Gjaflaug
Gjaflaug, Gjuki’s sister in the First Lay, who tries to comfort Guthrun with her own losses.
Overview
When Guthrun sits beside Sigurd’s body, Gjaflaug says she has lost five husbands, children, sisters, and brothers. Her name and grief occur only in this poem; she is not there to rank suffering, but to be the first person who tries to make Guthrun able to weep.
Key facts
Attempts comfort
Stanzas 3–5 let Gjaflaug tell of her losses, but Guthrun still cannot weep.
Limited to this poem
This name is used only in this poem’s lament setting; no biography beyond it is supplied.
Relationships
- Gudrunattempts to comfort
Gjaflaug tells of her losses but cannot make Guthrun weep.
Story appearances
- Guthrunarkvitha I: A Lament at the BodyFigure or event in the lament at Sigurd’s body
Gjaflaug, Gjuki’s sister in the First Lay, who tries to comfort Guthrun with her own losses.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.