While the father of these two swan-maids is calledHlaudverrin Volundarkvida, the father of the third swan-maid, Egil's beloved, is called KingKiarrin Valland. As Egil was first married to the dis of vegetation, Groa, whose father is Sigtryg in the heroic saga, and then to Sif, his swan-maid must be one of these two. In Volundarkvida, where none of the swan-maids have their common mythological names, she is called Olrun, and is said to be not a sister, but a kinswoman (kunn—str. 15) of both the others.Hlaudverr(Ivalde) andKiarrare therefore kinsmen. WhoKiarrwas in the mythology I cannot now consider. Both these kings of mythological descent reappear in the cycle of the Sigurd songs. It has already been shown above (No. 118) that the Gjukungs appear in the Sigurd saga as heirs and possessors ofHlaudverrs hallsand treasures; it is addedthat "they possess the whitest shield fromKiarr'shall (Gudrunarkvida, ii. 25; Atlakvida, 7). Here we accordingly once more find the connection already pointed out between the persons appearing in Volundarkvida and those in the Gjukungsaga. The fathers of the swan-maids who love Volund and his brothers reappear in the Sigurd songs as heroes who had already left the scene of action, and who had owned immense treasures, which after their death have passed by inheritance into the possession of the Gjukungs. This also follows from the fact that the Gjukungs are descendants of Gjuke-Slagfin, and that Slagfin and his brothers are Niflungs, heirs of Hlaudver-Ivalde, who wasgullaudigr mjök(Younger Edda).
Like his sons, Ivalde originally stood in a friendly relation to the higher reigning gods; he was their sworn man, and from his citadel near the Elivagar,Geirvadills setr, he protected the creation of the gods from the powers of frost. But, like his sons, and before them, he fell into enmity with the gods and became "a perjuredhapt." The features of the Ivalde-myth, which have been preserved in the heroic poems and shed light on the relation between the moon-god and him, are told partly in the account of Gevarus, Nanna's father, in Saxo, and partly in the poems about Walther (Valtarius, Walthari) and Fin Folcvalding. From these accounts it appears that Ivalde abducted a daughter of the moon-god; that enmity arose between them; that, after the defeat of Ivalde, Sunna's and Nanna's father offered him peace, and that the peace was confirmed by oath; that Ivalde broke theoath, attacked Gevar-Nokver and burnt him; that, during the hostilities between them, Slagfin-Gjuke, though a son of Ivalde, did not take the side of his natural father, but that of his foster-father; and that Ivalde had to pay for his own deeds with ruin and death.
Concerning the point that Ivalde abducted a daughter of Gevar-Nokver and married her, the Latin poems Valtarius Manufortis, Nibelunge Noth, Biterolf, Vilkinasaga, and Boguphalus (Chronicon Poloniæ) relate that Walther fled with a princess named Hildigund. On the flight he was attacked by Gjukungs, according to Valtarius Manufortis. The chief one of these (in the poem Gunthari, Gjuke's son) received in the battle a wound "clean to the hip-bone." The statement anent the wound, which Walther gave to the chief one among the Gjukungs, has its roots in the mythology where the chief Gjukung, that is, Gjuke himself, appears with surnames (Hengest, Geldr,öndr-Jálkr) alluding to the wound inflicted. In the Anglo-Saxon heroic poem Fin Folcvalding is married to Hildeburh, a daughter of Hnæf-Hoce, and in Hyndluljod (cp. str. 17 with str. 15)Hildigunnris the mother of Halfdan's wife Almveig, and consequently the wife ofSumbl Finnakonungr, that is, Ivalde.Hildigunnr'sfather is called Sækonungr in Hyndluljod, a synonym ofNökkver("the ship-captain," the moon-god), and Hildigun's mother is calledSváfa, the same name as that by which Nanna is introduced in the poem concerning Helge Hjorvardson. Hildeburh, Hnæf-Hoce's daughter, is identical with Hildigun, daughter ofSækonungr. Compare furthermore str. 20 in Hyndluljod, which speaks ofNanna as Nokver's daughter, and thus refers back to str. 17, where Hildigun is mentioned as the daughter ofSækonungr. The phraseNanna vat næst thor Nauckva dottirshows thatNökkverand another elder daughter of his were named in one of the immediately preceding strophes. But in these no man's name or epithet occurs exceptSækonungr, "the sea-king," which can refer toNökkver, "the ship-owner," or "ship-captain," and the "daughter" last mentioned in the poem isHildigunnr.
Of the names of Ivalde's wife the various records contain the following statements:
Hlaudver-Ivalde is married to Svanfeather (Svanfjödr, Volundarkvida).Finnalf-Ivalde is married to Svanhild Gold-feather, daughter of Sol (Fornal. saga).Fin Folcvalding-Ivalde is married to Hildeburh, daughter of Hnæf-Hoce (Beowulf poem).Walther-Ivalde is married to Hildigunt (German poems).Sumbl-Finnakonungr is married to Hildigun, daughter of Sækonungr Nokver, the same asHnæfr,Hnefr, Nanna's father (Hyndluljod, compared with Saxo and other sources).
Hlaudver-Ivalde is married to Svanfeather (Svanfjödr, Volundarkvida).
Finnalf-Ivalde is married to Svanhild Gold-feather, daughter of Sol (Fornal. saga).
Fin Folcvalding-Ivalde is married to Hildeburh, daughter of Hnæf-Hoce (Beowulf poem).
Walther-Ivalde is married to Hildigunt (German poems).
Sumbl-Finnakonungr is married to Hildigun, daughter of Sækonungr Nokver, the same asHnæfr,Hnefr, Nanna's father (Hyndluljod, compared with Saxo and other sources).
She who is called Svanfeather, the sun-daughter Svanhild Gold-feather, Hildeburh, Hildigunt, and Hildigun is accordingly a sister of the moon-dis Nanna, and a daughter of the ruler of the atmosphere and of the moon. She is herself a sun-dis. In regard to the composition of the name, we must compare Hildigun,Hiltigunt, with Nanna's surnameSinhtgunt. The Teutonic, or at allevents the Norse, mythology knew two divinities of the sun, mother and daughter. Grimnersmal (47) tells us that the older one,Alfraudull, has a daughter, who, not at the present time, but in the future, is to drive the car of the sun (eina dottur berr Alfraudull ...). The elder is the wife of the moon-god. The younger one is the Sunna mentioned in the Merseburg formula (see No. 92), Sinhtgunt-Nanna's sister. As a surname, Sunna also occurs in the Norse literature (Alvissmal, 17; Younger Edda, i. 472, and elsewhere).
In the Beowulf poem and in "Battle of Furnesburg," we find Fin Folcvalding, Hildeburh's husband, as the foe of his father-in-law Hnæf, and conquered by him and Hengest. After a war ending unluckily for him, he makes peace with his victors, breaks the peace, attacks the citadel in the night, and cremates the slain and wounded in an immense funeral pyre. Hnæf is among those fallen, and Hildeburh weeps at his funeral pyre; Hengest escapes and afterwards avenges Hnæf's death. Saxo confirms the fact, that the historified person who in the mythology is the moon-god is attacked and burnt by one of his "satraps," and afterwards avenged. This he tells of his Gevarus, Nanna's father (Hist., 131). The correspondence on this point shows that the episode has its root in the mythology, though it would be vain to try to find out the symbolic significance from a standpoint of physical nature of the fact that the moon-god was attacked and burnt by the husband of his daughter, the sun-dis.
KING SVAFRLAME SECURES THE SWORD TYRFING.(From a painting by Lorenz Frölich.)In the Icelandic Hervar's Saga is an account of the mythical sword called Tyrfing, which Odin commanded the dwarfs Durin and Dvalin to forge for his grandson, King Svafrlame. When, against their will, they were compelled to deliver the sword to the king, the dwarfs pronounced a curse upon it, declaring that it should never be drawn from its sheath without causing the death of some one. Soon after Svafrlame was killed by Arngrim and the sword passed to Angantyr, who, in turn, was slain by Hjalmar and, to abate the curse, Tyrfing was buried with him. Angantyr's daughter, Hervor, however, by a spell, exorcised the spirit of her father and obtained the sword, after which it had many owners in succession, but the curse remained, for it brought death as before to every one who unsheathed it.
Meanwhile we obtain from these scattered mythic fragments preserved in the heroic poems, when compared with the statements found in the mythology itself, the following connected story as the myth about the mead:
Originally, the mead, thesoma, belongs to Mimer alone. From an unknown depth it rises in the lower world directly under the world-tree, whose middle root is watered by the well of the precious liquid. Only by self-sacrifice, after prayers and tears, is Odin permitted to take a drink from this fountain. The drink increases his strength and wisdom, and enables him to give order to the world situated above the lower regions. From its middle root the world-tree draws liquids from the mead-fountain, which bless the einherjes of Asgard as a beverage, and bless the people of Midgard as a fructifying honey-dew. Still this mead is not pure; it is mixed with the liquids from Urd's and Hvergelmer's fountains. But somewhere in the Jotunheims, the genuine mead was discovered in the fountain Byrger. This discovery was kept secret. The keeper of the secret was Ivalde, the sworn watchman near the Elivagar. In the night he sent his son Slagfin (afterwards called after his adopted father Hjuke) and his daughter Bil (Idun) to dip liquid from the fountain Byrger and bring it to him. But the children never returned. The moon-god had taken them and Byrger's liquids unto himself, and thus the gods of Asgard were able to partake of this drink. Without the consent of the moon-god, Ivalde on his part secured his daughter the sun-dis, and doubtless she bears to him the daughters Idun, Almveig, and other dises of growth and rejuvenation, after he had begotten Slagfin, Egil,and Volund with the giantess Greip. The moon-god and Ivalde have accordingly taken children from each other. The circumstance that the mead, which gives the gods their creative power and wisdom, was robbed from Ivalde—this find which he kept secret and wished to keep for himself alone—makes him the irreconcilable foe of the moon-god, is the cause of the war between them, and leads him to violate the oath which he had taken to him. He attacks Gevar in the night, kills and burns him, and recaptures the mead preserved in the ship of the moon. He is henceforth for ever a foe of the gods, and allies himself with the worst enemies of their world, the powers of frost and fire. Deep down in Hades there has long dwelt another foe of the gods, Surt-Durin, the clan-chief of Suttung's sons, the father of Fjalar. In the oldest time he too was the friend of the gods, and co-operated with Mimer in the first creation (see No. 89). But this bond of friendship had now long been broken. Down into the deep and dark dales in which this clan hostile to the gods dwells, Ivalde brings his mead-treasure into safety. He apparently gives it as the price of Fjalar's daughter Gunlad, and as a pledge of his alliance with the world of giants. On the day of the wedding, Odin comes before him, and clad in his guise, into Surt's halls, marries Gunlad, robs the liquids of Byrger, and flies in eagle guise with them to Asgard. On the wedding day Ivalde comes outside of Surt's mountain-abode, but never enters. A dwarf, the keeper of the halls, entices him into his ruin. It has already been stated that he was probably buried beneath an avalanche.
The myth concerning the carrying of the mead to the moon, and concerning its fate there, has left various traces in the traditions of the Teutonic people. In the North, Hjuke and Bil with their mead-burden were the objects seen in the spots on the moon. In southern Sweden, according to Ling, it was still known in the beginning of this century, that the bucket carried by the figures in the moon was a "brewing kettle," consequently containing or having contained a brewed liquid. According to English traditions, not the two children of Vidfin, but a drunken criminal (Ritson'sAncient Songs; cp. J. Grimm,Deut. Myth., 681), dwelt in the full moon, and that of which he is charged in widely circulated traditions is that he was gathering fagots for the purpose of crime, or in an improper time (on the Sabbath). Both the statements that he is drunk and that his crime consists in the gathering of fagots—lead us to suppose that this "man in the moon" originally was Ivalde, the drink-champion and the mead-robber, who attacked and burnt the moon-god. His punishment is that he will never get to heaven, but will remain in the moon, and there he is for ever to carry a bundle of thorn-fagots (thus according to a German tradition, and also according to a tradition told by Chaucer). Most probably, he has to carry the thorn-rod of the moon-god burnt by him. The moon-god (see Nos. 75, 91) ruled over the Teutonic Erynnies armed with rods (limar), and in this capacity he bore the epithetEylimi. A Dutch poem from the fourteenth century says that the culpritin duitshe heet Ludergheer. A variation which J. Grimm (Deut. Myth., 683) quotesis Lodeger. The name refers, as Grimm has pointed out, to the Old High German Liutker, the Lüdiger of the German middle-age poem. In "Nibelunge Noth," Lüdiger contends with the Gjukungs; in "Dieterichs Flucht," he abandons Dieterich's cause and allies himself with the evil Ermenrich. Like Liutwar, Lüdiger is a pendant to the Norse Hlaudver, in whom we have already rediscovered Ivalde. While, according to the Younger Edda, both the Ivalde children Hjuke and Bil appear in the moon, according to the English and German traditions it is their criminal father who appears on the scene of the fire he kindled, drunk with the mead he robbed, and punished with the rod kept by his victim.
The statement in Forspjallsljod, that Ivalde had two groups of children, corresponds with the result at which we have arrived. By the giantess Greip he is the father of Slagfin, Egil, and Volund; by the sun-dis Gevar, Nokver's daughter and Nanna's sister, he is the father of dises of growth, among whom are Idun, who first is Volund's beloved or wife, and thereupon is married to Brage. Another daughter of Ivalde is the beloved of Slagfin-Gjuke, Auda, the "frau Ute" of the German heroic saga. A third is Signe-Alveig, in Saxo the daughter ofSumblus Phinnorum(Ivalde). At his wedding with her, Egil is attacked and slain by Halfdan. Hadding is Halfdan's and her son.
Several things indicate that, when their father became a foe of the gods, Ivalde's sons were still their friends, and that Slagfin particularly was on the side of his foster-father in the conflict with Ivalde. With this correspondsalso the conduct of the Gjukungs toward Valtarius, when he takes flight with Hildigun. In the Anglo-Saxon heroic poetry, the name Hengest is borne by the person who there takes Slagfin's place as Hnæf-Gevar's nearest man. The introduction to the Younger Edda has from its English authorities the statement thatHeingestr(Hengest) was a son of Vitta and a near kinsman of Svipdag. If, as previous investigators have assumed, Vitta is Vade, then Hengest is a son of Ivalde, and this harmonises with the statement anent his kinship with Svipdag, who is a grandson of Ivalde. The meaning of the word Hengest refers of itself to Slagfin-Geldr. The nameGeldris a participle ofgelda, and meanscastratus. The original meaning of Hengest is "a gelding,"equus castratus(in the modern German the word got for the first time its present meaning). That the adjective ideacastratuswas transferred to the substantiveequus castratusis explained by the fact thatGils,Gisl, a mythic name for a horse (Younger Edda, i. 70, 482), was also a Gjukung name. One of Hengest's ancestors in his genealogy in Beda and in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is called Vict-gils; one of Slagfin-Gjuke's sons is namedGilser. A neither mythic nor historic brother of Hengest added in later times is named Horsa. The Ravenna geography says that when the Saxons left their old abodes on the continent, they marchedcum principe suo Anschis, and with their chiefAns-gisl, who therefore here appears in the place of Hengest. Synonymous with Hengest is the NorseJálkr,equus castratus, and that some member of the mythological group of skee-runners, that is, someone of the male members of the Ivalde race, in the Norse version of the Teutonic mythology, bore this epithet is proved by the paraphraseöndr-Jálkr, "theequus castratusof the skee-runners." The cause of the designation is found in the event described above, which has been handed down by the poem "Valtarius Manufortis." The chief one of the Gjukungs, originally Gjuke himself, there fights with Valtarius, who in the mythology was his father, and receives in the conflict a wound "clean to the thigh-bone." This wound may have symbolic significance from the fact that the fight is between father and son. According to the English chronicler Nennius, Hengest had two brothers, Ochta and Ebissa. In spite of their corruption these names remind us of Slagfin's brothers, Aggo-Ajo (Volund) and Ibor-Ebbo (Egil).
According to the historified saga, Hengest was the leader of the first Saxon army which landed in Britain. All scholars have long since agreed that this Hengest is a mythical character. The migration saga of the Teutonic mythology was transferred by the heathen Saxons to England, and survived there until Christian times. After the names of the real leaders of the Saxon immigration were forgotten, Hengest was permitted to take their place, because in the mythology he had been a leader of the Saxon emigrants from their original country, the Scandian peninsula (see No. 16), and because this immigration was blended in Christian times with the memory of the emigration from Germany to Britain. Thus, while the Longobardians made Volund and Egil (Ajo and Ibor) the leaders of their emigration, the Saxonsmade Volund's and Egil's brother Slagfin (Hengest-Gjuke) their leader. The Burgundians also regarded Slagfin (Gjuke) as their emigration hero and royal progenitor. Of this there is evidence partly inLex Burgundionum, the preface of which enumerates Burgundian kings who have Gjukung names; partly in a Middle High German poem, which makes the Gjukungs Burgundian kings. The Saxon migration saga and the Burgundian are therefore, like those of the other Teutonic races, connected with the Ivalde race and with the fimbul-winter.
THE END.
FOOTNOTES:[1]For "brothers" the text, perhaps purposely, used the ambiguous wordgermani. This would, then, not be the only instance where the word is used in both senses at the same time. Cp. Quintil, 8, 3, 29.[2]There is a story of the creation of man by three wandering gods, who become in mediæval stories Jesus and SS. Peter and Paul walking among men, as in Champfleury's pretty apologue of thebonhomme misére, so beautifully illustrated by Legros. In the eddic legend one of these gods is calledHœne; he is thespeech-giverof Wolospa, and is described in praises taken from lost poems as "the long-legged one" [langifotr], "the lord of the ooze" [aurkonungr]. Strange epithets, but easily explainable when one gets at the etymology of Hœne =hohni= Sansc.sakunas= Gr.kuknos= the white bird, swan, or stork, that stalks along in the mud, lord of the marsh; and it is now easy to see that this bird is the Creator walking in chaos, brooding over the primitive mish-mash or tohu-bohu, and finally hatching the egg of the world. Hohni is also, one would fancy, to be identified with Heimdal,the walker, who is also a creator-god, who sleepsmore lightly than a bird, who is also the "fair Anse," andthe "whitest of the Anses,"the "waker of the gods," a celestial chanticleer as it were (Vigfusson,Corpus Poeticum Boreale, vol. i., Introduction, p. cii., quoted by the translator).[3]In strophe 8 Fjolsvin says of Menglad:Menglöd of heitir,en hana módir of gatvid Svafrthorins syni.Svafralone, or as a part of a compound, indicates a Vana-god. According to an account narrated as history in Fornaldersaga (i. 415), a daughter of Thjasse was married to "king"Svafrlami. In the mythology it is Freyja's father, the Vana-god Njord, who gets Thjasse's daughter for his wife. The Sun-song (str. 79, 80) mentions Njord's daughters together withSvafrandSvafrlogi. The daughters are nine, like Menglad and her dises.[4]In Saxo, as in other sources of about the same time, aspirated names do not usually occur with aspiration. I have already referred to the examples Handuuanus, Andvani, Helias, Elias, Hersbernus, Esbjörn, Hevindus, Eyvindr, Horvendillus, Orvandill, Hestia, Estland, Holandia, Oland.[5]According to Gheysmer's synopsis. Saxo himself says nothing of the kind. The present reading of the passage in Saxo is distinctly mutilated.[6]This Bugge, too, has observed, and he rightly assumes that the episode concerning the sword has been interpolated from some other source.[7]This analysis will be given in the second part of this work in the treatise on the Balder-myth.[8]As Jordanes confounded the mythological Gudhorm-Jormunrek with the historical Ermanarek, and connected with the history of the latter the heroic saga of Ammius-Hamdir, it lay close at hand to confound Hamdir with Heimdal, who, like Hamdir, is the foe of the mythical Jormunrek.[9]Runic Monuments, by George Stephens.[10]See for example Th. Wisén's investigations and Finnur Jonsson'sKrit. Stud.(Copenhagen, 1884).[11]The editions have changedUrdartoUrdr, and thereby converted the above-cited passage into nonsense, for which in turn the author of Forspjallsljod was blamed, and it was presented as an argument to prove that the poem is spurious.[12]Holtzmann and Bergmann have long since pointed out that Harbard is identical with Loke. The idea that Harbard, who in every trait is Loke in Lokasenna, and, like him, appears as a mocker of the gods and boasts of his evil deeds and of his success with the fair sex, should be Odin, is one of the proofs showing how an unmethodical symbolic interpretation could go astray. In the second part of this work I shall fully discuss Harbardsljod. Proofs are to be found from the last days of heathendom in Iceland that it was then well known that the Harbard who is mentioned in this poem was a foe of the gods.[13]When I come to consider the Balder-myth in the second part of this work, I shall point out the source from which the author of Gylfaginning, misunderstandingly, has drawn the conclusion that the man of exploits, the warrior, the archer, and the hunter Hoder was blind. The misunderstanding gave welcome support to the symbolic interpretation, which, in the blind Hoder, found among other things a symbol of night (but night has "many eyes").[14]In Saxo Gervandillus (Geirvandill) is the father of Horvandillus (Örvandill). Orvandel has been proved to be identical with Egil. And as Egil is the son of Ivalde, Geirvandel is identical with Ivalde.[15]Thus Vigfusson's opinion that the Asgard bridge is identical with the Milky Way is correct. That the rainbow should be regarded as the Bilrost with its bridge-heads is an invention by the author of Gylfaginning.
[1]For "brothers" the text, perhaps purposely, used the ambiguous wordgermani. This would, then, not be the only instance where the word is used in both senses at the same time. Cp. Quintil, 8, 3, 29.
[1]For "brothers" the text, perhaps purposely, used the ambiguous wordgermani. This would, then, not be the only instance where the word is used in both senses at the same time. Cp. Quintil, 8, 3, 29.
[2]There is a story of the creation of man by three wandering gods, who become in mediæval stories Jesus and SS. Peter and Paul walking among men, as in Champfleury's pretty apologue of thebonhomme misére, so beautifully illustrated by Legros. In the eddic legend one of these gods is calledHœne; he is thespeech-giverof Wolospa, and is described in praises taken from lost poems as "the long-legged one" [langifotr], "the lord of the ooze" [aurkonungr]. Strange epithets, but easily explainable when one gets at the etymology of Hœne =hohni= Sansc.sakunas= Gr.kuknos= the white bird, swan, or stork, that stalks along in the mud, lord of the marsh; and it is now easy to see that this bird is the Creator walking in chaos, brooding over the primitive mish-mash or tohu-bohu, and finally hatching the egg of the world. Hohni is also, one would fancy, to be identified with Heimdal,the walker, who is also a creator-god, who sleepsmore lightly than a bird, who is also the "fair Anse," andthe "whitest of the Anses,"the "waker of the gods," a celestial chanticleer as it were (Vigfusson,Corpus Poeticum Boreale, vol. i., Introduction, p. cii., quoted by the translator).
[2]There is a story of the creation of man by three wandering gods, who become in mediæval stories Jesus and SS. Peter and Paul walking among men, as in Champfleury's pretty apologue of thebonhomme misére, so beautifully illustrated by Legros. In the eddic legend one of these gods is calledHœne; he is thespeech-giverof Wolospa, and is described in praises taken from lost poems as "the long-legged one" [langifotr], "the lord of the ooze" [aurkonungr]. Strange epithets, but easily explainable when one gets at the etymology of Hœne =hohni= Sansc.sakunas= Gr.kuknos= the white bird, swan, or stork, that stalks along in the mud, lord of the marsh; and it is now easy to see that this bird is the Creator walking in chaos, brooding over the primitive mish-mash or tohu-bohu, and finally hatching the egg of the world. Hohni is also, one would fancy, to be identified with Heimdal,the walker, who is also a creator-god, who sleepsmore lightly than a bird, who is also the "fair Anse," andthe "whitest of the Anses,"the "waker of the gods," a celestial chanticleer as it were (Vigfusson,Corpus Poeticum Boreale, vol. i., Introduction, p. cii., quoted by the translator).
[3]In strophe 8 Fjolsvin says of Menglad:Menglöd of heitir,en hana módir of gatvid Svafrthorins syni.Svafralone, or as a part of a compound, indicates a Vana-god. According to an account narrated as history in Fornaldersaga (i. 415), a daughter of Thjasse was married to "king"Svafrlami. In the mythology it is Freyja's father, the Vana-god Njord, who gets Thjasse's daughter for his wife. The Sun-song (str. 79, 80) mentions Njord's daughters together withSvafrandSvafrlogi. The daughters are nine, like Menglad and her dises.
[3]In strophe 8 Fjolsvin says of Menglad:
Menglöd of heitir,en hana módir of gatvid Svafrthorins syni.
Svafralone, or as a part of a compound, indicates a Vana-god. According to an account narrated as history in Fornaldersaga (i. 415), a daughter of Thjasse was married to "king"Svafrlami. In the mythology it is Freyja's father, the Vana-god Njord, who gets Thjasse's daughter for his wife. The Sun-song (str. 79, 80) mentions Njord's daughters together withSvafrandSvafrlogi. The daughters are nine, like Menglad and her dises.
[4]In Saxo, as in other sources of about the same time, aspirated names do not usually occur with aspiration. I have already referred to the examples Handuuanus, Andvani, Helias, Elias, Hersbernus, Esbjörn, Hevindus, Eyvindr, Horvendillus, Orvandill, Hestia, Estland, Holandia, Oland.
[4]In Saxo, as in other sources of about the same time, aspirated names do not usually occur with aspiration. I have already referred to the examples Handuuanus, Andvani, Helias, Elias, Hersbernus, Esbjörn, Hevindus, Eyvindr, Horvendillus, Orvandill, Hestia, Estland, Holandia, Oland.
[5]According to Gheysmer's synopsis. Saxo himself says nothing of the kind. The present reading of the passage in Saxo is distinctly mutilated.
[5]According to Gheysmer's synopsis. Saxo himself says nothing of the kind. The present reading of the passage in Saxo is distinctly mutilated.
[6]This Bugge, too, has observed, and he rightly assumes that the episode concerning the sword has been interpolated from some other source.
[6]This Bugge, too, has observed, and he rightly assumes that the episode concerning the sword has been interpolated from some other source.
[7]This analysis will be given in the second part of this work in the treatise on the Balder-myth.
[7]This analysis will be given in the second part of this work in the treatise on the Balder-myth.
[8]As Jordanes confounded the mythological Gudhorm-Jormunrek with the historical Ermanarek, and connected with the history of the latter the heroic saga of Ammius-Hamdir, it lay close at hand to confound Hamdir with Heimdal, who, like Hamdir, is the foe of the mythical Jormunrek.
[8]As Jordanes confounded the mythological Gudhorm-Jormunrek with the historical Ermanarek, and connected with the history of the latter the heroic saga of Ammius-Hamdir, it lay close at hand to confound Hamdir with Heimdal, who, like Hamdir, is the foe of the mythical Jormunrek.
[9]Runic Monuments, by George Stephens.
[9]Runic Monuments, by George Stephens.
[10]See for example Th. Wisén's investigations and Finnur Jonsson'sKrit. Stud.(Copenhagen, 1884).
[10]See for example Th. Wisén's investigations and Finnur Jonsson'sKrit. Stud.(Copenhagen, 1884).
[11]The editions have changedUrdartoUrdr, and thereby converted the above-cited passage into nonsense, for which in turn the author of Forspjallsljod was blamed, and it was presented as an argument to prove that the poem is spurious.
[11]The editions have changedUrdartoUrdr, and thereby converted the above-cited passage into nonsense, for which in turn the author of Forspjallsljod was blamed, and it was presented as an argument to prove that the poem is spurious.
[12]Holtzmann and Bergmann have long since pointed out that Harbard is identical with Loke. The idea that Harbard, who in every trait is Loke in Lokasenna, and, like him, appears as a mocker of the gods and boasts of his evil deeds and of his success with the fair sex, should be Odin, is one of the proofs showing how an unmethodical symbolic interpretation could go astray. In the second part of this work I shall fully discuss Harbardsljod. Proofs are to be found from the last days of heathendom in Iceland that it was then well known that the Harbard who is mentioned in this poem was a foe of the gods.
[12]Holtzmann and Bergmann have long since pointed out that Harbard is identical with Loke. The idea that Harbard, who in every trait is Loke in Lokasenna, and, like him, appears as a mocker of the gods and boasts of his evil deeds and of his success with the fair sex, should be Odin, is one of the proofs showing how an unmethodical symbolic interpretation could go astray. In the second part of this work I shall fully discuss Harbardsljod. Proofs are to be found from the last days of heathendom in Iceland that it was then well known that the Harbard who is mentioned in this poem was a foe of the gods.
[13]When I come to consider the Balder-myth in the second part of this work, I shall point out the source from which the author of Gylfaginning, misunderstandingly, has drawn the conclusion that the man of exploits, the warrior, the archer, and the hunter Hoder was blind. The misunderstanding gave welcome support to the symbolic interpretation, which, in the blind Hoder, found among other things a symbol of night (but night has "many eyes").
[13]When I come to consider the Balder-myth in the second part of this work, I shall point out the source from which the author of Gylfaginning, misunderstandingly, has drawn the conclusion that the man of exploits, the warrior, the archer, and the hunter Hoder was blind. The misunderstanding gave welcome support to the symbolic interpretation, which, in the blind Hoder, found among other things a symbol of night (but night has "many eyes").
[14]In Saxo Gervandillus (Geirvandill) is the father of Horvandillus (Örvandill). Orvandel has been proved to be identical with Egil. And as Egil is the son of Ivalde, Geirvandel is identical with Ivalde.
[14]In Saxo Gervandillus (Geirvandill) is the father of Horvandillus (Örvandill). Orvandel has been proved to be identical with Egil. And as Egil is the son of Ivalde, Geirvandel is identical with Ivalde.
[15]Thus Vigfusson's opinion that the Asgard bridge is identical with the Milky Way is correct. That the rainbow should be regarded as the Bilrost with its bridge-heads is an invention by the author of Gylfaginning.
[15]Thus Vigfusson's opinion that the Asgard bridge is identical with the Milky Way is correct. That the rainbow should be regarded as the Bilrost with its bridge-heads is an invention by the author of Gylfaginning.
AÆgir. [Anglo-Sax.,eagor, the sea]. The god who presides over the stormy sea. He entertains the gods every harvest, and brews ale for them.Æger.Agnar. A son of King Hraudung and foster-son of Frigg.Agnar.Agnar. A son of King Geirrod. He serves drink to Grimner (Odin).Agnar.Alfr. An elf, fairy; a class of beings like the dwarfs, between gods and men. They were of two kinds: elves of light (Ljosalfar) and elves of darkness (Dokkalfar). The abode of the elves isAlfheimr, fairy-land, and their king is the god Frey.Elf.AlfodrorAlfadir[Father of all]. The name of Odin as the supreme god.Allfather.Alfheimr. Elf-land, fairy-land. Frey's dwelling.Alfheim.Alsvidr. The all-wise. One of the horses of the sun.Alsvid.Alviss.The dwarf who answers Thor's questions in the lay of Alvis.Alvis.Amsvartnir.The name of the sea, in which the island was situated where the wolf Fenrer was chained.Amsvartner.AnnarrorOnarr.Husband of night and father of Jord (the earth).Annar.Andhrimnir.The cook in Valhal.Andhrimner.Andvari.The name of a pike-shaped dwarf; the owner of the fatal ring calledAndvaranautr.Andvare.Andvarafors.The force or waterfall in which the dwarf Andvare kept himself in the form of a pike fish.Andvare-Force.Andvaranautr.The fatal ring given Andvare (the wary spirit).Andvarenaut.Angantyr.He has a legal dispute with Ottar Heimske, who is favored by Freyja.Angantyr.Angeyja.One of Heimdal's nine mothers. The Elder Edda says in the Lay of Hyndla: Nine giant maids gave birth to the gracious god, at the world's margin. These are: Gjalp, Greip, Eistla, Angeyja, Ulfrun, Eyrgjafa, Imd, Atla, and Jarnsaxa.Angeyja.Angrboda[Anguish-creating]. A giantess; mother of the Fenris-wolf by Loke.Angerboda.Arvakr[Early awake]. The name of one of the horses of the sun.Aarvak.AssorAs; plural Æsir. Theasas, gods. The word appears in such English names asOsborn,Oswald, etc. With annit is found in the Germ.Ansgar (Anglo-Sax.Oscar). The termæsiris used to distinguish Odin, Thor, etc., from thevanir(vans).Asa.Asa-Loki.Loke, so called to distinguish him from Utgard-Loke, who is a giant.Asa-Loke.Asa-Thorr.A common name for Thor.Asa-Thor.Asgardr.The residence of the gods (asas).Asgard.Askr.The name of the first man created by Odin, Hœner and Loder.Ask.Asynja; pluralAsynjur. A goddess; feminine ofAss.Asynje.Atla.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Atla.Audhumla; also writtenAudhumbla. The cow formed from the frozen vapors resolved into drops. She nourished the giant Ymer.Audhumbla.Aurboda.Gymer's wife and Gerd's mother.Aurboda.Aurgelmir.A giant; grandfather of Bergelmer; called also Ymer.Aurgelmer.Austri.A dwarf presiding over the east region.Austre. East.BBaldr.God of the summer-sunlight. He was son of Odin and Frigg; slain by Hoder, at the instigation of Loke. He returns after Ragnarok. His dwelling is Breidablik.Balder.Barrey.A pleasant grove in which Gerd agreed with Skirner to meet Frey.Barey.Baugi.A brother of Suttung, for whom (Baugi) Odin worked one summer in order to get his help in obtaining Suttung's mead of poetry.Bauge.Beli.A giant, brother of Gerd, who was slain by Frey.Bele.Bergelmir.A giant; son of Thrudgelmer and grandson of Aurgelmer.Bergelmer.Bestla.Wife of Bur and mother of Odin.Bestla.Beyla.Frey's attendant; wife of Bygver.Beyla.Bifrost.[To tremble; the trembling way]. The rainbow.Bifrost.Bilskirnir.The heavenly abode of Thor, from the flashing of light in the lightning.Bilskirner.Bolthorn.A giant; father of Bestla, Odin's mother.Bolthorn.Bolverkr[Working terrible things]. An assumed name of Odin, when he went to get Suttung's mead.Bolverk.Bodn.One of the three vessels in which the poetical mead was kept. Hence poetry is called the wave of thebodn.Bodn.Borr[burr, a son; Scotchbairn]. A son of Bure and father of Odin, Vile and Ve.Bor.Bragi.The god of poetry. A son of Odin. He is the best of skalds.Brage.Breidablik.[Literally to gleam, twinkle]. Balder's dwelling.Breidablik.Brisingamen.Freyja's necklace or ornament.Brisingamen.Buri.The father of Bor. He was produced by the cow's licking the stones covered with rime, frost.Bure.Byggvir.Frey's attendant; Beyla's husband.Bygver.Byleiptr[Flame of the dwelling]. The brother of Loke.Byleipt.DDagr[Day]. Son of Delling.Dag.Dainn.A hart that gnaws the branches of Ygdrasil.Daain.Dellingr[Dayspring]. The father of Day.Delling.Dis; pluralDisir. Attendant spirit or guardian angel. Any female mythic being may be called Dis.Dis.Draupnir.Odin's ring. It was put on Balder's funeral-pile. Skirner offered it to Gerd.Draupner.Dromi.One of the fetters by which the Fenris-wolf was chained.Drome.Duneyrr,Duraprop.Harts that gnaw the branches of Ygdrasil.Durathror.Durinn.A dwarf, second in degree.Durin.Dvalinn.A dwarf.Dvalin.Dvergr.A dwarf. In modern Icelandic lore dwarfs disappear, but remain in local names, as Dverga-steinn, and in several words and phrases. From the belief that dwarfs lived in rocks an echo is calleddwerg-mal(dwarf talk), anddwerg-malameans to echo. The dwarfs were skilled in metal-working.EEdda.The literal meaning of the word is great-grandmother, but the term is usually applied to the mythological collection of poems discovered by Brynjolf Sveinsson in the year 1643. He, led by a fanciful and erroneous suggestion, gave to the book which he found the name Sæmundar Edda, Edda of Sæmund. This is the so-calledElder Edda. TheYounger Edda, is a name applied to a work written by Snorre Sturleson, and contains old mythological lore and the old artificial rules for verse-making. The ancients applied the nameEddaonly to this work of Snorre. TheElder Eddawas never so called. And it is also uncertain whether Snorre himself knew his work by the name of Edda. In the Rigsmal (Lay of Rig) Edda is the progenitrix of the race of thralls.Egdir.An eagle that appears at Ragnarok.Egder.Egill.The father of Thjalfe; a giant dwelling near the sea. Thor left his goats with him when on his way to the giant Hymer to get a vessel in which to brew ale.Eikthyrnir.A hart that stands over Odin's hall (Valhal). From his antlers drops water from which rivers flow.Eikthyrner.Einheri; pluralEinherjar. The only (ein) or great champions; the heroes who have fallen in battle and been admitted into Valhal.Einherje.Eir.[The word signifiespeace,clemency]. An attendant of Menglod, and the most skillful of all in the healing art.Eir.Eistla.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Eistla.Eldhrimnir.The kettle in which the boar Sæhrimner is cooked in Valhal.Eldhrimner.Eldir.The fire-producer; a servant of Æger.Elder.Elivagar.The ice-waves; poisonous cold streams that flow out of Niflheim.Elivagar.Embla.The first woman. The gods found two lifeless trees, theask(ash) and theembla; of the ash they mademan, of the embla,woman.Eyrgjafa.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Eyrgjafa.FFafnir.Son of Hreidmar. He kills his father to get possession of the Andvarenaut. He afterwards changes himself into a dragon and guards the treasure on Gnitaheath. He is slain by Sigurd, and his heart is roasted and eaten.Fafner.Falhofnir[Hollow-hoof]. One of the horses of the gods.Falhofner.Farbauti[Ship-destroyer]. The father of Loke.Farbaute.FenrirorFenrisulfr. The monster-wolf. He is the son of Loke, who bites the hand of Tyr. The gods put him in chains, where he remains until Ragnarok. In Ragnarok he gets loose, swallows the sun and conquers Odin, but is killed by Vidar.FenrerorFenris-wolf.Fensalir.The abode of Frigg.Fensal.Fjalar.A misnomer for Skrymer, in whose glove Thor took shelter.Fjalar.Fjalar.A dwarf, who slew Kvaser, and composed from his blood the poetic mead.Fjalar.Fjalar.A cock that crows at Ragnarok.Fjalar.Fimafengr.The nimble servant of Æger. He was slain by the jealous Loke.Fimafeng.Fimbul.It meansmighty great. In the mythology it appears as:Fimbulfambi.A mighty fool.Fimbulfambe.Fimbultyr.The mighty god, great helper (Odin).Fimbultyr.Fimbulvetr[vetr, winter]. The great and awful winter of three years' duration preceding the end of the world.Fimbul-winter.Fimbulthul.A heavenly river.Fimbulthul.Fimbulthulr.The great wise man.Fimbulthuler.Fjolnir.One of Odin's many names.Fjolner.Fjorgyn.A personification of the earth; mother of Thor.Fjorgyn.Folkvangr.[Paradise, a field]. The folk-field. Freyja's dwelling.Folkvang.Fornjotr.The most ancient giant. He was father of Æger, or Hler, the god of the ocean; of Loge, flame or fire, and of Kaare, wind. His wife was Ran. These divinities are generally regarded as belonging to anearlier mythology, probably to that of the Fins or Celts.Fornjot.Forseti[The fore-sitter, president, chairman]. Son of Balder and Nanna. His dwelling is Glitner, and his office is that of a peacemaker.Forsete.Franangrs-fors.The force or waterfall into which Loke, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself, and where the gods caught him and bound him.Fraananger-Force.Freki.One of Odin's wolves.Freke.Freyja[Feminine of Freyr]. The daughter of Njord and sister of Frey. She dwells in Folkvang. Half the fallen in battle belong to her, the other half to Odin. She lends her feather disguise to Loke. She is the goddess of love. Her husband is Oder. Her necklace is Brisingamen. She has a boar with golden bristles.Freyja.Freyr.He is son of Njord, husband of Skade, slayer of Bele, and falls in conflict with Surt in Ragnarok. Alfheim was given him as a tooth-gift. The ship Skidbladner was built for him. He falls in love with Gerd, Gymer's fair daughter. He gives his trusty sword to Skirner.Frey.Frigg.[Love]. She is the wife of Odin, and mother of Balder and queen of the gods, and reigns with Odin in Hlidskjalf. She exacts an oath from all things that they shall not harm Balder.Frigg.Fulla[Fullness]. Frigg's attendant. She takes care of Frigg's toilette, clothes and slippers. Nanna sent her a finger-ring from Helheim. She is represented as wearing her hair flowing over her shoulders.Fulla.GGalar.One of two dwarfs who killed Kvaser. Fjalar was the other.Galar.Gagnrade.A name assumed by Odin when he went to visit Vafthrudner.Gagnraad.Gangleri.One of Odin's names in Grimner's Lay.Ganglere.Gangleri.A name assumed by King Gylfe when he came to Asgard.Ganglere.Gardrofa.The goddess Gnaa has a horse by name Hofvarpner. The sire of this horse is Hamskerper, and its mother is Gardrofa.Gardrofa.Garmr.A dog that barks at Ragnarok. He is called the largest and best among dogs.Garm.GefjunorGefjon.A goddess. She is a maid, and all those who die maids become her maid-servants. She is present at Æger's feast. Odin says she knows men's destinies as well as he does himself.Gefjun.Geirrodr.A son of King Hraudung and foster-son of Odin; he becomes king and is visited by Odin, who calls himself Grimner. He is killed by his own sword. There is also a giant by name Geirrod, who was once visited by Thor.Geirrod.Geirskogul.A valkyrie.Geirskogul.Geirvimul.A heavenly river.Geirvimul.Gerdr.Daughter of Gymer, a beautiful young giantess; beloved by Frey.Gerd.Geri.[gerr, greedy]. One of Odin's wolves.Gere.Gersemi.One of Freyja's daughters.Gerseme.Gjallarbru[gjalla, to yell, to resound]. The bridge across the river Gjol, near Helheim. The bridge between the land of the living and the dead.Gjallarrbridge.Gjallarhorn.Heimdal's horn, which he will blow at Ragnarok.Gjallar horn.Gilling.Father of Suttung, who possessed the poetic mead. He was slain by Fjalar and Galar.Gilling.Gimli[Heaven]. The abode of the righteous after Ragnarok.Gimle.Gjalp.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Gjalp.Ginnunga-gap.The great yawning gap, the premundane abyss, the chaos or formless void, in which dwelt the supreme powers before the creation. In the eleventh century the sea between Greenland and Vinland (America) was called Ginnunga-gap.Ginungagap.Gjoll.One of the rivers Elivagar that flowed nearest the gate of Hel's abode.Gjol.Gisl[Sunbeam]. One of the horses of the gods.Gisl.Gladr[Clear, bright]. One of the horses of the gods.Glad.Gladsheimr[Home of brightness or gladness]. Odin's dwelling.Gladsheim.Glasir.A grove in Asgard.Glaser.Gleipnir.The last fetter with which the wolf Fenrer was bound.Gleipner.Gler[The glassy]. One of the horses of the gods.Gler.Glitnir[The glittering]. Forsete's golden hall.Glitner.Gna.She is the messenger that Frigg sends into the various worlds on her errands. She has a horse called Hofvarpenr, that can run through air and water.Gnaa.Gnipahellir.The cave before which the dog Garm barks.The Gnipa-cave.Gnitaheidr.Fafner's abode, where he kept the treasure called Andvarenaut.Gnita-heath.Goinn.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Goin.Goll.A valkyrie.Gol.Gomul.A heavenly river.Gomul.Gondul.A valkyrie.Gondul.Gopul.A heavenly river.Gopul.Grabakr.One of the serpents under Ygdrasil.Graabak.Grad.A heavenly river.Graad.Grafvitnir,Grafvolludr.Serpents under Ygdrasil.Grafvitner;Grafvollud.Greip.[Eng.grip]. One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Greip.Grimnir.A kind of hood or cowl covering the upper part of the face. Grimner is a name of Odin from his traveling in disguise.Grimner.Groa.The giantess mother of Orvandel. Thor went to her to have her charm the flint-stone out of his forehead.Groa.Guillfaxi[Gold-mane]. The giant Hrungner's horse.Goldfax.Gullinkambi[Gold-comb]. A cock that crows at Ragnarok.GullinkambeorGoldcomb.Gulltoppr[Gold-top]. Heimdal's horse.Goldtop.Gullveig[Gold-thirst]. A personification of gold. Though pierced and thrice burnt, she yet lives.Gulveig.Gullinbursti[Golden bristles]. The name of Frey's hog.Gullinburste.Gungnir[To tremble violently]. Odin's spear.Gungner.Gunnlod[To invite]. One who invites war. She was daughter of the giant Suttung, and had charge of the poetic mead. Odin got it from her.Gunlad.Gylfi.A king of Svithod, who visited Asgard under the name of Ganglere. The first part of the Younger Edda is called Gylfaginning, which means the Delusion of Gylfe.Gylfe.Gyllir[Golden]. One of the horses of the gods.Gyller.Gymir.A giant; the father of Gerd, the beloved of Frey.Gymer.Gymir.Another name of the ocean divinity Æger.Gymer.HHallinskidi.Another name of the god Heimdal. The possessor of the leaning (halla) way.Hallinskid.Hamskerpir[Hide-hardener]. A horse; the sire of Hofvarpner, which was Gnaa's horse.Hamskerper.Har.The High One, applied to Odin.Haar.Harbardr.The name assumed by Odin in the Lay of Harbard.Harbard.Heidrunr[Bright-running]. A goat that stands over Valhal.Heidrun.Heimdalr.He was the heavenly watchman in the old mythology, answering to St. Peter in the medieval. According to the Lay of Rig (Heimdal), he was the father and founder of the different classes of men, nobles, churls and thralls. He has a horn called Gjallar-horn, which he blows at Ragnarok. His dwelling is Himinbjorg. He is the keeper of Bifrost (the rainbow). Nine giantesses are his mothers.Heimdal.Hel.[Anglo-Sax. and Eng.hell; to kill]. The goddess of death, born of Loke and Angerboda. She corresponds to Proserpina. Her habitation is Helheim, under one of the roots of Ygdrasil.Hel.Helblindi.A name of Odin.Helblinde.Helgrindr.The gates of Hel.HelgrindorHelgate.Helheim.The abode of Hel.Helheim.Herfodr,Herjafodr. [The father of hosts]. A name of Odin.Herfather.Hermodr[Courage of hosts]. Son of Odin, who gives him a helmet and a corselet. He rode on Sleipner to Hel to bring Balder back.Hermod.Hildisvini[Means war]. Freyja's hog.Hilde-svine.Himinbjorg[Heaven, help, defense; hence heaven defender]. Heimdal's dwelling.Himinbjorg.Himinbrjotr[Heaven-breaker]. One of the giant Hymer's oxen.Himinbrjoter.Hlesey.The abode of Æger.Hlesey.Hlidskjalf.The seat of Odin, whence he looked out over all the worlds.Hlidskjalf.Hlin.One of the attendants of Frigg; but Frigg herself is sometimes called by this name.Hlin.Hlodyn.A goddess; a name of the earth; Thor's mother.Hlodyn.Hloridi[Eng.low, to bellow, roar, andreid, thunder]. One of the names of Thor; the bellowing thunderer.Hloride.Hnikarr,Hnikudr.Names of Odin,HnikarandHnikuder.Hnoss[Anglo-Sax. to hammer]. A costly thing; the name of one of Freyja's daughters.Hnos.Hoddmimisholt.Hodmimer's holt or grove, where the two human beings Lif and Lifthraser were preserved during Ragnarok.Hodmimer's forest.Hodr.The slayer of Balder. He is blind, returns to life in the regenerated world. The Cain of the Norse mythology.Hoder.Hoenir.One of the three creating gods. With Odin and Loder Hœner creates Ask and Embla, the first human pair.Hoener.Hofvarpnir[Hoof-thrower]. Gnaa's horse. His father is Hamskerper and mother Gardrofa.Hofvarpner.Hraesvelgr[Corpse-swallower]. A giant in an eagle's plumage, who produces the wind.Hraesvelger.Hraudungr. Geirrod's father.Hraudung.Hreidmarr. Father of Regin and Fafner. He exacts the blood-fine from the gods for slaying Otter. He is slain by Fafner.Hreidmar.Hrimfaxi[Rime-mane]. The horse of night.Rimefax.Hrimthursar[Eng.rime, hoar-frost]. Rime-giants or frost-giants, who dwell under one of Ygdrasil's roots.Giants.Hrodvitnir. A wolf; father of the wolf Hate.Hrodvitner.Hroptr. One of Odin's names.Hropt.Hrungnir. A giant; friend of Hymer. Thor fought with him and slew him.Hrungner.Hringhorni. The ship upon which Balder's body was burned.Hringhorn.Hrossthjofr[Horse-thief]. A giant.Hrosthjof.Huginn[Mind]. One of Odin's ravens.Hugin.Hvergelmir[The old kettle]. The spring in the middle of Niflheim, whence flowed the rivers Elivagar. The Northern Tartaros.Hvergelmer.Hymir. A giant with whom Thor went fishing when he caught the Midgard-serpent. His wife was the mother of Tyr. Tyr and Thor went to him to procure a kettle for Æger in which to brew ale for the gods.Hymer.Hyndla. A vala visited by Freyja, who comes to her to learn the genealogy of her favorite, Ottar.Hyndla.IIdavollr.A plain where the gods first assemble, where they establish their heavenly abodes, and where they assemble again after Ragnarok. The plains of Ida.Idavold.Idunn.Daughter of the dwarf Ivald; she was wife of Brage, and the goddess of early spring. She possesses rejuvenating apples of which the gods partake.Idun.Ifing.A river which divides the giants from the gods.Ifing.Imd.One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Imd.Imr.A son of the giant Vafthrudner.Im.Ingunar-Freyr.One of the names of Frey.Ingun's Frey.Innsteinn.The father of Ottar Heimske; the favorite ofFreyja.Instein.Ivaldi.A dwarf. His sons construct the ship Skidbladner.Ivald.JJafnhar[Equally high]. A name of Odin.Jalkr.A name of Odin (Jack the Giant-killer?).Jalk.Jarnsaxa[Iron-chopper]. One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Jarnsaxa.Jarnvidr[Iron-wood]. A wood east of Midgard, peopled by giantesses called Jarnvids. This wood had iron leaves.Jarnvid.Jarnvidiur.The giantesses in the Iron-wood.Jarnvids.Jord.Wife of Odin and mother of Thor.Earth.Jotunn.A giant. The giants were the earliest created beings. The gods question them in regard to Balder.Thor frequently contends with them. Famous giants are: Ymer, Hymer, Hrungner, Orvandel, Gymer, Skrymer, Vafthrudner and Thjasse.Giant.Jotunheimar(plural). The Utgaard; the home of thegiants in the outermost parts of the earth.Jotunheim.KKerlaugar(plural). Two rivers which Thor every day must cross.Kerlaug.Kormt.Another river which Thor every day must pass.Kormt.Kvasir.The hostage given by the vans to the asas. His blood, when slain, was the poetical mead kept by Suttung.Kvaser.LLaedingr.One of the fetters with which the Fenris-wolfwas bound.Laeding.Laeradr.A tree near Valhal.Laerad.Landvidi[A mountain range overgrown with trees]. Vidar's abode. The primeval forests.Landvide.Laufey[Leafy island]. Loke's mother.Laufey.Leifthrasir,Lif.The two persons preserved in Hodmimer's grove during Surt's conflagration in Ragnarok; the last beings in the old and the first in the new world.LifandLifthraser.Lettfeti[Light-foot]. One of the horses of the gods.Lightfoot.Litr.A dwarf that Thor kicked into Balder's funeral pile.Liter.Loddfafnir.A protege of Odin.Lodfafner.Lodurr[To flame]. One of the three gods (Odin, Hœnir and Loder) who create Ask and Embla, the first man and woman. He is identical with Loke.Loder.Loki[To end, finish; Loke is the end and consummation of divinity]. The evil giant-god of the Norse mythology. He steers the ship Naglfar in Ragnarok. He borrows Freyja's feather-garb and accompanies Thor to the giant Thrym, who has stolen Thor's hammer. He is the father of Sleipner; also of the Midgard serpent, of the Fenris-wolf and of Hel. He causes Balder's death, abuses the gods in Æger's feast, but is captured in Fraanangerforce and is bound by the gods.Loke.Loptr[The aerial]. Another name of Loke.Lopter.MMagni[megin, strength]. A son of Thor.Magne.Mani[Eng.moon]. Brother of Sol (the sun, feminine), and both were children of the giant Mundilfare.MoonorMaane.MardollorMartholl. One of the names of Freyja.Mardallar gratr(the tears of Mardal), gold.Mardal.Managarmr[Moon-swallower]. A wolf of Loke's offspring. He devours the moon.MaanegarmorMoongarm.Mannheimar(plural) [Homes of man]. Our earth.Manheim.Meili.A son of Odin.Meile.Midgardr.[In Cumberland, England, are three farms:High-garth,Middle-garth,Low-garth.] The mid-yard, middle-town, that is, the earth, is a mythological word common to all the ancient Teutonic languages. The Icelandic Edda alone has preserved the true mythical bearing of this old Teutonic word. The earth (Midgard), the abode of men, is situated in the middle of the universe, bordered by mountains and surrounded by the great sea; on the other side of this sea is the Utgard (out-yard), the abode of the giants; the Midgard is defended by the yard or burgh Asgard (the burgh of the gods) lying in the middle (the heaven being conceived as rising above the earth). Thus the earth and mankind are represented as a stronghold besieged by the powers of evil from without, defended by the gods from above and from within.Midgard.Midgardsormr[The serpent of Midgaard]. The world-serpent hidden in the ocean, whose coils gird around the whole Midgard. Thor once fishes for him, and gets him on his hook. In Ragnarok Thor slays him, but falls himself poisoned by his breath.Midgard-serpent.Mimameidr.A mythic tree; probably the same as Ygdrasil. It derives its name from Mimer, and means Mimer's tree.Mimameider.Mimir.The name of the wise giant keeper of the holy well Mimis-brunnr, the burn of Mimer, the well of wisdom, at which Odin pawned his eye for wisdom; a myth which is explained as symbolical of the heavenly vault with its single eye, the sun, setting in the sea.Mjolnir.Thor's formidable hammer. After Ragnarok, it is possessed by his sons Mode and Magne.Mjolner.Mistilteinn[Eng.mistletoe]. The mistletoe or mistletwig, the fatal twig by which Balder, the white sun-god,was slain. After the death of Balder, Ragnarok set in. Balder's death was also symbolical of the victory of darkness over light, which comes every year at midwinter. The mistletoe in English households at Christmas time is no doubt a relic of a rite lost in the remotest heathendom, for the fight of light and darkness at midwinter was a foreshadowing of the final overthrow in Ragnarok. The legend and the word are common to all Teutonic peoples of all ages.Mistletoe.Modi[Courage]. A son of Thor.Mode.Modsognir.The dwarf highest in degree or rank.Modsogner.Moinn.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Moin.Mundilfari.Father of the sun and moon.Mundilfare.Muninn[Memory]. One of Odin's ravens.Munin.Muspell.The name of an abode of fire. It is populated by a host of fiends, who are to appear at Ragnarok and destroy the world by fire.Muspel.Muspellsheimr.The abode of Muspel. This interesting word (Muspell) was not confined to the Norse mythology, but appears twice in the old Saxon poem Heliand. In these instancesmuspelstands for theday of judgment,the last day, and answers to Ragnarok of the Norse mythology.Mokkurkalfi[A dense cloud]. A clay giant in the myth of Thor and Hrungner.Mokkerkalfe.NNaglfar[Nail-ship]. A mythical ship made of nail-parings. It appears in Ragnarok.Naglfar.Nailship.Nal[Needle]. Mother of Loke.Naal.Nanna.Daughter of Nep (bud); mother of Forsete and wife of Balder. She dies of grief at the death of Balder.Nanna.NariorNarfi.Son of Loke. Loke was bound by the intestines of Nare.NareorNarfe.Nastrond[The shore of corpses]. A place of punishment for the wicked after Ragnarok.Naastrand.Nidafjoll.The Nida-mountains toward the north, where there is after Ragnarok a golden hall for the race of Sindre (the dwarfs).Nidafell.Nidhoggr.A serpent of the nether world, that tears the carcases of the dead. He also lacerates Ygdrasil.Nidhug.Niflheimr.The world of fog or mist; the nethermost of the rime worlds. The place of punishment (Hades). It was visited by Odin when he went to inquire after the fate of Balder.Niflheim.Njordr.A van, vanagod. He was husband of Skade, and father of Frey and Freyja. He dwells in Noatun.Njord.Noatun[Place of ships]. Njord's dwelling; Njord beinga divinity of the water or sea.Noatun.Nordri[North]. A dwarf presiding over the northern regions.NordreorNorth.Nott.Night; daughter of Norve.Night.Norn; pluralNornir. The weird sisters; the three heavenly norns Urd, Verdande, and Skuld (Past, Present, and Future); they dwelt at the fountain of Urd, and ruled the fate of the world. Three norns were also present at the birth of every man and cast the horoscope of his life.Norn.OOdinn[Anglo-Sax.Wodan]. Son of Bor and Bestla. He is the chief of the gods. With Vile and Ve he parcels out Ymer. With Hœner and Loder he creates Ask and Embla. He is the fountain-head of wisdom, the founder of culture, writing and poetry, the progenitor of kings, the lord of battle and victory. He has two ravens, two wolves and a spear. His throne is Hlidskjalf, whence he looks out over all the worlds. In Ragnarok he is devoured by the Fenris-wolf.Odin.Odr.Freyja's husband.Oder.Odroerir[The spirit-mover]. One of the vessels in which the blood of Kvaser, that is, the poetic mead, was kept. The inspiring nectar.Odroerer.Ofnir.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Ofner.Okolnir.After Ragnarok the giants have a hall (ale-hall) called Brimer, at Okolner.Oku-thorr.So called from the Finnish thunder-god Ukko.Akethor.Oski[Wish]. A name of Odin.Oske.Wish.Otr[Otter]. A son of Hreidmar; in the form of an otter killed by Loke.Oter.OttarrorOttarr Heimski[Stupid]. A son of Instein, a protege of Freyja. He has a contest with Angantyr. Hyndla gives him a cup of remembrance.Ottar.RRagnarok[Sentence, judgment, fromrekja, is the whole development from creation to dissolution, and would, in this word, denote the dissolution, doomsday, of the gods; or it may be fromrokr(reykkr, smoke), twilight,and then the word means the twilight of the gods]. The last day; the dissolution of the gods and the world.Ragnarok.Ran[Rob]. The goddess of the sea; wife of Æger.Ran.Ratatoskr.A squirrel that runs up and down the branches of Ygdrasil.Ratatosk.Rati.An auger used by Odin in obtaining the poetic mead.Rate.Reginn.Son of Hreidmar; brother of Fafner and Otter.Regin.Rindr.A personification of the hard frozen earth. Mother of Vale. The loves of Odin and Rind resemble those of Zeus and Europa in Greek legends.Rind.Roskva.The name of the maiden follower of Thor. She symbolizes the ripe fields of harvest.Roskva.SSaehrimnir[Rime-producer]. The name of the boar on which the gods and heroes in Valhal constantly feed.Saehrimner.Saga[History]. The goddess of history. She dwells in Sokvabek.Sessrumnir.Freyja's large-seated palace.Sesrumner.Sidhottr[Long-hood]. One of Odin's names, from his traveling in disguise with a large hat on his head hanging down over one side of his face to conceal his missing eye.Sidhat.Sidskeggr[Long-beard]. One of Brage's names. It is also a name of Odin in the lay of Grimner.Sidskeg.Sif.The wife of Thor and mother of Uller. The word denotes affinity. Sif, the golden-haired goddess, wife of Thor, betokens mother earth with her bright greengrass. She was the goddess of the sanctity of the family and wedlock, and hence her name.Sif.Sigfadir[Father of victory]. A name of Odin.Sigfather.Sigyn.Loke's wife. She holds a basin to prevent the serpent's venom from dropping into Loke's face.Sigyn.Silfrintoppr.One of the horses of the gods.Silvertop.Sindri.One of the most famous dwarfs.Sindre.Sinir[Sinew]. One of the horses of the gods.Siner.Sjofn.One of the goddesses. She delights in turning men's hearts to love.Sjofn.Skadi[scathe, harm, damage]. A giantess; daughter of Thjasse and the wife of Njord. She dwells in Thrymheim, and hangs a venom serpent over Loke's face.Skade.Skeidbrimir[Race-runner].One of the horses of the gods.Skeidbrimer.Skidbladnir.The name of the famous ship of the god Frey that could move alike on land or sea and could be made small or great at will.Skidbladner.Skinfaxi[Shining-mane]. The horse of Day.Skinfax.Skirnir[The bright one]. Frey's messenger.Skirner.Skrymir.The name of a giant; also the name assumed by Utgard-Loke.Skrymer.Skuld[Shall]. The norn of the future.Skuld.Skogul.A valkyrie.Skogul.Sleipnir[The slipper]. The name of Odin's eight-footed steed. He is begotten by Loke with Svadilfare.Sleipner.Snotra[Neat]. The name of one of the goddesses.Snotra.Sokkmimir[Mimer of the deep]. A giant slain by Odin.Sokmimer.Sokkvabekkr.A mansion where Odin and Saga quaff from golden beakers.Sokvabek.Sol[Sun]. Daughter of Mundilfare. She drives the horses that draw the car of the sun.Sonr.One of the vessels containing the poetic mead.Son.Sudri[South]. A dwarf who presides over the south region.Sudre.South.Surtr.A fire-giant in Ragnarok who contends with the gods on the plain of Vigrid and guards Muspelheim.Surt.Suttungr.The giant possessor of the poetic mead.Suttung.Svadilfari.A horse; the sire of Sleipner.Svadilfare.Svafnir.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Svafner.Svalinn[Cooler]. The shield placed before the sun.Svalin.Svasudr[Delightful]. The name of a giant; the father of the sun.Svasud.Syn.A minor goddess.TTyr.Properly the generic name of the highest divinity, and remains in many compounds. In mythology he is the one-armed god of war. The Fenris-wolf bit one hand off him. He goes with Thor to Hymer to borrow a kettle for Æger. He is son of Odin by a giantess.Tyr.Thjalfi.The name of the servant and follower of Thor. The word properly means a delver, digger. The names Thjalfe and Roskva indicate that Thor was the friend of the farmers and the god of agriculture.Thjalfe.Thjazi[Thjassi]. A giant; the father of Njord's wife, Skade. His dwelling was Thrymheim; he was slain by Thor.Thjasse.Thorr.The EnglishThursdayis a later form, in which the phonetic rule of the Scandinavian tongue has been followed. The god of thunder, keeper of the hammer, the ever-fighting slayer of trolls and destroyer of evil spirits, the friend of mankind, the defender of the earth, the heavens and the gods; for without Thor and his hammer the earth would become the helpless prey of the giants. He was the consecrator, the hammer being the cross or holy sign of the ancient heathen. Thor was the son of Odin and Fjorgyn (mother earth); he was blunt, hot-tempered, without fraud or guile, of few words but of ready stroke—such was Thor, the favorite deity of our forefathers. The finest legends of the Younger Edda and the best lays of the Elder Edda refer to Thor. His hall is Bilskirner. He slays Thjasse, Thrym, Hrungner, and other giants. In Ragnarok he slays the Midgard-serpent, but falls after retreating nine paces, poisoned by the serpent's breath.Thor.Thridi[Third]. A name of Odin in Gylfaginning.Thride.Thrudgelmir.The giant father of Bergelmer.Thrudgelmer.ThrudheimrorThrudvangr. Thor's abode.Thrudheim; Thrudvang.Thrudr.The name of a goddess; the daughter of Thor and Sif.Thrud.Thrymheimr.Thjasse's and Skade's dwelling.Thrymheim.Thrymr.The giant who stole Thor's hammer and demanded Freyja as a reward for its return.Thrym.Thokk.The name of a giantess (supposed to have been Loke in disguise) in the myth of Balder.Thok.UUlfrun.One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Ulfrun.Ullr.The son of Sif and stepson of Thor. His father is not named. He dwells in Ydaler.Uller.Urdarbrunnr.The fountain of the norn Urd. The Urdar-fountain. The weird spring.Urdr[Eng.weird]. One of the three norns. The norn of the past.Urd.Utgardar[The out-yard]. The abode of the giant Utgard-Loke.Utgard.Utgarda-Loki.The giant of Utgard visited by Thor. He calls himself Skrymer.Utgard-Loke.VVafthrudnir.A giant visited by Odin. They try each other in questions and answers. The giant is defeated and forfeits his life.Vafthrudner.Valaskjalf.One of Odin's dwellings.Valaskjalf.Valfodr[Father of the slain]. A name of Odin.Valfather.Valgrind.A gate of Valhal.Valgrind.Valholl[The hall of the slain]. The hall to which Odin invited those slain in battle.Valhal.Valkyrja[The chooser of the slain]. A troop of goddesses, handmaidens of Odin. They serve in Valhal, and are sent on Odin's errands.Valkyrie.Vali.Is a brother of Balder, who slays Hoder when only one night old. He rules with Vidar after Ragnarok.Vale.Vali.A son of Loke.Vale.Valtamr.A fictitious name of Odin's father.Valtam.Ve.A brother of Odin (Odin, Vile and Ve).Ve.Vegtamr.A name assumed by Odin.Vegtam.Vanaheimar.The abode of the vans.Vanaheim.Vanr; pluralVanir. Those deities whose abode was in Vanaheim, in contradistinction to the asas, who dwell in Asgard: Njord, Frey and Freyja. The vans waged war with the asas, but were afterwards, by virtue of a treaty, combined and made one with them. The vans were deities of the sea.Van.Veorr[Defender]. A name of Thor.Veor.Verdandi[To become]. The norn of the present.Vestri.The dwarf presiding over the west region.Vestre.West.Vidarr.Son of Odin and the giantess Grid. He dwells in Landvide. He slays the Fenris-wolf in Ragnarok. Rules with Vale after Ragnarok.Vidar.Vigridr[A battle]. The field of battle where the gods and the sons of Surt meet in Ragnarok.Vigrid.Vili.Brother of Odin and Ve. These three sons of Bor and Bestla construct the world out of Ymer's body.Vile.Vimur.A river that Thor crosses.Vimer.Vindsvalr.The father of winter.Vindsval.Vindheimr.The place that the sons of Balder and Hoder are to inhabit after Ragnarok.Vindheim.Windhome.Vin-golf[The mansion of bliss]. The palace of the asynjes.Vingolf.Vingthorr.A name of Thor.Vingthor.Vor.The goddess of betrothals and marriages.Vor.YYdalir.Uller's dwelling.Ydaler.Yggr.A name of Odin.Ygg.Yggdrasill[The bearer of Ygg (Odin)]. The world-embracing ash tree. The whole world is symbolized by this tree.Ygdrasil.Ymir.The huge giant in the cosmogony, out of whose body Odin, Vile and Ve created the world. The progenitor of the giants. He was formed out of frost and fire in Ginungagap.Ymer.
Ægir. [Anglo-Sax.,eagor, the sea]. The god who presides over the stormy sea. He entertains the gods every harvest, and brews ale for them.Æger.
Agnar. A son of King Hraudung and foster-son of Frigg.Agnar.
Agnar. A son of King Geirrod. He serves drink to Grimner (Odin).Agnar.
Alfr. An elf, fairy; a class of beings like the dwarfs, between gods and men. They were of two kinds: elves of light (Ljosalfar) and elves of darkness (Dokkalfar). The abode of the elves isAlfheimr, fairy-land, and their king is the god Frey.Elf.
AlfodrorAlfadir[Father of all]. The name of Odin as the supreme god.Allfather.
Alfheimr. Elf-land, fairy-land. Frey's dwelling.Alfheim.
Alsvidr. The all-wise. One of the horses of the sun.Alsvid.
Alviss.The dwarf who answers Thor's questions in the lay of Alvis.Alvis.
Amsvartnir.The name of the sea, in which the island was situated where the wolf Fenrer was chained.Amsvartner.
AnnarrorOnarr.Husband of night and father of Jord (the earth).Annar.
Andhrimnir.The cook in Valhal.Andhrimner.
Andvari.The name of a pike-shaped dwarf; the owner of the fatal ring calledAndvaranautr.Andvare.
Andvarafors.The force or waterfall in which the dwarf Andvare kept himself in the form of a pike fish.Andvare-Force.
Andvaranautr.The fatal ring given Andvare (the wary spirit).Andvarenaut.
Angantyr.He has a legal dispute with Ottar Heimske, who is favored by Freyja.Angantyr.
Angeyja.One of Heimdal's nine mothers. The Elder Edda says in the Lay of Hyndla: Nine giant maids gave birth to the gracious god, at the world's margin. These are: Gjalp, Greip, Eistla, Angeyja, Ulfrun, Eyrgjafa, Imd, Atla, and Jarnsaxa.Angeyja.
Angrboda[Anguish-creating]. A giantess; mother of the Fenris-wolf by Loke.Angerboda.
Arvakr[Early awake]. The name of one of the horses of the sun.Aarvak.
AssorAs; plural Æsir. Theasas, gods. The word appears in such English names asOsborn,Oswald, etc. With annit is found in the Germ.Ansgar (Anglo-Sax.Oscar). The termæsiris used to distinguish Odin, Thor, etc., from thevanir(vans).Asa.
Asa-Loki.Loke, so called to distinguish him from Utgard-Loke, who is a giant.Asa-Loke.
Asa-Thorr.A common name for Thor.Asa-Thor.
Asgardr.The residence of the gods (asas).Asgard.
Askr.The name of the first man created by Odin, Hœner and Loder.Ask.
Asynja; pluralAsynjur. A goddess; feminine ofAss.Asynje.
Atla.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Atla.
Audhumla; also writtenAudhumbla. The cow formed from the frozen vapors resolved into drops. She nourished the giant Ymer.Audhumbla.
Aurboda.Gymer's wife and Gerd's mother.Aurboda.
Aurgelmir.A giant; grandfather of Bergelmer; called also Ymer.Aurgelmer.
Austri.A dwarf presiding over the east region.Austre. East.
Baldr.God of the summer-sunlight. He was son of Odin and Frigg; slain by Hoder, at the instigation of Loke. He returns after Ragnarok. His dwelling is Breidablik.Balder.
Barrey.A pleasant grove in which Gerd agreed with Skirner to meet Frey.Barey.
Baugi.A brother of Suttung, for whom (Baugi) Odin worked one summer in order to get his help in obtaining Suttung's mead of poetry.Bauge.
Beli.A giant, brother of Gerd, who was slain by Frey.Bele.
Bergelmir.A giant; son of Thrudgelmer and grandson of Aurgelmer.Bergelmer.
Bestla.Wife of Bur and mother of Odin.Bestla.
Beyla.Frey's attendant; wife of Bygver.Beyla.
Bifrost.[To tremble; the trembling way]. The rainbow.Bifrost.
Bilskirnir.The heavenly abode of Thor, from the flashing of light in the lightning.Bilskirner.
Bolthorn.A giant; father of Bestla, Odin's mother.Bolthorn.
Bolverkr[Working terrible things]. An assumed name of Odin, when he went to get Suttung's mead.Bolverk.
Bodn.One of the three vessels in which the poetical mead was kept. Hence poetry is called the wave of thebodn.Bodn.
Borr[burr, a son; Scotchbairn]. A son of Bure and father of Odin, Vile and Ve.Bor.
Bragi.The god of poetry. A son of Odin. He is the best of skalds.Brage.
Breidablik.[Literally to gleam, twinkle]. Balder's dwelling.Breidablik.
Brisingamen.Freyja's necklace or ornament.Brisingamen.
Buri.The father of Bor. He was produced by the cow's licking the stones covered with rime, frost.Bure.
Byggvir.Frey's attendant; Beyla's husband.Bygver.
Byleiptr[Flame of the dwelling]. The brother of Loke.Byleipt.
Dagr[Day]. Son of Delling.Dag.
Dainn.A hart that gnaws the branches of Ygdrasil.Daain.
Dellingr[Dayspring]. The father of Day.Delling.
Dis; pluralDisir. Attendant spirit or guardian angel. Any female mythic being may be called Dis.Dis.
Draupnir.Odin's ring. It was put on Balder's funeral-pile. Skirner offered it to Gerd.Draupner.
Dromi.One of the fetters by which the Fenris-wolf was chained.Drome.
Duneyrr,Duraprop.Harts that gnaw the branches of Ygdrasil.Durathror.
Durinn.A dwarf, second in degree.Durin.
Dvalinn.A dwarf.Dvalin.
Dvergr.A dwarf. In modern Icelandic lore dwarfs disappear, but remain in local names, as Dverga-steinn, and in several words and phrases. From the belief that dwarfs lived in rocks an echo is calleddwerg-mal(dwarf talk), anddwerg-malameans to echo. The dwarfs were skilled in metal-working.
Edda.The literal meaning of the word is great-grandmother, but the term is usually applied to the mythological collection of poems discovered by Brynjolf Sveinsson in the year 1643. He, led by a fanciful and erroneous suggestion, gave to the book which he found the name Sæmundar Edda, Edda of Sæmund. This is the so-calledElder Edda. TheYounger Edda, is a name applied to a work written by Snorre Sturleson, and contains old mythological lore and the old artificial rules for verse-making. The ancients applied the nameEddaonly to this work of Snorre. TheElder Eddawas never so called. And it is also uncertain whether Snorre himself knew his work by the name of Edda. In the Rigsmal (Lay of Rig) Edda is the progenitrix of the race of thralls.
Egdir.An eagle that appears at Ragnarok.Egder.
Egill.The father of Thjalfe; a giant dwelling near the sea. Thor left his goats with him when on his way to the giant Hymer to get a vessel in which to brew ale.
Eikthyrnir.A hart that stands over Odin's hall (Valhal). From his antlers drops water from which rivers flow.Eikthyrner.
Einheri; pluralEinherjar. The only (ein) or great champions; the heroes who have fallen in battle and been admitted into Valhal.Einherje.
Eir.[The word signifiespeace,clemency]. An attendant of Menglod, and the most skillful of all in the healing art.Eir.
Eistla.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Eistla.
Eldhrimnir.The kettle in which the boar Sæhrimner is cooked in Valhal.Eldhrimner.
Eldir.The fire-producer; a servant of Æger.Elder.
Elivagar.The ice-waves; poisonous cold streams that flow out of Niflheim.Elivagar.
Embla.The first woman. The gods found two lifeless trees, theask(ash) and theembla; of the ash they mademan, of the embla,woman.
Eyrgjafa.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Eyrgjafa.
Fafnir.Son of Hreidmar. He kills his father to get possession of the Andvarenaut. He afterwards changes himself into a dragon and guards the treasure on Gnitaheath. He is slain by Sigurd, and his heart is roasted and eaten.Fafner.
Falhofnir[Hollow-hoof]. One of the horses of the gods.Falhofner.
Farbauti[Ship-destroyer]. The father of Loke.Farbaute.
FenrirorFenrisulfr. The monster-wolf. He is the son of Loke, who bites the hand of Tyr. The gods put him in chains, where he remains until Ragnarok. In Ragnarok he gets loose, swallows the sun and conquers Odin, but is killed by Vidar.FenrerorFenris-wolf.
Fensalir.The abode of Frigg.Fensal.
Fjalar.A misnomer for Skrymer, in whose glove Thor took shelter.Fjalar.
Fjalar.A dwarf, who slew Kvaser, and composed from his blood the poetic mead.Fjalar.
Fjalar.A cock that crows at Ragnarok.Fjalar.
Fimafengr.The nimble servant of Æger. He was slain by the jealous Loke.Fimafeng.
Fimbul.It meansmighty great. In the mythology it appears as:
Fimbulfambi.A mighty fool.Fimbulfambe.
Fimbultyr.The mighty god, great helper (Odin).Fimbultyr.
Fimbulvetr[vetr, winter]. The great and awful winter of three years' duration preceding the end of the world.Fimbul-winter.
Fimbulthul.A heavenly river.Fimbulthul.
Fimbulthulr.The great wise man.Fimbulthuler.
Fjolnir.One of Odin's many names.Fjolner.
Fjorgyn.A personification of the earth; mother of Thor.Fjorgyn.
Folkvangr.[Paradise, a field]. The folk-field. Freyja's dwelling.Folkvang.
Fornjotr.The most ancient giant. He was father of Æger, or Hler, the god of the ocean; of Loge, flame or fire, and of Kaare, wind. His wife was Ran. These divinities are generally regarded as belonging to anearlier mythology, probably to that of the Fins or Celts.Fornjot.
Forseti[The fore-sitter, president, chairman]. Son of Balder and Nanna. His dwelling is Glitner, and his office is that of a peacemaker.Forsete.
Franangrs-fors.The force or waterfall into which Loke, in the likeness of a salmon, cast himself, and where the gods caught him and bound him.Fraananger-Force.
Freki.One of Odin's wolves.Freke.
Freyja[Feminine of Freyr]. The daughter of Njord and sister of Frey. She dwells in Folkvang. Half the fallen in battle belong to her, the other half to Odin. She lends her feather disguise to Loke. She is the goddess of love. Her husband is Oder. Her necklace is Brisingamen. She has a boar with golden bristles.Freyja.
Freyr.He is son of Njord, husband of Skade, slayer of Bele, and falls in conflict with Surt in Ragnarok. Alfheim was given him as a tooth-gift. The ship Skidbladner was built for him. He falls in love with Gerd, Gymer's fair daughter. He gives his trusty sword to Skirner.Frey.
Frigg.[Love]. She is the wife of Odin, and mother of Balder and queen of the gods, and reigns with Odin in Hlidskjalf. She exacts an oath from all things that they shall not harm Balder.Frigg.
Fulla[Fullness]. Frigg's attendant. She takes care of Frigg's toilette, clothes and slippers. Nanna sent her a finger-ring from Helheim. She is represented as wearing her hair flowing over her shoulders.Fulla.
Galar.One of two dwarfs who killed Kvaser. Fjalar was the other.Galar.
Gagnrade.A name assumed by Odin when he went to visit Vafthrudner.Gagnraad.
Gangleri.One of Odin's names in Grimner's Lay.Ganglere.
Gangleri.A name assumed by King Gylfe when he came to Asgard.Ganglere.
Gardrofa.The goddess Gnaa has a horse by name Hofvarpner. The sire of this horse is Hamskerper, and its mother is Gardrofa.Gardrofa.
Garmr.A dog that barks at Ragnarok. He is called the largest and best among dogs.Garm.
GefjunorGefjon.A goddess. She is a maid, and all those who die maids become her maid-servants. She is present at Æger's feast. Odin says she knows men's destinies as well as he does himself.Gefjun.
Geirrodr.A son of King Hraudung and foster-son of Odin; he becomes king and is visited by Odin, who calls himself Grimner. He is killed by his own sword. There is also a giant by name Geirrod, who was once visited by Thor.Geirrod.
Geirskogul.A valkyrie.Geirskogul.
Geirvimul.A heavenly river.Geirvimul.
Gerdr.Daughter of Gymer, a beautiful young giantess; beloved by Frey.Gerd.
Geri.[gerr, greedy]. One of Odin's wolves.Gere.
Gersemi.One of Freyja's daughters.Gerseme.
Gjallarbru[gjalla, to yell, to resound]. The bridge across the river Gjol, near Helheim. The bridge between the land of the living and the dead.Gjallarrbridge.
Gjallarhorn.Heimdal's horn, which he will blow at Ragnarok.Gjallar horn.
Gilling.Father of Suttung, who possessed the poetic mead. He was slain by Fjalar and Galar.Gilling.
Gimli[Heaven]. The abode of the righteous after Ragnarok.Gimle.
Gjalp.One of Heimdal's nine mothers.Gjalp.
Ginnunga-gap.The great yawning gap, the premundane abyss, the chaos or formless void, in which dwelt the supreme powers before the creation. In the eleventh century the sea between Greenland and Vinland (America) was called Ginnunga-gap.Ginungagap.
Gjoll.One of the rivers Elivagar that flowed nearest the gate of Hel's abode.Gjol.
Gisl[Sunbeam]. One of the horses of the gods.Gisl.
Gladr[Clear, bright]. One of the horses of the gods.Glad.
Gladsheimr[Home of brightness or gladness]. Odin's dwelling.Gladsheim.
Glasir.A grove in Asgard.Glaser.
Gleipnir.The last fetter with which the wolf Fenrer was bound.Gleipner.
Gler[The glassy]. One of the horses of the gods.Gler.
Glitnir[The glittering]. Forsete's golden hall.Glitner.
Gna.She is the messenger that Frigg sends into the various worlds on her errands. She has a horse called Hofvarpenr, that can run through air and water.Gnaa.
Gnipahellir.The cave before which the dog Garm barks.The Gnipa-cave.
Gnitaheidr.Fafner's abode, where he kept the treasure called Andvarenaut.Gnita-heath.
Goinn.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Goin.
Goll.A valkyrie.Gol.
Gomul.A heavenly river.Gomul.
Gondul.A valkyrie.Gondul.
Gopul.A heavenly river.Gopul.
Grabakr.One of the serpents under Ygdrasil.Graabak.
Grad.A heavenly river.Graad.
Grafvitnir,Grafvolludr.Serpents under Ygdrasil.Grafvitner;Grafvollud.
Greip.[Eng.grip]. One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Greip.
Grimnir.A kind of hood or cowl covering the upper part of the face. Grimner is a name of Odin from his traveling in disguise.Grimner.
Groa.The giantess mother of Orvandel. Thor went to her to have her charm the flint-stone out of his forehead.Groa.
Guillfaxi[Gold-mane]. The giant Hrungner's horse.Goldfax.
Gullinkambi[Gold-comb]. A cock that crows at Ragnarok.GullinkambeorGoldcomb.
Gulltoppr[Gold-top]. Heimdal's horse.Goldtop.
Gullveig[Gold-thirst]. A personification of gold. Though pierced and thrice burnt, she yet lives.Gulveig.
Gullinbursti[Golden bristles]. The name of Frey's hog.Gullinburste.
Gungnir[To tremble violently]. Odin's spear.Gungner.
Gunnlod[To invite]. One who invites war. She was daughter of the giant Suttung, and had charge of the poetic mead. Odin got it from her.Gunlad.
Gylfi.A king of Svithod, who visited Asgard under the name of Ganglere. The first part of the Younger Edda is called Gylfaginning, which means the Delusion of Gylfe.Gylfe.
Gyllir[Golden]. One of the horses of the gods.Gyller.
Gymir.A giant; the father of Gerd, the beloved of Frey.Gymer.
Gymir.Another name of the ocean divinity Æger.Gymer.
Hallinskidi.Another name of the god Heimdal. The possessor of the leaning (halla) way.Hallinskid.
Hamskerpir[Hide-hardener]. A horse; the sire of Hofvarpner, which was Gnaa's horse.Hamskerper.
Har.The High One, applied to Odin.Haar.
Harbardr.The name assumed by Odin in the Lay of Harbard.Harbard.
Heidrunr[Bright-running]. A goat that stands over Valhal.Heidrun.
Heimdalr.He was the heavenly watchman in the old mythology, answering to St. Peter in the medieval. According to the Lay of Rig (Heimdal), he was the father and founder of the different classes of men, nobles, churls and thralls. He has a horn called Gjallar-horn, which he blows at Ragnarok. His dwelling is Himinbjorg. He is the keeper of Bifrost (the rainbow). Nine giantesses are his mothers.Heimdal.
Hel.[Anglo-Sax. and Eng.hell; to kill]. The goddess of death, born of Loke and Angerboda. She corresponds to Proserpina. Her habitation is Helheim, under one of the roots of Ygdrasil.Hel.
Helblindi.A name of Odin.Helblinde.
Helgrindr.The gates of Hel.HelgrindorHelgate.
Helheim.The abode of Hel.Helheim.
Herfodr,Herjafodr. [The father of hosts]. A name of Odin.Herfather.
Hermodr[Courage of hosts]. Son of Odin, who gives him a helmet and a corselet. He rode on Sleipner to Hel to bring Balder back.Hermod.
Hildisvini[Means war]. Freyja's hog.Hilde-svine.
Himinbjorg[Heaven, help, defense; hence heaven defender]. Heimdal's dwelling.Himinbjorg.
Himinbrjotr[Heaven-breaker]. One of the giant Hymer's oxen.Himinbrjoter.
Hlesey.The abode of Æger.Hlesey.
Hlidskjalf.The seat of Odin, whence he looked out over all the worlds.Hlidskjalf.
Hlin.One of the attendants of Frigg; but Frigg herself is sometimes called by this name.Hlin.
Hlodyn.A goddess; a name of the earth; Thor's mother.Hlodyn.
Hloridi[Eng.low, to bellow, roar, andreid, thunder]. One of the names of Thor; the bellowing thunderer.Hloride.
Hnikarr,Hnikudr.Names of Odin,HnikarandHnikuder.
Hnoss[Anglo-Sax. to hammer]. A costly thing; the name of one of Freyja's daughters.Hnos.
Hoddmimisholt.Hodmimer's holt or grove, where the two human beings Lif and Lifthraser were preserved during Ragnarok.Hodmimer's forest.
Hodr.The slayer of Balder. He is blind, returns to life in the regenerated world. The Cain of the Norse mythology.Hoder.
Hoenir.One of the three creating gods. With Odin and Loder Hœner creates Ask and Embla, the first human pair.Hoener.
Hofvarpnir[Hoof-thrower]. Gnaa's horse. His father is Hamskerper and mother Gardrofa.Hofvarpner.
Hraesvelgr[Corpse-swallower]. A giant in an eagle's plumage, who produces the wind.Hraesvelger.
Hraudungr. Geirrod's father.Hraudung.
Hreidmarr. Father of Regin and Fafner. He exacts the blood-fine from the gods for slaying Otter. He is slain by Fafner.Hreidmar.
Hrimfaxi[Rime-mane]. The horse of night.Rimefax.
Hrimthursar[Eng.rime, hoar-frost]. Rime-giants or frost-giants, who dwell under one of Ygdrasil's roots.Giants.
Hrodvitnir. A wolf; father of the wolf Hate.Hrodvitner.
Hroptr. One of Odin's names.Hropt.
Hrungnir. A giant; friend of Hymer. Thor fought with him and slew him.Hrungner.
Hringhorni. The ship upon which Balder's body was burned.Hringhorn.
Hrossthjofr[Horse-thief]. A giant.Hrosthjof.
Huginn[Mind]. One of Odin's ravens.Hugin.
Hvergelmir[The old kettle]. The spring in the middle of Niflheim, whence flowed the rivers Elivagar. The Northern Tartaros.Hvergelmer.
Hymir. A giant with whom Thor went fishing when he caught the Midgard-serpent. His wife was the mother of Tyr. Tyr and Thor went to him to procure a kettle for Æger in which to brew ale for the gods.Hymer.
Hyndla. A vala visited by Freyja, who comes to her to learn the genealogy of her favorite, Ottar.Hyndla.
Idavollr.A plain where the gods first assemble, where they establish their heavenly abodes, and where they assemble again after Ragnarok. The plains of Ida.Idavold.
Idunn.Daughter of the dwarf Ivald; she was wife of Brage, and the goddess of early spring. She possesses rejuvenating apples of which the gods partake.Idun.
Ifing.A river which divides the giants from the gods.Ifing.
Imd.One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Imd.
Imr.A son of the giant Vafthrudner.Im.
Ingunar-Freyr.One of the names of Frey.Ingun's Frey.
Ivaldi.A dwarf. His sons construct the ship Skidbladner.Ivald.
Jafnhar[Equally high]. A name of Odin.
Jalkr.A name of Odin (Jack the Giant-killer?).Jalk.
Jarnsaxa[Iron-chopper]. One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Jarnsaxa.
Jarnvidr[Iron-wood]. A wood east of Midgard, peopled by giantesses called Jarnvids. This wood had iron leaves.Jarnvid.
Jarnvidiur.The giantesses in the Iron-wood.Jarnvids.
Jord.Wife of Odin and mother of Thor.Earth.
Jotunn.A giant. The giants were the earliest created beings. The gods question them in regard to Balder.Thor frequently contends with them. Famous giants are: Ymer, Hymer, Hrungner, Orvandel, Gymer, Skrymer, Vafthrudner and Thjasse.Giant.
Kerlaugar(plural). Two rivers which Thor every day must cross.Kerlaug.
Kormt.Another river which Thor every day must pass.Kormt.
Kvasir.The hostage given by the vans to the asas. His blood, when slain, was the poetical mead kept by Suttung.Kvaser.
Laeradr.A tree near Valhal.Laerad.
Landvidi[A mountain range overgrown with trees]. Vidar's abode. The primeval forests.Landvide.
Laufey[Leafy island]. Loke's mother.Laufey.
Leifthrasir,Lif.The two persons preserved in Hodmimer's grove during Surt's conflagration in Ragnarok; the last beings in the old and the first in the new world.LifandLifthraser.
Lettfeti[Light-foot]. One of the horses of the gods.Lightfoot.
Litr.A dwarf that Thor kicked into Balder's funeral pile.Liter.
Loddfafnir.A protege of Odin.Lodfafner.
Lodurr[To flame]. One of the three gods (Odin, Hœnir and Loder) who create Ask and Embla, the first man and woman. He is identical with Loke.Loder.
Loki[To end, finish; Loke is the end and consummation of divinity]. The evil giant-god of the Norse mythology. He steers the ship Naglfar in Ragnarok. He borrows Freyja's feather-garb and accompanies Thor to the giant Thrym, who has stolen Thor's hammer. He is the father of Sleipner; also of the Midgard serpent, of the Fenris-wolf and of Hel. He causes Balder's death, abuses the gods in Æger's feast, but is captured in Fraanangerforce and is bound by the gods.Loke.
Loptr[The aerial]. Another name of Loke.Lopter.
Magni[megin, strength]. A son of Thor.Magne.
Mani[Eng.moon]. Brother of Sol (the sun, feminine), and both were children of the giant Mundilfare.MoonorMaane.
MardollorMartholl. One of the names of Freyja.Mardallar gratr(the tears of Mardal), gold.Mardal.
Managarmr[Moon-swallower]. A wolf of Loke's offspring. He devours the moon.MaanegarmorMoongarm.
Mannheimar(plural) [Homes of man]. Our earth.Manheim.
Meili.A son of Odin.Meile.
Midgardr.[In Cumberland, England, are three farms:High-garth,Middle-garth,Low-garth.] The mid-yard, middle-town, that is, the earth, is a mythological word common to all the ancient Teutonic languages. The Icelandic Edda alone has preserved the true mythical bearing of this old Teutonic word. The earth (Midgard), the abode of men, is situated in the middle of the universe, bordered by mountains and surrounded by the great sea; on the other side of this sea is the Utgard (out-yard), the abode of the giants; the Midgard is defended by the yard or burgh Asgard (the burgh of the gods) lying in the middle (the heaven being conceived as rising above the earth). Thus the earth and mankind are represented as a stronghold besieged by the powers of evil from without, defended by the gods from above and from within.Midgard.
Midgardsormr[The serpent of Midgaard]. The world-serpent hidden in the ocean, whose coils gird around the whole Midgard. Thor once fishes for him, and gets him on his hook. In Ragnarok Thor slays him, but falls himself poisoned by his breath.Midgard-serpent.
Mimameidr.A mythic tree; probably the same as Ygdrasil. It derives its name from Mimer, and means Mimer's tree.Mimameider.
Mimir.The name of the wise giant keeper of the holy well Mimis-brunnr, the burn of Mimer, the well of wisdom, at which Odin pawned his eye for wisdom; a myth which is explained as symbolical of the heavenly vault with its single eye, the sun, setting in the sea.
Mjolnir.Thor's formidable hammer. After Ragnarok, it is possessed by his sons Mode and Magne.Mjolner.
Mistilteinn[Eng.mistletoe]. The mistletoe or mistletwig, the fatal twig by which Balder, the white sun-god,was slain. After the death of Balder, Ragnarok set in. Balder's death was also symbolical of the victory of darkness over light, which comes every year at midwinter. The mistletoe in English households at Christmas time is no doubt a relic of a rite lost in the remotest heathendom, for the fight of light and darkness at midwinter was a foreshadowing of the final overthrow in Ragnarok. The legend and the word are common to all Teutonic peoples of all ages.Mistletoe.
Modi[Courage]. A son of Thor.Mode.
Modsognir.The dwarf highest in degree or rank.Modsogner.
Moinn.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Moin.
Mundilfari.Father of the sun and moon.Mundilfare.
Muninn[Memory]. One of Odin's ravens.Munin.
Muspell.The name of an abode of fire. It is populated by a host of fiends, who are to appear at Ragnarok and destroy the world by fire.Muspel.
Muspellsheimr.The abode of Muspel. This interesting word (Muspell) was not confined to the Norse mythology, but appears twice in the old Saxon poem Heliand. In these instancesmuspelstands for theday of judgment,the last day, and answers to Ragnarok of the Norse mythology.
Mokkurkalfi[A dense cloud]. A clay giant in the myth of Thor and Hrungner.Mokkerkalfe.
Naglfar[Nail-ship]. A mythical ship made of nail-parings. It appears in Ragnarok.Naglfar.Nailship.
Nal[Needle]. Mother of Loke.Naal.
Nanna.Daughter of Nep (bud); mother of Forsete and wife of Balder. She dies of grief at the death of Balder.Nanna.
NariorNarfi.Son of Loke. Loke was bound by the intestines of Nare.NareorNarfe.
Nastrond[The shore of corpses]. A place of punishment for the wicked after Ragnarok.Naastrand.
Nidafjoll.The Nida-mountains toward the north, where there is after Ragnarok a golden hall for the race of Sindre (the dwarfs).Nidafell.
Nidhoggr.A serpent of the nether world, that tears the carcases of the dead. He also lacerates Ygdrasil.Nidhug.
Niflheimr.The world of fog or mist; the nethermost of the rime worlds. The place of punishment (Hades). It was visited by Odin when he went to inquire after the fate of Balder.Niflheim.
Njordr.A van, vanagod. He was husband of Skade, and father of Frey and Freyja. He dwells in Noatun.Njord.
Nordri[North]. A dwarf presiding over the northern regions.NordreorNorth.
Nott.Night; daughter of Norve.Night.
Norn; pluralNornir. The weird sisters; the three heavenly norns Urd, Verdande, and Skuld (Past, Present, and Future); they dwelt at the fountain of Urd, and ruled the fate of the world. Three norns were also present at the birth of every man and cast the horoscope of his life.Norn.
Odinn[Anglo-Sax.Wodan]. Son of Bor and Bestla. He is the chief of the gods. With Vile and Ve he parcels out Ymer. With Hœner and Loder he creates Ask and Embla. He is the fountain-head of wisdom, the founder of culture, writing and poetry, the progenitor of kings, the lord of battle and victory. He has two ravens, two wolves and a spear. His throne is Hlidskjalf, whence he looks out over all the worlds. In Ragnarok he is devoured by the Fenris-wolf.Odin.
Odr.Freyja's husband.Oder.
Odroerir[The spirit-mover]. One of the vessels in which the blood of Kvaser, that is, the poetic mead, was kept. The inspiring nectar.Odroerer.
Ofnir.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Ofner.
Okolnir.After Ragnarok the giants have a hall (ale-hall) called Brimer, at Okolner.
Oku-thorr.So called from the Finnish thunder-god Ukko.Akethor.
Oski[Wish]. A name of Odin.Oske.Wish.
Otr[Otter]. A son of Hreidmar; in the form of an otter killed by Loke.Oter.
OttarrorOttarr Heimski[Stupid]. A son of Instein, a protege of Freyja. He has a contest with Angantyr. Hyndla gives him a cup of remembrance.Ottar.
Ragnarok[Sentence, judgment, fromrekja, is the whole development from creation to dissolution, and would, in this word, denote the dissolution, doomsday, of the gods; or it may be fromrokr(reykkr, smoke), twilight,and then the word means the twilight of the gods]. The last day; the dissolution of the gods and the world.Ragnarok.
Ran[Rob]. The goddess of the sea; wife of Æger.Ran.
Ratatoskr.A squirrel that runs up and down the branches of Ygdrasil.Ratatosk.
Rati.An auger used by Odin in obtaining the poetic mead.Rate.
Reginn.Son of Hreidmar; brother of Fafner and Otter.Regin.
Rindr.A personification of the hard frozen earth. Mother of Vale. The loves of Odin and Rind resemble those of Zeus and Europa in Greek legends.Rind.
Roskva.The name of the maiden follower of Thor. She symbolizes the ripe fields of harvest.Roskva.
Saehrimnir[Rime-producer]. The name of the boar on which the gods and heroes in Valhal constantly feed.Saehrimner.
Saga[History]. The goddess of history. She dwells in Sokvabek.
Sessrumnir.Freyja's large-seated palace.Sesrumner.
Sidhottr[Long-hood]. One of Odin's names, from his traveling in disguise with a large hat on his head hanging down over one side of his face to conceal his missing eye.Sidhat.
Sidskeggr[Long-beard]. One of Brage's names. It is also a name of Odin in the lay of Grimner.Sidskeg.
Sif.The wife of Thor and mother of Uller. The word denotes affinity. Sif, the golden-haired goddess, wife of Thor, betokens mother earth with her bright greengrass. She was the goddess of the sanctity of the family and wedlock, and hence her name.Sif.
Sigfadir[Father of victory]. A name of Odin.Sigfather.
Sigyn.Loke's wife. She holds a basin to prevent the serpent's venom from dropping into Loke's face.Sigyn.
Silfrintoppr.One of the horses of the gods.Silvertop.
Sindri.One of the most famous dwarfs.Sindre.
Sinir[Sinew]. One of the horses of the gods.Siner.
Sjofn.One of the goddesses. She delights in turning men's hearts to love.Sjofn.
Skadi[scathe, harm, damage]. A giantess; daughter of Thjasse and the wife of Njord. She dwells in Thrymheim, and hangs a venom serpent over Loke's face.Skade.
Skeidbrimir[Race-runner].One of the horses of the gods.Skeidbrimer.
Skidbladnir.The name of the famous ship of the god Frey that could move alike on land or sea and could be made small or great at will.Skidbladner.
Skinfaxi[Shining-mane]. The horse of Day.Skinfax.
Skirnir[The bright one]. Frey's messenger.Skirner.
Skrymir.The name of a giant; also the name assumed by Utgard-Loke.Skrymer.
Skuld[Shall]. The norn of the future.Skuld.
Skogul.A valkyrie.Skogul.
Sleipnir[The slipper]. The name of Odin's eight-footed steed. He is begotten by Loke with Svadilfare.Sleipner.
Snotra[Neat]. The name of one of the goddesses.Snotra.
Sokkmimir[Mimer of the deep]. A giant slain by Odin.Sokmimer.
Sokkvabekkr.A mansion where Odin and Saga quaff from golden beakers.Sokvabek.
Sol[Sun]. Daughter of Mundilfare. She drives the horses that draw the car of the sun.
Sonr.One of the vessels containing the poetic mead.Son.
Sudri[South]. A dwarf who presides over the south region.Sudre.South.
Surtr.A fire-giant in Ragnarok who contends with the gods on the plain of Vigrid and guards Muspelheim.Surt.
Suttungr.The giant possessor of the poetic mead.Suttung.
Svadilfari.A horse; the sire of Sleipner.Svadilfare.
Svafnir.A serpent under Ygdrasil.Svafner.
Svalinn[Cooler]. The shield placed before the sun.Svalin.
Svasudr[Delightful]. The name of a giant; the father of the sun.Svasud.
Syn.A minor goddess.
Tyr.Properly the generic name of the highest divinity, and remains in many compounds. In mythology he is the one-armed god of war. The Fenris-wolf bit one hand off him. He goes with Thor to Hymer to borrow a kettle for Æger. He is son of Odin by a giantess.Tyr.
Thjalfi.The name of the servant and follower of Thor. The word properly means a delver, digger. The names Thjalfe and Roskva indicate that Thor was the friend of the farmers and the god of agriculture.Thjalfe.
Thjazi[Thjassi]. A giant; the father of Njord's wife, Skade. His dwelling was Thrymheim; he was slain by Thor.Thjasse.
Thorr.The EnglishThursdayis a later form, in which the phonetic rule of the Scandinavian tongue has been followed. The god of thunder, keeper of the hammer, the ever-fighting slayer of trolls and destroyer of evil spirits, the friend of mankind, the defender of the earth, the heavens and the gods; for without Thor and his hammer the earth would become the helpless prey of the giants. He was the consecrator, the hammer being the cross or holy sign of the ancient heathen. Thor was the son of Odin and Fjorgyn (mother earth); he was blunt, hot-tempered, without fraud or guile, of few words but of ready stroke—such was Thor, the favorite deity of our forefathers. The finest legends of the Younger Edda and the best lays of the Elder Edda refer to Thor. His hall is Bilskirner. He slays Thjasse, Thrym, Hrungner, and other giants. In Ragnarok he slays the Midgard-serpent, but falls after retreating nine paces, poisoned by the serpent's breath.Thor.
Thridi[Third]. A name of Odin in Gylfaginning.Thride.
Thrudgelmir.The giant father of Bergelmer.Thrudgelmer.
ThrudheimrorThrudvangr. Thor's abode.Thrudheim; Thrudvang.
Thrudr.The name of a goddess; the daughter of Thor and Sif.Thrud.
Thrymheimr.Thjasse's and Skade's dwelling.Thrymheim.
Thrymr.The giant who stole Thor's hammer and demanded Freyja as a reward for its return.Thrym.
Thokk.The name of a giantess (supposed to have been Loke in disguise) in the myth of Balder.Thok.
Ulfrun.One of Heimdal's nine giant mothers.Ulfrun.
Ullr.The son of Sif and stepson of Thor. His father is not named. He dwells in Ydaler.Uller.
Urdarbrunnr.The fountain of the norn Urd. The Urdar-fountain. The weird spring.
Urdr[Eng.weird]. One of the three norns. The norn of the past.Urd.
Utgardar[The out-yard]. The abode of the giant Utgard-Loke.Utgard.
Utgarda-Loki.The giant of Utgard visited by Thor. He calls himself Skrymer.Utgard-Loke.
Vafthrudnir.A giant visited by Odin. They try each other in questions and answers. The giant is defeated and forfeits his life.Vafthrudner.
Valaskjalf.One of Odin's dwellings.Valaskjalf.
Valfodr[Father of the slain]. A name of Odin.Valfather.
Valgrind.A gate of Valhal.Valgrind.
Valholl[The hall of the slain]. The hall to which Odin invited those slain in battle.Valhal.
Valkyrja[The chooser of the slain]. A troop of goddesses, handmaidens of Odin. They serve in Valhal, and are sent on Odin's errands.Valkyrie.
Vali.Is a brother of Balder, who slays Hoder when only one night old. He rules with Vidar after Ragnarok.Vale.
Vali.A son of Loke.Vale.
Valtamr.A fictitious name of Odin's father.Valtam.
Ve.A brother of Odin (Odin, Vile and Ve).Ve.
Vegtamr.A name assumed by Odin.Vegtam.
Vanaheimar.The abode of the vans.Vanaheim.
Vanr; pluralVanir. Those deities whose abode was in Vanaheim, in contradistinction to the asas, who dwell in Asgard: Njord, Frey and Freyja. The vans waged war with the asas, but were afterwards, by virtue of a treaty, combined and made one with them. The vans were deities of the sea.Van.
Veorr[Defender]. A name of Thor.Veor.
Verdandi[To become]. The norn of the present.
Vestri.The dwarf presiding over the west region.Vestre.West.
Vidarr.Son of Odin and the giantess Grid. He dwells in Landvide. He slays the Fenris-wolf in Ragnarok. Rules with Vale after Ragnarok.Vidar.
Vigridr[A battle]. The field of battle where the gods and the sons of Surt meet in Ragnarok.Vigrid.
Vili.Brother of Odin and Ve. These three sons of Bor and Bestla construct the world out of Ymer's body.Vile.
Vimur.A river that Thor crosses.Vimer.
Vindsvalr.The father of winter.Vindsval.
Vindheimr.The place that the sons of Balder and Hoder are to inhabit after Ragnarok.Vindheim.Windhome.
Vin-golf[The mansion of bliss]. The palace of the asynjes.Vingolf.
Vingthorr.A name of Thor.Vingthor.
Vor.The goddess of betrothals and marriages.Vor.
Ydalir.Uller's dwelling.Ydaler.
Yggr.A name of Odin.Ygg.
Yggdrasill[The bearer of Ygg (Odin)]. The world-embracing ash tree. The whole world is symbolized by this tree.Ygdrasil.
Ymir.The huge giant in the cosmogony, out of whose body Odin, Vile and Ve created the world. The progenitor of the giants. He was formed out of frost and fire in Ginungagap.Ymer.