Svalinn

In Norse mythology, Svalinn is a legendary shield which stands before the sun.

The name Svalinn means "cold" or "chill" and is derived from the verb svala means "cool"; svala sér means "to slake one's thirst" and svala-drykkr is an "icing draught".

It is attested in original Grímnismál:

Svalinn heitir,

hann stendr sólu fyrir,

skjöldr, skínanda goði;

björg ok brim,

ek veit, at brenna skulu,

ef hann fellr í frá.

- Grímnismál 38,

Guðni Jónsson's edition

Translations

Svalinn is his name,

he stands a shield before the sun,

the shining deity.

I know that the hills and

the sea would burn,

if it were to fall from its place.

- Grímnismál 38,

William Herbert's translation

In front of the sun

does Svalinn stand,

The shield for the shining god;

Mountains and sea

would be set in flames

If it fell from before the sun.

- Grímnismál 38,

Henry Bellows' translation

Shiver is its name,

he stands before the sun,

a shield for the shining goddess.

Mountain and main

I know must burn,

if he falls off.

- Grímnismál 38,

Ursula Dronke's Translation

Translations

See also