Editing Brunhild (section)

==== Helreið Brynhildar ====

[[File:Ed0039.jpg|thumb|Illustration of ''Helreið Brynhildar'', 1893]]

At the beginning of ''[[Helreið Brynhildar]]'', Brunhild's corpse is burned and she begins her journey to the [[Hel (location)|Hel]], the Scandinavian underworld. On her way, she encounters a giant who accuses her of having blood on her hands. In response, Brunhild tells the story of her life, defending herself and justifying her actions. She accuses the Burgundians of having deceived her.{{sfn|Millet|2008|p=298}} Brunhild hopes to spend the afterlife together with Sigurd.{{sfn|Sprenger|1999b|p=342}}

As Brunhild narrates her life, she is clearly identified with the valkyrie Sigrdrífa and combines the story of Sigrdrífa's awakening with Sigurd's wooing for Gunnar as a single event.{{sfn|Sprenger|1999b|p=341}}{{sfn|Larrington|2014|p=307 n. 8}} Odin himself is portrayed as requiring that only a man who knows no fear could awaken her.{{sfn|Quinn|2015|p=96}} The song portrays Brunhild as a victim and she achieves a sort of apotheosis at the end.{{sfn|Sprenger|1999b|p=342}}