For it is Odin's Day. And by that I mean Wednesday.

This is the abridged version.

According to the Volsung's saga, Odin placed a sword in a tree, from which it could be removed only by the true king.

Enter Sigmund.

Sigmund withdrew the sword from the tree and with it reigned as king for many years, until he fell in battle, the sword shattered.

Years later, and Sigurd son of Sigmund found himself in the unenviable position...