Scandinavian folktale.

The story of Svipdagr comes from two Norse poems Grógaldr and Fjölsvinnsmál and, when combined, falls under the title Svipdagsmál. The first poem talks of the hero Svipdagr, son of Sólbjartr and Gróa. who is given the task by his cruel stepmother, to venture forth and seek the maiden Menglöð - his fated bride. 'Tis a seemingly impossible task, for Menglöð is trapped within the walls of fire and clay of Gastropnir: a rich hall made from the limbs of Leirbrimir, guarded by the jötunn Fjölsviðr and his two hounds Gifr and Geri.

Svipdagr would need help for this treacherous task. He raised his mother Gróa from the dead, casting nine spells for him before returning to her grave. Svipdagr would thence travel far and wide, eventually arriving at the gates of the Great Hall. Upon his arrival, there he saw standing before the giant gates, a jötunn, who went by the name Fjölsviðr. The giant refuses entry to Svipdagr, dissuading him with customary threats. Fjölsviðr was, however, curious to uncover the identity and kindred of this new arrival, to which Svipdagr, concealing his real name, tells the giant he is Vindkaldr, grandson of Fjölkaldr. It's believed he did this to convince Fjölsviðr he (Svipdagr) is from the race of frost giants.

Meanwhile, many questions remain unanswered: eighteen questions in total. Questions concerning the Great Hall in which Menglöð resides ; it's inhabitants and environment therein. Svipdagr questions the giant, who answers dutifully. He learns from the giant the gates will only open to the one destined to be with her. Svipdagr, realising it's him, reveals his true identity to the giant, allowing Svipdagr to pass through the gates.

Menglöð rises to greet Svipdagr, elated over his long-awaited return.

It is written Menglöð has nine handmaidens called Hlíf, Hlífþrasa, Þjóðvarta, Björt, Blíð, Blíðr, Fríð, Eir, and Aurboða.

🐺 Æthelwulf 🐺

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