Sigurd, to whom he finally confided this unsatisfactory state of affairs, finally volunteered to exert his fabulous strength to reduce to obedience the rebellious bride, whom he turned over to his brother-in-law in a submissive mood, after depriving her of her girdle and ring, which he carried off as trophies and gave to Gudrun.
Brynhild's resentment, however, still smouldered, and when Gudrun, her sister-in-law, attempted to claim precedence when they were bathing in the river, she openly quarrelled with her.

In the course of this dispute, Gudrun exhibited the magic ring, loudly proclaiming her husband had wooed and won Gunnar's bride! Two distinct parties now defined themselves at court, where Hoegni, a kinsman of the Niblungs, vehemently espoused Brynhild's cause.

By some secret means--for his was a dark and tortuous mind, ever plotting evil--Hoegni discovered the trick of the magic potion, as well as Brynhild's previous wooing by Sigurd, and proposed to her to avenge by blood the insult she had received.
According to one version of the tale, Hoegni, who discovers in what spot Sigurd is vulnerable, attacks him while he is asleep in bed and runs his lance through the fatal spot.

The dying Sigurd therefore has only time to bid his wife watch over their children ere he expires.

By order of Gudrun, his corpse is placed on a pyre, where it is to be consumed with his wonderful weapons and horse.