Stories of Siegfried, Told to the Children

A live bear in a blacksmith's workshop reveals how troublesome a young prince's strength can become. Siegfried has been sent from his family's castle to the forest for safety, where the smith Mimer takes him into his care. Pranks and resentment disturb their life at the forge, and an errand for charcoal brings the boy within reach of a dragon. Mary Macgregor tells these adventures in prose for children, drawing on the German poem Nibelungenlied.

The scenes at Worms exchange woodland danger for the ceremonies of a royal court. A festival gathers visiting princes, while Queen Uté prepares richly embroidered robes for herself and her attendants. Siegfried's confidence falters at the sight of Princess Kriemhild, and their meeting introduces a gentler side of his character. Mischief, impressive feats and anxious affection share space in this children's version of heroic legend. Readers can approach its unfamiliar courts and creatures through a clearly narrated story centred on the prince.