SigurÞarkviða Fafnisbana Fyrsta eða Gripisspa
The First Lay of Sigurd Fafnicide or Gripir’s Prophecy Gripir
Translation by Benjamin Thorpe
Gripir was the name of the son of Eylimi, the brother of Hiördis. He ruled over lands, and was of all men wisest and prescient of the future. Sigurd rode alone, and came to Gripir’s dwelling. Sigurd was of a distinguished figure. He found a man to address outside the hall, whose name was Geitir. Sigurd applied to him, and asked:
1. Who here inhabits, in these towers? what nation’s king do people name him?
Geitir Gripir is named the chief of men, he who rules a firm realm and people.
Sigurd 2. Is the wise king of the land at home? Will the chief with me come and converse? With him needs speech an unknown man: I desire speedily Gripir to see.
Geitir 3. The glad king will of Geitir ask, who the man is that demands speech of Gripir.
Sigurd Sigurd I am named, born of Sigmund, and Hiördis is the chieftain’s mother.
4. Then went Geitir, Gripir to inform: “Here is a man without, a stranger, come; of aspect he is most distinguished. He desires, king! with thee to speak.”
5. Goes from the hall the lord of men, and the stranger prince kindly greets: “Welcome, Sigurd! better had it been earlier; but do thou, Geitir! take charge of Grani.”
6. They began to talk, and much to tell, when the sagacious men together met. “Tell me, if thou knowest, my mother’s brother! how will Sigurd’s life fall out?”
Gripir 7. Thou wilt foremost be of men beneath the sun, exalted high aboveevery king; liberal of gold, but of flight sparing, of aspect comely, and wise of words.
Sigurd 8. Say thou, sage king! more than I ask, thou wise one, to Sigurd, if thou thinkst to see it: what will first happen for my advancement, when from thy dwelling I shall have departed?
Gripir 9. First wilt thou, prince! avenge thy father, and for the wrongs of Eylimi wilt retaliate; thou wilt the cruel sons of Hunding boldly lay low; thou wilt have victory.
Sigurd 10. Say, noble king! kinsman mine! with all forethought, as we hold friendly converse; seest thou of Sigurd those bold achievements, that will highest soar under heaven’s regions?