in progress
References made to Rán in Skaldskáparmál.
text
Skm ch. 33b
33b. Rán
Hvernig skal sæ kenna? Svá, a... | How shall sea be referred to?... |
[status: unverified copy]
Skm ch. 41b
41b.
Fyrir hví er gull kallat eldr... | Why is gold calledaegir's fir... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
Skáldskaparmál, which is part of Snorra Edda, was composed in Iceland in the 13th century, and holds the stories of many of the Pre-Christian myths of northern Europe. It is believe to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamáland Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller.
commentary
Rán is the wife of the jötunn Ægir and dwells in the sea. She is the mother of waves, her nine daughters, and it is often described in skaldic poetry and sagas that in death by drowning, people is taken by Rán. She represents the dangers and deadliness of the sea but often rather pictured with erotic undertones instead of the darker and more unpleasant ideas of death and dying.
For more, see:
Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 128-132.
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 260.
Steinsland, Gro (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. pp. 254, 347-349.
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Skáldskaparmál
Attributes: Blood Feast Hall Ship storms, bad weather Poetry Gold Vanir Giants Drinking Giantess Death Fire Drinking or toasting vessel Mead of poetry Sea Sea-creature Æsir Vanir
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt, Skm ch. 33b SnSt, Skm ch. 41b