Sigmund the Fortu was created by Nureyev alone, near the end of the power of The Five.  He was created as a form in which Nureyev could hide to escape the murderous rampage when Rhysmaeon betrayed the remainder of The Five.  At that time Rhysmaeon had sent Centaraan away and, unable to stop him, Kheldar and Falstaff had run for their lives through time, while Nureyev was hiding as Sigmund amongst the Fortu around the Ward. When the Ward Isolated suddenly, Sigmund/Nureyev was caught in its umbra field and frozen in time for several thousand years.

The modern history of Sigmund began when the group of heroes known colloquially as "Shapeshifters" were exploring the ruins of the site where The Linking Ward had isolated and accidentally awoke Sigmund from his petrified state.  Since then he has risen to become one of the most active of the Fortu and in influence on their evolution.  He  has also become known as a potent discipline mage, dream walker and artificer.

It is not common knowledge, but many in select circles have come to know that Nureyev and Sigmund are forms of the same being.  Stories of Nureyev's reappearance and involvement in some key events have begun to leak out.  Sigmund has also emerged as an Avatar of the Divine Fortu Racial Essence, although this fact, as well as general knowledge of the Fortu religion, is largely unknown outside of the Fortu and their close associates.