The Poem of Helgi Hiorvardsson (Helgakvida Hiorvardssonar) Summary

Hiorvard is a king with four wives but who still desires to marry the woman designated the most beautiful. He learns that King Svafnir has a daughter named Sigrlinn who is said to be extraordinarily beautiful. Hiorvard's earl, Idmund, sends his son Atli to ask for Sigrlin's hand on the king's behalf. Atli spends an entire winter with King Svafnir and meets Franmar who has a daughter named Alof. After being told that the girl will not be betrothed, Atli begins his journey home and meets a bird in the forest. The bird asks Atli if he has seen Sigrlinn and says he will speak more if the king will give him whatever he wishes from his court. Atli agrees as long as the bird promises not to choose Hiorvard, his...