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SEQUENTIA THE RHEINGOLD CURSE (Icelandic/English video script) Sung text / stage action

Video titles

Pre-set

Sequentia The Rheingold Curse please turn off your cell phone

Houselights half Houselights out / dark Norbert on stage / flute intro.

[blank screen]

Agnethe: high vocalise w/ flute

Listen!

Hlióðs bið ec allar kindir, meiri oc minni, mögo Heimdalar; vildo, at ec, Valföðr, vel fyrtelia forn spioll fira, þau er fremst um man.

I ask for hearing from all. You wish me, Lord of the Slain, to tell what I remember from the oldest times.

Ec man iotna, ár um borna, þá er forðom mic foedda höfðo; nío man ec heima, nío íviði, miotvið moeran fyr mold neðan.

I remember the giants who reared me, the nine worlds and the ogresses, the glorious underground tree.

Ár var alda, þat er Ymir bygði, vara sandr né sær né svalar unnir; iorð fannz æva né upphiminn, gap var ginnunga, enn gras hvergi.

At the beginning there was no sand, no sea, no earth or heavens. A gaping void without grass.

Áðr Burs synir bioðom um ypþo, þeir er miðgarð, moeran, scópo; sól scein sunnan á salar steina, þá var grund gróin groenom lauki.

Then the seashore appeared, made by those who formed Middle Earth. Then the ground was covered in green.

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Sól varp sunnan, sinni mána, hendi inni hoegri um himinioður;

The sun shone from the south around the rim of sky.

sól þat né vissi, hvar hon sali átti, stiornor þat né visso, hvar þær staði átto, máni þat né vissi, hvat hann megins átti.

The sun didn’t know the heavens yet, nor the stars their stations, nor the moon his power.

Þá gengo regin öll á röcstóla, ginnheilog goð, oc um þat gættuz:

Then the gods went to the thrones of fate to think about this:

nótt oc niðiom nöfn um gáfo, morgin héto oc miðian dag, undorn oc aptan, árom at telia.

They gave names to night and her offspring: morning, midday, afternoon and evening.

Hittuz æsir á Iðavelli, þeir er hörg oc hof há timbroðo; afla lögðo, auð smíðoðo, tangir scópo oc tól gorðo.

Then the gods met and built shrines and temples. They forged many things both simple and rare.

Tefldo í túni, teitir vóro, var þeim vættergis vant ór gulli,

Made tools. Drank. The gods played with golden gaming pieces, were happy and never lacked for gold.

unz þriár qvómo þursa meyiar, ámátcar mioc, ór iotunheimom.

Until three ogresses came from the giants’ realm.

Unz þrír qvómo ór því liði, öþgir oc ástgir, æsir, at húsi;

Then three gods came to the seashore.

fundo á landi, lítt megandi, Asc oc Emblo, ørlöglausa.

There they found two beings as yet unformed: Ash and Embla, without destiny.

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Qnd þau né átto, óð þau né höfðo, lá né læti né lito góða;

Each was without breath, each lacking in spirit, Each void of the blush of life, voice, character.

önd gaf Óðinn, óð gaf Hoenir, lá gaf Lóðurr oc lito góða.

Then the gods gave them life. “Now you are man. Now you will be woman.”

Asc veit ec standa, heitir Yggdrasill, hár baðmr, ausinn hvítaauri; þaðan koma döggvar, þærs í dala falla, stendr æ yfir, groenn, Urðar brunni.

I know an ash-tree called Yggdrasill, ever green, it stands over the well of fate.

Þaðan koma meyiar, margs vitandi, þriár, ór þeim sæ, er und þolli stendr;

Then the three maidens came to the land from that lake, to mark destinies.

Urð héto eina, aðra Verðandi – scáro á scíði –, Sculd ina þriðio;

Their names: Urd -- ‘Had to be’ Verdandi -- ‘Coming to be’ Skuld -- ‘Must become’.

þær lög lögðo, þær líf kuro alda bornom, ørlög seggia.

They set down laws, they choose lives, the fates of men.

end of Flute postlude Harp begins

[to blank at end]

[spoken]: Óðinn ok Hœnir ok Loki höfðu komit til Andvarafors. Í þeim forsi var fjölði fiska. Einn dvergr hét Andvari.

One day three gods: Odin, Hoenir and Loki came to Andvari Falls.

Hann var löngum í forsinum í geddu líki ok fekk sér þar matar. "Otr hét bróðir várr," kvað Reginn, "er oft fór í forsinn í otrs líki. Hann hafði tekit einn lax ok sat á árbakkanum ok át blundandi.

There they saw one of the king Hreidmar's sons; he had transformed himself into an otter and was eating a big salmon.

[spoken]: Loki laust hann með steini til bana. Þóttust æsir mjök hepnir verit hafa ok flógu belg af

Loki crept up behind the otter, struck it with a stone, and killed it instantly. The gods then flayed the otter

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otrinum.

and kept its fine skin for a bag.

[spoken]: Þat sama kveld sóttu þeir gisting til Hreiðmars ok sýndu veiði sína.

That night, staying as guests of King Hreidmar, they showed him their prize.

Þá tóku vér þá höndum ok lögðum þeim fjörlausn at fylla otrbelginn með gulli ok hylja útan með rauðu gulli.

The horrified king demanded that the gods bring back enough gold to completely cover the otter skin, inside and out, or forfeit their lives.

[spoken]: Þá sendu þeir Loka at afla gullsins. Hann kom til Ránar ok fekk net hennar ok fór til Andvarafors ok kastaði netinu fyrir gedduna, en hon hljóp í netit. Þá mælti Loki:

Loki was sent to Andvari Falls to bring back gold guarded by an enchanted pike. He caught the fish.

‘Hvat er þat fisca, er renn þóði í? kannat sér við víti varaz; höfuð þitt leystu helio ór, finn mér lindar loga!’

Loki: What kind of fish are you that can’t swim away from danger? You’re headed to hell now, unless you give me all your gold.

‘Andvari ec heiti, Óinn hét minn faðir, margan hefi ec fors um farið; aumlig norn scóp oss í árdaga, at ec scylda í vatni vaða.’

Andvari: I am Andvari, the dwarf. I have lived in these icy waters for many years. The fates turned me into a pike.

[spoken]: Loki sá allt gull þat er Andvari átti. En er hann hafði framreitt gullit, þá hafði hann eftir einn hring, ok tók Loki þann af hánum. Dvergrinn gekk inn í steininn ok mælti:

Andvari gave Loki all his gold, except for one dazzling gold ring. But Loki took the ring from him. The dwarf entered a stone and spoke:

‘Þat scal gull, er Gustr átti, broeðrom tveim at bana verða, oc öðlingom átta at rógi; mun míns fiár mangi nióta.’

Andvari: Every being who touches this gold is cursed. Two brothers will die; strife will tear at families and generations. My hoard of gold brings doom.

[spoken]: Æsir reiddu Hreiðmari féit ok tráðu upp otrbelginn ok reistu á fœtr. Þá skyldu æsirnir hlaða upp gullinu ok hylja.

So the gods gave the gold to King Hreidmar. And it was spread over the otter skin until it completely covered it, inside and out.

En er þat var gört, gekk Hreiðmarr fram ok But a single whisker of the otter was visible

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sá eitt granahár ok bað hylja. Þá dró Óðinn fram hringinn Andvaranaut ok hulði hárit. Loki kvað:

and Hreidmar demanded that this too be covered. And the dazzling ring was used to cover the last hair.

‘Gull er þér nú reitt (qvað Loki), enn þú giold hefir mikil míns höfuðs; syni þínom verðra sæla scöpuð, þat verðr yccarr beggia bani

Loki: Our debt is paid. The gold is yours. But no good will come of this cursed hoard. Your house will collapse in bitter ruin.

Hreidmarr sagoi: ‘Giafar þú gaft, gaftattu ástgiafar, gaftattu af heilom hug; fiorvi yðro scyldot ér firðir vera, ef ec vissa þat fár fyrir.’

King Hreidmar: Gifts you gave, but not out of love. I should have killed you when I had the chance.

(Loki:) ‘Enn er verra – þat vita þicciomc – niðia stríð um nept; iofra óborna hygg ec þá enn vera, er þat er til hatrs hugað.’

Loki: Worse still it will be for the princes not yet born, for whom this hatefulness is intended.

‘Rauðo gulli (qvað Hreiðmarr) hugg ec mic ráða muno, svá lengi sem ec lifir ; hót þín hroeðomc ecci lyf, oc haldit heim heðan !’

King Hreidmar: This glorious gold is mine forever. Now get out of my house!

[spoken]: Fáfnir ok Reginn kröfðu Hreiðmarr niðgjalda eftir Otr bróður sinn. Hann kvað nei við.

The king's two remaining sons, Fafnir and Regin, a dwarf, demanded their share of the treasure. The king refused.

En Fáfnir lagði sverði Hreiðmar föður sinn sofanda. Þá dó Hreiðmarr, en Fáfnir tók gullit allt.

In the night, Fafnir butchered his father while he slept, and took all the gold.

Þá beiddisk Reginn at hafa föðurarf sinn, en Fáfnir galt þar nei við.

Regin demanded his share, but Fafnir refused. Fafnir transformed himself into a dragon, nesting on his hoard of gold.

Þessa hluti sagði Reginn Sigurði. Einn dag er hann kom til húsa Regins, var hánum vel fagnat. Reginn kvað:

Regin bided his time. He would take the young prince, Sigurd, under his wing. He would groom him and teach him many things.

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‘Kominn er hingat konr Sigmundar, seggr inn snarráði, til sala várra; móð hefir meira enn maðr gamall, oc er mér fangs vón at frecom úlfi .

Regin: Sigurd has come. I will nurture this warrior-prince. He has more courage than a grown man.

Ec mun foeða fólcdiarfan gram; nú er Yngva konr með oss kominn; siá mun ræsir rícstr und sólo, þrymr um öll lönd ørlögsímo.’

I will make him the most famous hero of the ages. His fame will spread throughout the world. Sigurd will rescue the gold for me!

[spoken]: Sigurðr var þá jafnan með Regin ok sagði hann Sigurði, at Fáfnir lá á Gnitaheiði ok var í orms líki.

Sigurd stayed with Regin the dwarf, who told him how Fafnir had become a dragon.

Reginn gerði Sigurði sverð, er Gramr hét.

Then Regin forged for Sigurd a sword called Gram.

Eftir þat eggjaði Reginn Sigurð at vega Fáfni.

Then Regin urged Sigurd to kill his brother Fafnir, the dragon.

Harp ends

[blank]

Fiddle prelude

Sigurd dug a hole along the dragon's path and hid in it.

Fiddle prelude Then Fafnir, the dragon, slithered over the hole Sigurd dug. Then the dragon shook and trembled as Gram pierced his heart.

‘Sveinn oc sveinn, hveriom ertu sveini um borinn, hverra ertu manna mögr?

Fafnir: I've been killed by a boy! Fafnir the dragon destroyed by a mere boy!

er þú á Fáfni rautt þinn inn frána mæki: stöndomc til hiarta hiorr.’

Who are you that you should plunge a sword into a stranger's heart?

‘Göfuct dýr ec heiti, enn ec gengit hefc inn móðurlausi mögr; föður ec ácca, sem fira synir, geng ec æ einn saman.’

Sigurd: I go about as a motherless boy; I have no father; I always go alone.

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(Fáfnir: ‘Veiztu, ef föður né áttað, sem fira synir, af hverio vartu undri alinn?’

Fafnir: If you have no father, of what wonder were you born?

(Sigurðr:) ‘Ætterni mitt qveð ec þér ókunnict vera oc mic siálfan iþ sama; Sigurðr ec heiti, Sigmunðr hét minn faðir, er hefc þic vápnom vegit.’

I am Sigurd. The son of Sigmund has killed you with his weapon.

(Fáfnir:) ‘Hverr þic hvatti, hví hvetiaz lézt, míno fiörvi at fara? inn fráneygi sveinn, þú áttir föður bitran, áburno sciór á sceið.’

Fafnir: Who egged you on to attack my life, shining-eyed boy?

(Sigurðr:) ‘Hugr mic hvatti, hendr mér fulltýðo, oc minn inn hvassi hiorr; fár er hvatr, er hrøðaz tecr, ef í barnæsco er blauðr.’

Sigurd: My courage egged me on, my hands helped me, and my sword was sharp.

(Fáfnir:) ‘Ræð ec þér nú, Sigurðr, enn þú ráð nemir oc ríð heim heðan! it gialla gull oc it glóðrauða fé, þér verða þeir baugar at bana.’

Fafnir: Listen, dragon-slayer Sigurd. Listen and leave empty handed. The gold is cursed! These rings will be your death!

(Sigurðr:) ‘Ráð er þér ráðit, enn ec ríða mun til þess gullz, er í lyngvi liggr; enn þú, Fáfnir, ligg í fiorbrotom, þar er þic Hel hafi !’

Sigurd: Thanks for the advice, but what is mine is mine. Die dragon! The gold is mine. May hell take you!

(Fáfnir:) ‘Reginn mic réð, hann þic ráða mun, hann mun ocr verða báðom at bana; fior sitt láta hygg ec at Fáfnir myni, þitt varð nú meira megin.’

Fafnir: Regin betrayed me and he will betray you too. We will meet again in hell. My life is fading fast…

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(Reginn:) ‘Heill þú nú, Sigurðr! nú hefir þú sigr vegit oc Fáfni um farið; manna þeira, er mold troða, þic qveð ec óblauðastan alinn.’

Regin: Hail Sigurd, the great hero who has slain the dragon! Of all the men who walk the earth, only you are utterly without fear.

(Reginn:) ‘Sittu nú, Sigurðr, enn ec mun sofa ganga, oc halt Fáfnis hiarta við funa! eiscöld ec vil etinn láta eptir þenna dreyra drycc.'

Sit down, Sigurd, while I have a nap. Roast Fafnir’s heart and later I’ll eat it with a drink of his blood.

Fiddle interlude

As Regin slept, Sigurd roasted the dragon's heart. And when the juices squirted out, Sigurd poked the flesh and burnt himself. He stuck his burnt finger into his mouth.

Flute begins

And when Fafnir's blood touched the hero’s tongue, Sigurd could understand the language of the birds.

‘Þar sitr Sigurðr, sveita stoccinn, Fáfnis hiarta við funa steikir; spacr þoetti mér spillir bauga, ef hann fiorsega fránan æti.’

1st bird: Look! There is Regin. He will betray the boy to get the gold. Evil thoughts grind behind those eyes.

‘Þar liggr Reginn, ræðr um við sic, vill tæla mög, þann er trúir hánom; berr af reiði röng orð saman, vill bölva smiðr bróður hefna.’

2nd bird: The hero is not as clever as he looks if he trusts the dragon's treacherous brother.

‘Höfði scemra láti hann inn hára þul fara til heliar heðan! öllo gulli þá kná hann einn ráða, fiolð, því er und Fáfni lá.’

Birds: Sigurd should kill the old dwarf, leave him shorter by a head. Then all Fafnir’s gold will be his!

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‘Mioc er ósviðr, ef hann enn sparir fiánda inn fólcscá, þar er Reginn liggr, er hann ráðinn hefr; kannat hann við slíco at siá.’

2nd bird: He’ll be a fool if he spares his muderous enemy. Regin is plotting against him.

‘Höfði scemra láti hann þann inn hrímkalda iotun oc af baugom búa; þá mundu fiár, þess er Fáfnir réð, einvaldi vera.’

Birds: Sigurd should kill the old dwarf, leave him shorter by a head. Then all Fafnir’s gold will be his!

(Sigurðr:) ‘Verðra svá ríc scöp, at Reginn scyli mitt banorð bera; þvíat þeir báðir broeðr scolo brálliga fara til Heliar heðan.’

Sigurd: Fate is not so powerful that Regin can kill me. Both brothers will go to hell!

Flute interlude

Sigurd hacked off Regin’s head. He drank the blood of both brothers and ate the dragon's heart. Then the birds said to him:

‘Bitt þú, Sigurðr, bauga rauða, era konunglict qvíða mörgo;

1st bird: Gather up what is rightfully yours, Sigurd. Seize the gold. A hero fears no curse.

mey veit ec eina, myclo fegrsta, gulli goedda, ef þú geta mættir.

I know of the fairest of maidens. With your gold, you may win her for your bride.

Liggia til Giúca groenar brautir, fram vísa scöp fólclíðondom; þar hefir dýrr konungr dóttur alna, þá mundu, Sigurðr, mundi kaupa.

2nd bird: I will lead you to a warrior woman, a valkyrie, the daughter of Buðli.

Salr er á há Hindarfialli, allr er hann útan

1st bird: She sleeps forever on a rock high in the mountains, surrounded by a ring of fire that burns day and night.

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eldi sveipinn; þann hafa horscir halir um gorvan ór ódøccom Ógnar lióma.

Veit ec á fialli fólcvitr sofa, oc leicr yfir lindar váði; Yggr stacc þorni: aðra feldi hör-Gefn hali, enn hafa vildi.

2nd bird: I know the mountain where the valkyrie sleeps. Odin pricked her with a thorn when she slew a warrior he did not want slain.

Knáttu, mögr, siá mey und hiálmi, þá er frá vígi Vingscorni reið; máat Sigrdrífa svefni bregða, scioldunga niðr, fyr scöpom norna.'

Birds: You will see the girl under the helmet. Her sleep may not be broken except by the Norns’ decree.

Fiddle postlude (ca. 5 sec.)

[blank screen]

Fiddle postlude Sigurd reached the mountain of the sleeping valkyrie. On his horse, Grani, he leapt through the ring of fire and saw a sleeping warrior in full armor.

Fiddle postlude He removed the warrior’s helmet and discovered a beautiful woman. He slit her armor open, awakening the warrior-maiden. Brynhild sat up and stared at Sigurd.

‘Hvat beit brynio, hví brá ec svefni ? hverr feldi af mér fölvar nauðir?’

Brynhild: Who cut open my armor? Who wakes me from Odin's curse?

‘Sigmundar burr, sleit fyr scömmo hrafns hrælundir hiorr Sigurðar.’

Sigurd: The son of Sigmund, who with his sword gives carrion to the crows.

‘Lengi ec svaf, lengi ec sofnuð var, löng ero lýða læ; Óðinn því veldr, er ec eigi máttac

Brynhild: I slept for so long. And long are the sorrows of men.

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bregða blunnstöfom. ‘Heill dagr, heilir dags synir, heil nótt oc nipt! óreiðom augom lítið ocr þinig, oc gefit sitiondom sigr!

Hail to day! Hail to the night and her kin! Anoint us with blessings and give us victory against our foes.

Heilir æsir, heilar ásynior, heil siá in fiolnýta folð! mál oc manvit gefit ocr mærom tveim oc læcnishendr, meðan lifom!’

Hail to the gods. Hail to the goddesses. Hail to the bounty of the earth. Grant us the power to heal, and ennoble two who are already famous.

short flute interlude

Sigurd asked Brynhild to teach him wisdom and she obliged. But first, she gave him a memory drink to aid his learning.

‘Biór foeri oc þér, brynþings apaldr, magni blandinn oc megintýri; fullr er hann lióða oc lícnstafa, góðra galdra oc gamanrúna.

Brynhild: A brew I give you, mixed with magical power, spells, good charms and joyful runes.

‘Þat ræð ec þér iþ fyrsta, at þú við froendr þína vammalauss verir; síðr þú hefnir, þótt þeir sacar gori, þat qveða dauðom duga.

First: Remain blameless toward your kin, though they may do you harm.

Þat ræð ec þér annat, at þú eið né sverir, nema þann er saðr sé; grimmir símar ganga at trygðroÞ , armr er vára vargr.

Be forgiving of them even if the there is cause for revenge.

Þat ræð ec þér it tíunda, at þú trúir aldri várom vargdropa, hvárstu ert bróður bani, eða hafir þú feldan föður: úlfr er í ungom syni, þótt sé hann gulli gladdr.

Second: Do not swear an oath you cannot keep, for the consequences will harrow and burn and the violator is doomed.

Sacar oc heiptir hyggiat svefngar vera,

Third: Trust no man, even a boy, if you have slaughtered his kin.

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né harm in heldr; vitz oc vápna vant er iofri at fá, þeim er scal fremstr með firom.

Because in a boy's skin, a wolf may hide.

Þat ræð ec þér it ellipta, at þú við illo sér hvern veg at vinom.

Fourth: Discord follows discord. Envy follows envy. Therefore, a man of position should always be armed.

Langt líf þicciomcac lofðungs vita, römm ero róg of risin.’

Finally: Beware of your friends. Anger smolders. I fear you will not live long.

INSTRUMENTAL PIECE (ca. 2’30”) (flute & fiddle)

Sigurd was charmed by Brynhild, and Brynhild was fated to love whichever hero broke through the ring of fire to wake her from her sleep.

[instrumental piece] Sigurd gave Brynhild the dazzling ring he took from Fafnir, as a token of his intentions. But before they could wed, Sigurd had to follow his destiny to the court of King Giuki.

possible fiddle tuning Fiddle prelude

[blank]

Ár var, þatz Sigurðr sótti Giúca, Völsungr ungi, er vegit hafði; tóc við trygðom tveggia broeðra, selduz eiða eliunfroecnir.

When Sigurd arrived at Giuki’s court, the queen, Grimhild, welcomed him. She admired the great hero - and his gold.

Mey buðo hánom oc meiðma fiolð, Guðrúno ungo, Giúca dóttur; drucco oc doemðo doegr mart saman, Sigurðr ungi oc synir Giúca.

She plotted to marry Sigurd to her daughter Gudrun. Grimhild gave Sigurd a potion of forgetfulness to drink.

Unz þeir Brynhildar biðia fóro, svá at þeim Sigurðr reið í sinni, Völsungr ungi oc vega kunni; hann um ætti,

And so Sigurd forgot his vows to Brynhild and married the beautiful Gudrun. And Gudrun’s brothers, Gunnar and Högni, swore an oath of brotherhood.

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ef hann eiga knætti. Seggr inn suðroeni lagði sverð necqvið, mæki málfán, á meðal þeira; né hann kono kyssa gerði, né húnscr konungr hefi a sér at armi; mey frumunga fal hann megi Giúca.

Then the three men were as one. Then Grimhild plotted to marry her son Gunnar to Brynhild, with Sigurd’s help.

Hon sér at lífi löst né vissi oc at aldrlagi ecci grand, vamm þat er væri eða vera hygði. Gengo þess á milli grimmar urðir.

Brynhild, tricked into marrying Gunnar, then realized that Sigurd had already married Gudrun. Her sorrow turned to vengeful rage.

Ein sat hon úti aptan dags, nam hon svá bert um at mælaz:

Outside she sat alone and openly spoke:

‘Hafa scal ec Sigurð – eða þó svelti! – mög frumungan, mér á armi.

Brynhild: I shall have Sigurd or I shall die. I want him in my arms.

Orð mæltac nú, iðromc eptir þess, qván er hans Guðrún, enn ec Gunnars; liótar nornir scópo oss langa þrá.

I’ll be sorry for my words later. Gudrun is his wife, and I am Gunnar’s. The hateful Norns decreed this torment for us.

Opt gengr hon innan, illz um fyld, ísa oc iocla, aptan hvern, er þau Guðrún ganga á beð oc hana Sigurðr sveipr í ripti, konungr inn húnsci, qván friá sína.

She went to the glacier in the evenings, filled with anger, while Sigurd caressed his Gudrun in bed.

‘Vön geng cc vilia, vers oc beggia, verð ec mic goela

Brynhild: I have neither happiness nor husband. I’ll find pleasure in my savage thoughts.

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af grimmom hug.’

Nam af þeim heiptom hvetiaz at vígi: ‘Þú scalt, Gunnarr, gerst um láta míno landi oc mér siálfri; mun ec una aldri með öðlingi.

Then in her malice, she goaded Gunnar to murder: Brynhild: you will lose both me and my lands. I’ll never be satisfied with you.

Mun ec aptr fara, þars ec áðan varc, með nábornom niðiom mínom; þar mun ec sitia oc sofa lífi , nema þú Sigurð svelta látir oc iofur öðrom oeðri verðir.

I’ll go back to my kinfolk and sleep away my life, unless you manage to kill Sigurd.

Reiðr varð Gunnarr oc hnipnaði, sveip sínom hug, sat um allan dag; hann vissi þat vilgi gorla, hvat hánom væri vinna soemst, eða hánom væri vinna bezt, allz sic Völsung vissi firðan oc at Sigurð söcnuð mikinn.

Then Gunnar was angry and confused, thinking all day what would be the honorable thing to do. But he also knew Sigurd had to go.

Ýmist hann hugði iafnlanga stund; þat var eigi árar títt, at frá, konungdóm qvánir gengi;

He weighed many plans. It wasn’t customary in those days for women to abandon the royal state.

nam hann sér Högna heita at rúnom, þar átti hann allz fulltrúa.

He sought wise counsel from his brother Högni.

‘Ein er mér Brynhildr öllom betri,

Gunnar: Brynhild is a prize among women. O my brother, I would rather lose my life

15

um borin Buðla, broðir minn, hon er bragr qvenna; fyrr scal ec míno fiorvi láta, enn þeirar meyiar meiðmom týna.

than lose Brynhild.

Villdu ocr fylki til fiár véla? Gott er at ráða Rínar málmi oc unandi auði stýra oc sitiandi sælo nióta.’

Would you, for our sakes, betray the prince for gold? It’s good to have gold and live comfortably.

Eino því Högni annsvor veitti: ‘Samir eigi ocr slíct at vinna, sverði rofna svarna eiða, eiða svarna, unnar trygðir.

Högni: We have sworn an oath of brotherhood with Sigurd. We must not cut it with a sword.

‘Þic hefir Brynhildr böl at gerva heiptar hvattan, harm at vinna; fyrman hon Guðrúno góðra ráða, enn síðan þér sín at nióta.’

Brynhild is stirring up disaster for you. She begrudges Gudrun a happy marriage, and also that she must take her pleasure with you.

Ec veit gorla, hvaðan vegir standa: ero Brynhildar brec ofmikil.’

I know how things stand. Brynhild’s passions are too intense.

Sumir úlf sviðo, sumir orm sniðo, sumir Gothormi af gera deildo, áðr þeir mætti, meins um lystir, á horscom hal hendr um leggia.

A potion laced with wolf flesh, snake meat, and ale was given to their youngest brother, Guthorm.

Dælt var at eggia óbilgiarnan, stóð til hiarta hiorr Sigurði.

The boy was away when the blood oath with Sigurd was sworn. It was easy to egg him on: the sword stood in Sigurd’s heart.

16

Réð til hefnda hergiarn í sal oc eptir varp óbilgiornom; fló til Guthorms Grams ramliga kynbirt iárn ór konungs hendi.

But even as the hero lay dying, he threw his sword, Gram,

Hné hans um dólgr til hluta tveggia; hendr oc haufuð hné á annan veg, enn fótahlutr fell aptr í stað.

which flew across the room and sliced the boy in half. His legs fell backwards; his torso and head flew into the air.

Instrumental

[blank]

Soltinn varð Sigurðr sunnan Rínar, hrafn at meiði hátt kallaði:

Dead was Sigurd, on the banks of the Rhein. A raven calls from its treetop perch:

‘Ycr mun Atli eggiar rióða, muno vígscá of viða eiðar.’

Atli will redden his sword in your blood! Your broken oaths will destroy you!

Úti stóð Guðrún, Giúca dóttir, oc hon þat orða allz fyrst um qvað: ‘Hvar er nú Sigurðr, seggia dróttinn, er froendr mínir fyrri ríða?

Gudrun stood outside and asked: Where is my noble lord? Where is Sigurd, my beloved husband?

Einn því Högni andsvor veitti: ‘Sundr höfom Sigurð sverði högginn, gnapir æ grár iór yfir gram dauðom.’

Högni: Sigurd we’ve hacked to pieces with swords. His steed, Grani, stands guard with bowed head beside the corpse.

Þá qvað þat Brynhildr, Buðla dóttir: ‘Vel scolot nióta vápna oc landa; einn myndi Sigurðr öllo ráða,

Brynhild spoke, the daughter of Budli: Gunnar, now that you’ve had the hero killed, power and gold are yours!

17

ef hann lengr litlo lífi heldi.

Hló þá Brynhildr – boer allr dunði – eino sinni af öllom hug:

The hall resounded with Brynhild’s laughter.

‘Lengi scoloð nióta landa oc þegna, er þér froecnan gram falla léto’.’

Brynhild: Long may you enjoy your lands and your power, now that you’ve killed the prince.

Þá qvað þat Guðrún, Giúca dóttir: ‘Mioc mælir þú miclar firnar, gramir hafi Gunnar, götvað Sigurðar!

Gudrun spoke, Giuki’s daughter: Though you are my brother, I curse you, Gunnar. May fiends take you, murderer of Sigurd.

heiptgiarns hugar hefnt scal verða.’

Hateful thoughts shall be avenged.

Fiddle finishes harps begin playing

[blank screen]

Ár var, þaz Guðrún gorðiz at deyia, er hon sat sorgfull yfir Sigurði; gerðit hon hiúfra né höndom slá, né qveina um sem konor aðrar.

Gudrun sat sorrowful over Sigurd’s body. She did not cry or rage or lament like other women. She was like stone.

Gengo iarlar alsnotrir fram, þeir er harðz hugar hána lötto; þeygi Guðrún gráta, mátti, svá var hon móðug, mundi hon springa.

Wise warriors tried to ease her grief. Although she might have burst asunder, she could not weep.

Sáto ítrar iarlar brúðir, gulli búnar, fyr Guðrúno; hver sagði þeira sinn oftrega,

Noble wives sat with her and recounted their own sorrows to Gudrun, each story more bitter than the last, hoping to diminish her pain.

18

þann er bitrastan um beðit hafði.

Þá qvað Giaþaug, Giúca systir: ‘Mic veit ec á moldo munar lausasta; hefi ec fimm vera forspell beðit, tveggia doetra, þriggia systra, átta broeðra, þó ec ein lifi .’

Then spoke her aunt, Giaflaug: No one is more wretched than I. I have buried husbands, daughters, sisters and brothers, yet I live on alone.

Þeygi Guðrún gráta mátti; svá var hon móðug at mög dauðan oc harðhuguð um hrer fylkis.

Still Gudrun sat mute, fierce in mind by the side of the corpse.

Þa qvað þat Herborg, Húnalanz drótning: ‘Hefi ec harðara harm at segia: mínir siau synir sunnan lanz, verr inn átti, í val fello;

Then spoke Herborg, queen of the Huns: I have suffered even more. My seven sons and my husband died in battle.

faðir oc móðir, fiórir broeðr, þau á vági vindr of léc, barði bára við borðþili.

My parents and four brothers died in a shipwreck.

Siálf scylda ec göfga, siálf scylda ec götva, siálf scylda ec höndla helfor þeira; þat ec alt um beið ein misseri, svá at mér maðr engi munar leitaði.

I had to care for myself alone, for a long time, joyless.

Þá varð ec hapta oc hernuma sams misseris síðan verða; scylda ec screyta oc scúa binda hersis qván

I was taken captive in battle and made the slave of the chieftain’s wife. I had to dress her and tie on her shoes every morning.

19

hverian morgin. Hon oegði mér af afbrýði, oc hörðom mic höggom keyrði; fann ec húsguma hvergi in betra, enn húsfreyio hvergi verri.’

In a jealous rage, she would strike my flesh raw. Nowhere have I found a better husband, or a worse wife.

Þeygi Guðrún gráta mátti; svá var hon móðug at mög dauðan oc harðhugð um hrer fylkis.

Still Gudrun sat mute, fierce in mind by the side of the corpse.

Þá qvað þat Gullrönd, Giúca dóttir: ‘Fá kanntu, fóstra, þótt þú fróð sér, ungo vífi annspioll bera.’ Varaði hon at hylia um hrør fylkis.

Then her sister Gullrönd said: These tales of woe will not comfort a young wife’s grief. She advised to uncover the corpse.

Svipti hon blæio af Sigurði oc vatt vengi fyr vífs kniám:

The blood-soaked covering was swept from Sigurd.

‘Líttu á liúfan, legðu munn við grön, sem þú hálsaðir heilan stilli.’

Güllrond: Look at your beloved, put your face to his as you used to when he lived.

Á leit Guðrún eino sinni; sá hon döglings scör dreyra runna, fránar siónir fylkis liðnar, hugborg iöfurs hiörvi scorna.

Gudrun looked at him one time only, saw his hair red with blood, the eyes grown dim, the stab wounds.

Þá hné Guðrún höll við bólstri; haddr losnaði, hlýr roðnaði, enn regns dropi rann niðr um kné.

Then Gudrun knelt, loosened her hair, scratched her cheeks, and the drops like rain ran down to her knees.

20

Þá grét Guðrún, Giúca dóttir, svá at tár þugo tresc í gognom, oc gullo við gæss í túni, moerir fuglar, er mær átti.

Then Gudrun wept, her hair filled with tears. The geese in the meadow cackled in reply, her splendid birds.

Þá qvað þat Gullrönd, Giúca dóttir: ‘Ycrar vissa ec ástir mestar manna allra fyr mold ofan; unðir þú hvárki úti né inni, systir mín, nema hiá Sigurði.’

Then her sister, Gullrönd said: Yours was the greatest love known on the earth. You were never happy, o my sister, except with Sigurd.

‘Svá var minn Sigurðr hiá sonom Giúca, sem væri geirlaucr ór grasi vaxinn, eða væri biartr steinn á band dreginn, iarcnasteinn yfir öðlingom.

Gudrun: Sigurd was like a towering tree beside the frail grasses that are my brothers. He was like an gem on a string of common beads in the hall of my father.

Ec þóttac oc þióðans reccom hverri hærri Herians dísi; nú em ec svá lítil, sem lauf sé opt í iolstrom, at iofur dauðan.

I was pride itself in the midst of Sigurd’s warriors, higher than all of Odin’s ladies. Now I am but a single leaf adrift on an autumnal grave.

Sacna ec í sessi oc í sæingo míns málvinar, valda megir Giúca; valda megir Giúca míno bölvi oc systr sinnar sárom gráti.

I miss him in the hall and in my bed. I miss his friendship, our long talks. My own brothers have caused this grief.

Svá ér um lýða landi eyðit, sem ér um unnoð eiða svarða; mana þú, Gunnarr, gullz um nióta,

Now our people and lands will be laid waste by what Gunnar has caused. The dazzling gold rings will bring you death, Gunnar, since you broke the oath to Sigurd!

21

þeir muno þér baugar at bana verða, er þú Sigurði svarðir eiða.

[harps finish]

[blank screen]

Kona varp öndo, enn konungr fiorvi; svá sló hon svárar sinni hendi, at qváðo við kálcar í vá, oc gullo við gæss í túni.

The woman sighed. Then she clapped her hands so loudly that the goblets rattled and the geese in the meadow cackled in reply.

Hló þá Brynhildr, Buðla dóttir, eino sinni af öllom hug, er hon til hvílo heyra knátti giallan grát Giúca dóttur.

Then Brynhild, hearing it from her bed, laughed once again at the terrible weeping of Sigurd’s wife.

Leit hon um alla eigo sína, soltnar þýiar oc salkonor; gullbrynio smó – vara gott í hug – áðr sic miðlaði mækis eggiom.

She looked at all her property: dead were her slave-girls and her ladies. She put on golden chain-mail, and pierced herself with the sword’s edge.

Hné við bólstri hon á annan veg, oc hiorunduð hugði at ráðom:

Wounded, she leaned against the pillows and began to speak.

Seztu niðr, Gunnarr! mun ec segia þér lífs ørvæna liósa brúði; muna yðvart far alt í sundi, þótt ec hafa öndo látið.

Brynhild: Sit next to me, Gunnar. Your radiant bride has no hope of life.

Biðia mun ec þic boenar einnar, sú mun í heimi hinzt boen vera: láttu svá breiða

I must ask you one thing, my last request in this world: let a pyre be built on the meadow with enough space for all of us who died with Sigurd.

22

borg á velli, at undir oss öllom iafnrúmt sé, þeim er sulto með Sigurði.

Tialdi þar um þá borg tioldom oc scioldom, valarift vel fáð oc Vala mengi; brenni mér inn húnsca á hlið aðra.

Let shields and tapestries and weavings adorn the pyre. Let many foreign slaves be sacrificed. Burn Sigurd beside me.

Brenni inom húnsca á hlið aðra mina þióna, meniom göfga, tveir at höfðom, oc tveir haucar; þá er öllo scipt til iafnaðar.

On his other side, burn my maids adorned with jewels, two by his head, and two hawks. Then it will be done correctly.

Liggi occar enn í milli málmr hringvariðr, egghvast iárn, svá endr lagið, þá er við bæði beð einn stigom oc hétom þá hióna nafni.

Let Gram, Sigurd’s sword, rest between him and myself, as it once did when we had the name of man and wife.

Þvíat hánom fylgia fimm ambóttir, átta þiónar, eðlom góðir, fóstrman mitt oc faðerni, þat er Buðli gaf barni síno.

Let five serving-girls accompany him, eight servants of good family, and the slave who grew up with me.

Mart sagða ec, mynda ec þeira, er mér meirr miotuðr málrúm gæfi ;

Much I have said. I would say more if time were granted to me.

ómon þverr, undir svella, satt eitt sagðac, svá mun ec láta.’

But my voice fails, my wounds throb. I said what was true. Now I must depart.

Fiddle begins

[blank]

Mær var ec meyia, Gudrun: Radiant I was, the loveliest of

23

móðir mic foeddi, biort, í búri, unna ec vel broeðom; unz mic Giúki gulli reifði, gulli reifði, gaf Sigurði.

girls. I loved my brothers greatly, until Giuki endowed me with gold and gave me to Sigurd.

Svá var Sigurðr uf sonom Giúca, sem væri groenn laucr ór grasi vaxinn, eða hiortr hábeinn um hvössom dýrom, eða gull glóðrautt af grá silfri.

So was Sigurd beside the sons of Giuki like a tree among the grasses, or red-glowing gold next to dull silver.

Unz mér fyrmunðo mínir broeðr, at ec ætta ver öllom fremra; sofa þeir né máttoð né of sacar doema, áðr þeir Sigurð svelta létoð.

But my brothers couldn’t stand such a prominent husband. They could not sleep until they had put Sigurd to death.

Gecc ec grátandi við Grana roeða, úrughlýra, ió frá ec spialla; hnipnaði Grani þá, drap í gras höfði; iór þat vissi: eigendr né lifðot.

I went weeping to talk to Grani, asking the horse for news. He drooped his head in the grass, knew his master was dead.

Lengi hvarfaðac, lengi hugir deilduz, áðr ec of frægac fólcvorð at gram.

A long time my thoughts ran on until I asked the king about my prince.

Hnipnaði Gunnarr, sagði mér Högni frá Sigurðar sárom dauða: ‘Liggr of höggvinn fyr handan ver Gothorms bani, of gefinn úlfom.’

Gunnar looked away, but Högni told me about the bitter death: He lies beside the river, given to the wolves.

Hvarf ec ein þaðan, annspilli frá, á við, lesa varga leifar;

Away I went from that encounter, to gather up the leavings of the wolves. I could not weep or strike my hands together, nor lament as other women do.

24

gerðiga ec hiúfra né höndom slá, né kveina um sem konor aðrar, þá er sat soltin um Sigurði.

Nótt þótti mér niðmyrcr vera, er ec sárla satc yfir Sigurði; úlfar þóttomz öllo betri, ef þeir léti mic líÞ týna eða brendi mic sem birkinn við.

The night was dark as I sat grieving over Sigurd. It seemed best to me that the wolves would take me too, or if I could burn up like birchwood.

Þá frá Grímildr, gotnesc kona, hvat ec væra hyggiuð; hon brá borða oc buri heimti, þrágiarnliga, þess at spyria, hverr vildi son systor boeta, eða ver veginn vildi gialda.

Then Queen Grimhild learned about my state of mind, asked her sons to pay me compensation.

Foerði mér Grímildr full at drecca, svalt oc sárlict, né ec sacar munðac; þat var um aukit urðar magni, svalköldom sæ oc sonardreyra.

Then Grimhild brought me a cup to drink from, cool and bitter. I forgot the past, for that fateful power was sealed with sacrificial blood.

Vóro í horni hvers kyns stafir ristnir oc roðnir – ráða ec né máttac – lyngfi scr langr, lanz Haddingia ax óscorit, innleið dýra.

Red runes were engraved on that drinking horn. I could not understand them: a fish, an uncut ear of corn, entrails of beasts.

Vóro þeim, bióri böl mörg saman, urt allz viðar oc acarn brunninn, umdögg arins,

And evil things were mixed in that drink: herbs and burnt acorns, dew, sacrificial innards, and boiled pig’s liver -- known to calm a quarrel.

25

iðrar blótnar, svíns lifr soðin, þvíat hon sacar deyfði.

Enn þá gleymðo, er getið höfðo, öll iofurs iórbiúg í sal; qvómo konungar fyr kné þrennir, áðr hon siálfa mic sótti at máli.

Then everything was forgotten, the prince’s death. Three kings came to kneel before me before she herself spoke:

(Grímildr:) ‘Gef ec þér, Guðrún, gull at þiggia, fiolð allz fiár, at þinn föður dauðan, hringa rauða, Hlöðvés sali, ársal allan, at iofur fallinn.

Grimhild: Gold I will give you, Gudrun, and a great deal of treasure from your dead father, all of this for the fallen prince.

Húnscar meyiar, þær er hlaða spioldom oc gora gull fagrt, svá at þér gaman þicci; ein scaltu ráða auði Buðla, gulli göfguð oc gefin Atla.’

Hunnish slave-girls to do your weaving, to work in gold for your pleasure. You shall be endowed with gold and given to Atli, Brynhild’s brother.

(Guðrún:) ‘Vilc eigi ec með veri ganga né Brynhildar bróður eiga; samir eigi mér, við son Buðla ætt at auca né una lífi .’

Gudrun: I don’t want another man, nor will I marry Brynhild’s brother. It is not fitting for me to bear his children.

(Grímildr:) ‘Hirðaðu hölðom heiptir gialda, þvíat vér höfom valdit fyrri; svá scaltu láta, sem þeir lifir báðir, Sigurðr oc Sigmundr, ef þú sono foeðir.’

Grimhild: Don’t try to repay the men’s wickedness. You’ll feel Sigurd is still alive, if you have sons.

26

(Guðrún:) ‘Máca ec, Grímildr, glaumi bella né vígrisins vánir telia, síz Sigurðar sárla drucco hrægífr, Huginn hiartblóð saman.’

Gudrun: I may not find happiness since the raven and wolf tasted Sigurd’s blood.

(Grímildr:) ‘Þann hefi ec allra ættgöfgastan fylki fundit, oc framarst necqvi; hann scaltu eiga, unz þic aldr viðar, verlaus vera, nema þú vilir þenna.’

Grimhild: I have found for you the most highly-born prince of all. You’ll be married to him or else remain without a man the rest of your life!

(Guðrún:) ‘Hirða þú bióða bölvafullar, þrágiarnliga, þær kindir mér! Hann mun Gunnar grandi beita oc ór Högna hiarta slíta. Muncað ec letia, áðr lífshvatan eggleics hvötuð aldri næmic.’

Gudrun: Stop offering me this unholy kinship! Atli will prepare a trap for Gunnar, tear out the heart from Högni. All for the gold they hide.Then I won’t rest until I have taken his life!

Grátandi Grímildr greip við orði, er burom sínom bölva vætti oc mögom sínom meina stórra:

Weeping, Grimhild heard these words which portended doom for her boys.

‘Læga ec síðan – né ec sofa vildac – þrágiarn í kör; þat man ec gorva.’

Gudrun: I lay down then, obstinate on the bed of pain. That I remember well.

Fiddle ends Flute begins

[blank screen]

Drum begins

And so it came about that Atli married Gudrun. Hungry for the gold, he plotted to destroy Gunnar.

27

Atli sendi ár til Gunnars kunnan segg at ríða, Knéfröðr var sá heitinn; at görðom kom hann Giúca oc at Gunnars höllo, becciom aringreypom oc at bióri svásom.

Atli sent a messenger to Gunnar; he came riding to the hall where Gunnar and his men were drinking around the hearth.

Drucco þar dróttmegir – enn dyliendr þögðo – vín í valhöllo, vreiði sáz þeir Húna; kallaði þá Knéfröðr kaldri röddo, seggr inn suðroeni – sat hann á becc hám:

The men drank in silence, concealing their thoughts, anticipating hostility. Then Atli’s messenger called out in a cold voice:

‘Atli mic hingat sendi ríða ørindi, mar inom mélgreypa, Myrcvið inn ókunna, at biðia yðr, Gunnarr, at iþ á becc koemit, með hiálmom aringreypom, at soekia heim Atla.

Messenger: Atli sent me here, riding hard through Mirkwood forest, to invite you and Högni to his hearth, ringed with helmets.

Höfði vatt þá Gunnarr oc Högna til sagði:

Gunnar turned his head and said to Högni:

‘Hvat hyggr þú brúði bendo, þá er hon ocr bauc sendi, varinn váðom heiðingia? hygg ec, at hon vornuð byði; hár fann ec heiðingia riðit í hring rauðom: ylfscr er vegr occarr, at ríða ørindi.’

Gunnar: What did our sister mean when she sent this gold ring with a wolf’s hair tied around it? Our way will be wolf-beset if we accept.

Úlfr mun ráða arfi Niflunga, gamlir granverðir, ef Gunnars missir, birnir blacfiallir bíta þreftönnom, gamna greystóði, ef Gunnarr né kømrað.’

The wolves will control the Nibelung gold if Gunnar is lost, the bear will bite and the wolf-pack will rejoice if Gunnar does not return!

Fetom léto froecnir um fioll at þyria marina mélgreypo, Myrcvið inn ókunna;

At full gallop they rode over the mountains and through Mirkwood; the Hunnish borderlands shook as they drove their horses over the green plains.

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hristiz öll Húnmörc, þar er harðmóðgir fóro, ráco þeir vannstyggva völlo algroena.

Land sá þeir Atla oc liðsciálfar diúpar, Bicca greppa standa á borg inni há, sal um suðrþióðom, sleginn sessmeiðom, bundnom röndom, bleicom scioldom, dafar, darraða;

They saw Atli’s domain, the thickly guarded walls and towers, shields, spears, pennants.

enn þar dracc Atli vín í valhöllo; verðir sáto úti, at varða þeim Gunnari, ef þeir hér vitia qvoemi með geiri giallanda at vekia gram hildi.

Atli was drinking inside the hall, with guards outside in case Gunnar should come with spears and war.

Systir fann þeira snemst, at þeir í sal qvómo, broeðr hennar báðir, bióri var hon lítt druccin:

Their sister, stone-sober, saw them coming into the hall:

‘Ráðinn ertu nú, Gunnarr, hvat muntu, rícr, vinna við Húna harmbrögðom? höll gacc þú ór snemma!

Gudrun: You’ve been betrayed by the Huns, Gunnar. Leave quickly!

Betr hefðir þú, bróðir, at þú í brynio foerir, sem hiálmom aringreypom, at siá heim Atla; sætir þú í söðlom sólheiða daga, nái nauðfölva létir nornir gráta, Húna scialdmeyiar hervi kanna, enn Atla siálfan létir þú í ormgarð koma; nú er sá ormgarðr ycr um fólginn.’

You should have come with a conquering army. Then you could have tied up Atli in the snake-pit; instead that snake-pit is now made ready for you.

Fengo þeir Gunnar oc í fiotur setto, vinir Borgunda, oc bundo fastla.

They seized Gunnar and tied him up, the Burgundian prince.

29

Siau hió Högni sverði hvösso, enn inom átta hratt hann í eld heitan;

Hogni slashed through seven of Atli’s men and the eighth he shoved into the fire.

svá scal froecn fiándom veriaz, Högni varði hendr Gunnars.

Thus a brave man should act, as Högni defended himself and Gunnar.

Frágo froecnan, ef fior vildi, Gotna þióðann, gulli kaupa.

They asked Gunnar if he wanted to buy his life with gold.

(Gunnarr:) ‘Hiarta scal mér Högna í hendi liggia, blóðuct, ór briósti scorið baldriða, saxi slíðrbeito, syni þióðans.’

Gunnar: first I must hold Högni’s heart in my hand, cut from his breast with a sharp knife.

Scáro þeir hiarta Hialla ór briósti, blóðuct, oc á bióð lögðo oc báro þat fyr Gunnar.

Atli’s men secretly cut out the heart of the slave Hialli and gave it to Gunnar.

Þá qvað þat Gunnarr, gumna dróttinn: ‘Hér hefi ec hiarta Hialla ins blauða, ólíct hiarta Högna ins froecna, er mioc bifaz, er á bióði liggr; bifðiz hálfo meirr, er í briósti lá.’

Gunnar the lord of men said: This is not Högni’s heart, look how it quivers on the platter. Högni’s heart would never tremble with fear.

Hló þá Högni, er til hiarta scáro qvicqvan kumblasmið, klecqva hann sízt hugði; blóðuct þat á bióð lögðo oc báro fyr Gunnar.

Then Högni laughed loudly as the blade cut to his heart. The bloody heart was placed on a plate and brought before Gunnar.

Mærr qvað þat Gunnarr, geir-Niþungr: ‘Hér hefi ec hiarta Högna ins froecna, ólict hiarta Hialla ins blauða,

Gunnar spoke, the glorious lord of the Nibelungs: This is the heart of brave Högni. Unlike the heart of the terrified slave Hialli,

30

er lítt bifaz, er á bióði liggr, bifðiz svági mioc, þá er í briósti lá.

Högni’s heart hardly quivers on the plate. It quivered even less when it was in Högni’s breast.

Svá scaltu, Atli, augom fiarri, sem munt meniom mínom verða; er und einom mér öll um fólgin hodd Niþunga: lifira nú Högni.

Now that Högni is dead, Atli, only I know where Fafnir’s gold is hidden, the Nibelung hoard.

Ey var mér týia, meðan við tveir lifðom, nú er mér engi, er ec einn lific; Rín scal ráða rógmálmi scatna, sú in áskunna, arfi Niþunga,

There was a risk while we both lived, but now I am the only one who knows. The Rhine will rule the cursed Nibelung hoard, not you.

í veltanda vatni lýsaz valbaugar, heldr enn á höndom gull scíni Húna bornom.’

In the waves the golden rings will glint, not on the hands of the Huns.

‘Ýqvið ér hvélvögnom! haptr er nú í böndom.’

Atli: Take the captive away!

Oc meirr þaðan menvorð bituls, dólgrögni, dró til dauðs scócr.

Then Gunnar, chained in a cart, rode to the place of death.

Lifanda gram lagði í garð, þann er scriðinn var, scatna mengi, innan ormom;

Then Gunnar was lowered into a pit made by men, squirming with serpents.

enn einn Gunnarr, heiptmóðr, hörpo hendi kníði. Glumðo strengir;

And alone in the pit Gunnar furiously played his harp, with hate in his heart, and the strings resounded.

svá scal gulli froecn hringdrifi við fira halda.

So should a brave warrior guard his gold from enemies!

31

Atli lét lanz síns á vit ió eyrscán aptr frá, morði; dynr var í garði, dröslom of þrungit, vápnsöngr virða, vóro af heiði komnir.

Atli and his men rode back to the fortress, murderers making noise in the courtyard, the singing of warriors.

Út gecc þá Guðrún, Atla í gogn, með gyltom kálki, at reifa giold rögnis:

Gudrun went out to greet him with a golden goblet.

‘Þiggia knáttu, þengill, í þinni höllo glaðr at Guðrúno gnadda niþfarna.’

Gudrun: Lord, here in your hall you will receive Gudrun’s freshly-killed young game to eat.

Umðo ölscálir Atla, vínhöfgar, þá er í höll saman Húnar tölðuz, gumar gransíðir, gengo inn hvárir.

Atli’s cups were heavy with wine as all the Huns came together in the hall.

Scævaði þá in scírleita, veigar þeim at bera, afkár dís, iofrom, oc ölkrásir valði, nauðug, neffölom, enn níð sagði Atla:

The woman brought more drink and arranged morsels of meat. Then, sickened, the horror spewed from Gudrun’s lips.

‘Sona hefir þinna, sverða deilir, hiorto hrædreyrug við hunang of tuggin; melta knáttu, móðugr, manna valbráðir, eta at ölkrásom, oc í öndugi at senda.

Gudrun: Atli, you are chewing human flesh as an appetizer; you are eating your own sons’ hearts dressed with honey.

Kallaraðu síðan til kniá þinna Erp né Eitil, ölreifa tvá; séraðu síðan í seti miðio gullz miðlendr geira scepta, manar meita né mara keyra.’

Never again will you bounce our two boys on your knees. Never again will you teach them your warrior’s skills. Never again will they ride their fine horses.

32

Ymr varð á becciom, afkárr söngr virða, gnýr und guðvefiom, gréto born Húna,

A terrible howling filled the splendid hall, the weeping and moaning of the Huns.

nema ein Guðrún, er hon æva grét broeðr sína berharða oc buri svása, unga, ófróða, þá er hon við Atla gat.

All except for Gudrun, who never wept for her brothers, fierce as bears, or for her innocent sons.

Óvarr Atli, móðan hafði hann sic druccit, vápn hafði hann ecci, varnaðit hann við Guðrúno;

Atli, drunk, exhausted and confused, had no weapon and was defenseless against Gudrun.

Hon beð broddi gaf blóð at drecca, hendi helfússi, oc hvelpa leysti; hratt fyr hallar dyrr, oc húskarla vacþi, brandi, brúðr, heitom;

With a sword-point she gave the bedding blood to drink. She set free the servants and dogs, and tossed flaming firebrands across the entrance doors.

þau lét hon giold broeðra.

She made them pay for her brothers!

Eldi gaf hon þá alla, er inni vóro oc frá morði þeira Gunnars komnir vóro ór Myrcheimi; forn timbr fello, fiarghús ruco, boer Buðlunga, brunno oc scialdmeyiar inni, aldrstamar, hnigo í eld heitan.

She gave to the fire to all within, the murderers of Gunnar. Then the ancient timbers came crashing down and smoke and fire consumed all within.

Fullroett er um þetta; ferr engi svá síðan brúðr í brynio broeðra at hefna;

Now this story is all told. Never since has a bride thus avenged her brothers.

hon hefr þriggia þióðkonunga banorð borið, biort, áðr sylti.

She brought death to three great kings, that radiant woman, before she died.

Harp ends Fiddle begins

[blank]

Þat man bon fólcvíg fyrst í heimi,

She remembers the first war in the world, when they burned her in Odin’s hall. Three

33

er Gullveigo geirom studdo oc í höll Hárs hána brendo; þrysvar brendo, þrysvar borna, opt, ósialdan, þó hon enn lifr.

times burned, three times reborn, over and over, and she lives still.

Heiði hana héto, hvars til húsa kom, völo velspá, vitti hon ganda; seið hon, kunni, seið hon leikinn, æ var hon angan illrar brúðar.

The Bright One they called her, she charmed them with sorcery, always the favorite of an evil wife.

Þá gengo regin öll á röcstóla, ginnheilog goð, oc um þat gættuz, hvárt scyldo æsir afráð gialda eða scyldo goðin öll gildi eiga.

Then the gods went to the thrones of fate and considered this: Whether all the gods should partake in the sacrifices?

Valði henni Herföðr hringa oc men, fecc spioll spaclig oc spáganda; sá hon vítt oc um vítt of verold hveria.

Odin hurled a spear during that first war in the world. Their enemies had a war-charm and marched across the plain.

Sá hon valkyrior, vítt um komnar, gorvar at ríða til Goðþióðar; Sculd helt scildi, enn Scögul önnor, Gunnr, Hildr, Göndul oc Geirscögul;

She saw Valkyries ride from afar to the gods’ realm: Skuld with her shield, and Skogul, Gunnr, Hildr, Göndul and Spear-Skögul.

nú ero talðar nönnor Herians, gorvar at ríða grund, valkyrior

Women of the War Lord, Valkyries, ready to ride out over the earth.

Geyr Garmr mioc fyr Gnipahelli, festr mun slitna, enn freki renna; fiölð veit hon froeða,

Now the wolf bays loud before Looming Cave; his fetters will break and he will run free. Much she knows of the past, and she sees the future: the virulent fate of the gods.

34

fram sé ec lengra um ragna rög, römm, sigtýva.

Broeðr muno beriaz oc at bönom verðaz, muno systrungar sifiom spilla; hart er í heimi, hórdómr mikill, sceggöld, scálmöld, scildir ro klofnir, vindöld, vargöld, áðr verold steypiz; mun engi maðr öðrom þyrma.

Brothers will fight and kill each other. Kinship defiled, whoredom everywhere. It’s a harsh world, an axe age, a sword age, a wind age, a wolf age. No man will have mercy on another.

Geyr nú Garmr mioc fyr Gnipahelli, festr mun slitna, enn freki renna; fiolð veit hon froeða, fram sé ec longra um ragna röc, römm, sigtýva.

Now the wolf bays loud before Looming Cave; his fetters will break and he will run free. Much she knows of the past, and she sees the future: the virulent fate of the gods.

Hvat er með ásom, hvat er með álfom? gnýr allr iötunheimr, æsir ro á þingi; stynia dvergar fyr steindurom, veggbergs vísir –

What troubles the gods and the elves? The realm of giants is roaring while the gods just debate. The dwarves howl before the granite doors.

vitoð ér enn, eða hvat?

Do you seek to know more? And what?

Sól tér sortna, sígr fold í mar, hverfa af himni heiðar stiornor; geisar eimi við aldrnara, leicr hár hiti við himin siálfan.

The sun turns black, the land sinks into the sea, the stars fall from the sky. Fumes and fire rage against heaven itself.

Geyr nú Garmr mioc fyr Gnipahelli, festr mun slitna, enn freki renna; fiolð veit hon froeða, fram sé ec lengra um ragna röc, römm, sigtýva.

Now the wolf bays loud before Looming Cave; his fetters will break and he will run free. Much she knows of the past, and she sees the future: the virulent fate of the gods.

35

[fiddle finishes ; flute] [blank]

Sér hon upp koma öðro sinni iorð ór ægi, iðiagroena; falla forsar,

She sees come up a second time, earth from the ocean, once again green.

þýgr örn yfr, sá er á fialli fisca veiðir.

Above the waterfalls, eagles hunting fish.

finnaz æsir á Iðavelli oc um moldþinur, mátcan, doema, oc minnaz þar á megindóma oc á fimbultýs fornar rúnar.

The gods meet again and remember the judgements, the ancient runes of the Mighty One.

Þar muno eptir undrsamligar gullnar töþor í grasi finnaz, þærs í árdaga áttar höfðo.

The golden gaming pieces are found in the grass, those that they owned in the old days.

Þá kná Hoenir hlaútvið kiósa, oc byrir byggia broeðra tveggia vindheim víðan –

Then Hoenir picks out the twig of augury; men set up homes in the wide, windy realm.

vitoð ér enn, eða hvat?

Do you seek to know more? And what?

Sal sér hon standa, sólo fegra, gulli þacþan, á Gimlé;

A hall she sees standing, brighter than the sun, roofed with gold.

þar scolo dyggvar dróttir byggia oc um aldrdaga ynðis nióta.

There shall the worthy warrior bands dwell and all their days of life in pleasure.

Þar kømr inn dimmi dreki fliúgandi, naðr fránn, neðan frá Niðafiollom;

Then comes the shadowy dragon Nidhogg flying, glittering serpent, up from Dark-of-the-Moon Hills.

36

berr sér í Þoðrom – þýgr völl yfr –, Níðhöggr, nái –

As he flies over the fields he carries in his claws: corpses.

nú mun hon søcqvaz.

Now I must depart.

Flute begins Applause – 1st bow

[blank screen]

After 2nd bow onstage

Video titles by Benjamin Bagby and Ping Chong based on translations by Ursula Dronke and Carolyne Larrington. Titles operated by Jon Aaron

as applause finishes

www.sequentia.org

Icelandic font replacements used: ð = ð Þ = Þ (cap) þ = þ (l.c.) ö = ö

ý = ý Ý = Ý