Poetry · Chapter
The Fatal Sisters explained
In this ode based on Norse legend, the poet describes a vision of twelve giantesses—the Fatal Sisters—weaving a gruesome web of war from human entrails, using weapons as loom parts, and singing a song that foretells the doom of Earl Sigurd
What happens
In this ode based on Norse legend, the poet describes a vision of twelve giantesses—the Fatal Sisters—weaving a gruesome web of war from human entrails, using weapons as loom parts, and singing a song that foretells the doom of Earl Sigurd and King Brian in battle. The sisters ultimately tear the web and ride off to the battlefield, emphasizing the inexorable fate of warriors.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Destiny
The Fatal Sisters weave the inescapable doom of warriors, foretelling death and victory with supernatural certainty.
War and Violence
The imagery of the loom made from lances, entrails, and severed heads vividly depicts the brutality of battle.
The Supernatural
The vision of giantesses weaving fate and riding to battle on black steeds underscores the otherworldly forces governing human conflict.
Characters to notice
- The Fatal Sisters
The twelve gigantic women who weave the web of war and sing the dreadful song.
- The Valkyriur
Mista, Sangrida, Hilda, Gondula, and Geira are named as the sisters who aid in weaving the woof of victory.
Key passages
“Now the storm begins to lower (Haste, the loom of Hell prepare,) Iron-sleet of arrowy shower Hurtles in the darkened air.”
A storm is brewing; quickly set up the infernal loom as a hail of iron arrows flies through the dark sky.
Opening lines set the scene of supernatural war preparation.
“See the grisly texture grow, (’Tis of human entrails made) And the weights, that play below, Each a gasping warrior’s head.”
The horrifying fabric is woven from human intestines, and the loom weights are the heads of dying soldiers.
Graphic depiction of the web's material, emphasizing the gruesome nature of fate.
“Sisters, weave the web of death; Sisters, cease, the work is done.”
Sisters, continue weaving the web of death; now stop, the task is finished.
The sisters complete their weaving, signaling the fulfillment of the prophecy.