Völsung's parents, who were the king and queen of Hunaland could not have any children until Odin and his consort Frigg sent them a giantess named Ljod carrying the apple of fertility. Völsung's father died shortly after this, but his wife was pregnant for six years, until she had had enough. She commanded that the child be delivered by caesarean section, an operation that in those days cost the life of the mother. Völsung was a strong child and he kissed his mother before she died.