1 In particular, grievous confusion was wrought in the poem (and in the account of “Skáldskaparmál,” Chap. 39, based on it), as well as in some modern treatments, either by the author’s inability to discern that there were current two incompatible versions of Sigurth’s relations with Brynhild and with Guthrún, or else by his trying to reconcile them in true medieval fashion.

I. According to “Fáfnismál,” “Sigurþarkviða hin skamma,” and “Helreið Brynhildar” (also the Nibelungenlied), the hero first proceeds to Gjúki’s court and wins Guthrún. When there, he is prevailed upon to win Brynhild for Gunnar by riding through the wall of fire and assuming Gunnar’s shape. He rouses Brynhild from her sleep, lies three nights beside her, his sword separating them, and then yields her to Gunnar.

II. In the Vǫlsunga saga, the Nornagests þáttr (based, it seems, on poems now lost), “Sigrdrífumál,” and the piðreks saga, Sigurth first delivers and pledges himself to Brynhild. He then proceeds to Gjúki’s court where a “drink of forgetfulness,” given him by Grímhild, makes him oblivious of his former love and he marries Guthrún.

Curiously enough, the Nibelungenlied shows traces of a similar confusion (Aventiure VI, VII); and the bird prophecy in “Fáfnismál” is ambiguous.

² Both person and name are probably the invention of the poet.

³ “Goat-herd.” Compare with the situation in “Skírnismál” and “Fjǫlsvinnsmál.”