The story of Wayland the Smith is most prominently documented in two Old Norse sources: Völundarkviða, a poem in the Poetic Edda, and Þiðreks saga. According to these sources, Wayland is a skilled smith who becomes enslaved by a king. In a quest for revenge, Wayland kills the king's sons and escapes by crafting a winged cloak that allows him to fly away. The tale is filled with elements of tragedy, betrayal, and triumph, showcasing Wayland's exceptional craftsmanship and his determination to reclaim his freedom.

Wayland the Smith, known as Wēland in Old English and Vǫlundr in Old Norse, holds a prominent place in Germanic mythology and heroic legends. As a master blacksmith and craftsman, Wayland is often depicted as a mysterious and cunning figure, with his story told in various Old Norse and Old English sources. In this article, we delve into the depths of Wayland's tale, exploring his enslavement, revenge, craftsmanship, and his presence in different cultural traditions.

Visual depictions of Wayland's legend exist in early medieval Scandinavia, although they can be challenging to authenticate due to the lack of distinct features corresponding to the textual sources. The Ardre image stone VIII and a tenth-century copper mount found in Uppåkra are among the possible visual representations. These depictions often portray Wayland in his smithy, surrounded by tools, or in flight with the aid of wings. These visuals offer glimpses into the captivating imagery associated with Wayland's story and highlight the enduring popularity of his legend.

Wayland's skill as a smith is also referenced in passing in various texts, including Old English poems such as Deor and Beowulf. He is portrayed as the maker of weapons and armor, and his name is mentioned in German poems related to Theoderic the Great, where he is referred to as the father of Witige. Additionally, Wayland is attributed with crafting swords for Charlemagne and his paladins, including renowned blades like Curtana, Durendal, and Joyeuse. These references underscore Wayland's reputation as a master craftsman whose creations extended beyond the realm of mythology.

The earliest known reference to Wayland the Smith is a gold solidus coin with a Frisian runic inscription that possibly depicts the legendary smith or bears the name of a moneyer named Wayland. The coin, discovered in Ostfriesland, Germany, is dated between AD 575 and 625, providing a tangible artifact associated with Wayland's mythic persona. This historical evidence showcases the enduring legacy of Wayland's legend and its cultural significance.

In the Old Norse sources, Wayland's tale unfolds through the Völundarkviða and Þiðreks saga. According to Völundarkviða, Wayland and his brothers, Egil and Slagfiðr, lived with three Valkyries before their lovers departed. Wayland married the swan maiden Hervör, but she also left him, leaving him with a ring as a memento. King Niðhad captures Wayland, hamstrings him, and forces him to forge items.

In revenge, Wayland kills the king's sons and crafts goblets, jewels, and a brooch from their remains, sending them as gifts to the king, queen, and king's daughter, Böðvildr. When Böðvildr visits Wayland for the mending of her ring, he seduces her and father's a child with her. Wayland then flies away, never to be seen again, leaving Niðhad and Böðvildr in despair. The tale in Þiðreks saga follows a similar trajectory, with additional details about Wayland's parentage, his forging of the sword Mimung, and the birth of his son Wideke.

Wayland's legend also finds echoes in English literature and folklore. The Old English poem Deor begins with the lines that recount Wayland's suffering and endurance. In Beowulf, Wayland is mentioned as the maker of the mail shirt worn by the epic's protagonist. The Franks Casket, an early English artifact, features a panel depicting Wayland's story, where he stands in a forge, holding a goblet made from the skull of Niðhad's son. English local traditions place Wayland's forge in a Neolithic long barrow mound called Wayland's Smithy, which has become the subject of folklore and beliefs associated with the supernatural.

Wayland's enduring presence is not limited to Germanic mythology and literature. In the Latin epic Waltharius, based on Old High German oral tradition, Wayland is referred to as Wieland. Wayland's association with the classical hero Daedalus is also evident in Icelandic manuscripts that equate the terms Labyrinth and Domus Daedali with Vǫlundarhús, meaning "house of Vǫlundr." These connections highlight the interplay between Germanic and classical mythological traditions and the fluidity of legends across different cultures.

In modern culture, Wayland the Smith continues to inspire artistic works and adaptations. Sir Walter Scott includes Wayland Smith as a character in his novel "Kenilworth," set in the late 16th century. The enduring fascination with Wayland's tale reflects the timeless appeal of the skilled craftsman who defies his captors and seeks justice.

In conclusion, Wayland the Smith stands as a captivating figure in Germanic mythology and heroic legends. His story of enslavement, revenge, and exceptional craftsmanship has been passed down through Old Norse and Old English sources, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and literary traditions of the Germanic peoples. Wayland's legend continues to captivate the imagination, reminding us of the enduring power of myths and the extraordinary skill of the master blacksmith.