Helgi Hundingsbane

In the Old Norse saga corpus Helgi is a mortal warrior whose reputation rests on avenging his father by slaying the king Hunding, whence his cognomen Hundingsbane (Old Norse Helgi Hundingsbani, literally "Helgi, slayer of Hunding"). Sources present him variously as belonging to different genealogical groupings (Ylfing in some accounts; later attached to the Völsung family in others), a variance treated in the tradition as the merging of distinct legends. His fate is portrayed as woven by the norns; after death his soul is among Odin's einherjar in Valhalla, and saga-material describes recurring rebirths in later lives together with his valkyrie-lover Sigrún (manifesting in cycles such as Helgi Hjörvarðsson/Sváva and Helgi Haddingjaskati/Kára).

The narrative sources give few sustained physical descriptions; surviving scenes emphasize deeds and fate. In a notable burial-mound visitation Helgi is described as having hair covered with frost, a body sullied with blood, and wet hands—effects explained as the result of Sigrún's tears falling cold and wet upon him. Other descriptive passages focus on martial bearing in battle and on scenes such as valkyrie embraces rather than precise physiognomy.

Helgi's primary attributes are extraordinary martial prowess—he achieves great victories from an early age—and a close association with valkyries, especially Sigrún, who both chooses the slain and becomes his lover. After his death he exists among the einherjar in Valhalla, enjoying the privileges and duties of Odin's slain. Saga scenes portray him crossing the boundary between life and death (visiting the barrow, spending a night with Sigrún) and being subject to fate as woven by the norns. Divine interaction also appears: another figure, Dag, obtains vengeance by sacrificing to Odin and receiving a spear which kills Helgi, indicating gods' active role in his destiny.