in progress
Under Óðinn’s instruction, Loki shape-shifts into a fly and steals Freyja’s precious necklace, which was forged by dwarves.
text
[excerpt from] Sǫrla ch. 2c
2c. [Sáttmál Óðins ok Freyju]
Þat er ok sagt, at Loki var... | Now it is said that Loki got ... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
This episode occurs after Loki’s sly personality has been described, and Freyja has obtained her necklace from the dwarves. 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. Finnur Jónsson dates the story to the first half of the 14th century.
commentary
(Contributed by Anna Millward.)
tags
Main text: Sǫrla þáttr
Attributes: Shape-shift Precious object Necklace
Named things: Freyja Óðinn Loki
Text sections: Anon Sǫrla 2cVIII