The Story of the Volsungs, (Volsunga Saga)

"The Story of the Volsungs, (Volsunga Saga)" is an epic Norse saga that chronicles the legendary history and heroic feats of the Volsung family. Written in the early 13th century by an anonymous author, this saga is based on older Norse myths and legends, including material from the Poetic Edda. The narrative follows several generations of the Volsung family, highlighting themes of power, jealousy, love, vengeance, and fate. The saga begins with the story of Sigi, a son of Odin, and continues through the lives of his descendants, including the hero Sigurd, who is known for slaying the dragon Fafnir. The tale is rich with mythological elements, featuring gods, giants, and magical creatures. It has been a significant influence on later works, such as Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium.