Celestial Symbolism in William Morris’ the Story of Sigurd the Volsung
By Megan Brodeur.
In both his poetic and artistic work, William Morris includes celestial symbols to depict an intimate and harmonious relationship between the universe and the beings who inhabit it. In the three images above Morris incorporates both the sun and the moon into his religious artwork. Although he lived during the 19th century his style reflects the Medieval significantly more than the Victorian era. However, his writing isn’t devoid of Victorian influence. In 1876, The Story of Sigurd the Volsung and The Fall of the Niblungs, was first published. Drawing from the original tale, The Saga of the Volsungs, Morris maintains many of the Medieval elements regarding the plot and themes. But his version also contains a poetic-lyrical element that differs drastically from the original Saga.
The anonymous author of The Saga of the Volsungs wrote in a style cohesive to oral storytelling. However, Morris moved away from this Medieval tradition to adopt the form of a classical epic. Although Morris’ writing style is far removed from the original, they share many of the same plot points. For example, in both the Saga and Morris’ versions King Siggeir becomes aggravated after being mocked by the Volsungs. In the Saga, his reaction is described in straightforward language. “King Siggeir became angry at these words and thought the answer scornful. But since he was a very underhanded and deceitful man, he pretended not to care about this matter. That same evening, however, he thought of a means of paying Sigmund back.” (Saga 39) Morris uses a combination of metaphorical language and imagery to bring the story to life, rather than objectively describing Siggeir’s response. “Black then was the heart of Siggeir, but his face grew pale and red, till he drew a smile thereover, and spake the word and said…” (Morris 9) Morris uses this same type of metaphorical diction to describe different celestial entities.
The sun and the moon play an important role in Norse Mythology. They aren’t detached from the world but are implemented into the storyline as key symbols. Chased by two ferocious wolves, the sun and moon are essentially characters in the story of Norse Mythology. Just as the gods, elves, humans etc., are key to balancing the universe and ultimately fulfilling the prophecy of Ragnarök, so are the sun and the moon. They’re destined to be devoured by the wolves at the end of the world. Morris reflects this connection between human beings and the sun and moon in his descriptive writing. For example, “Now or ever the sun shone houseward, unto King Volsung’s bed Came to Signy stealing barefoot and she spake the word and said…” (Morris 10) Or another example is, “But on the morrow noontide when the sun was high and bare, more glorious was the banquet, and now was Signy there,” (Morris 4) And perhaps the most eloquent description. “Then the moon in the mid-sky swam, and the stars were fair and pale, and beneath the naked heaven they slept…” (Morris, 104)
