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skaldic

Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages

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Eil Þdr 21III

Edith Marold (ed.) 2017, ‘Eilífr Goðrúnarson, Þórsdrápa 21’ in Kari Ellen Gade and Edith Marold (eds), Poetry from Treatises on Poetics. Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages 3. Turnhout: Brepols, p. 121.

Eilífr GoðrúnarsonÞórsdrápa
202122

Her ‘The people’

(not checked:)
herr (noun m.; °-s/-jar, dat. -; -jar, gen. -ja/herra): army, host < herblótinn (adj./verb p.p.)

[1] Her‑: Hel‑ R, W, ‘hil‑’ Tˣ

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[1] herblótinn ‘people-worshipped’: Almost all earlier eds have adopted Sveinbjörn Egilsson’s (1851, 10, 19) emendation of helblótinn lit. ‘Hel-worshipped’ (?) (so all mss) to herblótinn, because the former cannot be connected with Þórr in any meaningful way. Frank (1986, 98-9) retains the cpd helblótinn, which she translates as ‘honored with sacrifices in hell (or by Hel)’ and explains (rather unconvincingly) as follows: ‘Geirrøðr’s sunless kingdom … has offered up its calves on the altar of the conquering Thor’.

Close

blótinn ‘worshipped’

(not checked:)
2. blóta (verb; °-að-): sacrifice < herblótinn (adj./verb p.p.)

[1] ‑blótinn: so Tˣ, W, blótin R

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[1] herblótinn ‘people-worshipped’: Almost all earlier eds have adopted Sveinbjörn Egilsson’s (1851, 10, 19) emendation of helblótinn lit. ‘Hel-worshipped’ (?) (so all mss) to herblótinn, because the former cannot be connected with Þórr in any meaningful way. Frank (1986, 98-9) retains the cpd helblótinn, which she translates as ‘honored with sacrifices in hell (or by Hel)’ and explains (rather unconvincingly) as follows: ‘Geirrøðr’s sunless kingdom … has offered up its calves on the altar of the conquering Thor’.

Close

‘fought’

(not checked:)
1. vega (verb): strike, slay

Close

hneitir ‘vanquisher’

(not checked:)
hneitir (noun m.): sword

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr
Close

hóg ‘with the handy’

(not checked:)
hógr (adj.): comfortable < hógbrotningr (noun m.)

notes

[2] hógbrotningi skógar ‘with the handy weapon of the forest’: The only other attestation of the word brotningr is a sword-heiti in the þulur (Þul Sverða 7/3). In Þdr, this word could be interpreted in two ways. (a) Brotningr could be a heiti for ‘sword’, made from pieces of a broken sword (Falk 1914b, 48; LP: brotningr), and mean ‘weapon’ (adopted in the present edn). ‘Weapon of the forest’ could refer to a staff of wood and be synonymous with Gríðarvǫlr (see Note to st. 10/8), as most eds believe (Sveinbjörn Egilsson 1851, 20; Finnur Jónsson 1900b, 401; SnE 1998, II, 315). (b) Some scholars (Sveinbjörn Egilsson 1851, 20; Kiil 1956, 164; Reichardt 1948, 390), however, regard brotningr as a derivation of the weak verb brotna ‘break’ (intransitive), a fragment; if so, the translation of hógbrotningr skógar is ‘broken-off twig’ and would characterise Þórr’s weapon as an improvised weapon. In this case, identification with Gríðarvǫlr is rather unlikely. Davidson (1983, 534) suggests that nesta mein (interpreted as ‘provisions of harm’) and hógbrotningr skógar both refer to the hammer Mjǫlnir, which is not persuasive.

Close

brotningi ‘weapon’

(not checked:)
brotningr (noun m.): [fragment] < hógbrotningr (noun m.)

notes

[2] hógbrotningi skógar ‘with the handy weapon of the forest’: The only other attestation of the word brotningr is a sword-heiti in the þulur (Þul Sverða 7/3). In Þdr, this word could be interpreted in two ways. (a) Brotningr could be a heiti for ‘sword’, made from pieces of a broken sword (Falk 1914b, 48; LP: brotningr), and mean ‘weapon’ (adopted in the present edn). ‘Weapon of the forest’ could refer to a staff of wood and be synonymous with Gríðarvǫlr (see Note to st. 10/8), as most eds believe (Sveinbjörn Egilsson 1851, 20; Finnur Jónsson 1900b, 401; SnE 1998, II, 315). (b) Some scholars (Sveinbjörn Egilsson 1851, 20; Kiil 1956, 164; Reichardt 1948, 390), however, regard brotningr as a derivation of the weak verb brotna ‘break’ (intransitive), a fragment; if so, the translation of hógbrotningr skógar is ‘broken-off twig’ and would characterise Þórr’s weapon as an improvised weapon. In this case, identification with Gríðarvǫlr is rather unlikely. Davidson (1983, 534) suggests that nesta mein (interpreted as ‘provisions of harm’) and hógbrotningr skógar both refer to the hammer Mjǫlnir, which is not persuasive.

Close

skógar ‘of the forest’

(not checked:)
skógr (noun m.; °-ar/-s, dat. -i; -ar): forest

notes

[2] hógbrotningi skógar ‘with the handy weapon of the forest’: The only other attestation of the word brotningr is a sword-heiti in the þulur (Þul Sverða 7/3). In Þdr, this word could be interpreted in two ways. (a) Brotningr could be a heiti for ‘sword’, made from pieces of a broken sword (Falk 1914b, 48; LP: brotningr), and mean ‘weapon’ (adopted in the present edn). ‘Weapon of the forest’ could refer to a staff of wood and be synonymous with Gríðarvǫlr (see Note to st. 10/8), as most eds believe (Sveinbjörn Egilsson 1851, 20; Finnur Jónsson 1900b, 401; SnE 1998, II, 315). (b) Some scholars (Sveinbjörn Egilsson 1851, 20; Kiil 1956, 164; Reichardt 1948, 390), however, regard brotningr as a derivation of the weak verb brotna ‘break’ (intransitive), a fragment; if so, the translation of hógbrotningr skógar is ‘broken-off twig’ and would characterise Þórr’s weapon as an improvised weapon. In this case, identification with Gríðarvǫlr is rather unlikely. Davidson (1983, 534) suggests that nesta mein (interpreted as ‘provisions of harm’) and hógbrotningr skógar both refer to the hammer Mjǫlnir, which is not persuasive.

Close

undir ‘of the low’

(not checked:)
undir (prep.): under < undirfjalfr (noun n.)

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30.

Close

undir ‘of the low’

(not checked:)
undir (prep.): under < undirfjalfr (noun n.)

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30.

Close

undir ‘of the low’

(not checked:)
undir (prep.): under < undirfjalfr (noun n.)

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30.

Close

fjalfrs ‘hiding-place’

(not checked:)
fjalfr (noun n.): [hiding-place] < undirfjalfr (noun n.)

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30.

Close

fjalfrs ‘hiding-place’

(not checked:)
fjalfr (noun n.): [hiding-place] < undirfjalfr (noun n.)

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30.

Close

fjalfrs ‘hiding-place’

(not checked:)
fjalfr (noun n.): [hiding-place] < undirfjalfr (noun n.)

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30.

Close

af ‘’

(not checked:)
af (prep.): from

[3] af: at W

notes

[3] af alfi ‘vigorously’: Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400) preferred the reading of ‘af afli’ but that fails to produce the hending in l. 3. Reichardt (1948, 390) therefore proposed keeping the reading af alfi (R, W). He suggested that alf was a secondary form of afl, caused by metathesis of ƀl, fl to , lf (cf. ANG §313.1), which the poet resorted to in order to form a correct hending. The present edn follows Reichardt here.

Close

alfi ‘vigorously’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf

[3] alfi: afli Tˣ

notes

[3] af alfi ‘vigorously’: Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400) preferred the reading of ‘af afli’ but that fails to produce the hending in l. 3. Reichardt (1948, 390) therefore proposed keeping the reading af alfi (R, W). He suggested that alf was a secondary form of afl, caused by metathesis of ƀl, fl to , lf (cf. ANG §313.1), which the poet resorted to in order to form a correct hending. The present edn follows Reichardt here.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

alf ‘of the elf’

(not checked:)
alfr (noun m.; °; -ar): elf < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

heims ‘world’

(not checked:)
heimr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i/-; -ar): home, abode; world < alfheimr (noun m.): °(pl.) world of the `alfar’

[4] alfheims: ‘alf[…]íms’ W

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

bliku ‘of the gleam’

(not checked:)
1. blika (noun f.; °-u): [gleam, a]

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr

notes

[3, 4] undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims ‘of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN > CAVE]’: The only other attestation of fjalfr is in Þjóð Haustl 18/2, where it is also translated as ‘hiding-place’. It is possible that this noun is etymologically related to the strong verb fela ‘hide’. The present kenning, ‘low hiding-place of the sun’, can be interpreted in two different ways. The cave could be the hiding-place of the sun itself (i.e. the place where it stays during the night) or it could be a place to hide from the sun (Reichardt 1948, 390). The latter interpretation is supported by the fact that dwarfs and other mythical beings feared the sun because its rays could turn them to stone (for this motif, see Boberg 1966, 109 and Reichborn-Kjennerud 1934a, 280-3). See also the adj. dagskjarr ‘daylight-shy’ (of a dwarf, Þjóð Yt 2/1I), as well as Alv 35 and HHj 30. — [4] bliku alfheims ‘of the gleam of the elf-world [SUN]’: The interpretation of this sun-kenning (following Reichardt 1948, 390; Kiil 1956, 163) is supported by the cpd alfrǫðull ‘elf-sun, elf-gleam’ (meaning ‘sun’; LP: alfrǫðull). Whereas Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 400; Skj B) leaves bliku unexplained, Kock (NN §469) suggests translating it as ‘gleam’ and combining it with alfheimr ‘elf-world’ to mean ‘gold’. Such a kenning is unparalleled in the extant corpus of skaldic poetry.

Close

kalfa ‘of the calves’

(not checked:)
kalfr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i; -ar): calf

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr
Close

kalfa ‘of the calves’

(not checked:)
kalfr (noun m.; °-s, dat. -i; -ar): calf

kennings

Herblótinn hneitir kalfa undirfjalfrs bliku alfheims
‘The people-worshipped vanquisher of the calves of the low hiding-place of the gleam of the elf-world ’
   = Þórr

the gleam of the elf -world → SUN
the low hiding-place of the SUN → CAVE
the calves of the CAVE → GIANTS
The people-worshipped vanquisher of GIANTS → Þórr
Close

‘nor’

(not checked:)
né (conj.): nor

Close

lið ‘support’

(not checked:)
lið (noun n.; °-s; -): retinue, troop < liðfastr (adj.): staunch

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr
Close

fǫstum ‘strong’

(not checked:)
fastr (adj.; °compar. -ari, superl. -astr): firm, fast < liðfastr (adj.): staunch

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr
Close

Lista ‘of the Lista’

(not checked:)
Listi (noun m.): [Lista]

[5] Lista: ‘[…]sta’ W

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

Close

Lista ‘of the Lista’

(not checked:)
Listi (noun m.): [Lista]

[5] Lista: ‘[…]sta’ W

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

Close

látrs ‘lair’

(not checked:)
látr (noun n.; °; dat. -um): lair

[6] látrs: látr all

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

Close

látrs ‘lair’

(not checked:)
látr (noun n.; °; dat. -um): lair

[6] látrs: látr all

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

Close

látrs ‘lair’

(not checked:)
látr (noun n.; °; dat. -um): lair

[6] látrs: látr all

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

Close

val ‘of the falcon’

(not checked:)
2. valr (noun m.; °-s): falcon < valrygr (noun m.)

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

Close

val ‘of the falcon’

(not checked:)
2. valr (noun m.; °-s): falcon < valrygr (noun m.)

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

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val ‘of the falcon’

(not checked:)
2. valr (noun m.; °-s): falcon < valrygr (noun m.)

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

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Rygir ‘the Rygir’

(not checked:)
Rygir (noun m.): Rogalanders < valrygr (noun m.)

[6] Rygir: so Tˣ, W, ‘rvgar’ R

kennings

Rygir Lista vallátrs
‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’
   = GIANTS

the falcon-lair → ROCK
the Lista of the ROCK → MOUNTAINS
the Rygir of MOUNTAINS → GIANTS

notes

[5, 6] Rygir Lista vallátrs ‘the Rygir of the Lista of the falcon-lair [(lit. ‘falcon-Rygir of the lair of Lista’) ROCK > MOUNTAINS > GIANTS]’: The edn follows Finnur Jónsson (1900b, 401; Skj B; so also Reichardt 1948, 391). The kenning is a variation of the pattern ‘people of the mountains’ for ‘giants’, where ‘people’ is represented by ‘Rygir’ (people from the district of Rogaland) and ‘mountains’ by the kenning ‘Lista (southernmost part of Norway) of the falcon-lair’. It is unusual to combine two place names in one kenning, but the determinant kenning can be explained by the pattern ‘land of the rocks’, Lista replacing ‘land’. Kock (NN §2254) takes lista as gen. pl. of list ‘art’ and combines it with liðfǫstum; hence ‘powerful by the support of art’. However, list ‘art’ neither suits the character of Þórr nor the fight against the giants. Liðfǫstum ‘support-strong’ can be explained by reference to the situation: Þórr is fighting together with Þjálfi, as the stef (sts 11 and 22) confirms. To achieve a giant-kenning, it is necessary to change the order of the two determinants: látr val-Rygir (‘lair of the falcon-Rygir’) > vallátr(s) Rygir (‘Rygir of the falcon-lair’) (cf. Meissner 44-6) and emend látr (all mss) to látrs.

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môttu ‘could’

(not checked:)
mega (verb): may, might

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aldr ‘the life’

(not checked:)
aldr (noun m.; °aldrs, dat. aldri; aldrar): life, age < aldrminnkandi (noun m.)

[7] aldr‑: aldrs Tˣ

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

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minkanda ‘diminisher’

(not checked:)
minnkandi (noun m.): diminisher < aldrminnkandi (noun m.)

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

aldar ‘of the people’

(not checked:)
ǫld (noun f.; °; aldir): people, age

[7] aldar: so W, eldar R, elda Tˣ

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

aldar ‘of the people’

(not checked:)
ǫld (noun f.; °; aldir): people, age

[7] aldar: so W, eldar R, elda Tˣ

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

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Ellu ‘of the Ælla’

(not checked:)
Ella (noun m.): Ella, Ælla, Ælle

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

Ellu ‘of the Ælla’

(not checked:)
Ella (noun m.): Ella, Ælla, Ælle

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

Ellu ‘of the Ælla’

(not checked:)
Ella (noun m.): Ella, Ælla, Ælle

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

steins ‘of the stone’

(not checked:)
steinn (noun m.; °steins; steinar): stone, colour

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

steins ‘of the stone’

(not checked:)
steinn (noun m.; °steins; steinar): stone, colour

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

Close

steins ‘of the stone’

(not checked:)
steinn (noun m.; °steins; steinar): stone, colour

kennings

liðfǫstum aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins.
‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla of the stone, support-strong. ’
   = Þórr

the Ælla of the stone, → GIANT
the people of the GIANT → GIANTS
the life-diminisher of GIANTSsupport-strong. → Þórr

notes

[7-8] aldrminkanda aldar Ellu steins ‘the life-diminisher of the people of the Ælla <Northumbrian king> of the stone [GIANT > GIANTS > = Þórr]’: As usual, Þórr is referred to periphrastically by a kenning that describes him as a killer and fighter of giants. The base-word of the giant-kenning, Ella, is unusual because such base-words are otherwise almost always the names of sea-kings or mythical and legendary persons (Meissner 258). It is possible, however, to treat Ella as a legendary-heroic name. The Anglo-Saxon king Ælla was killed in 867 by Danish vikings during the sacking of York. In legendary tradition, his death was the result of the revenge of the sons of Ragnarr loðbrók ‘Shaggy-breeches’ for Ælla’s murdering their father, and that probably was the basis for the development of the legends surrounding Ragnarr loðbrók (de Vries 1923a, 252-3).

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of ‘’

(not checked:)
4. of (particle): (before verb)

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