Mengloth
The woman who waits for Svipdag at Lyfjaberg and speaks of her long waiting when they recognize each other.
Overview
Mengloth speaks directly only in the later part of Fjolsvinnsmol. The gatekeeper’s dialogue first places her at Lyfjaberg and within the hall; after he recognizes Svipdag, she says that she has been waiting. The translator’s notes connect her speculatively with other goddesses, but this record keeps her name, place, and speech within this poem rather than merging her into Frigg or Freyja.
Key facts
Placed at Lyfjaberg
The gate-side exchange links Mengloth with Lyfjaberg, but does not supply a modern location for the hill.
She speaks of waiting at recognition
After Svipdag’s name is recognized, Mengloth says she has waited, and the two acknowledge their longing for one another.
Relationships
Story appearances
- Svipdagsmol: Charms, the Gate, and RecognitionFigure in the Svipdagsmol composite reading
The woman who waits for Svipdag at Lyfjaberg and speaks of her long waiting when they recognize each other.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Svipdagsmol, Introduction: Grougaldr and Fjolsvinnsmol survive only in paper manuscripts no earlier than the seventeenth century; their union is an editorial arrangement and connecting stanzas may be lost.
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Fjolsvinnsmol, Stanzas 17–58: Svipdag reaches the fire-ringed hall; Fjolsvith questions and rejects the visitor, while their exchange turns to Mengloth, Lyfjaberg, and the hall’s defences.
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Fjolsvinnsmol, Stanzas 59–66: Fjolsvith recognizes the visitor as Svipdag; Mengloth says she has waited for him at Lyfjaberg, and the two acknowledge their long longing.