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Wood carvings of the

Saga of the Volsungs: The Norse Epic of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer

from the portal of
Hylestad stave church, Setesdal, Norway, 12th century


2nd scene. (A)    (B)
Photo Source: Taaldacht


1st scene.
Photo Source: Timeless Myths

1 & 2)
Sigurd and Regin forge the sword Gram.
The first scene shows Sigurd and Regin (who has a beard) at the forge and the second scene shows Sigurd holding the mended sword. Sigurd, described as one of the best swordsmen, was urged by Regin to seek Fafnir the dragon's treasure. Regin then forged a sword with Sigurd at his side, providing assistance by keeping the fire going and providing water to cool the blade when needed. When the sword was completed they named it Gram. Sigurd tested the sword by striking it upon Regin's shield, which had a picture of Fafnir engraved on it. The blade broke, which prompted Regin to forge another sword out of the broken pieces of the first Gram. When it was completed Sigurd tested the blade once again on the shield with Fafnir's image, and this time it cut through the shield and also cut off the horn of the anvil.

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Referenced on p.344, Arms and Armour of the Crusading Era, 1050-1350, Western Europe and the Crusader States by David Nicolle
947A-C 'Sigurd the Dragon Slayer', carved wooden doorway, Norway, 12th century
(in situ church, Hylestad, Norway)
The similarity between the hero's military equipment on the Hylestad carvings and that seen on the Lewes Chessmen is obvious. Here again conical helmets with nasals have long neckguards (B and C), and even ear-pieces (C). The shield is a tall kite-shaped type and the swords (A and C) have long straight quillons and round pommels. Even the scabbard is hung in the normal Western European manner. In fact only the pendant ear and neck defences set this man's equipment apart from that of his neighbours to the south.