Vengeance: From Generation to Generation

Vengeance: From Generation to Generation

In The Saga of the Volsungs, the most prominent theme the author illustrates is vengeance. Vengeance is an important topic of the Middle Ages because it poses an extreme moral dilemma. It is an attempt to answer a problem that has no good solution: What should one do when another person has wronged them? The author demonstrates this dilemma numerous times throughout the story. In the end, it is proven that vengeance only leads to more vengeance and more tragedy.

Vengeance is first shown when Rerir, son of Sigi, kills all of his father's murderers (page 36). The author portrays Rerir as brave and noble for avenging his father's death, even though he was killing his matrimonial uncles by doing so. Rerir then becomes a wealthy and powerful king, admired by many (page 36). It may seem like Rerir's life has a happy ending but in reality his actions cause the rise and fall of the Volsungs.

The next time vengeance appears is two generations after Rerir, with his grandchildren Signy and Sigmund. Signy is married to King Siggier and King Siggier kills Volsung. Volsung is the father of Signy and Sigmund. In the attack against Volsung, Siggier also captures all of Signy's brothers, including Sigmund (page 41). Signy dedicates the rest of her life to getting revenge against her husband. Her plan takes years, and is not carried out until she and Sigmund have a child together, Sinfjotli. Once Sinfjotli grows up he and Sigmund set Siggier's palace on fire and Siggier is burned to death. One would think that Signy would be pleased that she is finally able to avenge her family's death, but instead she is filled with remorse for killing her own husband. Signy says, "I have worked so hard to bring about vengeance that I am by no means fit to live" (page 47). Signy then kills herself by walking into the fire set ablaze for Siggier (page 47). In this chapter, the author shows that seeking vengeance can have terrible consequences, and it is not glorified in the same way it previously was between Rerir and his uncles.

Sigmund later marries Borghild and Sinfjotli continues raiding. Sinfjotli kills Borghild's brother. In return, Borghild gets her own revenge by poisoning Sinfjotli to his death. It seems as though after seeing Signy tragically end her own life because she was so consumed by guilt, Sigmund has realized that vengeance isn't the answer. Rather than killing Borghild to avenge Sinfjotli, he only drives her out of his kingdom (page 51). Borghild dies in her exile, however the author does not lead one to believe it is through the fault of Sigmund or that he was seeking revenge. So here the author demonstrates that an eye for an eye is not the only solution.

Sigmund continued ruling as one of the greatest kings ever (page 51). It even looks as though the family curse may have ended through the noble actions of Sigmund. He remarries, but is killed shortly after by King Lyngvi (page 52). He left behind a child, Sigurd, who grows to be a famous and fearless warrior. However, Sigurd feels that he must avenge his father, so he kills King Lyngvi and his family in a vicious battle. "Sigurd now returned home with a fine victory and the great wealth and glory he had obtained in this venture" (page 62). The author reverts back to the beginning of the story when vengeance appeared to be impressive and honorable.

Vengeance and Sigurd meet again shortly, except this time Sigurd is the target. Two women, Gudrun and Brynhild, are both in love with Sigurd. Obviously, Sigurd can only be with one woman, and he chooses Gudrun. This deeply upsets Brynhild and she convinces her husband, Gunnar, who is Brynhild's brother, to kill Sigurd (page 90). Brynhild