1. That is, the Gjukungs, as possessors of the Niflung hoard. This awkwardly written piece (separated by most editors from the following poem) was no doubt meant by the Collector to form a transition to the Atli lays. It has no independent value whatever, its statements being, on the face of them, derived from the following lays, especially from "Atlamal."

Then Gunnar and Hogni took all the gold which Fafnir had owned. Feud arose between the Gjukungs and Atli, for he laid Brynhild's death at their door.

To atone for it, Guthrun was to be married to him, and they gave her a drink to blot out what had gone before ere she would be wedded to Atli. She bore Atli two sons, Erp and Eitil; but Svanhild was the daughter she had by Sigurth. Atli bade to him as his guests Gunnar and Hogni, and sent to them his man hight Vingi or else Knefroeth. Guthrun had knowledge of his wiles, and sent word to them by runes that they should not come, and as a token she sent to Hogni the ring Andvaranaut, (2) and fastened within it a wolf's hair.

2. See "Reginsmal," Prose after St. 4. The Volsunga saga, Chap 28, relates that Sigurth deprived Brynhild of it on the bridal night and gave it to Guthrun.

Gunnar had asked the hand of Oddrun, Atli's sister, but Atle said nay to that. Then wedded he (3) Glaumvor, but Hogni's wife was Kostbera. Their sons were hight Solar, Snaevar, and Gjuki. (4) But when the Gjukungs came to Atli's court, Guthrun begged her sons to have the lives of the Gjukungs spared, (5) but they would not. Hogni's heart was cut out of his breast, but Gunnar was thrown into a dungeon with serpents. He struck his harp and put the worms to sleep; but one adder bored into his liver.

3. Gunnar.

4. In "Atlamal," St. 28, only the first two are mentioned as Hogni's sons.

5. This statement is at variance with all other tradition. It looks as though a motive was sought to justify Guthrun's murder of her (infant!) children ("Atlakvidha," St. 36, and "Atlamal," St. 73).

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