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Updated: June 22, 2025
I command, therefore, that my stoutest men-at-arms should buckle on their iron breastplates and ride in the dead of night to Wayland's house, and seize his goods and his person. 'King Nidud, answered one of the courtiers, 'that you should take himself and his goods is well, but why send a troop of soldiers against one man?
As to the gifts that may come from the gods, no man should grudge them to his fellow. Therefore release me, O King, and I will pay whatever ransom you may fix. But Nidud only bade his guards take him away, and Wayland, seeing that resistance availed nothing, went with them quietly.
Then he poured some mead into a cup and drank, as he always did, to the memory of his brothers. After that he spread out his bear's skin to dry in the wind, and this done he stretched himself out on his bed and went to sleep. King Nidud waited till he thought all was safe, then crept forth with his men, who held heavy chains in their hands wherewith to chain the sleeping Wayland.
When Nidud reached his Palace the Queen and Banvilda, their daughter, came forth to meet him, and told him that the great hall was already full of guests, expecting the wonders he had brought. The King said little about his adventures, but went into the armoury to put on his armour in order to appear before his nobles.
So the men-at-arms put on all their armour, and, mounting their horses, set forth at sunset to Wayland's house, King Nidud riding at their head. The door stood wide open, and they entered quietly, in deadly fear lest Wayland should attack them. But no one was inside, and they looked about, their eyes dazzled by the gold on the walls.
But the task was harder than they expected, and he started up in wrath, asking why he should be treated so. 'If you want my gold, take it and release me. It is useless fighting against such odds. 'I am no robber, said the King, 'but Nidud your sovereign. 'You do me much honour, replied Wayland, 'but what have I done to be loaded with chains like this? 'Wayland, I know you well, said Nidud.
'He was once handsome and stately enough, answered Nidud, 'but I have bowed his stubborn head. And the Queen and her daughter joined in saying, 'The maidens of Finland will hardly fancy a lover who cannot stand upright. But Wayland stood as if he heard nothing till the King's son snatched a bone from the table and threw it at his head.
'Riches do not come of themselves, said Nidud, 'and if you are not a thief, then you must be a magician and must be watched. 'If I were a magician, answered Wayland, 'it would be easy for me to burst these bonds. I know not that ever I have wronged any man, but if he can prove it I will restore it to him tenfold.
With his hands bound they led him before the King, and Eyvind the Earl bowed low and said, 'We have done your desire, Sir King, and must now hasten back to look for Gullorm, who fell into the sea. 'Leave him where he is, replied Nidud; 'if he is not drowned by now he will never drown at all, but in token of your obedience to my orders I will give you each these golden chains.
By the King's orders he was thrown into a dark hole fifteen fathoms under ground, and the soldiers then came and robbed the house of all its treasures, which they took to the Palace. The ring which Wayland had made for his wife, Nidud gave to his daughter Banvilda.
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