Hedin's Oath

What oath did Hedin regret?

Helgi and Svava had promised to marry and loved each other deeply. On the eve of Yule, Helgi's brother Hedin met a monstrous woman in the forest. She rode a wolf and used snakes as reins. She asked to go with him, but Hedin refused.

That evening, people laid their hands on a sacred boar and swore oaths. Hedin swore that he would make Helgi's beloved his own wife. Filled with regret at once, he set off to find Helgi.

When Helgi heard what had happened, he told his brother not to worry. He was facing an appointed battle and doubted that he would return alive. In the great battle that followed, he was fatally wounded. He sent for Svava.

Helgi told her this would be their last meeting and asked her to love Hedin. Svava replied that even after Helgi's death, she would not willingly embrace a man she did not know. Hedin swore not to return until he had avenged Helgi.

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