THE BOY IN THE GERMANIC HERO-SAGAS 1 7 



women, ordered that two of her young sons be put to death because 

 they had shown themselves unfit to assist in the work of avenging 

 her kinsmen upon her husband. 



From the above brief study it will be seen that the boy as a char- 

 acter has his place in the Heldensage. But he appears rather as the 

 hero in making, than as the independent hero. As would naturally 

 be expected, the characteristics which are prominent in the Germanic 

 boy-hero are the same as those which went to make up the ideal man 

 of the Saga — the same great bravery, the same fidelity to duty, 

 especially the duty of vengeance, and an equal defiance of death, 

 when met in a good fight. 



On the other hand, the love of adventure and the lack of caution 

 and foresight which characterize the youth of every age, were not 

 lacking, and made the presence of a guardian or counselor necessary 

 to the preservation of the boy. In no case is youth represented as 

 superior to mature years. The young Alphart did overcome the old 

 Hildebrand in his first fight, but in the end Alphart lost his life because 

 he refused to listen to the counsel of older people. 



