Hyndla

Hyndla is a figure in Norse mythology known primarily from the Old Norse poem Hyndluljóð, which is part of the Poetic Edda. The character appears in medieval Icelandic literature as a wise, elderly woman who possesses knowledge of lineage and descent. The poem presents Hyndla as someone who can recount the genealogies of noble families and heroic lineages, a role that highlights the importance of ancestry in Norse culture.

Scholars generally treat Hyndla as a figure associated with ancient ritual or mythic knowledge rather than as a specific deity with a fixed cult; her exact identity—whether she is a jötunn (giantess), a goddess, or a seeress—varies among interpretations and manuscripts. This ambiguity is common in Norse myth where figures can function across roles such as guardian of lore, priestess, or guardian of genealogical truth.

In Hyndluljóð, Hyndla’s knowledge is sought by other characters to establish noble heritage, illustrating how bloodlines and inheritance were perceived in Norse storytelling. The poem uses genealogical recitation to connect legendary heroes with gods and enduring lineages, underscoring themes of lineage, honor, and social status.

Historically, Hyndluljóð is preserved in medieval Icelandic manuscripts, with the compilation dating to the 13th century, though the poem itself likely draws on older oral traditions. Hyndla as a figure remains a minor but noteworthy element within Norse myth, reflecting broader motifs of kinship, ancestry, and the transmission of mythic knowledge.