Hjálmarr

Hjálmarr was a legendary king of Sweden, known primarily from the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems compiled in the 13th century. The Poetic Edda provides the most detailed account of Hjálmarr's life and reign. He is the son of King Hög of Sweden and is known for his role in the events leading to the downfall of the Yngling dynasty, the traditional royal house of Sweden.

Hjálmarr's reign is marked by a series of events that ultimately lead to the destruction of the Yngling dynasty. According to the Poetic Edda, Hjálmarr's uncle, King Örvar-Oddr, is killed by Hjálmarr's father, King Hög. This act of regicide sets the stage for a series of conflicts and betrayals. Hjálmarr's brother, King Adils, is also killed, and Hjálmarr himself is exiled to the island of Hising. Despite his exile, Hjálmarr returns to Sweden and eventually becomes king.

Hjálmarr's reign is characterized by his cruelty and tyranny. He is said to have killed many of his own kin, including his own sons, in a fit of rage. This brutal behavior leads to the downfall of the Yngling dynasty. After Hjálmarr's death, the Yngling dynasty comes to an end, and a new dynasty, the House of Ylfing, takes its place.

Hjálmarr's legacy is a complex one. While he is remembered for his cruelty and tyranny, he is also seen as a symbol of the end of an era. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of regicide and the dangers of unchecked power. The Poetic Edda presents Hjálmarr as a figure of both horror and historical significance, reflecting the complex nature of the Yngling dynasty and the political dynamics of early medieval Sweden.