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Cover of The Story of Sigurd the Volsung

The Story of Sigurd the Volsung

Written by William Morris

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Völsunga saga

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About this book

"The Story of Sigurd the Volsung" by William Morris is a narrative poem written in the late 19th century. This work retells the epic tale of Sigurd, a legendary hero from Norse mythology, intricately woven with themes of valor, betrayal, and fate. The poem draws heavily from the ancient "Volsunga Saga," revisiting the stories of gods, dragons, and the complex interactions of mortal heroes and giants. At the start of the poem, we are introduced to the lineage of Sigurd and the significant events that set the stage for his legendary journey. King Volsung, Sigurd’s ancestor, is depicted alongside his daughter Signy and their noble house, enveloped in myths of valor and ancient prophecies. The narrative takes a dark turn as Siggeir, the Goth king, enters their lives, leading to battles and the eventual downfall of the Volsungs. Within this opening portion, we witness the struggles of loyalty and fate as Sigmund, Sigurd's father, and the other sons of Volsung face betrayal and fight for their honor amidst encroaching doom. The rich, lyrical text serves to immerse readers in a world where bravery and beauty continually clash with treachery and tragedy.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Story of Sigurd the Volsung, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 25 hours
  • advanced
  • epic
  • tragic
  • heroic

William Morris's "The Story of Sigurd the Volsung" is a monumental 19th-century narrative poem that masterfully retells the ancient Norse epic of the Volsunga Saga, focusing on the legendary hero Sigurd. Through rich, archaic language and a sweeping verse structure, Morris chronicles the lineage of King Volsung, the tragic fate of Sigmund, and the birth and heroic deeds of Sigurd, culminating in his fated love with the Valkyrie Brynhild and the subsequent betrayals that lead to his demise and the ultimate destruction of the Nibelungs. The poem deeply explores themes of heroism, destiny, love, betrayal, and the corrupting power of gold, presenting a world where gods and mortals are inextricably bound by ancient curses and prophecies. It stands as a significant work of English literature, embodying Morris's Pre-Raphaelite sensibilities and his profound reverence for myth and ancient storytelling.

“The world shall wend as it must wend, and the day be as it may.”

Key themes

Fate vs. Free Will
This is a central theme, deeply embedded in the Norse worldview. Characters like Sigurd and Brynhild are constantly battling or succumbing to prophecies, curses, and the 'doom' that hangs over the Volsung and Nibelung lines. Despite heroic efforts, their destinies seem preordained, raising questions about the extent of individual agency.
Betrayal and Revenge
The poem is a relentless cycle of betrayal and revenge, beginning with Siggeir's treachery against the Volsungs and culminating in Gudrun's horrific vengeance against Atli. Loyalty is highly valued, but its violation leads to devastating consequences, often perpetuating further violence and suffering.
Heroism and Valor
Morris celebrates the heroic ideal, portraying characters like Sigmund and Sigurd as figures of immense courage, strength, and unwavering purpose. Heroism is demonstrated not just in battle but also in enduring hardship, upholding honor, and facing one's fated doom with dignity. However, it is also shown to be insufficient against the forces of fate and human treachery.

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How does Morris's deliberate use of archaic language and verse form contribute to or detract from the poem's impact?

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