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Norse
Alliterative Poetry Workshop
Odin ( Old
Norse Óđinn), the chief god of
Norse mythology,
was referred to by more than 200 names [1]
in the skaldic
and Eddic
traditions.
Then said Gangleri: "Exceeding many names have ye given him; and, by
my faith, it must indeed be a goodly wit that knows all the lore and the
examples of what chances have brought about each of these names." Then
Hárr made answer: "It is truly a vast sum of knowledge to gather
together and set forth fittingly. But it is briefest to tell thee that
most of his names have been given him by reason of this chance: there
being so many branches of tongues in the world, all peoples believed
that it was needful for them to turn his name into their own tongue, by
which they might the better invoke him and entreat him on their own
behalf. But some occasions for these names arose in his wanderings; and
that matter is recorded in tales. Nor canst thou ever be called a wise
man if thou shalt not be able to tell of those great events."
Gylfaginning, XX,
Brodeur's translation
Name
(Old Norse) |
Name
(anglicized) |
Meaning[2] |
Sources |
Aldaföđr |
|
father of men (or of the age/world) |
Óđins nöfn (1),
Vafţrúđnismál (4, 53) |
Aldagautr |
|
Gautr of men (or of the age/world) |
Baldrs draumar (2) |
Alföđr |
Alfodr |
Allfather, Father of All |
Gylfaginning,
Skáldskaparmál,
Grímnismál (48), Óđins nöfn (2) |
Algingautr |
|
The aged
Gautr |
The
Icelandic rune poem (4) |
Angan Friggjar |
|
Delight of Frigg |
Völuspá (54) |
Arnhöfđi |
|
Eagle Head |
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Atriđr, Atriđi |
|
attacking rider, 'At-Rider' |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48),
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Asagrim (< *Ásagrimmr)[3] |
|
Lord of the Aesir |
Stolt Herr Alf |
Auđun |
|
friend of wealth (Edwin,
Audoin) |
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Bági ulfs |
|
Enemy of the Wolf |
Sonatorrek (23) |
Baldrsfađr |
|
Balder's Father |
|
Báleygr |
Baleyg |
Flaming Eye |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(47),
Hallfređr vandrćđaskáld's
Hákonardrápa (6),
Gísl Illugason's
Erfikvćđi um Magnús berftt (1),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (6),
Grettisrímur V (61) |
Biflindi |
/ |
Spear Shaker, Shield Shaker |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Bileygr |
Bileyg |
Flashing Eye or Wavering Eye |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (5) |
Blindi, Blindr |
/ |
Blind |
Gylfaginning,
Helgakviđa Hundingsbana II (prose) |
Brúni, Brúnn |
|
Brown, Bear |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Böđgćđir |
|
Battle Enhancer |
|
Bölverkr |
|
'Bale-Worker' or Evil Worker or Evil Deed |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál,
Hávamál (109), Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Bragi |
|
Chieftain |
|
Bróđir Vilis, Bróđir Vilja |
|
Vili's Brother |
|
Burr Bors |
|
Borr's Son |
|
Byrlindi |
|
Distorted version of Biflindi[4] |
Sturlaugsrímur III (50) |
Darrađr, Dorruđr |
|
Spearman |
|
Draugadróttinn |
|
Lord of the undead |
Ynglinga saga |
Dresvarpr |
|
|
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Ein sköpuđr galdra |
|
Sole Creator of Magical Songs |
|
Ennibrattr |
|
High (lit., 'straight') forehead |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Eylúđr |
|
The ever booming |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Fađmbyggvir Friggjar |
|
Dweller in Frigg's Embrace |
|
Fađr galdrs |
|
Father of Magical Songs |
|
Farmagnuđr, Farmögnuđr |
|
journey empowerer |
Háleygjatal (2), Skáldskaparmál |
Farmaguđ, Farmatýr |
Farmagud, Farmatyr |
God of Cargoes (or Burdens) |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(48), Óđins nöfn (2) |
Farmr arma Gunnlađar |
|
Burden of Gunnlöđ's Arms |
|
Farmr galga |
|
Gallows' Burden |
|
Fengr |
|
Fetcher or Catcher |
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Fimbultýr |
Fimbultyr |
Mighty God |
Völuspá (60) |
Fimbulţulr[5] |
Fimbulthul |
Mighty
Thuler |
Hávamál (80, 142) |
Fjallgeiguđr |
|
Shape god |
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Fjölnir[6] |
Fjolnir |
Wise One, concealer |
Grímnismál (47),
Reginsmál (18), Gylfaginning
(3, 20), many skaldic poems, ţulur, Óđins nöfn
(2),
Skíđaríma (91, 174) |
Fjölsviđr |
Fjolsvid, Fjolsvin |
Very Wise |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Fjörgynn |
Fjorgyn |
Masculine counterpart of feminine
Fjörgyn meaning "land/earth" |
Lokasenna (26), Völuspá (56) |
Foldardróttinn |
|
Lord of the Earth |
|
Forni |
|
Ancient One |
|
Fornölvir |
|
Ancient Ölvir |
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Fráríđr, Fráríđi |
|
The one who rides forth |
Óđins nöfn (2),
Grettisrímur III (1),
Sturlaugsrímur VI (47) |
Frumverr Friggjar |
|
First husband of Frigg |
|
Fundinn |
|
The Found |
Óláfsrímur Tryggvasonar A III (1) |
Gagnráđr |
Gagnrad |
Advantage Counsel |
Vafţrúđnismál (8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17) |
Galdraföđr |
|
Father of Magical Songs |
|
Gangari, Ganglari, Gangleri
[7] |
/ |
Wanderer or Wayweary |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46),
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Gangráđr |
|
'Gain Rede,' Contrary advisor, Journey Advisor |
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Gapţrosnir |
|
The one in gaping frenzy |
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Gautatýr |
Gautatyr |
God of the
Geats |
Skáldskaparmál,
Eyvindr skáldaspillir's
Hákonarmál (1) |
Gautr[8] |
Gaut |
Gautr |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(54), Óđins nöfn (1),
Friđţjófsrímur,
Skíđaríma,
Landrésrímur,
Hjálmţérsrímur,
Geiplur,
Bjarkarímur,
Griplur,
Ţrćndlur,
Skáldhelgarímur,
Blávusrímur,
Geirarđsrímur,
Völsungsrímur |
Geiguđr |
|
Dangler |
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Geirlöđnir |
|
Spear inviter |
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Geirölnir |
|
Spear charger |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Geirtýr |
|
Gore/Spear God |
|
Geirvaldr |
|
Gore/Spear Master |
|
Geldnir |
|
|
|
Ginnarr |
|
Deceiver |
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Gizurr[9] |
|
Riddler |
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Gestumblindi |
/ |
Blind Guest |
Hervarar saga (10), ţulur, Óđins
nöfn (7) |
Glapsviđr |
Glapsvid, Glapsvin |
Swift in Deceit, Maddener, Wise in magical spells |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Gođi hrafnblóts |
|
Gođi of the Raven-offering |
|
Gođjađarr |
|
God Protector |
|
Göllnir |
|
Yeller |
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Gollorr |
|
Yeller |
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Göllungr |
|
Yeller |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Göndlir
[10] |
Gondlir |
Wand-Bearer, Wand-Wielder |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Gramr Hliđskjálfar |
|
King of Hliđskjalf |
|
Grímnir |
Grimnir |
Hooded, Masked One |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (introduction, 47,
49),
Hallfređr vandrćđaskáld's
lausavísur (9),
Eilífr Gođrúnarson's
Ţórsdrápa (3),
Húsdrápa (1),
Rögnvaldr kali Kolsson's lausavísur (7),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (1) |
Grímr |
Grim |
Mask |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46, 47),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (3, 7) |
Gunnblindi |
|
Battle blinder |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Hagvirkr |
|
Skilful worker |
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Hangadróttinn |
|
Lord of the hanged |
Ynglinga saga |
Hangaguđ, Hangatýr |
Hangagud, Hangatyr |
God of the Hanged |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál |
Hangi |
|
Hanged One |
|
Haptabeiđir |
|
Commander of Leaders |
|
Haptaguđ |
Haptagud |
God of Prisoners |
Gylfaginning |
Haptasnytrir |
|
Teacher of gods |
|
Haptsönir |
|
Fetter Loosener |
|
Hárbarđr |
Harbard |
Hoary Beard, Grey Beard |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Hárbardsljód, ţulur, Óđins nöfn (3) |
Hárr |
Har |
High |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46),
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Harri Hliđskjálfar |
|
Lord of Hliđskjalf |
|
Hávi |
Havi |
High One |
Hávamál (109, 111, 164), Óđins nöfn
(4) |
Heimţinguđr hanga |
|
Visitor of the Hanged |
|
Helblindi
[11] |
/ |
Hel Blinder |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46) |
Hengikeptr, Hengikjopt |
|
Hang jaw |
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Herblindi |
|
Host blinder |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Herföđr, Herjaföđr |
Herfodr, Herjafodr |
Father of Hosts |
Gylfaginning, Völuspá (29, 43),
Vafthrúdnismál (2), Grímnismál (19,
25, 26), Óđins nöfn (5) |
Hergautr |
|
Host Gautr |
|
Herjan |
/ |
Warrior, Harrier, Lord |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46),
Óđins nöfn (2) |
Herteitr |
Herteit |
War-merry |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Hertýr |
Hertyr |
Host-Tyr or God of Hosts |
Skáldskaparmál |
Hildolfr |
|
Battle Wolf |
|
Hjaldrgegnir |
|
Engager of Battle |
|
Hjaldrgođ |
|
God of battle |
|
Hjálmberi |
Hjalmberi |
Helmet Bearer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (2) |
Hjarrandi |
|
Screamer |
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Hléfreyr |
|
Famous/barrow lord |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Hleifruđr |
|
|
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Hnikarr |
Hnikar |
Overthrower, Thruster |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Reginsmál (18, 19), Óđins nöfn (2) |
Hnikuđr |
Hnikud |
Overthrower |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48),
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Hoárr |
|
One Eyed |
|
Hötter |
|
Hatter |
|
Hovi |
|
High One |
|
Hrafnaguđ, Hrafnáss |
Hrafnagud |
Raven God |
Gylfaginning |
Hrafnfreistuđr |
|
Raven tester |
|
Hrami |
|
Fetterer, Ripper |
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Hrani |
|
Blusterer |
|
Hrjóđr |
|
Roarer |
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Hroptr, Hroptatýr |
Hropt, Hroptatyr |
Sage[12] |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Hákonarmál
(14),
Úlfr Uggason's
Húsdrápa (8), Hávamál (160),
Grímnismál (54),
Sigrdrífumál (13), Óđins nöfn
(2, 3, 5) |
Hrosshársgrani |
|
Horse hair moustache |
Gautreks saga, Óđins nöfn (4) |
Hvatmóđr |
|
Courage of the whet-stone |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Hveđrungr |
|
Roarer or Weather-maker |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Itreker |
|
Splendid Ruler |
|
Jafnhárr |
Jafnhar |
'Evenhigh,' Just as High, Equally High |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Jalfađr |
|
Yellow-brown Back |
|
Jálg, Jálkr |
Jalk |
Gelding or Gelder |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49, 54),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Jarngrímr |
|
Iron Mask |
|
Jólnir, Jölnir |
|
Yule
figure |
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Jolfr |
|
Horse-wolf, bear |
|
Jölfuđr, Jölföđr |
|
Yule father |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Jörmunr |
|
The mighty one, cosmic |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Kjalarr |
Kjalar |
Keel, Nourisher |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(49), Óđins nöfn (1) |
Langbarđr |
Langbard |
Long Beard |
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (7) |
Löndungr, Lođungr |
|
Shaggy Cloak Wearer |
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Niđr Bors |
|
Borr's Kin |
|
Njótr |
|
User, enjoyer or needed one |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Ófnir |
|
Inciter |
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Olgr |
|
Protector, Hawk |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Ómi |
Omi |
Resounding one |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Óski |
Oski |
God of Wishes, Wished For |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Rauđgrani |
|
Red Mustache |
Bárđar saga Snćfellsáss 18,[13]
O˛rvar-Odds saga 19ff.[14] |
Reiđartýr |
|
Wagon God or God of riders |
|
Rögnir |
|
Chief ('He that reigns') |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Rúnatýr |
|
God of Runes |
|
Runni vagna |
|
Mover of Constellations |
|
Sađr |
Sadr, Sann |
Truthful, Sooth |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Sanngetall |
/ |
Finder of Truth/Sooth |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Síđgrani |
Sidgrani |
Long Beard |
Alvíssmál (6) |
Síđhöttr |
Sidhott
[15] |
Broad Hat |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (4) |
Síđskeggr |
Sidskegg |
Long Beard |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (48),
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (6) |
Sigđir |
|
Victory giver |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Sigföđr |
Sigfodr |
Father of Victory, War Father |
Gylfaginning, Völuspá (54),
Grímnismál (48), Óđins nöfn (4) |
Siggautr |
|
Victory Geat |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Sigrhofundr |
|
Victory Author |
|
Sigmundr |
|
Victory protection |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Sigrúnnr |
|
Victory Tree |
|
Sigtryggr |
|
Sure of victory (Victory-true) |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Sigtýr[16] |
Sigtyr |
God of Victory, War God |
Skáldskaparmál,
Atlakviđa (30),
Glúmr Geirason's
Gráfeldardrápa (12) |
Sigţrór |
|
Successful in victory, Thriving in victory |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Skilfingr |
Skilfing |
Trembler or he of Hlidshilf |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (54),
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Skollvaldr |
|
Ruler of treachery |
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Sonr Bestlu |
|
Son of Bestla |
|
Spjalli Gauta |
|
Friend of the Goths |
|
Sváfnir
[17] |
Svafnir |
Sleep bringer, Closer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (54),
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Sveigđir |
|
Reed Bringer |
|
Sviđarr |
Svidar |
|
Gylfaginning |
Sviđrir |
Svidrir |
Calmer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (50),
Óđins nöfn (6) |
Sviđuđr |
|
|
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Sviđurr |
Svidur |
Wise One |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(50), Óđins nöfn (6) |
Svipall |
/ |
Changing, Fleeting (or shape-shifter) |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (47),
Óđins nöfn (3) |
Svölnir |
Svolnir |
Cooler |
Skáldskaparmál, Óđins nöfn (6) |
Tveggi |
|
Double |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Tvíblindi |
Tviblindi |
Twice Blind |
ţulur, Óđins nöfn (4) |
Ţekkr |
Thekk |
Known, Welcome One |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Ţrasarr |
|
Quarreler |
Óđins nöfn (4) |
Ţriđi |
Thridi |
Third |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(46), Óđins nöfn (5) |
Ţriggi |
|
Triple |
|
Ţrór |
Thror |
Burgeoning, Thriving |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Ţróttr |
Thrott |
Strength |
Glymdrápa (2) |
Ţuđr |
Thud, Thunn |
Lean, Pale |
Gylfaginning, Óđins nöfn (7) |
Ţundr |
Thund |
Thunderer |
Gylfaginning, Hávamál (145),
Grímnismál (46, 54), Óđins nöfn (7) |
Uđr |
Ud, Unn[18] |
Loved, Beloved, Striver |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (46),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Váfuđr |
Vafud |
Wanderer |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Grímnismál
(54) |
Váfuđr Gungnis |
|
Swinger of Gungnir |
|
Váđi vitnis |
|
Foe of the Wolf |
|
Vakr |
Vak |
Wakeful, Awakener |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (54),
Óđins nöfn (7) |
Valdr galga |
|
Ruler of Gallows |
|
Valdr vagnbrautar |
|
Ruler of Heaven |
|
Valföđr |
Valfodr |
Father of the Slain |
Gylfaginning, Völuspá (1, 27, 28),
Grímnismál (48), ţulur, Óđins nöfn
(5) |
Valgautr |
Valgaut |
Slaughter-Geat, Geat of the Slain |
Skáldskaparmál, Óđins nöfn (8) |
Valkjosandi |
|
Chooser of the Slain |
|
Valtamr, Valtam |
|
Slain Tame, The Warrior |
|
Valtýr |
|
Slain God |
|
Valţognir |
|
Slain Receiver |
|
Vegtam |
/ |
Wanderer or Way-tame |
Baldrs draumar (6, 13) |
Veratýr |
Veratyr |
God of men, God of being |
Gylfaginning, Óđins nöfn (8) |
Viđfräger |
|
Wide Famed |
|
Viđrir |
Vidrir |
Stormer |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál,
Lokasenna (26) |
Viđrímnir, Viđhrimnir |
|
Contrary screamer or 'wide hoary-beard' |
Óđins nöfn (1) |
Viđurr |
Vidur |
Killer |
Gylfaginning, Grímnismál (49),
Óđins nöfn (6),
Karlevi
Runestone |
Vingnir |
|
Swinger |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Vinr Lopts |
|
Friend of Loptr |
|
Vinr Lóđurs |
|
Friend of Lóđurr |
|
Vinr Míms |
|
Friend of Mímir |
|
Vinr stalla |
|
Friend of Altars |
|
Vófuđr |
|
Dangler |
Óđins nöfn (5) |
Völsi |
|
Lingam |
|
Völundr rómu |
|
Smith of Battle |
|
Yggr |
Ygg |
Terrible One |
Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, Völuspá
(28), Grímnismál (53, 54),
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Ýjungr, Ýrungr |
|
Stormy or of the primal streams |
Óđins nöfn (8) |
Notes
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^ Harrison, D. & Svensson, K. (2007). Vikingaliv Fälth &
Hässler, Värnamo.
ISBN 978-91-27-35725-9 p. 63
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^ These names can have other meanings and uses, see
translation by Hringari Ođinssen (2000).
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^ The use of grimmR and the later form
grim in the sense "lord" has only a few occurrences from
Sweden. In extant Icelandic material grimmr only appears as
an adjective with the meaning "heartless", "strict" and "wicked",
which can be compared with the use of adjective gramr
("wrath") as a name for "lord", see
Runic Dictionary Entry for grimmR at the runic
dictionary of the university of Nottingham.
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^ Finnur Jónsson (1926-28). Ordbog til de af samfund til
udg. af gml. nord. litteratur udgivne rímur samt til de af Dr. O.
Jiriczek udgivne bósarimur, pp. 51-51. Křbenhavn: J. Jřrgensen &
Co.
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^ Also the name of a river, one of the
Élivágar.
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^ Also the name of a mythological king of Sweden
Fjölnir.
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^ Also an assumed name used by
Gylfi.
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^ Also the name of a member of a defunct Scandinavian
nation, one of the
Geats.
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^ Also the name of a
Geatish king,
Gizurr.
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^ "Geldnir" in other manuscripts.
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^ Also the name of a brother of
Loki.
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^ The meaning is disputed according to Lindow but Larrington
gives the translation "Sage" in the Poetic Edda.
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^ ed. Ţórhallur Vilmundarson/Bjarni Vilhjálmsson, Íslenzk
fornrit 13, Reykjavík 1991, p. 163
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^ ed. Guđni Jónsson, Fornaldar sögur Norđurlanda 2,
Reykjavík 1954, pp. 279ff.
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^ "Sidhofr" in other manuscripts.
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^ In plural, sigtívar refers to the gods in many
Eddic poems.
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^ Also the name of a serpent found in the wellspring of
Hvergelmir.
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^ Also the name of one of the nine
daughters of Ćgir.
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