Last Updated on December 15, 2024
King Völsung (pronounced VOHL-sung; Old Norse spelling: Vǫlsungr) is a legendary figure in Norse mythology 
. He is the patriarch of the Völsung family, which plays a central role in the Völsunga saga, a cornerstone of Scandinavian heroic literature. The saga recounts his life and legacy, detailing a lineage filled with extraordinary heroes, divine interventions, and tragic fates. Völsung is often portrayed as a symbol of unwavering courage, resilience, and a deep connection to divine destiny.
Born of an extraordinary union between a human and the god Odin, Völsung’s story begins with a miraculous birth. His parents, King Rerir and wife, prayed to the gods for a child. Frigg (pronounced FRIG; Odin’s wife) sent an apple to grant their wish. Völsung’s mother carried him in her womb for six years, and his birth marked him as someone destined for greatness.
Völsung ruled over his people with wisdom and strength. His hall, built around a mighty oak tree called Bárnstokkr (pronounced BARN-stok-kr; meaning “Child-Trunk”), symbolized his enduring spirit. However, his life was cut short during a betrayal by King Siggeir (pronounced SIGG-eh-ear). Despite his death, Völsung’s legacy persisted through his children, notably his son Sigmund and grandson Sigurd the Dragonslayer. These descendants carried his heroic lineage forward, intertwining his story with that of Norse cosmology and folklore.
The name Völsung is occasionally Anglicized as Volsung or Volsunger in translations. The saga’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of themes like loyalty, vengeance, and the eternal struggle between fate and free will.
Elder Futhark Runes Associated with King Völsung
The two Elder Futhark runes linked to King Völsung are: Ūruz (ᚢ) and Ansuz (ᚨ).
Ūruz (pronounced OO-rooz) represents strength and endurance. It symbolizes Völsung’s indomitable will, especially as seen in his rise to power and his resistance against betrayal. This Elder Futhark rune also conveys primal power, fitting for someone with divine ancestry.
Ansuz (pronounced AHN-sooz) reflects wisdom and divine communication. As a descendant of Odin, Völsung’s actions and lineage often appear guided by the gods. This rune also highlights his role as a leader and his family’s connection to higher powers.
Importance to Asatruar
King Völsung holds a revered place among modern Asatruar, serving as a symbol of strength, courage, and honor. His life and lineage demonstrate the values of loyalty, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice, even in the face of betrayal and hardship.
Through his descendants, Völsung embodies the interconnectedness of human and divine realms. His story inspires modern practitioners to seek guidance from their ancestors and embrace their personal challenges with unwavering resolve. His legacy reminds Asatruar of the importance of family and the enduring power of one’s actions.
