Hyndla
The giant woman Freyja calls from her cave to recite Ottar’s lineage.
Overview
In Hyndluljoth, Hyndla lives in a cave, first notices that Freyja’s companion is not simply a boar, and is then asked to name Ottar’s ancestors. She both holds the names and resists Freyja’s demand; what she says about Freyja and Ottar is an accusation within the night dialogue, not a stable biographical fact. Her long recital joins descent, reputation, and a wager.
Key facts
Called from her cave
In stanza 1, Freyja wakes Hyndla and asks her to ride with her.
Recites Ottar’s lineage
In stanzas 12–29, Hyndla names Ottar’s close kin and many heroic lines.
Relationships
- Freyjawakes and asks to ride
Freyja wakes Hyndla in her cave and asks her to ride.
- Freyjaaccuses of hiding Ottar
Hyndla says Freyja’s companion is Ottar; it is her accusation.
- Ottaridentifies as the companion
Hyndla names the companion as Ottar the young, son of Instein.
- Freyjaasks for a lineage recital
Freyja asks Hyndla to name old names and Ottar’s descent.
- Ottarrecites the lineage of
Hyndla names Ottar’s parents and ancestors in sequence.
- Ottar’s Ancestry Wagerwidens the heroic kin list
Hyndla names many heroic lines as Ottar’s kin without proving each link individually.
Story appearances
- Hyndluljoth: Ottar’s Ancestry WagerFigure, mount, or wager in Hyndluljoth
The giant woman Freyja calls from her cave to recite Ottar’s lineage.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.