Swanhild

Family: Volsungs · Role: daughter of Sigurd · First appears: Chapter XXXII · Of the Ending of Brynhild

In Chapter XL, Gudrun had a daughter by Sigurd named Swanhild. She was nourished with Jonakr’s sons, and in Chapter XLI Jonakr agreed to her match with Jormunrek and sent her away with his company.

On the journey, Swanhild and Randver spoke to one another with sweet words. Bikki accused them of betraying Jormunrek, who followed his counsel and ordered her death. Bound at the gate, Swanhild was trampled by horses after Bikki ordered a bag drawn over her head. In Chapter XLII, Gudrun urged her sons to avenge their sister; the Whetting of Gudrun and the Lay of Hamdir tell again of Swanhild’s death.