Arngrim is a berserker who wielded the legendary cursed sword Tyrfing.
History[]
Arngrim took the sword Tyrfing from Svafrlami, who he faced in battle. Tyrfing fell from Svafrlami's grip during the fight, and Arngrim picked it up and sliced Svafrlami in half from head to foot.[1]
Arngrim carried off Svafrlami's daughter Eyfura for his wife, and had twelve brave berserker sons. The sword Tyrfing was inherited by his eldest, Angantyr.[1]
Creative origins[]
Arngrim and the sword Tyrfing appear in Hervarar saga ok Heiðreks (The Saga of Hervör and Heidrek), a 13th century Icelandic saga. It was translated into English in 1960 by Christopher Tolkien, son of J.R.R Tolkien.[2]
In one version of the saga, Arngrím is the leader of a band of raiders who attack Svafrlami's kingdom. The two men meet in battle, with Svafrlami wielding the sword Tyrfing. Svafrlami damages Arngrím's shield, but Arngrím cuts off Svafrlami's sword hand. Arngrím picks up Tyrfing and slays Svafrlami with it.[2]
In another version, Arngrím is a viking who becomes the captain of King Sigrlami's army. Sigrlami gives Arngrím his daughter Eyfura in marriage and simply gives him the sword Tyrfing.[2]