órofnir

Órofnir is a character featured in Icelandic folklore, specifically within the context of the Hrafnagaldr Óðins (Odin's Raven Song). This short, enigmatic poem is often appended to the Poetic Edda. Órofnir is mentioned as one of the mythical serpents or dragons that inhabit the world. While the poem itself is fragmented and its meaning subject to scholarly interpretation, Órofnir's presence contributes to the overall sense of cosmic upheaval and powerful, ancient forces depicted in the text.

The poem describes a series of events and figures associated with the twilight of the gods, Ragnarök, and the subsequent renewal of the world. Órofnir appears in a list of creatures, suggesting its role within a larger, perhaps chaotic, mythological landscape. Its name, like many in Norse mythology, is suggestive. "Órofinn" in Old Norse can mean "unbroken" or "unfading," hinting at a primordial or enduring nature. However, due to the limited context in Hrafnagaldr Óðins, the exact nature and function of Órofnir remain speculative. It is understood as part of the array of powerful beings that populate the Norse cosmogony.