Regin- Germanic FigureMortal
Also known as: Reginn
Description
Regin taught Sigurd languages and rune-craft, then forged him a sword that could split an anvil. All to aim the boy like a weapon at his own brother Fafnir, who had murdered their father and become a dragon guarding cursed gold. After Sigurd slew the dragon, the birds told him the truth about his foster-father.
Mythology & Lore
Andvari's Gold
Regin was one of three sons of Hreidmar: Regin the smith, Fafnir the strong, and Otr, who could take the shape of an otter. One day Loki killed the otter without knowing what it was. When the gods came to Hreidmar's hall wearing its skin, Hreidmar seized them and demanded a ransom: enough gold to stuff the otter skin and cover it completely.
Loki caught the dwarf Andvari in his waterfall and took every piece of gold he owned, down to a single ring. Andvari cursed the ring and all the gold with it: it would destroy everyone who held it. The gods paid the ransom and went free. That night, according to the Reginsmál, Fafnir murdered Hreidmar for the hoard. He took the gold to Gnita-heath, turned himself into a dragon, and coiled around it. Regin got nothing.
The Sword
Regin took in the young Sigurd and raised him, teaching him languages and rune-craft. He told Sigurd the story of the hoard constantly, stoking his hunger for glory. When Sigurd demanded a weapon, Regin forged him a sword. Sigurd brought it down on the anvil and it shattered. Regin forged another. It shattered too. Only when Sigurd brought the broken shards of his father Sigmund's sword Gram could Regin forge a blade that held. The Völsunga saga says it split the anvil clean through and cut a tuft of wool drifting on the river's current.
The Dragon and the Birds
The plan was simple. Dig a pit on the path Fafnir used to crawl to water. Wait beneath it. When the dragon passed overhead, Sigurd drove Gram upward through its belly. Fafnir, dying, warned him: the one who sent you here means to kill you next.
Regin appeared, drank Fafnir's blood, and told Sigurd to roast the dragon's heart for him. As Sigurd turned the heart over the fire, he burned his thumb on the juices and touched it to his lips. He could suddenly understand the birds above him. They were saying that Regin planned to take his head along with the gold. Sigurd drew Gram and beheaded his foster-father on the spot.