's path and hid within it. When the dragon crawled over, he thrust Gram upward into its soft underbelly, delivering a mortal wound. As Fafnir died, he warned Sigurd that the gold was cursed and would bring death to all who owned it. Sigurd roasted Fafnir's heart for Regin, but when he tasted the dragon's blood, he gained the ability to understand bird speech. The birds warned him that Regin planned to kill him, so Sigurd slew his treacherous foster-father and claimed the treasure.
Brynhildr the Valkyrie
Following the birds' advice, Sigurd rode to a fortress surrounded by fire, where he found Brynhildr, a valkyrie punished by Odin and placed in an enchanted sleep. Only the bravest hero could pass through the flames. Sigurd rode his horse Grani through the fire, awakened Brynhildr with a kiss, and they pledged eternal love. He gave her Andvaranaut (the cursed ring) as a token of their betrothal.
Betrayal and Tragedy
Grimhild's Potion
Sigurd came to the court of King Gjuki, where the sorceress Queen Grimhild gave him a potion that made him forget Brynhildr. He married Grimhild's daughter Gudrun and swore blood-brotherhood with her brothers, Gunnar and Hogni.
The Deception
Gunnar desired Brynhildr as his bride, but he could not pass through the flames. Sigurd, using magic, exchanged shapes with Gunnar, rode through the fire again, and won Brynhildr for Gunnar (though he lay a sword between them, remaining faithful to Gudrun). Brynhildr, believing Gunnar had won her, married him.
Revelation and Revenge
When Gudrun revealed the deception to Brynhildr (showing her Andvaranaut as proof that Sigurd had won her), Brynhildr was devastated. She demanded Sigurd's death. Gunnar's brother Guttorm (who had not sworn brotherhood with Sigurd) murdered the hero in his sleep. As Sigurd died, he threw his sword Gram at Guttorm, killing him. Brynhildr, realizing she still loved Sigurd, stabbed herself and was burned on his funeral pyre beside him, united in death.
The Curse Continues
The cursed gold brought more death: Gudrun's brothers were killed for the treasure by Atli (Attila the Hun in legend), and Gudrun took terrible revenge. The curse of Andvaranaut proved Fafnir's warning true—the gold destroyed everyone who touched it.
Legacy
Sigurd's tale influenced Wagner's "Ring Cycle" and countless medieval epics. He embodies the Norse ideal of heroism: courage, strength, loyalty, but also the tragic recognition that even the greatest heroes cannot escape fate (wyrd). His story warns of the corrupting power of greed and the devastating consequences of betrayal and deception.