THE SCENE: After Sigurd kills the dragon Fafnir, he accidentally tastes some of dragon’s blood, enabling him to understand the language of birds. But one might be forgiven for thinking that Sigurd is too quick to take the birds’ words at face value, especially concerning his foster-father Regin.
THE TEXT: “There sits Sigurd, roasting Fafnir’s heart. Better he should eat it himself,” said a bird. “Then he would be wiser than any man.” Another said: “There lies Regin, who wants to betray the one who trusts him.” Then a third spoke: “He should strike Regin’s head off; then he alone would control the huge store of gold.” Then a fourth spoke: “Sigurd would be wise to follow their advice. Afterward he should ride to Fafnir’s den and take the magnificent hoard of gold which is there, and then ride up to Hindarfell, where Brynhild sleeps. There he will find great wisdom. He would be wise to take your advice and consider his own needs. I suspect a wolf where I see a wolf’s ears.” Then a fifth said: “He is not as wise as I thought if he spares Regin after having killed his brother.” Then a sixth spoke: “It would be a wise course if Sigurd killed Regin and took the treasure for himself.” Then Sigurd said: “It will not be my ill fate that Regin shall be my death. Rather, both brothers should go the same way.” He now drew the sword Gram and cut off Regin’s head. After that he ate some of the serpent’s heart and kept some.
– The Saga of the Volsungs, 13th Century AD
