The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun

J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned master of fantasy, was a dedicated student of Old Icelandic and Old Norse poetic traditions. He drew upon this wealth of knowledge to craft two related poems, «The Songs of the Volsungs» and «The Song of Gudrun», preserving the authentic verse forms and energy of the ancient sagas.
«The Song of the Volsungs» follows the legendary tale of Sigurd, a hero who slays the dragon Fafnir, claims its cursed treasure, and awakens the Valkyrie Brunhild. The hero arrives at the court of the wealthy Niflungs, where love blossoms but a terrible hatred is also kindled by the cunning of the Niflungs' mother, a sorceress.
«The Song of Gudrun» unfolds the events that follow Sigurd's death. Gudrun becomes the wife of the mighty Atli, ruler of the Huns, but her brothers, the Niflungs, are killed at his command. Filled with grief and rage, Gudrun plots a bloody revenge.