Far in the north lived the good King Ring. His words were wise and
kind. In his land no war cast its dark shadow and everywhere in his
kingdom blossomed fair flowers. Justice and right clasped hands, and
peace lived with plenty in the golden fields.
For thirty years King Ring had ruled in the Northland. The people
loved him well and named him in their evening prayers. His good queen
had died, and long had he mourned for her. But the people begged him
to marry again.
At last the old king said: "King Bele often visited me and spake of his
fair daughter. Her would I choose for my bride. Take gold and jewels
rare from my coffers. Have minstrels go and with their songs win for
me the fair Ingeborg."
In gay company they went to Helge's court and asked him for his sister
Ingeborg. Here they remained three days, singing and feasting. On the
fourth morning they asked for a reply from King Helge for their king.
[Illustration: Ingeborg at Balder's Temple]
In the grove of Balder Helge offered bird and beast and asked the
priest what answer he should give. The priest, frightened by evil
omens, replied that Ingeborg must not be given to King Ring. Then
Helge said nay to the messengers, for men must obey when the gods have
spoken.
Angry were the messengers, and angry was King Ring when he was told
that Helge would not give the lovely Ingeborg to be his queen. He
struck his bright shield and seized his warlike weapons.
Over the sea many a dragon ship came hurrying and the plumes of the
warriors waved in the breeze.
"Let us teach the proud Helge a lesson," they cried.
When King Helge heard of the ships and the warriors hurrying over the
sea, he said: "Long and bloody will be the strife, for King Ring is a
mighty king. To protect my sister we must place her in the temple of
Balder the holy."