Then the followers of Ella vainly besought Ragnar to speak and tell his name.

As he remained obstinately silent they finally flung him into a den of snakes, where the reptiles crawled all over him, vainly trying to pierce the magic shirt with their venomous fangs.

Ella perceived at last that it was this garment which preserved his captive from death, and had it forcibly removed.

Ragnar was then thrust back amid the writhing, hissing snakes, which bit him many times.

Now that death was near, the hero's tongue was loosened, not to give vent to weak complaints, but to chant a triumphant death song, in which he recounted his manifold battles, and foretold that his brave sons would avenge his cruel death.
"'Grim stings the adder's forked dart; The vipers nestle in my heart.
But soon, I wot, shall Vider's wand, Fixed in Ella's bosom stand.
My youthful sons with rage will swell, Listening how their father fell; Those gallant boys in peace unbroken Will never rest, till I be wroken [avenged].'" _Death Song of Regner Lodbrock_ (Herbert's tr.).
This heroic strain has been immortalized by ancient scalds and modern poets.