The Two Helgi

The name Helgi means "Sacred One", which is a name fitting in Norse mythology for a hero and a prince.

However, there are many characters in Norse myths and legends with the name Helgi who were kings, princes or heroes, but only two of these characters stand out most in Norse mythology.

One was Helgi, son of Sigmund (Helgi Sigmundarson, but also known as Helgi Hundingsbani, or the Bane of Hundings). The other was Helgi, son of Hiorvard (Helgi Hiorvardsson). According to the Poetic Edda, Helgi Sigmundsson was supposedly a reincarnation of Helgi Hiorvardsson.

Both heroes have poems from the Poetic Edda, but only Helgi Hundingsbani (or Helgi Sigmundarson) appeared briefly in the episode of the Volsunga Saga. For this reason, I have only briefly mentioned that Helgi in the Volsunga Saga page (see Death of Sigmund & Sinfjotli), and retold the whole episode in full on this new page, The Two Helgi.

There was another Helgi, a king from the famous Skjoldung line - a dynasty that ruled Denmark (in the Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf, the Skjoldungs were called Scyldings). This Helgi was a son of Halfdan, king of Denmark. He was a brother of Hroar and Signy. He had raped Olof, the Queen of Saxland, and became father of Yrsa. Not knowing that Yrsa was his daughter, he married her and became the father of Hrolf Kraki, one of the heroes in the saga that was named after him. When they found out they were father and daughter, Yrsa left him and married Adils, a king of Sweden. Helgi was also enemies with Skuld. Helgi was killed by the beserkers of Adlis; Adlis had planned the ambush. His son succeeded him to the throne of Denmark. See the saga of Hrolf Kraki for the full legend of Helgi and his family.