He only knew, apparently, the North-German form of the Niflung story.

But the reproachfulness of incest is apparent.
Birth and beauty were looked for in a bride by Saxo's heroes, and chastity was required.

The modesty of maidens in old days is eulogised by Saxo, and the penalty for its infraction was severe: sale abroad into slavery to grind the quern in the mud of the yard.

One of the tests of virtue is noticed, "lac in ubere".
That favourite "motif", the "Patient Grizzle", occurs, rather, however, in the Border ballad than the Petrarcan form.
"Good wives" die with their husbands as they have vowed, or of grief for their loss, and are wholly devoted to their interests.

Among "bad wives" are those that wed their husband's slayer, run away from their husbands, plot against their husbands' lives.