gyll

Gyll is a term used in Old English and Old Norse literature to refer to a type of magical or enchanted creature. The term is derived from the Old English word "gyll," which means "gold" or "yellow," and is often associated with the color yellow in various contexts. In Old English poetry, gylls are sometimes described as golden-haired or yellow-haired beings, often depicted as beautiful and otherworldly.

In Old Norse literature, gylls are more commonly associated with the realm of the gods and the afterlife. They are often described as golden-haired maidens who serve in the halls of the gods, such as in the poem "Grímnismál" from the Prose Edda. These gylls are sometimes depicted as being under the control of the god Odin, who can summon them to his hall, Grímnir, for various purposes.

The exact nature and origin of gylls are not clearly defined in the texts, and they can be interpreted in various ways. Some scholars suggest that gylls may represent a class of supernatural beings, possibly related to the Valkyries or other divine maidens. Others propose that they could be a metaphor for the golden light of the sun or the afterlife, reflecting the association with the color yellow.

In summary, gyll is a term from Old English and Old Norse literature that refers to a type of magical or enchanted creature, often associated with the color yellow and the realm of the gods. The exact nature and origin of gylls remain a subject of scholarly debate.