Last Updated on October 1, 2024
King Völsung was a powerful and revered figure. He is the great-grandson of Odin, the Allfather, which gave him a divine lineage and profound strength. Völsung ruled over a vast kingdom and is remembered for his bravery, leadership, and his ability to uphold honor. The Völsung clan produced many heroes, including his famous grandson Sigurd, the dragon slayer.
The saga of King Völsung begins with his miraculous birth. His mother carried him for six years after his father died. When he was finally born, he emerged as a fully grown child, signaling his destiny as a great leader. This unusual birth earned him the respect of his people, as they saw him as a being of extraordinary strength and wisdom. Völsung’s legendary hall was built around a massive oak tree called Bárnstokkr, which symbolized his kingdom’s endurance.
One of King Völsung’s defining moments involved a meeting with Odin disguised as a wanderer. Odin plunged a sword into the oak tree at the center of his hall, declaring that only a true hero could pull it free. His son, Sigmund, successfully retrieved the sword, beginning the next chapter in the family’s saga of glory.
The Rune Tiwaz: Symbol of Völsung’s Lineage
The Elder Futhark rune, Tiwaz, represents the legacy of King Völsung. Tiwaz is the rune of justice, honor, and heroic sacrifice—qualities he exemplified as a king. It marks the strength of his lineage, which faced challenges head-on with unwavering courage. Those who invoke Tiwaz channel the heroic virtues that Völsung displayed, making it a powerful symbol in Asatru.
Importance in Asatru
King Völsung holds great significance for modern followers of Asatru, representing the ideals of honor, loyalty, and leadership. His connection to Odin and the gods places him as a divine ancestor, making him a powerful figure for those seeking wisdom from their ancestral heritage. His unwavering courage in the face of adversity and his leadership of the Völsung clan exemplify the values many strive for in their spiritual and personal lives.
Followers of Asatru reflect on Völsung’s lineage when seeking guidance or strength, especially in moments requiring leadership and bravery. His legacy continues through rituals, sagas, and the invocation of the ancestral spirits in Asatru practices. King Völsung’s story serves as a reminder that our roots in the past shape our actions and destinies today.
