Hogni

Hogni, also spelled Hogne or Hókon, is a figure appearing in Old Norse sagas and mythology. He is most famously associated with the saga of Sigurd the dragon-slayer. In the Völsunga Saga, Hogni is the father of Brynhild, a formidable shieldmaiden. He is also depicted as a powerful warrior and king.

One significant event involving Hogni is his betrayal and murder. According to some versions of the tale, Hogni was killed by the order of his wife, Hjördis, who then married Sigmund. However, other accounts place Hogni as a participant in the events leading to the death of Sigurd. In the Poetic Edda, specifically in the poem Grípisspá, Hogni is mentioned as being present when Sigurd is prophesied to kill Fafnir and obtain the dragon's hoard. He is also sometimes conflated with or referred to as Hogni the Rich, a dwarf who owned a magical ring.

The character of Hogni represents a traditional Norse warrior archetype. His lineage and his role in the Völsunga Saga connect him to themes of fate, vengeance, and the tragic destinies that often befall heroic figures in Norse literature. While not a primary deity, his presence highlights the complex relationships and power struggles within the legendary heroic age of Scandinavia.