Note to Bragi Rdr 8III
[5] hristi-Sif hringa ‘the shaking-Sif <goddess> of rings [VALKYRIE = Hildr]’: The connotations of this kenning are complex. The rings in question could be ring-hilts on swords, or rings, whether neck-rings or arm-rings, as items of ornament, or both, as Marold (1983, 104) suggested. It is possible (see Note to st. 9/1) that there is a specific reference to the neck-ring that Hildr offers her father as atonement on Heðinn’s behalf. Bragi’s choice of the goddess-name Sif, wife of Þórr, which has the sense ‘kinship, affinity’ as a common noun, may be ironic here, for Hildr is concerned to break the ties of kinship.