Norse mythology · 3 chapters

The Völsung Prelude: Sigmund and Sinfjötli

The line that will produce Sigurd begins with a sword in a tree

The god Odin drives a sword into the great oak Barnstokkr at the heart of King Völsung's hall. Whoever draws it out will possess the greatest weapon in the world. Only Völsung's son Sigmund can pull it free. The sword, named Gram, makes Sigmund invincible, until Odin himself comes to the final battle and shatters it with his spear, allowing Sigmund to die. From the broken shards, Sigmund's son Sigurd will one day forge the weapon again. Sigmund's son Sinfjötli is born of an incestuous union with his own sister and becomes a werewolf for a time. This line, cursed, gifted, tragic, will produce the greatest hero of the Norse world.