The Poetic Edda recounts how Volund and his brothers discover the skins of three of these animals and then marry their owners, who are bathing in a nearby lake.
In his third lifetime, Helgi Hundingsbane is assisted in battle by one of these animals named Kara until he mistakenly cuts off its leg. In the Volsunga Saga, this animal lends its name to a woman who is suspected of adultery and trampled to death by horses at the order of her husband Jormunrekr. The Poetic Edda recounts how Volund and his brothers discover the skins of three of these animals and then marry their owners, who are bathing in a nearby lake. The daughter of (*) Gudrun and Sigurd is named after this animal. In a common European motif, these animals pull the chariot of a mysterious knight who must never be asked of his name. They are not related to shields, but valkyries are alternately known as these animals' namesake "maidens." In the Kalevala, Lemminkainen shoots an arrow through one of these animals gliding on the river of Tuonela. For 10 points, name this animal into which the Ugly Duckling transforms as an adult.
In his third lifetime, Helgi Hundingsbane is assisted in battle by one of these animals named Kara until he mistakenly cuts off its leg.
swan [or Svanhild; prompt on bird] 