Skuld (the name possibly means "debt" or "future")[1] is a Norn in Norse mythology. Along with Urðr (Old Norse "fate"[2]) and Verðandi (possibly "happening" or "present"[3]), Skuld makes up a trio of Norns that are described as deciding the fates of people. Skuld appears in at least two poems as a Valkyrie.
Poetic Edda[]
Skuld is mentioned in Völuspá, a poem collected in the 13th century Poetic Edda:
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Prose Edda[]
Gylfaginning[]
In the Prose Edda book Gylfaginning, Snorri informs the reader that the youngest Norn, Skuld, is in effect also a valkyrie, taking part in the selection of warriors from the slain:
- These are called Valkyrs: them Odin sends to every battle; they determine men's feyness and award victory. Gudr and Róta and the youngest Norn, she who is called Skuld, ride ever to take the slain and decide fights."[4]
Nafnaþulur[]
In the Nafnaþulur addition to Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda the following sections reference Skuld:
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Notes[]
- ↑ Orchard (1997:151).
- ↑ Orchard (1997:169).
- ↑ Orchard (1997:174).
- ↑ Gylfaginning in translation by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur (1916), at Sacred Texts.
References[]
- Orchard, Andy (1997). Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell. ISBN 0-304-34520-2
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This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original article was at Skuld. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. |