Topic Archive

Myths about Gunnar

Explore myths connected by the recurring theme of Gunnar across cultures, characters, and sacred places.

2 myths currently featured for Gunnar.

Gunnar Playing a Harp with His Toes to Charm the Serpents

🪓 Norse MythologyGran (Esztergom), HungaryGunnar • Hogni • Atli

Following the betrayal of the Niflung brothers by Atli, King Gunnar is thrown into a pit of venomous serpents to meet a slow, agonizing death. With his hands bound and his executioners watching, Gunnar uses his feet to play a harp sent by his sister Gudrun, creating a melody so hauntingly beautiful that it lulls the snakes to sleep. Only a single, ancient adder remains awake, eventually...

King Atli (Attila) Betraying Gunnar and Throwing Him in a Snake Pit

🪓 Norse MythologyGran (Esztergom), HungaryGunnar • Atli • Högni

King Atli of the Huns, driven by an insatiable greed for the legendary Rhine-gold, lures the Burgundian kings Gunnar and Högni to his court under the guise of an invitation. After a bloody betrayal and the execution of his brother, Gunnar is cast into a pit of venomous snakes, where he famously plays a harp with his toes in a final act of heroic defiance. The story serves as a tragic climax...