Story Summary
Explore the legendary Norse myth of Sigurd and Fafnir, where a hero slays a greed-corrupted dragon and gains the wisdom of birds to claim his destiny.
Sigurd, the ward of the smith Regin, was destined for greatness. Regin, fueled by a long-standing grudge and a hunger for gold, forged the mighty sword Gram and urged Sigurd to slay his brother, Fafnir, who had transformed into a monstrous dragon to protect a cursed hoard. Following Odin’s hidden advice, Sigurd dug a trench in the dragon's path and, as Fafnir crawled over it, thrust his blade into the beast's heart. As Fafnir lay dying, he warned Sigurd that the gold was cursed and would bring death to whoever possessed it. While roasting the dragon's heart at Regin's request, Sigurd burnt his thumb and instinctively licked the blood. Suddenly, he could understand the speech of birds, who chirped a warning that Regin intended to murder him for the treasure. Armed with this wisdom, Sigurd struck first, slaying the treacherous smith, and rode away with the hoard, a hero crowned in both glory and the dragon's curse.
The Moral
Greed has the power to transform men into monsters, and wisdom is often found in the most unexpected sacrifices.
“The heart of a dragon holds the wisdom of the earth, but its gold holds the weight of a curse.”
Fun Fact
This myth was a primary inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, specifically the interaction between Bilbo and Smaug, and the story of Turin Turambar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Sigurd and Fafnir?
The story illustrates that greed is a corrupting force that leads to betrayal and isolation. It also emphasizes that true wisdom requires intuition and the courage to act on the truth, even when it comes from unexpected sources.
Why did Fafnir turn into a dragon?
Fafnir was originally a dwarf who murdered his father to claim a cursed hoard of gold. His overwhelming greed and the physical desire to guard his treasure eventually transformed him into a literal monster.
What is the sword Gram?
Gram is the legendary sword of Sigurd, originally belonging to his father Sigmund. It was shattered in battle but later reforged by the smith Regin, becoming sharp enough to slice through an anvil.
How did Sigurd gain the ability to speak to birds?
While cooking Fafnir's heart, Sigurd burned his thumb and licked it to soothe the pain. Ingesting the dragon's blood granted him the magical ability to understand the language of the birds.
Who told Sigurd how to kill the dragon?
The god Odin appeared to Sigurd in the guise of an old man and advised him to dig a trench to hide in, allowing him to stab the dragon's vulnerable underbelly from below.
What happened to Regin at the end of the story?
After Sigurd learned from the birds that Regin planned to betray and kill him, Sigurd used his sword Gram to execute the smith, taking the treasure and Fafnir's horse for himself.