Hogni

Family: Giukings · Role: son of Giuki · First appears: Chapter XXV · Of the Dream of Gudrun, Giuki's daughter

In Chapter XXV, Hogni is named as one of Giuki’s sons, brother to Gunnar, Guttorm and Gudrun. In Chapter XXVI, he swears brotherhood with Sigurd and Gunnar. But when Gunnar proposes arranging Sigurd’s slaying through Guttorm, Hogni helps offer Guttorm gold and dominion; Guttorm carries out the deed. In the Short Lay of Sigurd, Gunnar asks Hogni to betray Sigurd for his wealth, and Hogni refuses, saying, “To rend with sword Oaths once sworn.” The Fragments of the Lay of Brynhild tells of Sigurd’s slaying by his oath-companions, and how Hogni tells Gudrun he is dead.

In Chapter XXXIV, Hogni is married to Kostbera and, though reluctant, agrees to follow Gunnar to Atli. On the journey, Vingi reveals that he lured them into a trap; Hogni helps break into the burg, and they beat Vingi to death. In Chapter XXXVII, Hogni and Gunnar fight through Atli’s host. Hogni accuses Atli of starving and murdering his kinswoman and taking her wealth. In Chapter XXXVIII, Atli orders Hogni’s heart cut out; Hogni laughs as he endures the torment and dies.

Hogni’s sons Solar and Snaevar travel with the Giukings, and Chapter XXXIX names Niblung as a son left alive. In Chapter XLII, Hamdir recalls that Gunnar and Hogni slew Sigurd. In the Song of Atli, Hogni warns Gunnar that Gudrun’s wolf-clad ring signals danger on the journey; the poem also tells of Hogni’s death with his heart cut from him.