in progress
A short description of Loki’s sly characteristics, in addition to his parentage and his relationship with Óðinn.
text
[excerpt from] Sǫrla ch. 2b
2b. [Sáttmál Óðins ok Freyju]
Maðr hét Fárbauti. Hann var ... | There was a man called Fárbau... |
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commentary
context
This short story or ‘þáttr’ occurs in the Flateyjarbók version of Ólafs saga Tryggvasonar (long version), but has very little to do with King Ólafr himself. The first part of the þáttr is concerned with the gods, and the theft of Freyja’s necklace by Loki. Óðinn promises to return the necklace on the condition that Freyja causes two kings to engage in perpetual battle. The second part of the þáttr deals with the adventures of Sörli, a Viking prince, and another prince, Högni. The þáttr ends with the perpetual battle between Héðinn and Högni, thereby fulfilling Freyja’s promise. In this episode, Loki’s cunning and sly personality is described, setting him up for the theft of Freyja’s neckalce. Finnur Jónsson dates the story to the first half of the 14th century.
commentary
(Contributed by Anna Millward.)
tags
Main text: Sǫrla þáttr
Attributes:
Text sections: Anon Sǫrla 2bVIII