Fjölsvins

Fjölsvinsmál is a poem found in the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse heroic and mythological poems. It is one of the less frequently cited eddic poems, often appearing towards the end of the corpus. The poem is primarily a dialogue between the hero Svipdag and a gatekeeper or guardian named Fjölsvinn, who is often interpreted as being Odin in disguise.

The setting of Fjölsvinsmál is significant. Svipdag arrives at a seemingly impenetrable fortress, a stronghold guarded by a fearsome entity. He must answer a series of riddles posed by Fjölsvinn to gain entry. These riddles cover a range of mythological and cosmological topics, testing Svipdag's knowledge and wisdom. The questions delve into the nature of the world, the gods, and various mythical beings and places.

The narrative builds as Svipdag successfully answers each riddle, demonstrating his understanding. The poem is notable for its allegorical nature and the esoteric knowledge it imparts. Upon successfully navigating the challenges, Svipdag is granted access to the fortress and, in some interpretations, reunites with Menglöð, a maiden he has been sent to rescue or awaken. Fjölsvinsmál offers insights into Norse cosmology, the trials of a hero, and the role of divine testing within the mythological framework.