batnaði

Batnaði is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Vafþrúðnismál, a poem from the Poetic Edda. In this poem, Odin, disguised as Gagnráðr, engages in a riddle contest with the giant Vafþrúðnir. Vafþrúðnir asks Odin a series of questions about cosmology and mythology, and Odin counters with his own queries.

One of these questions posed by Odin is "Hvaðan rann batnaði, er bauð aldregi?" which roughly translates to "Whence flowed Batnaði, who never offered?" The meaning of "Batnaði" in this context is a subject of scholarly debate. It is generally understood as a proper noun, possibly referring to a river, a mythical being, or a concept.

Various interpretations have been suggested for Batnaði. Some scholars propose it refers to a river that flows but never reaches the sea or provides sustenance. Others link it to a more abstract idea, perhaps a river of time or fate, which is constantly flowing but inaccessible or unyielding. The phrase "bauð aldregi" suggests something that never offers or gives, adding to the enigmatic nature of the term.

The question's inclusion in the Vafþrúðnismál highlights the riddling and philosophical nature of the poem, where understanding obscure mythological figures and concepts is key to demonstrating wisdom. The precise identity and significance of Batnaði remain open to interpretation within the field of Old Norse studies.