The Story of Siegfried. By James Baldwin. (Sampson Low and
Co.) — We can cordially recommend this version of the legends of the Nibelungen Lied and the two Eddas, which, though written for children, is worthy of perusal by those of older years. The stories are told in a simple, picturesque way, and the character of Siegfried is well maintained throughout the series of adventures into which the book is divided. It is not satisfactorily explained why Siegfried, after surmounting all the difficulties and perils of Isenland, in the midst of which, surrounded by a moat of fire, the fair Brunhild lay sleeping, should have gone away and left her. We think that Mr. Baldwin, who claims for himself the right of modifying and even adding to the ancient legends from the stores of his own imagination, should have told us the reason of this desertion, for Siegfried never returns to Isenland until he comes in the company of Gunther, who accepts the help of Siegfried in winning the hand of Brunhild. We consider that Brunhild is badly treated, for she is so confident that no one can overcome her in feats of skill but her own husband, that she challenges any who like to come and try their strength against her, promising her hand should they wio, and claiming the forfeit of their life in case of defeat. Gunther only succeeds in conquering Brunhild by the aid of Siegfried, who has the power of making himself invisible. Meanwhile, Siegfried himself has married Kriemhild, between whom and Brunhild a furious quarrel arises. How this quarrel ultimately led to the murder of Siegfried, we would leave the readers of this attractive little volume to find out. We congratulate Mr. Baldwin on having extracted so much good metal from the somewhat mixed ore of these old northern legends.
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