I'm not convinced that Vargeisa and Hjálmthér (from Hjálmthés saga ok
¨Olvis) are an incarnation of the same narrative. Vargeisa doesn't ever
become a beautiful maiden! (She keeps her horse's muzzle and hoofs, -- even
post-kiss! -- and seems perfectly happy with them. )
Hilda Davidson thought that the horse-headed figure (a goddess?) on the
Franks Casket was perhaps Vargeisa. (That doesn't make her more balladic,
though -- rather less.)
Gawain's Loathly Hag _is_ probably a Kemp Owyne analogue, though. (Which
Chaucer tale is it? The "what women reaslly want" one?)
Sandy Straubhaar
Germanic Studies
University of Texas at Austin
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