Helblindi

Helblindi (Old Norse 'Helblind') is a jötunn in Norse mythology. According to 13th-century poet Snorri Sturluson, he is the brother of Loki and Býleistr.[1]

Name

The Old Norse name Helblindi as 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

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

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
  1. Orchard 1997, p. 79.
  2. Rydberg (2003:24); Sykes (2002:85); Guelpa (2009:123-124).
  3. Simek 1996, p. 174; Kock (1899:100-102).

Bibliography
  • Orchard, Andy (1997). Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell. ISBN 978-0-304-34520-5.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  • Simek, Rudolf (1996). Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer. ISBN 978-0-85991-513-7.
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