gefnir

Gefnir is a relatively obscure figure in Norse mythology. The name appears in a limited number of medieval Icelandic sources, and the details of Gefnir’s identity and deeds vary between manuscripts. Because the surviving texts are fragmentary and sometimes contradictory, there is no single, widely agreed-upon account of who Gefnir was or what role he played in the mythic narratives surrounding the great treasure cycles of the Volsung line.

In some traditions, Gefnir is described as a dragon or serpent connected to treasure, while in others Gefnir is presented as a dwarf or as a human figure associated with the hoard and its guardians. A further approach among scholars treats Gefnir as an alternate name or variant of another well-known creature in the same mythic milieu, such as Fáfnir, the dragon slain by Sigurd. Yet other traditions keep Gefnir distinct from Fáfnir, recording separate deeds or lineage connections. The lack of a consistent storyline across sources has led to multiple interpretations rather than a single canonical narrative.

Because of the sparse and divergent attestations, Gefnir’s place within Norse myth remains a matter of scholarly debate. Modern retellings and adaptations of Norse myth may reference Gefnir, but such usages typically reflect contemporary creative choices rather than a singular ancient text establishing a definitive role.

See also: Fáfnir, Andvari, Regin, Volsung saga, Norse mythology.