Grípisspá

Sigmundr Völsungsson var konungr á Frakklandi. Sinfjötli var elztr hans sona, annarr Helgi, þriði Hámundr. Borghildr, kona Sigmundar, átti bróður, er hét . . . . . . En Sinfjötli, stjúpson hennar, ok . . . . . . báðu einnar konu báðir, ok fyrir þá sök drap Sinfjötli hann. En er hann kom heim, þá bað Borghildr hann fara á brott, en Sigmundr bauð henni fébætr, ok þat varð hon at þiggja. En at erfinu bar Borghildr öl. Hon tók eitr mikit, horn fullt, ok bar Sinfjötla. En er hann sá í hornit, skilði hann, at eitr var í, ok mælti til Sigmundar: "Göróttr er drykkrinn, ái." Sigmundr tók hornit ok drakk af. Svá er sagt at Sigmundr var harðgörr, at hvárki mátti hánum eitr granda útan né innan, en allir synir hans stóðust eitr á hörund útan. Borghildr bar annat horn Sinfjötla ok bað drekka, ok fór allt sem fyrr. Ok enn it þriðja sinn bar hon hánum hornit ok þó ámælisorð með, ef hann drykki eigi af. Hann mælti enn sem fyrr við Sigmund. Hann sagði: "Láttu grön sía þá, sonr." Sinfjötli drakk ok varð þegar dauðr. Sigmundr bar hann langar leiðir í fangi sér ok kom at firði einum mjóvum ok löngum, ok var þar skip eitt lítit ok maðr einn á. Hann bauð Sigmundi far of fjörðinn. En er Sigmundr bar líkit út á skipit, þá var bátrinn hlaðinn. Karl mælti, at Sigmundr skyldi fara fyrir innan fjörðinn. Karl hratt út skipinu ok hvarf þegar. Sigmundr konungr dvalðisk lengi í Danmörk í ríki Borghildar, síðan er hann fekk hennar. Fór Sigmundr þá suðr í Frakkland til þess ríkis, er hann átti þar. Þá fekk hann Hjördísar, dóttur Eylima konungs. Þeira son var Sigurðr. Sigmundr konungr fell í orrostu fyrir Hundingssonum, en Hjördís giftist þá Álfi, syni Hjálpreks konungs. Óx Sigurðr þar upp í barnæsku. Sigmundr ok allir synir hans váru langt um fram alla menn aðra um afl ok vöxt ok hug ok alla atgervi. Sigurðr var þó allra framastr, ok hann kalla allir menn í fornfræðum um alla menn fram ok göfgastan herkonunga. Grípir hét sonr Eylima, bróðir Hjördísar. Hann réð löndum ok var allra manna vitrastr ok framvíss. Sigurðr reið einn saman ok kom til hallar Grípis. Sigurðr var auðkenndr. Hann hitti mann at máli úti fyrir höllini. Sá nefndist Geitir. Þá kvaddi Sigurðr hann máls ok spyrr:"Hverr byggir hérborgir þessar?Hvat þann þjóðkonungþegnar nefna?"Geitir kvað:"Grípir heitirgumna stórisá er fastri ræðrfoldu ok þegnum."Sigurðr kvað:

Sigmund, son of Volsung, was king in the land of the Franks. Sinfjotli was the eldest of his sons, Helgi the second, Hamund the third. Sigmund's wife Borghild had a brother named — . Sinfjotli, her stepson, and — both courted the same woman, and for that reason Sinfjotli killed him. When he came home, Borghild told him to leave, but Sigmund offered her payment, which she had to accept. At the funeral ale, Borghild carried round the drink. She took a great deal of poison, filled a horn with it, and brought it to Sinfjotli. When he looked into the horn, he saw there was poison in it, and said to Sigmund, "There's something foul in this drink, grandfather." Sigmund took the horn and drank from it. It's said Sigmund was so hardy that poison could never harm him, outside or in, though all his sons could only withstand poison on the skin. Borghild brought Sinfjotli a second horn and told him to drink, and it went just as before. And a third time she brought him the horn, with insults besides, if he wouldn't drink it. He said the same thing to Sigmund as before. Sigmund said, "Let it strain through your mustache, then, son." Sinfjotli drank and dropped dead on the spot. Sigmund carried him a long way in his arms and came to a fjord, narrow and long, where a small boat sat with one man aboard. The man offered to ferry Sigmund across the fjord. But when Sigmund carried the body out onto the boat, the boat was already full. The man told Sigmund to go around by the inner shore instead. Then he pushed the boat out and vanished at once. King Sigmund stayed a long time in Denmark, in Borghild's realm, after he had married her. Then Sigmund went south to the land of the Franks, to the kingdom that was his there. There he married Hjordis, daughter of King Eylimi. Their son was Sigurd. King Sigmund fell in battle against the sons of Hunding, and Hjordis then married Alf, son of King Hjalprek. Sigurd grew up there as a boy. Sigmund and all his sons surpassed every other man in strength, stature, courage, and every kind of skill — but Sigurd outdid them all, and the old sagas call him the foremost of all men and the noblest of warrior-kings. Gripir was the name of Eylimi's son, Hjordis's brother. He ruled over lands and was the wisest and most far-seeing of all men. Sigurd rode out alone and came to Gripir's hall. Sigurd was easy to recognize. Outside the hall he fell into talk with a man who gave his name as Geitir. Sigurd greeted him and asked:"Who lives here,in this stronghold?What do the peoplecall their king?"Geitir said:"Gripir is his name,greatest of men —he rules this landand its people, unshaken."

"Er horskr konungrheima í landi?Mun sá gramr við mikganga at mæla?Máls er þarfimaðr ókunnigrvil ek fljótligafinna Grípi."Geitir kvað:

Sigurd said:"Is the wise kinghome in this land?Will that lordcome and speak with me?An unknown manneeds to speak with him —I want to findGripir quickly."Geitir said:

"Þess mun glaðr konungrGeiti spyrjahverr sá maðr séer máls kveðr Grípi."Sigurðr kvað:"Sigurðr ek heitiborinn Sigmundien Hjördís erhilmis móðir."

"The king will gladlyask Geitir that —who is this mancalling for speech with Gripir."Sigurd said:"Sigurd is my name,son of Sigmund,and Hjordisis the prince's mother."

Þá gekk GeitirGrípi at segja;"Hér er maðr útiókuðr kominn;hann er ítarligrat áliti;sá vill, fylkirfund þinn hafa."

Then Geitir wentto tell Gripir:"There's a man outside,a stranger, come here;he's strikingto look at;he wants, my lord,to meet with you."

Gengr ór skálaskatna dróttinnok heilsar velhilmi komnum:"þiggðu hér, Sigurðrværi sæmra fyrren þú, Geitir, takvið Grana sjalfum."

The lord of mencomes from the halland greets warmlythe prince who has come:"Welcome, Sigurd —this greeting is overdue —and you, Geitir,see to Grani yourself."

Mæla námuok margt hjalaþá er ráðspakirrekkar fundusk.Sigurðr kvað:"Segðu mér, ef þú veiztmóðurbróðir:Hvé mun Sigurðisnúna ævi."Grípir kvað:

They fell to talkingand said a great deal,once these wisemen had met.Sigurd said:"Tell me, if you know,uncle:how will Sigurd'slife turn out?"Gripir said:

"Þú munt maðr veramæztr und sóluok hæstr borinnhverjum jöfrigjöfull af gullien glöggr flugarítr álitiok í orðum spakr."Sigurðr kvað:

"You'll be a mangreatest under the sun,and higher-bornthan any prince —free with your gold,but slow to run,noble to look at,and wise in speech."Sigurd said:

"Segðu, gegn konungrgerr en ek spyrjasnotr, Sigurðief þú sjá þykkisk:Hvat mun fyrst gerasktil farnaðarþá er ór garði emkgenginn þínum?"Grípir kvað:

"Tell me, worthy king,more than I ask,wise one — if you thinkyou can see ahead:what will happen firstto bring my fortune,once I have goneout from your hall?"Gripir said:

"Fyrst muntu, fylkirföður of hefnaok Eylimaalls harms reka;þú munt harðaHundings sonusnjalla fellamuntu sigr hafa."Sigurðr kvað:

"First you will, my lord,avenge your fatherand pay back every wrongdone to Eylimi;you will strike downthe hardy sons of Hunding,bold as they are —and you'll have the victory."Sigurd said:

"Segðu, ítr konungrættingi, mérheldr horskligaer vit hugat mælum:Sér þú Sigurðarsnör brögð fyrirþau er hæst faraund himinskautum?"Grípir kvað:

"Tell me, noble king,kinsman, plainly,now that we speakour minds together:do you see, ahead of Sigurd,swift deedsthat rise the highestunder heaven's rim?"Gripir said:

"Muntu einn vegaorm inn fránaþann er gráðugr liggrá Gnitaheiði;þú munt báðumat bana verðaRegin ok Fáfnirétt segir Grípir."Sigurðr kvað:

"You alone will killthe gleaming serpentthat lies, greedy,on Gnitaheath;you'll be the deathof both of them —Regin and Fafnir —Gripir tells you true."Sigurd said:

"Auðr mun ærinnef ek eflik svávíg með virðumsem víst segir;leið at hugaok lengra seg:Hvat mun enn veraævi minnar?"Grípir kvað:

"There'll be wealth enoughif I win sucha fight among menas you say for certain;turn your mind to itand tell me further:what else will comeof my life?"Gripir said:

"Þú munt finnaFáfnis bæliok upp takaauð inn fagragulli hlæðaá Grana bógu;ríðr þú til Gjúkagramr vígrisinn."Sigurðr kvað:

"You will findFafnir's lairand take upthe beautiful hoard,load the goldonto Grani's back;you'll ride to Gjuki's hall,a battle-tested lord."Sigurd said:

"Enn skaltu hilmií hugaðsræðuframlyndr jöfurrfleira segja.Gestr em ek Gjúkaok ek geng þaðanhvat mun enn veraævi minnar?"Grípir kvað:

"Still, to your prince,in this heart-to-heart talk,bold-hearted lord,tell me more.I'm Gjuki's guest,and I go from there —what else will comeof my life?"Gripir said:

"Sefr á fjallifylkis dóttirbjört í brynjueftir bana Helga;þú munt höggvahvössu sverðibrynju rístameð bana Fáfnis."Sigurðr kvað:

"On a mountain sleepsa king's daughter,bright in her mail,since Helgi's death;you will strikewith a sharp sword,cut through her armorwith Fafnir's killer."Sigurd said:

"Brotin er brynjabrúðr mæla tekrer vaknaðivíf ór svefni.Hvat mun snót at heldrvið Sigurð mælaþat er at farnaðifylki verði?"Grípir kvað:

"The mail is cut open,the bride starts speakingonce she has wokenout of her sleep.What more will the womansay to Sigurdthat will turn outto his good fortune?"Gripir said:

"Hon mun ríkjum þérrúnar kennaallar þær er aldireignask vilduok á manns tungumæla hverjalíf með lækning;lifðu heill, konungr."Sigurðr kvað:

"She will teach you,mighty as you are,every runemen have ever wished to own,and to speak each onein a man's own tongue,life joined with healing —live well, my king."Sigurd said:

"Nú er því lokitnumin eru fræðiok em braut þaðanbúinn at ríðaleið at hugaok lengra seg:Hvat mun meir veraminnar ævi?"Grípir kvað:

"Now that's done —the lore is learned,and I'm ready to rideaway from there.Turn your mind furtherand tell me more:what else will comeof my life?"Gripir said:

"Þú munt hittaHeimis byggðirok glaðr veragestr þjóðkonungs;farit er, Sigurðrþats ek fyrir vissakskal-a fremr en sváfregna Grípi."Sigurðr kvað:

"You'll cometo Heimir's landsand be, gladly,a great king's guest.That's as far, Sigurd,as my foresight reaches —ask Gripirno further than this."Sigurd said:

"Nú fær mér ekkaorð þatstu mæltirþví at þú fram of sérfylkir, lengra;veiztu ofmikitangr Sigurðiþví þú, Grípir, þatgerr-a segja."Grípir kvað:

"Now those wordsyou've spoken grieve me —because you see, my lord,further ahead than that;you know too muchof Sigurd's sorrowto refuse, Gripir,to tell it to me."Gripir said:

"Lá mér um æskuævi þinnarljósast fyrirlíta eftir;rétt em ekráðspakr taliðrné in heldr framvíssfarit þats ek vissak."Sigurðr kvað:

"The early partof your lifelay clearestfor me to see;I'm rightly calledwise in counsel,but no longer far-seeingpast what I already knew."Sigurd said:

"Mann veit ek engifyr mold ofanþann er fleira séfram en þú, Grípir;skal-at-tu leynaþótt ljót séieða mein geriská mínum hag."Grípir kvað:

"I know of no manabove the earthwho sees further aheadthan you, Gripir;don't hold it back,however ugly,even if harmcomes of my fortune."Gripir said:

"Er-a með löstumlögð ævi þérláttu, inn ítri, þatöðlingr, nemaskþví at uppi munmeðan öld lifirnaddéls boðinafn þitt vera."Sigurðr kvað:

"Your life is not shapedwith any disgrace —take that to heart,noble prince —for as long as the world lives,your name will stand,a herald of the spear-storm."Sigurd said:

"Verst hyggjum þvíverðr at skiljaskSigurðr við fylkiat sógöru;leið vísa þú- lagt er allt fyrir -mærr, mér, ef þú viltmóðurbróðir."Grípir kvað:

"I think it's worst of allthat Sigurd must partfrom you, my lord,as things now stand;show me the way —it's all laid out already —tell me, noble one,if you will, uncle."Gripir said:

"Nú skal Sigurðisegja görvaalls þengill miktil þess neyðir;muntu víst vitaat vætki lýgr;dægr eitt er þérdauði ætlaðr."Sigurðr kvað:

"Now I must tellSigurd everything,since the princeforces it from me;know for certainthat nothing here lies —one single dayis set for your death."Sigurd said:

"Vilk-at ek reiðiríks þjóðkonungsgóð ráð at heldrGrípis þiggja;nú vill víst vitaþótt viltki séhvat á sýnt Sigurðrsér fyr höndum."Grípir kvað:

"I don't want the angerof a great king —I'd rather haveGripir's good counsel;now I want to know for certain,unwelcome as it is,what lies in storebefore Sigurd."Gripir said:

"Fljóð er at Heimisfagrt álitumhana Brynhildibragnar nefnadóttir Buðlaen dýrr konungrharðugðigt manHeimir fæðir."Sigurðr kvað:

"There's a woman at Heimir's —fair to look at —men call herBrynhild,Budli's daughter;and that noble king,Heimir, is raisinga hard-hearted girl."Sigurd said:

"Hvat er mik at þvíþótt mær séifögr álitifædd at Heimis?Þat skaltu, Grípirgörva segjaþví at þú öll of sérörlög fyrir."Grípir kvað:

"What is that to me —even if the girl isfair to look at,raised at Heimir's?You must tell me thatplainly, Gripir,since you seeevery fate ahead of time."Gripir said:

"Hon firrir þikflestu gamnifögr álitifóstra Heimissvefn þú né sefrné of sakar dæmirgár-a þú mannanema þú mey séir."Sigurðr kvað:

"She'll rob youof nearly every joy,that fair girl,Heimir's fosterling —you won't sleepor settle any dispute;you'll take no notice of anyoneexcept when you see the girl."Sigurd said:

"Hvat mun til líknalagt Sigurði?Segðu, Grípir, þatef þú sjá þykkisk:Mun ek mey námundi kaupaþá ina fögrufylkis dóttur?"Grípir kvað:

"What comfort, then,is laid up for Sigurd?Tell me, Gripir,if you think you see it:will I win the girl,pay the bride-pricefor that fairdaughter of a king?"Gripir said:

"It munuð allaeiða vinnafullfastligafá munuð halda;verit hefr þú Gjúkagestr eina nóttmant-at-tu horskaHeimis fóstru."Sigurðr kvað:

"The two of you will swearevery oath,and hold to hardly any of them;once you've been Gjuki's guesta single night,you won't rememberHeimir's wise fosterling."Sigurd said:

"Hvat er þá, Grípirget þú þess fyr mérsér þú geðleysií grams skapier ek skal við mey þámálum slítaer ek alls hugarunna þóttumk."Grípir kvað:

"What's this, Gripir —put it to me plainly —do you see ficklenessin a prince's temper,that I should break faithwith that very girlI believedI loved with my whole heart?"Gripir said:

"Þú verðr, siklingrfyr svikum annarsmuntu Grímhildargjalda ráðamun bjóða þérbjarthaddat mandóttur sínadregr hon vél at gram."Sigurðr kvað:

"You'll fall, my lord,to another's treachery —you'll pay the pricefor Grimhild's scheming;that bright-haired womanwill offer youher own daughter —she'll trick a king with it."Sigurd said:

"Mun ek við þá Gunnargörva hleytiok Guðrúnuganga at eiga?Fullkvæni þáfylkir værief meintregarmér angraði-t."Grípir kvað:

"Will I then makekinship with Gunnarand go to marryGudrun?I'd be a lord well married,a fine match then,if this treacherous griefweren't going to trouble me."Gripir said:

"Þik mun Grímhildrgörva vélamun hon Brynhildarbiðja fýsaGunnari til handaGotna dróttniheitr þú fjótliga förfylkis móður."Sigurðr kvað:

"Grimhild willtrick you completely —she'll urge youto woo Brynhildon Gunnar's behalf,lord of the Goths;you'll promise the queen motherto make the journey at once."Sigurd said:

"Mein eru fyr höndummá ek líta þat;ratar görligaráð Sigurðaref ek skal mærrarmeyjar biðjaöðrum til handaþeirar ek unna vel."Grípir kvað:

"There's harm ahead —I can see that clearly;Sigurd's judgmentgoes badly astrayif I must woothat glorious girlfor another man's sake —the one I love so well."Gripir said:

"Ér munuð allireiða vinnaGunnar ok Högnien þú, gramr, þriði;þá it litum víxliðer á leið eruðGunnar ok þú;Grípir lýgr eigi."Sigurðr kvað:

"The three of you will swearoaths together —Gunnar and Hogni,and you, my lord, the third —then you and Gunnarwill trade shapeson the way there;Gripir doesn't lie."Sigurd said:

"Hví gegnir þat?Hví skulum skiptalitum ok látumer á leið erum?Þar mun fláræðifylgja annatatalt með öllu;enn segðu, Grípir."Grípir kvað:

"What does that mean?Why must we tradeshapes and bearingwhen we're on our way?Some other treachery,thoroughly vile,must go along with it —tell me more, Gripir."Gripir said:

"Lit hefir þú Gunnarsok læti hansmælsku þínaok meginhyggjur;muntu fastna þérframlundaðafóstru Heimissér vætr fyr því."Sigurðr kvað:

"You'll wear Gunnar's shapeand his manner,but keep your own voiceand your own mind;you'll pledge to yourselfthat bold-heartedfosterling of Heimir —she'll see nothing wrong in it."Sigurd said:

"Verst hyggjum þvívándr munk heitinnSigurðr með seggjumat sógöru;vilda ek eigivélum beitajöfra brúðier ek æðsta veitk."Grípir kvað:

"I think it's the worst of all —I'll be called wicked,Sigurd, among men,for doing such a thing;I don't wantto trick with treacherythat princely brideI hold dearest of all."Gripir said:

"Þú munt hvílahers oddvitimærr, hjá meyjusem þín móðir sé;því mun uppimeðan öld lifirþjóðar þengillþitt nafn vera."Sigurðr kvað:

"You'll lie down,leader of armies,famous one, beside the girlas if she were your own mother;and so, for as longas the world lives,your name will stand,prince of the people."Sigurd said:

"Mun góða kvánGunnarr eigamærr með mönnum- mér segðu, Grípir, -þótt hafi þrjár nætrþegns brúðr hjá mérsnarlynd sofit?Slíks eru-t dæmi."Grípir kvað:

"Will Gunnar havea good wife, then,honored among men —tell me, Gripir —even though that fierce-heartedbride of hishas slept three nightsat my side? Such a thinghas no precedent."Gripir said:

"Saman munu brullupbæði drukkinSigurðar ok Gunnarsí sölum Gjúka;þá hömum víxliðer it heim komið;hefr hvárr fyr þvíhyggju sína."Sigurðr kvað:

"The two weddings —Sigurd's and Gunnar's —will be drunk togetherin Gjuki's halls;you'll trade shapes backonce you're home again —each of you keepshis own mind through it."Sigurd said:

"Hvé mun at ynðieftir verðamægð með mönnum?Mér segðu, Grípir.Mun Gunnaritil gamans ráðitsíðan verðaeða sjalfum mér?"Grípir kvað:

"How will this marriage-kinshipturn out for joyamong us afterward?Tell me, Gripir.Will it bringhappiness to Gunnarin time to come,or to me myself?"Gripir said:

"Minnir þik eiðamáttu þegja þóanntu Guðrúnugóðra ráða;en Brynhildr þykkiskbrúðr vargefinsnót fiðr vélarsér at hefndum."Sigurðr kvað:

"It will remind you of your oaths,though you can stay silent —you'll love Gudrunand her good counsel;but Brynhild will feelshe was married off wrongly —that woman will finda treacherous way to avenge it."Sigurd said:

"Hvat mun at bótumbrúðr sú takaer vélar vérvífi gerðum?Hefir snót af mérsvarna eiðaenga efndaen unað lítit."Grípir kvað:

"What compensationwill that bride getfor the treacherywe worked on her?She has, from me,sworn oathskept not one of,and little joy from it."Gripir said:

"Mun hon Gunnarigörva segjaat þú eigi veleiðum þyrmðirþá er ítr konungraf öllum hugGjúka arfiá gram trúði."Sigurðr kvað:

"She'll tell Gunnarplainlythat you didn't keepyour oaths well,when that noble king,Gjuki's heir,trusted you, my lord,with his whole heart."Sigurd said:

"Hvat er þá, Grípirget þú þess fyr mérmun ek saðr veraat sögu þeirieða lýgr á miklofsæl konaok á sjalfa sik?Segðu, Grípir, þat."Grípir kvað:

"What's this, Gripir —put it to me plainly —will I be guiltyof that charge,or is that honored womanlying about meand about herself too?Tell me, Gripir."Gripir said:

"Mun fyr reiðirík brúðr við þikné af oftregaallvel skipa;viðr þú góðrigrand aldrigiþó ér víf konungsvélum beittuð."Sigurðr kvað:

"That mighty bridewon't deal fairly with you,neither from angernor from bitter grief;you never wrongedthat good woman,though the two of youdeceived a king's wife."Sigurd said:

"Mun horskr Gunnarrat hvötun hennarGutþormr ok Högniganga síðan?Munu synir Gjúkaá sifjugum méreggjar rjóða?Enn segðu, Grípir."Grípir kvað:

"Will wise Gunnar,at her urging,and Guttorm and Hognithen go through with it?Will Gjuki's sonsredden their bladeson kin of mine?Tell me more, Gripir."Gripir said:

"Þá er Guðrúnugrimmt um hjarta;bræðr hennarþér til bana ráðaok at engu verðrynði síðanvitru vífi;veldr því Grímhildr.

"Then it will begrim for Gudrun's heart;her brotherswill plot your death,and never againwill there be joyfor that wise woman —Grimhild is to blame for it.

Því skal hugga þikhers oddvitisú mun gift lagiðá grams ævi:Mun-at mætri maðrá mold komaund sólar sjöten þú, Sigurðr, þykkir."Sigurðr kvað:

But this shall comfort you,leader of armies —this fortune is setupon your life as prince:no worthier manwill ever walk the earth,under the sun's hall,than you, Sigurd, will be seen to be."Sigurd said:

"Skiljumk heilirmun-at sköpum vinna.Nú hefir þú, Grípir, velgört sem ek beiddak.Fljótt myndir þúfríðri segjamína ævief þú mættir þat."

"Let us part in peace —no one outruns fate.Now you, Gripir, have done well,just as I asked.Gladly would you have toldmy life more fair,if that had beenwithin your power."