[5] vinr yngva ‘the friend of the king’: J. S. Eysteinsson (1953-7, 96-7) points out the conventional nature of this phrase, comparing e.g. I 10/2, I 11/8 and I 20/1. Geoffrey’s presentation of Merlin as the son of an incubus (Reeve and Wright 2007, 138-9) troubled some commentators, as in effect associating his prophecy with diabolic powers (Crick 2011, 77); Gunnlaugr may be following their lead by normalising his nature and social status.