Lying Tree
No 'Lying Tree' appears in the Völsunga saga.
The Völsunga saga does not mention a 'Lying Tree'. The saga describes a great tree called Barnstokkr (lit. 'child trunk') that stood in King Völsung's hall. On the wedding day of Signý and Siggeir, a hooded one-eyed man (implied to be Odin) thrust a sword into Barnstokkr, declaring that whoever could pull it out would receive it as a gift. Only Sigmund Völsungson succeeded.
- Nature
- Non-Canonical / Fan Invention
- Location
- Does not exist in official Saga canon
- Primary Function
- N/A (No established function)
- Affiliation
- None
- Status
- Invented
Lore & Background
The Völsunga saga contains no reference to a 'Lying Tree'. The only tree described is Barnstokkr, the great tree in King Völsung's hall. During the wedding feast of Signý and Siggeir, a mysterious one-eyed man (Odin) entered, drew a sword, and thrust it into Barnstokkr. He said whoever could pull the sword from the tree would receive it as a gift, then left. Many tried but failed; only Sigmund Völsungson pulled the sword out with ease. Later, the saga mentions that the sword demonstrated divine powers. No sentient tree, illusion-casting tree, or tree testing travelers appears in the source.
In Their Own Story
The Völsunga saga does not include a 'Lying Tree' or any scene involving a tree that projects illusions. The only tree story is about Barnstokkr: at the wedding of Signý and Siggeir, a hooded one-eyed man (Odin) thrust a sword into the tree. He said whoever could pull it out would receive it as a gift. Many attempted but failed. Sigmund Völsungson then pulled the sword out easily. King Siggeir offered to buy the sword, but Sigmund refused. That night, Siggeir and Signý slept together, and by the next day she pressured King Völsung to allow divorce, but he refused to maintain the alliance with Gautland.
Reader's Guide
The Völsunga saga does not describe a 'Lying Tree' as a psychological barrier or artifact. The only tree in the saga is Barnstokkr, which served as a central pillar in King Völsung's hall. It was the location where Odin placed a sword, creating a test of strength: only Sigmund could pull it out. No guidance exists for navigating illusions or controlling such a tree, as the saga contains no such element.
Did You Know?
- The Völsunga saga mentions a tree called Barnstokkr (lit. 'child trunk') that stood in King Völsung's hall.
- A hooded one-eyed man (Odin) thrust a sword into Barnstokkr at the wedding of Signý and Siggeir.
- Only Sigmund Völsungson could pull the sword from Barnstokkr.
- King Siggeir offered to buy the sword from Sigmund, but Sigmund refused.
- The saga does not describe any tree that generates illusions or tests travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lying Tree a real artifact in Saga?
No, this item is purely a fan invention with no basis in Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' comic series.
What powers does the Lying Tree possess?
Since it never appears in the official canon, it has no established abilities or magical functions within the story.
Where can readers find the Lying Tree in the comics?
You will not find this location anywhere because it was never created by the authors for the narrative.
Why is there information about Lying Tree online?
Most references come from fan fiction or community speculation rather than actual published issues of the book.
Does any similar tree exist in the Fae realm?
While the Fae dimension contains many magical wonders, no sentient illusion-casting tree is part of the established lore.
More in Powers & Artifacts
Elsewhere in the Saga universe
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