The Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas on Signy
Contents > Chapter Xxvi: The Sigurd Saga
attestation: King Volsung's hall was built around the mighty Branstock tree whose branches spread through the roof; he had ten sons and one daughter, Signy.
"Ten stalwart sons were born to Volsung, and one daughter, Signy, came to brighten his home. So lovely was this maiden that when she reached marriageable age many suitors asked for her hand"
attestation: Signy was given in marriage to King Siggeir of the Goths against her will; only her twin brother Sigmund perceived her true reluctance.
"when the bride beheld her destined husband she shrank in dismay, for his puny form and lowering glances contrasted sadly with her brothers' sturdy frames and open faces... Signy so successfully concealed her dislike that none save her twin brother Sigmund suspected with what reluctance she became Siggeir's wife."
attestation: Siggeir captured Volsung and his ten sons; Signy interceded for her brothers but could only win that they be chained to a fallen oak in the forest rather than immediately slain.
"Signy, hearing the cruel sentence, vainly interceded for her brothers: all she could obtain by her prayers and entreaties was that they should be chained to a fallen oak in the forest, to perish of hunger and thirst if the wild beasts should spare them."
attestation: Signy disguised as a witch spent three nights with Sigmund and bore Sinfiotli; at age ten Signy tested Sinfiotli's courage by sewing his garment to his skin and ripping it off — he laughed rather than wincing.
"When Sinfiotli, as the child was called, was ten years of age, she herself made a preliminary test of his courage by sewing his garment to his skin, and then suddenly snatching it off, and as the brave boy did not so much as wince, but laughed aloud, she confidently sent him to the forest hut."