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Skm ch. 9b
9b. Óðinsheiti and kennings
Nú skal láta heyra dæmin, hve... | We shall present further exam... |
[status: unverified copy]
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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 believed to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamál and Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller.
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| Óðinn is described as the father of the gods, god of war, death, poetry, magic, wisdom, runes and ecstacy. He lives in Ásrgarðr and sits in his high seat Hlíðskjálft. His wife is Frigg and together they have the son Baldr. With Jörð he fathers Þórr and with Rindr he fathers Vali. He is known by the attributes of the spear Gungnir, by being blind in one eye, by his horse Sleipnir and by carrying a disguising hat and cloak. Óðinn is closely connected with those who die in battle as he awaits those who fall in the great hall Valhöll. His deep knowledge of magic is further strengthened by his shamanistic features in his abilities to change his form and gender as well as soul flight. Óðinn is a god for the elite and those who fight for power and victory and his origin is ancient stretching though the Germanic peoples.
For more, see: Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 48-72 Rood, J. (2017), 'Ascending the Steps to Hliðskjálf: The Cult of Óðinn in Early Scandinavian Aristocracy'. University of Iceland: Master Thesis. Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 240-247 Steinsland, Gro (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. pp. 165-194 |
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Skáldskaparmál
Attributes: Mythological battle Dream One eye Female God of war tree Sacral kingship Spear Battle Horse Blood God Feast Burial Ship Landscape Fertility Poetry Gold Drinking Óðinn skilled in magic Óðinn associated with poetry Pyre Valhöll Óðinn grants victory in battle Death Raven Drinking or toasting vessel Mead of poetry female offers a drinking vessel to a male drinking horn Sea Dream Woman with mead cup Ring Valkyrie Sword Wolf Goddess Æsir
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt, Skm ch. 9b