Brynhild's Ride to Hell Summary

A brief prose section begins the poem and provides the setting for the events which follow. After Brynhild dies two funeral pyres are made: one for Sigurd and one for Brynhild. Brynhild is laid on a wagon draped with woven tapestries and it is said she drives the wagon down the road to hell. On her way Brynhild comes to the settlement of a giantess who knows the story of Brynhild's life and refuses to allow passage. The giantess tells Brynhild that she should be weaving instead of visiting another woman's man. Brynhild tells the giantess not to reproach her because her lineage is greater than the giantess', but the giantess counters that Brynhild is born of Budli and has deceived Giuki's children.

Brynhild then tries to plead her case by relating her story of woe to...