THE BOY IN THE GERMANIC HERO-SAGAS 



By Grace Fleming van Sweringen 



The sources of the Heldensage, used in this paper: Beowulf, ed. 

 by Heyne, 6th ed., Paderborn, 1898; Deutsches Heldenbuch, 5 vols., 

 ed. by Janicke, Amelung, Martin and Zupitza, Berlin, 1866-73; 

 Eddica Minora, ed. by Heusler and Ranisch, Dortmund, 1903; 

 Fomaldar S0gur Norprlanda, ed. by Rafn, 3 vols., Copenhagen, 1829; 

 Die Lieder der dlteren Edda, ed. by Hildebrand, 2d ed. by Gering, 

 Paderborn, 1904; Saga t>ipriks Konungs af Bern, ed. by Unger, 

 Christiania, 1853; Saxonis Grammatici Gesta Danorum, ed. by 

 Holder, Strassburg, 1886; Snorri Sturluson, Edda, ed. by F. Jonsson, 

 Copenhagen, 1900; Vplsunga Saga, ed. by Ranisch, Berlin, 1891. 



The Boyhood of the Hero 



Regarding the birth and boyhood of a great hero, the Helgakvipa 

 Hundingsbana I tells us, that when Helgi was born there was a great 

 disturbance of the elements, a roaring of waters and the screaming 

 of eagles. The Norns came in the darkness of night and wove for 

 the prince his web of fate — a fulness of glory, the most splendid of 

 names in all the circle of heroes. The power of a ruler they granted 

 to him from the East to the West, and far to the North should his 

 name be remembered. From his father the boy received lands and 

 estates, and a glittering sword. Well did he thrive in the circle of 

 kinsmen, like a proud elm tree in the glow of good fortune. With 

 fifteen years his boyhood was ended, and, bent upon war, he set out 

 for himself. 



In contrast to this triumphant entry into the world of heroes is 

 the coming of the little Scyld Scefing, 1 alone and helpless, over the 

 sea from no one knows where to the land of the Danes. He became 

 a great ruler, and was the first of the royal house of the Scyldings. 



1 Beowulf, 1.4; I.10; I.27 3. 



s 



