SAGA-BOOK - Viking Society Web Publications

The Lay of Attila 17
image as we have in Hamoismdl of j ormunrekkr,
mutilated, roaring in the fight 'as a bear roars', sem biorn
hryti, and avenging himself upon his attackers? Such
a vigorous tone of exultation in defiance suits the general
context well, for Gunnarr is aware that he is taking up
a fatal challenge. The image does not reflect the outcome
perfectly, however: Gunnarr does not in fact fight like a
cornered bear (though Hogni does); Gunnarr only
tantalises the Huns with false hopes and leaves fulfilment
of revenge to Gu