Signy- Norse FigureMortal"Daughter of Völsung"
Also known as: Signý
Titles & Epithets
Description
Forced into marriage with King Siggeir, who slaughtered her father and brothers, Signý spent years orchestrating vengeance. She bore Sinfjötli through shape-shifting deception to create a pure-blooded Völsung avenger, then walked into the flames of Siggeir's burning hall.
Mythology & Lore
Daughter of Völsung
Signý was the twin sister of Sigmund and daughter of King Völsung. In the Völsunga saga, she was married against her will to King Siggeir of Gautland at a great feast in Völsung's hall. During the feast, a one-eyed stranger thrust a sword into the tree Barnstokkr. Only Sigmund could draw the blade, and Siggeir's jealousy of this prize set the entire tragedy in motion.
Siggeir's Treachery
After the wedding, Siggeir invited the Völsungs to his kingdom. Signý warned her father and brothers that Siggeir was planning treachery, but Völsung refused to flee, declaring that he had never run from fire or iron. Siggeir ambushed the Völsungs, killing Völsung and capturing his ten sons. He had them bound in stocks in the forest, where each night a she-wolf came and devoured one until only Sigmund remained. Signý saved her brother by having a servant smear honey on his face. When the wolf came, she licked the honey, and Sigmund bit her tongue and killed her.
The Pure-Blooded Avenger
Signý tested her sons by Siggeir for the courage needed to avenge the Völsungs. When each failed, she realized that only a child of pure Völsung blood would be strong enough. She exchanged shapes with a völva through seiðr magic and went to Sigmund's hiding place in the forest. She lay with her own twin brother, who did not recognize her in her altered form, and conceived Sinfjötli, a child of double Völsung descent.
Sinfjötli proved everything his mother had intended: fierce and tireless. She sent him to Sigmund, and together father and son prepared for years in the wilderness.
Vengeance and Death
When Sigmund and Sinfjötli finally attacked Siggeir's hall, they set it ablaze. Signý came out and told Sigmund the truth: Sinfjötli was their son, born for this purpose alone. She said she had done so much for this revenge that she could not live any longer. She kissed Sigmund and Sinfjötli farewell and walked back into the burning hall to die beside Siggeir, the husband she despised.