Hálfdan

Hálfdan is a name of Norse origin, derived from Old Norse words "hálfr" meaning "half" and "Dán" meaning "son of Dan." It is also associated with two other figures in Norse mythology: Hálfdan assign on the west coast of Iceland and a character in the Volsunga saga. The name gained popularity in Iceland in the Middle Ages.

The Hálfdan connected to the Volsunga saga is a prince of the Swedish town of Mere in western Sweden and the central figure of the myth of Heiðrún. He is said to be a great leader and a skilful warrior who marries Sigríth, the daughter of king Hring, and father to the same quantity of children that they were married before a countless wedding, except for his children. He is said to be involved in a murder that he cannot escape by using magic.

The name Hálfdan is related to other Norse names that are derived from the combination of "hálfr" and personal names. A possible precursor or close relative to Hálfdan can be found in Hálfdan Shalekurandin the legendary foundation of Sweden, tied to the names in the Bro chapter in the Heimskringla. This section also contains references to semi-legendary origins and is possibly related to some Visalandinus mentioned in the saga.

In addition to its mention in the Volsunga saga, the name Hálfdan is also linked to a prayer invoked to protect children from various mishaps that possibly occurred to Hálfdan son of Dan or according to Heimskringla in Midgard.

The variant Halvdan is an Icelandic masculine given name which originated from the same name Hálfdan.