Helblindi
Helblindi (Old Norse: [ˈhelˌblinde], 'Helblind') is a jötunn in Norse mythology. According to 13th-century poet Snorri Sturluson, he is the brother of Loki and Býleistr.[1]
Name
[edit]The Old Norse name Helblindi has been translated as 'Helblind'.[1]
Helblindi is also one of the many names of the god Odin, as found in Grímnismál (The Lay of Grímnir) or Gylfaginning (The Beguiling of Gylfi).[1]
...he [Odin] called himself by various other names on his visit to King Geirrod:
I call myself Grim and Ganglari, Herian, ... Helblindi,...— Gylfaginning, 19–20, transl. A. Faulkes, 1987.
Attestations
[edit]In the Prose Edda, Helblindi is several times noted as the brother of Loki and, implicitly, as the son of Laufey and Fárbauti.[2]
His name is Loki or Lopt, son of the giant Farbauti. Laufey or Nal is his mother. Byleist and Helblindi are his brothers.
— Gylfaginning, 27–34, trans. A. Faulkes, 1987.
How shall Loki be referred to? By calling him son of Farbauti and Laufey, of Nal, brother of Byleist and Helblindi...
— Skáldskaparmál, 8–16, trans. A. Faulkes, 1987.
Theories
[edit]Although it is not directly attested in original sources, scholars have considered Helblindi to be a son of Fárbauti. His exact role in the ancient mythic complex surrounding Loki's family remains unclear, however.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Orchard 1997, p. 79.
- ^ Rydberg (2003:24); Sykes (2002:85); Guelpa (2009:123-124).
- ^ Simek 1996, p. 174; Kock (1899:100-102).
Bibliography
[edit]- Orchard, Andy (1997). Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell. ISBN 978-0-304-34520-5.
- Simek, Rudolf (1996). Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer. ISBN 978-0-85991-513-7.