The Wayland-Dietrich Saga
The third day came the brothers from the wood,
Back over Glisten Heath they singing came,
Sailed down the loch and landed, just as dawn
Flooded the western hills with opal light.
Faint rose and gold the distant fjord gleamed
As the mist rose a moment, then closed in.
The dale was empty save for a few sheep
That nibbled the short turf ....... Not yet the kine
Had been turned out to graze ....... The silence such
That from the sea the whispering of the surf
Amongst the rocks and shingles could be heard,
And booming of the waves that roaring went
Through the sea-passages and labyrinths
That honeycombed the might basalt rocks.
A mist hung o'er the fjord still ....... The sun
Had scarcely pierced its grey and ghostly film ......
Quoth Finn, and broke the silence with a laugh,
"Our lazy wives sleep late, not yet have they
Turned out the kine to pasture ...... and our steeds
Stand yet in stall ...... What ails the women then?"
Said Egil, "Faith! I trust my Olrun wakes ......
I have a shrewd and biting hunger, lads,
Fain am I of her oat-cakes and hot broth,
And a broiled bear-steak would not come amiss."
Wayland said naught, but inwardly he smiled,
He knew that Elfwhite had prepared for him ......
Soon would he feel her warm arms round his neck,
Soon would his Iran running call to him......
Weary the wayworn hunters, (1) glad were they
To reach their homes........ But why stood the doors wide?
Why came no answer to their long-drawn hail?
They went within, to find their houses bare ......
No fire on hearth, no voice to welcome them ......
Save the loud lowing of the pent-up kine,
And whining of the watch-dogs. None was there .......
No sign of wife or child ........ In wild despair
Out rushed the Archer Egil, out rushed Finn,
They looked all round, then rushed again within,
And out once more. The Archer scanned the sky,
And Finn ran to the beach; but all in vain,
They called, and Echo mocked them merrily.
Said Egil in fierce wrath, "Our wives have fled,
And of their own free will. This doth befall
Those who wed Valkyries ....... Thus are we sold,
And by those Swan-women have been betrayed."
Said Finn, "We should have clipped their wings ere this,
Or ta'en their swan-plumes from them and their rings ......
Their cursed rings ...... Alas! My Swanwhite, where
Shall I now find thee? ....... Wayland, Wayland, come!
We must go seek the truants instantly."
But Wayland sat within his empty house,
Nor would he stir without........ His sunken head
Hung low upon his breast, his brawny arms
Had fallen by his sides ...... The huge white bear,
With skin as spotless as new fallen snow,
That he had brought his love, lay at his feet;
His unstrung bow, his mighty ashen spear
Were tumbled down before him ....... A deep groan
Burst from his labouring breast, his hidden face
His brothers could not see ...... In vain they called,
In vain they spake and urged him to come forth
And counsel take with them. He answered naught,
Save once ....... Said he in a strange voice that they
Scarce knew for Wayland's, "Go your ways ..... I mine .....
Here is no home, all's lost ....... Had I but known
And trusted her this had not chanced ....... For she
Would have come back if I had given her
That she desired ...... E'en now she may return
And bring our little son ..... I will wait here,
Lest I should miss her I will not go forth ......
Maybe ere nightfall they'll come home again."
But Egil and Slagfeder hastily
Bade him farewell, sore grieving went they both.
Egil on snow-shoes fared east through Mirkwood,
And by the bridle he grey Schemming led,
Which Wayland lent him to bear all his gear
At his request, nor grudged him his good horse,
For he would be alone at any cost.
Finn hoisted sail and fared far out to sea,
And southwards went he. Far and wide they searched,
Yet long was it ere they could tidings learn
Of their fair truants ....... Wayland stayed at home.
Lonely dwelt he in Wolfsdale, and the time
Hung long upon his hands. At his smith's work
He toiled each day, and found some slight relief
From his heart's sorrow. Good red gold he forged
On his stone anvil....... Many other things,
In all such metals as a smith doth use,
He made with skill and ever grew his fame.
On linden bast he slung his golden rings,
And every night he counted them anew
By force of habit, a long weary task,
Hoping that some day his lost Elfin wife
Would come to take her ring ........ He longed for her,
The aching void she left was ill to bear,
Her love he wanted....... Her sweet company .......
His little lad he missed, for Wayland's heart
At that time was still kindly, and his mood
Was not so fell and grim as folk have deemed.
Nithad about this time heard from his spies (2)
That Wayland lonely sat in Wolfsdale. He
Made up his mind at once. In haste rode forth
With a well-chosen band the Niaring's Lord,
And come to Wolfsdale after seven days
On the eighth night. Their byrnies were of steel,
Well studded all ....... Flashed their bright shining shields
White 'neath the waning moon, as through Mirkwood
They came a-riding and passed down the glen.
At the house-gable lighted down the men
From out their saddles ...... Softly, silently,
Crept they towards the door ...... It was unbarred,
And they passed in forthwith and up the hall .......
No hall in truth, naught but a peasant's room,
For such it seemed to them. None found they there .....
Wayland had gone a-hunting........ Round the hut
With keen eyes looked King Nithad cautiously,
While his men searched the smithy. Naught found they
Of tools, or gear, or metal work, for all
Had been safe hidden by the crafty Smith.
But Regin came within and drew aside
The reindeer skin that veiled the golden rings.
King Nithad's men gaped greedily to see
Seven hundred rings strung on the linden bast,
And much they marvelled at their beauty rare.
Soon seized they on them, but the King forbade,
"Put those rings back again," he loudly cried,
"Touch naught, my men," said he, "but let them bide.
First we will trap our quarry and secure
His person, Sirs, ere we divide the spoil."
Said Regin, softly whispering in his ear,
"My Liege, make sure of one ring hanging there,
I know it by mine art to be of price ......
It hath a magic virtue ..... See, Lord King,
How it doth change its colour when I bring
This sprig of rowan near it;" as he spake
He touched the Elfin ring and it gave forth
Sparks of red fire, and blue and golden gleams,
That for a moment lighted all the Hall ..... Then gloom
Gathered again save for one torch's flare
That a tall guardsman held. Regin the ring
Took from the bast...... Said the dark moody King,
His greedy eyes aflame with a red glare
That matched the fiery ruby in the ring,
"I'll take that one, for surely one ring gone
Will not be missed tonight" ....... Upon his hand
Shone the red ruby, and a moment he
Gazed on its lurid beauty, then said he,
"I could have sworn it pricked me, can it be
That venom lurks within it?" Regin said,
In somewhat flurried voice, "My Liege, give me
The ring an thou dost fear it" ........ Well would he
ave ta'en the ring himself, who knew its power,
But saw not how to gain it save by guile.
Quoth Nithad, "Nay, 'twas fancy ...... What I take
I hold, good Regin ...... Thou shalt have red gold
In plenty ere all's done, and store of gems,
But not this ring, I like it passing well .......
Now go we forth awhile, and hiding wait
Till the sly Smith comes home........ See, how the fire
He has banked up with peat ........ He'll come tonight,
And we can seize him while he is asleep."
So went they forth in secret as they came,
And rode into the Mirkwood, there encamped
In a secluded valley, keeping watch.
At midnight came back Wayland to his house,
On his long snow-shoes gliding 'neath the moon,
A weary man, from harbouring the bear
That he would hunt the morn; much else he'd done
Of cunning wood-craft, tired to death was he.
His hounds he left in Mirkwood, kennelled there
In his small forest hut, that they might be
Fresh for the chase upon the following day.
Save one old dog that followed at his heels
He was alone. That he might lodge his hounds
He had ta'en the long road, so missed the spies
Who watched for him. He came towards the hearth,
Where the peat-fire gave out a welcome heat,
And stirred the fir-logs till they blazed amain.
Upon his shoulders he had borne a bear,
A brown she-bear that he had killed that day;
This he now skinned and cut therefrom a haunch
That he might roast some collops ...... Now blazed high
The rock-dry fir-logs, and the wind-dry wood
Kindled by Wayland burst into bright flame.
So cooked he the bear's flesh and ate thereof,
Washing it down with ale, and yet again
Filled up his horn and drank, and ate rye-cakes
That on the hearth-stone he himself had baked.
Then sat he down upon the bear-skin spread
Before the fire, and took the linden bast
To count his rings o'er, as he had been used.
To his amazement he found one was gone ......
He looked, and lo! It was the magic ring
That now was missing ...... Bounded then his heart
And joyful leapt within him, for he thought
Elfwhite, King Lodver's daughter, had come home ......
Was she then hiding somewhere, should he call?
But no, he'd wait her humour. Soon she'd come,
And round his neck her slim white arms she'd fling,
Kissing him fondly. On his breast she'd lie
As in the old days; all once more would be
As though these wretched hours had never been .....
He would ask her forgiveness, and she his......
So sat he musing long, and oft he sighed,
And often half rose up, then sank again
Down on the bear-skin. It was warm within,
Grateful the heat of the hot glowing fire .....
He nodded drowsily ...... What was that sound
Of creeping footsteps? ...... Surely Elfwhite came .....
He would sit still and wait for her soft arms ......
Soon would he hold her fast ...... hold her for aye .....
She should not leave him ever ..... What was that?
The old dog pricked its ears and snarling growled ......
Was that young Iran's whisper in his ear?
The boy would play some merry jest with him .......
He thoght he heard a laugh, a smothered sound,
And footsteps creeping nearer ....... Soon they'd come;
He would not look, but gazed into the fire,
And bade the hound cease growling ...... It obeyed .....
Was that a whistle, or the whimpering wind
That played around the eaves? His head sunk lower .....
So long he sat thus that at last his limbs,
Tired out by his long labour, all relaxed,
Lay stretched out on the bear-skin 'fore the fire .....
His head sank forward on his mighty chest,
And with a smile lay Wayland fast asleep;
No foe he feared, in peace he took his rest,
Nor heard the savage growling of his hound
Till its sharp warning bark ...... the first and last .....
Roused him too late ..... He stirred in his deep sleep ....
With a great shuddering start he waked ..... What touch
Was on his wrists, his ankles? "Ha!" cried he,
"Elfwhite, where art thou? What is this?" He felt
The heavy shackles on his hands. His feet
Were clasped by iron fetters ...... He was bound .....
Across the threshold of the open door
His hound lay dead, stretched in a pool of blood......
In helpless plight lay Wayland, Wade's son.
He woke to grim reality, and found
The grey dawn breaking. Though he seemed alone
He knew his foes were on him. Loud he cried,
In a great voice and fearless, "Who are ye?
Princes indeed and heroes who beset
A sleeping man who is of noble birth,
Nor should be fettered thus....... Stand forth, ye curs!
Why have ye meddled with my golden rings,
And stolen one, meseems? Come, answer me!
Why have ye bound me?" Mocking laughter pealed,
As from the shadows sprang King Nithad's men,
And from the court came others pouring in,
Who pointed fingers at him, taunting him.
King Nithad forward strode, and shouting bawled,
"Where gattest thou such treasure, wealth untold,
O Wayland, Lord of Elves ....... There is no gold
In Wolfsdale or on Glisten Heath I know,
Hast thou then been to Gnita Heath perchance,
Where Fafnir coiled doth guard his precious hord?
Surely I think this land lies far from Rhine,
Where men say is much treasure in the hills ......
Where hast thou been to gather gold, thou swine?"
Spake Wayland ..... Lord of Elves though he might be,
He seemed just now naught but a stricken man
In bitter grief and shame ..... "A greater thing,
And far more precious treasure had we here,
When it was well with us in Wolfsdale yesteryear......
Snowwhite and Elfwhite, Lodver's daughters dear,
And Kiar's daughter Olrun, once dwelt here,
Loved by us brothers very tenderly .......
Now are they fled for ever" ........ Deep he sighed,
Speaking as to himself ...... He paid no heed
To Nithad or his men....... The angry King
Kicked him and roared, "Dost thou not hear me, dog?
Dost thou not know that I can have thee slain
An thou tell not the truth? And, by the Gods,
Not by an easy death hope thou to die ......
Thy grandsire's (3) kindred in vile treachery
Slew Mimer called the Wise, mine ancestor,
Who knows indeed that false Ivalde's self
Had not a hand in that foul murder done?
He and his drunken Vans in mockery
Sent Mimer's head to Odin; therefore know
Thy torments shall end with the Rista-örn ........
Thy Mimung shall spread-eagle carve on thee,
Yet ere that chance e'en for that death thou'lt crave .....
And have it not, until it be my will."
King Nithad's warriors laughed and clashed their arms,
Their white teeth gleamed in the red torch's flare,
Glistened their savage eyes, like wolves they snarled;
But Wayland spake no word, with a fierce stare
He lay and looked on Nithad, whose eyes fell
Before that piercing glance. In sullen rage
The King turned from his captive, bade his men
Bring him without and bind him on a horse.
Said he, "Where's Schemming?" Wayland answered not,
Nor told the King that Egil rode his steed,
Lent to him with good-will ...... Then Nithad saw
Where Mimung sheathed hung up upon the wall.
He took it down in sharp astonishment,
Thinking it was a copy of his own ......
He drew his blade from scabbard, with an oath
He guessed the trick played on him ..... With the hilt
He struck his captive full upon the mouth,
As helpless he was carried from the house,
So that the blood gushed forth ...... Still not a word
Fell from the Smith's grim lips, he only laughed;
But such the horror of that awful sound
Of savage laughter, that men stood aghast,
And Nithad trembled ..... Then to hide his dread
He roughly cried ...... "Come lift him up, my men,
Over the crupper sling him of my horse .....
Tie him up tighter, strap his elbows fast."
And none too gently did his men obey.
So Nithad homewards rode and in his sheath
Lay the true Mimung, at his saddle-bow
Hung the false copy ...... On his hand the ring
Gleamed fiery in the dawning ....... Strapped across
The crupper of his steed the prisoner lay
Flat on his back, his head hung dangling low,
His heels beneath the horse's belly bound.
They rode through Mirkwood, and ere long was heard
The baying of the hounds in Wayland's hut,
Who, hearing strangers pass, gave warning tongue.
Said Wayland faintly to the Niarings' Lord,
Scarce might he speak, so swollen was his tongue,
"King, will ye then that my good beasts should starve?
An Emperor's ransom would not buy such hounds" ......
Said Nithad, "Silence, knave!" Yet as they passed
He called a halt, and bade his huntsmen leash
The dogs in couples, for they were of price ......
Good lymers some, and others alans were,
And mastiff-tykes well trained to hunt the bear,
Both fallow, dun, and white, and others black.
These Nithad's huntsmen with some trouble brought,
Speaking them fair, nor threat'ning, but did cry,
"List, hallow! Hyke, ye hounds! O list, list, list!"
So that they followed to the hunting call.
So came they home to Niarenberg, and there
Cynwig, the Queen of Nithad, stood without
The Hall upon the perron, (4) and with her
Their daughter Bathilde, and the little lads,
Kind Nithad's youngest sons, twins were those boys.
Prince Otwin was not there, for in the South
He dwelt at Hjalprek's Court to prove himself,
And it was thought ere long he'd win his spurs .......
King Nithad's men dismounted in the Court
With many a sneering laugh and cruel jeer
At Wayland's plight, who once their comrade was,
The King himself rode proudly up the Hall,
Queen Cynwig pacing slowly at his side,
Her hand upon his bridle, but her eyes
Were fixed upon the captive with a glance
Of mingled rage and terror....... Yet he lay
As though unconscious, nor once looked her way.
Nithad, dismounting, to a foot-page flung
His charger's reins ....... A tankard seized he then
And drank his fill, then called he to his guards,
"Untie that rascal, bring him straightway here."
They loosed him from the horse, and dragged him on
Towards the King. While this was being done,
Nithad his daughter called, and, kissing her,
He set upon her finger the gold ring,
Bidding her guard it very heedfully.
Unto Queen Cynwig he gave other rings,
And would have kissed her also, but the Dame,
With head averted, still with troubled eyes
Gazed at the helpless captive ...... Hate gleamed forth
And cast out fear ...... To Nithad loud she cried,
When Wayland stood before them, still fast bound,
His legs cramped by the fetters, and his hands
Swollen and bruised by the tight bonds, his mouth
Blackened and bleeding still ..... "What sight is this?
This prisoner that ye bring from out Mirkwood?
He looks not blithe in truth. Is't Wayland Smith
That we once knew as Goldbrand? Ah! my King,
His eyes are like the eyes of flashing snake,
And see what ghastly smile doth writhe his lips,
As like some ravening wolf he shews his fangs,
And girns (5) upon our daughter! 'Tis the ring
Upon her finger that doth grieve his soul,
O yet more horrible doth grow his grin
As he eyes Mimung girded to thy side ......
Thou hast two Mimungs there ...... How can it be?
Lord, in this lies some devil's mystery ......
Oh! Slay this wretch ...... At least, put out his eyes ......
I cannot bear their evil mocking stare."
Quoth Nithad, "Nay, but I will keep this man
To use him as my tool. He is of price;
Ne'er has the world seen such a Master-Smith."
Said then Queen Cynwig, "Keep him an ye must,
But lest he do some harm I pray thee, Sire,
Have his legs' sinews severed and thereby
Destroy his power for mischief ....... Then set him
In Seastead, in the wooded holm that lies
Just off the shore ....... So were it best, my Lord."
Quoth Nithad, "Nay, my Queen, this may not be,
For as he is he shall more useful prove,
Sound, whole of limb and healthy ...... Say no more ......
Be sure I'll have him guarded carefully,
And he shall work for us as once before.
I do repent me that I struck the man,
Not once but twice, and I will give him gold ......
I have a hasty temper in my wrath,
And I was angered by his impudence ......
I bear the knave no grudge ....... I'll generous be
And pay him for his labour ...... Wayland, hear!
Thou shalt have recompense if I have been
A little hasty in mine acts to thee .......
Once more be thou my faithful servant, then
Shalt earn thy liberty....... Meanwhile be thou
Contented with thy lot, nor grumble more.
Look not so sourly on us, Wade's son ......
Speak to us, man, and say what aileth thee?
Ye knaves, bring water! Cleanse from off his face
The blood and grime ....... Thou Cupbearer, pour wine!
Loosen his wrists a trifle ...... Set a stool ......
Let him sit down and get his breath again ........
Our ride was long, the going heavy too ......
Nor doth one easy ride slung o'er a horse ......
So, Wayland! Glare not thus ...... Art thou gone mad?"
He shuddered as he spake, for Wayland looked
With his fierce fiery eyes straight at the King.
Quoth he in quiet voice, yet cold and grim,
"In Nithad's girdle I see gleam a sword
That I forged for myself with all my skill,
I tempered it with my full cunning, and
I whetted the good blade, but not for him ......
Yet now he wears it ...... Now is my sharp sword
For ever lost to me ...... Oh! Ne'er again
Goes Mimung to my Smithy....... Woe is me!
And see, on Bathilde's finger where shines bright
My bride's red ring ........ Ha! This shall be revenged!
Ne'er take I recompense, thou niddering,
Thou coward Nithad, for this deed of thine.
Do thou thy worst upon me" ......... Nithad spake,
Still in a friendly mood, or so it seemed,
Though his brow darkened and his cheeks were flushed
At the words Wayland spake; "Take him apart ......
Loosen the bonds upon his hands, yet keep
His feet in fetters. Give him meat and wine
And treat him gently ...... In the Common Hall
Shall he sit guarded till a better mind
Cometh upon him. On your heads be it
If he escape. Let four men guard the Smith
By day, and four by night. Go, lead him hence .......
Niall, in thy charge be he ....... Was't not thou
That gat a beating from him? Sure am I
Thou wilt not let him loose." Black Niall scowled,
And dragged the prisoner out, who struggled not,
Nor paid attention to his jailor's threats.
In truth he heard them not, his wandering mind
On Elfwhite longing thought, then on revenge.
END OF VOLUME ONE.
Notes:
1. Cf. Elder Edda Völundarkvitha, p. 213, st. 6. [Back]
2. Elder Edda Völundarkvitha, st. 9 – st. 19. [Back]
3. K. Viking, who was son of Thjassi, and grandson of
Ivalde, who was an Ingling and therefore a Van by descent. Cf. Rydberg Teut.
Myth. 90, 231, 410; Heimskringla (Inglinga Saga, ch. 4). [Back]
4. Stoop, i.e., the double staircase and platform outside the Hall. [Back]
5. girn = to gnash the teeth. [Back]
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