Hogni

Also known as: Hogne · Family: Gjukungs · Role: son of Giuki · First appears: Elder Edda · The Lay of Hyndla

In the Lay of Hyndla, Hogni is named as a son of Giuki, brother to Gunnar and Gudrun, and brother to Guthorm, who was not of Giuki’s race. The accounts also name Grimhild as his parent. After Sigurd exchanged oaths with Giuki’s sons, Gunnar consulted Hogni about killing him, and Hogni tried to dissuade him; the brothers nevertheless arranged for Guthorm to do the deed. In the Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild, Hogni says, “Asunder have we Sigurd hewed with our swords,” and tells Gudrun that Sigurd is dead, while accusing Brynhild of instigating harm.

In the Slaughter of the Niflungs, Hogni takes Kostbera to wife, and he and Gunnar take Fafnir’s gold. Dissension follows with Atli over Brynhild’s death. Though Gudrun warns her brothers not to go to Atli, Hogni and Gunnar eventually arrive at his land. In the Lay of Atli, Hogni fights for Gunnar, killing seven attackers and thrusting an eighth into the fire, and protects Gunnar’s hands.

In the Groenland Lay of Atli, Kostbera warns Hogni that the runes foretell death, but he and Gunnar set out with Snævar, Solar and Orkning. When Vingi reveals that he lured them to their deaths, they strike him dead. Captured after the fighting, Hogni offers to take Hialli’s place in the execution and endures torture without giving way; his heart is cut out. The Younger Edda also calls him Hogne, and says that he and Gunnar entered sworn brotherhood with Sigurd before inheriting the gold and later being captured by Atli.