a new twist . . .

After reading section 6, "Brynhildr," I had to go back and look at section 5 again. I realize now that the 2 birds at the end of that section are describing 2 women: the Raven describes Brynhild and the story found in section 6, while the Finch describes Gudrun, who lives further along our hero's path:

Green run the roads
to Gjuki's land;
fate leads them on,
who fare that way. (116)

This becomes important at the end of "Brynhildr."

As section 6 opens, our hero, Sigurd, moves on toward Hindarfell:

Ever wide and wild
the wandering path'
long lay the shadow
of lone rider.
Ever high and high
stood Hindarfell,
mountain mighty
from mist rising. (118)

An adventure lies in his path; he leaves the "green road" toward the Gjuki's land--and Gudrun--and climbs Hindarfell, where he sees a ring of flames encircling the mountain top and then a shield wall and a warrior in enchanted sleep. He removes the helmet and discovers it's a woman! He hews off her armor with his now-famous dragon-slaying sword, and the enchantment is broken. The woman awakes and greats him:

Hands of healing,
hear and grant us,
light in darkness,
life and wisdom;
to both give triumph,
truth unfailing,
to both in gladness
glorious meeting! (120)

She then identifies herself as Brynhild, a Valkyrie, enchanted by Odin because she had changed the outcome of a battle. Odin has forbidden the battlefield to her and "doomed" her to marry instead; as a result she has sworn an oath never to marry anyone except "the World's chosen" (121). She tells Sigurd that in Valhalla they wait for the "serpent-slayer" (121); he then reveals his name and that he has indeed slain the dragon.

At this point the two swear faithfulness to each other, and Tolkien includes a cup-bearing ceremony, with Brynhild giving Sigurd the mead cup:

"A beaker I bring thee,
O battle-wielder,
mighty-blended
mead of glory;
brimmed with bounty,
blessed with healing,
and rimmed with runes
of running laughter." (122)

She goes on to prophecy and gives him advice, noting that his life will be short and violent. She sends him on his way, saying she will only wed a king--and he has yet to win his kingdom.

Tolkien captures several elements of Norse tradition in this section, including the shield-maiden, the mead cup, powerful runic inscriptions, and the implacable power of fate:

Faith then they vowed
fast, unyielding,
there each to each
in oaths binding.
Bliss there was born
when Brynhild woke;
yet fate is strong
to find its end. (124)

So, while I wasn't expecting Brynhild, I enjoyed this part of the poem--and it adds a layer of conflict and mystery to the whole story. What happens to Gudrun? Something must since she has, later in this book, her own "Lay." Will our hero be faithful to his betrothed? Will he win his kingdom? Will a Valkyrie be content in marriage? Hmmmmm.