Summary of the Thidrekssaga

Search for chapters:

See all parts of the saga.

Witig and Heime

109

Heime went northward to the mountains, several days on unknown roads, and he wondered what kind of heroic deed he would do.

Then he heard of a man called Ingram, a powerful robber and warrior. He was mostly to be found in the Falsterwald, and had ten companions. This Falsterwald lies between Sachsenland and Denmark. Ingram had a feud with a duke in Sachsenland, and did as much damage as he could.

Heime decided to look for this Ingram, and when he found him Ingram took him among his companions. Now they lived in the forest and did many evil deeds.

110

It is said that some merchants traveled from Sachsenland to Denmark, nd they carried many goods, and they were with 60 men, and believed that no one would be able to attack them. They traveled into the Falsterwald.

When the robbers had discovered them, Ingram said: See, even though they are with many, those who call themselves heroes will be able to take their riches. So they armed themselves and rode to the merchants. The merchants readied their swords, spears, and shields, and battle begon.

It didn't take long before Ingram and his companions were victorious, and they had no dead on their side, but they didn't stop before all 60 people were dead. Then they took their wares, weapons, and horses, and were very content with their actions. And they considered themselves more famous than before, and that they had won against a great many more people Neatly sets the stage for 116. Heime, too, considered himself braver than before.

Detlef the Dane

115

When they went in, they encountered twelve men, Ingram and his companions. Biterolf said he wished Detlef was home with hsi mother, because he was afraid to lose him to the robbers, while if he was alone he'd have no trouble defeating them. Detlef said he was not afraid, and proposed they dismount and put their backs against each other's, and here it should become clear what Detlef's descent was. And both drew their swords.

116

That day Heime kept watch for Ingram and his companions, When he saw them, he reported back and said that their helmets were well-made, and that the robbers had their work laid out for them.

Ingram decided that they didn't all have to go, five men would be enough. But father and son fought mightily, and after a while all five lay dead on the ground. When Ingram saw that he ordered everyobody to attack, but Biterolf cleaved Ingram's helmet and head while Detlef killed two men. And they didn't stop until all robbers but Heime were dead. Now Heime hit Biterolf on the helmet so that he fell unconscious, but Detlef hit him on the helmet, and Heime sank to one knee. Quickly he recovered, sprang on his horse and rode as quickly as he could, all day long, and was glad he was still alive. He said, what many have proven, that the best piece of iron was the spur, since it saved him that day, and many others did the same.

But when Heime came to a river his stallion Rispa sprang so mightily that Heime flew off him. And it is said that there was a watermill there, and it was milling, but Heime heard the sounds as "hit, hit, strike, strike", and he rode day and night until he came back to Bern. Here he reconciled himself with Diet­rich, and became his follower again.

Biterolf and Detlef took all gear from the dead robbers, and took them home, and they had achieved great honour.

Status: summary of 4 chapters complete.

Other parts

  1. Samson (1-13)
  2. Hildebrand and Heime (14-20)
  3. Wieland the Smith (57-79)
  4. Witig (80-95)
  5. Journey to Osning (96-107)
  6. Witig and Heime (108-110,134-137,146-151)
  7. Detlef the Dane (111-129)
  8. Amelung, Wildeber, and Herbrand (130-133)
  9. Wildeber and Isung (138-145)
  10. Sigmund and Sisibe (152-161)
  11. Sigfrid's youth (162-168)
  12. Origins of the Niflungen (169-170)
  13. Dietrich's feast (171-191)
  14. The road to Bertangaland (192-199)
  15. The tournament (200-222)
  16. Dietrich's fellowship falls apart (223-226,240)
  17. Gunther and Brunhild (227-230)
  18. Walther and Hildegund (241-244)
  19. Ake and Iron (269-275)
  20. Dietrich's flight (276-290)
  21. The Wilkinen wars (291-315)
  22. The battle of Gransport (316-341)
  23. Sigfrid's death (342-348)
  24. Hertnit and Isung (349-355)
  25. Grimhild's revenge (356-394)