Fjölsvinnsmál
Fjölsvinnsmál (The Sayings of Fjölsvinnr) is the second part of the story that begins with Grógaldr. After receiving his mother Gróa’s protective spells, Svipdag sets out on the dangerous journey his stepmother forced upon him. His goal is to find and win the maiden Menglöð, who is often interpreted as a goddess or supernatural bride.
When the poem begins, Svipdag has arrived at a fortress-like hall on a high mountain. At its gates he meets a wise and mysterious watchman named Fjölsvinnr (Much-Wise). The hall belongs to Menglöð, but Svipdag cannot simply walk inside. To gain entry, he must prove himself worthy.
What follows is a long riddle-contest between Svipdag and Fjölsvinnr. Svipdag, still disguised as a wandering traveler, questions Fjölsvinnr about everything he sees:
The walls and gates of the fortress, which are magically guarded.
The hounds that patrol the area, fierce beasts that let no intruder pass.
The magical tree within the walls, whose healing fruit can cure every disease.
The great cock that sits atop the tree, a powerful omen-bird.
Strange creatures and hidden powers that dwell near the hall.
Each time Svipdag asks, Fjölsvinnr answers with wisdom, but also with challenges that reveal the strength and sacred nature of the place. These riddles are more than simple questions; they are tests, showing that only someone with courage, patience, and wit can learn the secrets of the hall.
Finally, Svipdag asks the most important question: Who is the maiden that rules here, and for whom this fortress stands? Fjölsvinnr reveals that her name is Menglöð, a beautiful and powerful woman who sits upon the mountain, waiting for her destined lover - a hero chosen by fate.
At that moment, Svipdag reveals himself as the very one foretold. He is the fated hero who has overcome every danger to reach her. The riddle-contest ends, and Svipdag and Menglöð are united at last.
This poem completes the story that began in Grógaldr. Where the first part was about a mother’s magic and protection, this second part is about the hero’s endurance and destiny. Svipdag does not win Menglöð by force of arms, but through wisdom, patience, and the strength to face mysteries without fear.
Together, Grógaldr and Fjölsvinnsmál form Svipdagsmál, the tale of a young man guided by his mother’s love, tested by riddles and trials, and ultimately rewarded with love and union.
Below, you’ll find my modern English translation of the poem, written to make it easier to follow. For those interested in the source, I’ve also included the original Old Norse text.
Fjölsvinnsmál - Modern English Translation
Svipdag came before a great hall, towering high, with fires burning all around it.
Svipdag said:
“What giant stands here before this house,
surrounded by flames,
blocking the way to travelers?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“What is it you seek here, wanderer?
What knowledge do you hope to find?
This is no home for you, outcast -
turn back down the wet and weary road,
for you do not belong here.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me then, what giant is this,
who denies welcome to a wayfarer?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“You shall never find a friendly greeting here.
This place will not open its doors to you.
I am Fjölsviðr, the all-wise,
though I am not generous with food.
You shall never step inside this hall -
go your way like a wolf,
back into the wilderness.”
Svipdag said:
“Few would turn away from the joy of their eyes
when it is love they seek.
Bright and shining are the gates of this golden hall,
and I know within these walls
I shall find the home that is meant for me.”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Tell me, stranger, who is your father?
From what family do you come?”
Svipdag said:
“My name is Vindkald,
son of Varkald,
whose father before him was Fjolkald.
Now answer me, Fjölsviðr,
for I must know the truth:
Who is it that rules this hall,
and claims it as their own?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“She is called Menglöð.
Her mother bore her
to the son of Svafrthorin.
It is she who rules this hall,
and holds it as her own.”
Svipdag said:
“Then tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I must know the truth:
What do they call that gate?
Never have I seen among the gods
a sight so grim.”
Fjölsviðr said:
“They call it Thrymgjol.
It was forged by three brothers,
the sons of Solblindi.
Like a fetter it binds the traveler,
any who dare to lift its latch.”
Svipdag (calling himself Vindkald) said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I must ask and know:
What do they call that wall?
For never among the gods
have I seen a barrier more fearsome.”
Fjölsviðr said:
“It is called Gastrópnir.
I myself built it
from the branches of Leirbrimir.
I have set it so strong
that it will stand firm
for as long as mankind lives.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I must ask and know:
What are the names of those hounds?
Never before, in any land,
have I seen beasts so grim.”
Fjölsviðr said:
“One is called Gífr,
the other is called Geri -
if you wish to know their names.
They guard these gates,
and will keep watch here
until the doom of the gods comes.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I must ask and know:
Is there any man alive
who could pass within these walls
while such fierce guardians sleep?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“They never both sleep at once -
for so it was decreed
when they were set as guards.
One sleeps by night, the other by day,
so no man may ever pass them.”
Svipdag said:
“Then tell me, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
Is there no food men might give them,
and slip inside while they feast?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Yes - there are two wing-joints
from the body of Víðófnir,
if truth is what you seek.
Only that is the food
which may be given them,
and while they eat, one may pass through.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What is the name of the tree
whose branches spread out
over every land?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Mímameið is its name.
No man knows
what root runs beneath it.
And few can guess
what will bring it down,
for neither fire nor iron can fell it.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What comes from the seed
of that mighty tree
that neither fire nor iron can fell?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Women heavy with child
seek its fruit,
to bring it near the fire.
Then what lies hidden within
comes forth into the world -
such is its power among men.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What cock sits high
upon the tallest bough,
gleaming with gold?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Víðófnir is his name.
He shines like lightning
upon the branches of Mímameið.
And by his presence he brings great grief
to both Surtr and Sinmora.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What weapon could strike Víðófnir down,
and send him to Hel’s dark halls?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“There is a weapon called Lævateinn.
Lopt once crafted it with runes
at the very doors of death.
Now it lies locked inside the chest of Sinmora,
sealed with nine strong locks.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
Can any man return alive
who dares to seek this sword
and tries to take it?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Yes, he may return
who dares that path
and reaches for the sword -
but only if he carries with him
a rare treasure,
to give as a gift
to the golden goddess.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What treasure must a man bear
to gladden the pale giantess
and win her favor?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“You must carry a shining sickle
found among Víðófnir’s feathers.
Offer that to Sinmora,
and she will allow you
to claim the weapon for yourself.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What is the name of this hall,
surrounded all around
by flickering flames of magic?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“It is called Lýr,
and long shall it tremble
at the tip of a spear-point.
Of this noble hall,
mankind has heard whispers,
but little else is known.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
Which of the gods
have built so great a hall
as the one I see before me?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Uni and Íri,
Bari and Jari,
Varr and Vegdrasill,
Dóri and Óri,
Delling — and there too
was Loki, feared among men.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
What is the name of the mountain
where the maiden lies,
so fair to behold?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“The mountain is called Lyfjaberg.
Long shall it be a place of joy
for the sick and the suffering.
For every woman who climbs it
shall grow well again,
even if she has long been ill.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
Who are the maidens
that sit so gladly together
at Menglöð’s knees?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“One is named Hlíf,
another Hlífþrasa,
and the third is Þjóðvára.
There are also Björt and Bleik,
Blíð and Frið,
Eir and Aurboða.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
Do they bring help to all
who bring them offerings,
if need is found?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Yes - they swiftly aid all
who make offerings
upon the holy altars.
And when danger threatens
the sons of men,
they guard each one from harm.”
Svipdag said:
“Tell me this, Fjölsviðr,
for I would know the truth:
Is there any man alive
who may lie in Menglöð’s arms,
so fair and bright to behold?”
Fjölsviðr said:
“There is no man at all
who may rest in Menglöð’s embrace -
save Svipdag alone.
For the sun-bright maiden
is fated to be his bride.”
Svipdag said:
“Then fling wide the gates!
Open the way before me!
Here you behold Svipdag himself.
Go now, and see
if Menglöð will grant me her joy.”
Fjölsviðr said:
“Hear me, Menglöð!
A man has come -
go forth and see this guest!
The hounds are fawning,
the doors burst open -
I think it is Svipdag who stands here.”
Menglöð said:
“On the high gallows,
the hungry ravens
shall soon pluck out your eyes,
if you speak falsely in saying
that the hero has at last
come into my hall.
From where have you come?
How did you find your way here?
What name do your kin call you by?
Your lineage and name must I know,
for it is foretold that I am to be your bride.”
Svipdag said:
“I am Svipdag,
son of Sólbjart.
I came here by cold and wind-swept paths.
No man can fight against the words of Urðr,
though her gifts are given unearned.”
Menglöð said:
“Welcome, at last!
For long I have waited for you.
You shall have the kiss of welcome,
for of all joys,
the meeting of true lovers
is the greatest of all.”
Long have I sat here,
upon Lyfjaberg,
awaiting you day by day.
And now my hope is fulfilled,
for you have come at last
into my hall.”
Alike we have yearned -
I for you,
and you for my love.
But now, from this moment on,
we shall live together,
our lives joined until the end.”
Fjölsvinnsmál - Old Norse Translation
1. Útan garða hann sá upp of koma
þursa þjóðar sjöt:
"Hvat er þat flagða, er stendr fyr forgörðum
ok hvarflar um hættan loga?
2. Hvers þú leitar, eða hvers þú á leitum ert,
eða hvat viltu, vinlaus, vita?
Úrgar brautir árnaðu aftr heðan;
átt-at-tu hér, verndar vanr, veru."
Kómumaðr kvað:
3. "Hvat er þat flagða, er stendr fyr forgarði
ok býðr-at líðöndum löð?
Sæmðarorðalauss hefir þú, seggr, of lifat,
ok haltu heim heðan!"
Borgarvörðr kvað:
4. "Fjölsviðr ek heiti, en ek á fróðan sefa,
þeygi em ek míns mildr matar;
innan garða þú kemr hér aldregi,
ok dríf þú nú, vargr, at vegi!"
Kómumaðr kvað:
5. "Augna gamans fýsir aftr at fá,
hvars hann getr svást at sjá;
garðar glóa mér þykkja of gullna sali;
hér mynda ek eðli una."
Fjölsviðr kvað:
6. "Segðu mér, hverjum ertu, sveinn, of borinn,
eða hverra ertu manna mögr?"
Kómumaðr kvað:
"Vindkaldr ek heiti, Várkaldr hét minn faðir,
þess var Fjölkaldr faðir.
7. Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hverr hér ræðr ok ríki hefir
eign ok auðsölum?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
8. "Menglöð of heitir, en hana móðir of gat
við Svafrþorins syni;
hon hér ræðr ok ríki hefir
eign ok auðsölum"
Vindkaldr kvað:
9. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat sú grind heitir, er með goðum sá-at
menn it meira forað?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
10. "Þrymgjöll hon heitir, en hana þrír gerðu
Sólblinda synir;
fjöturr fastr verðr við faranda hvern
er hana hefr frá hliði."
Vindkaldr kvað:
11. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat sá garðr heitir, er með goðum sá-at
menn it meira forað?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
12. "Gastrópnir heitir, en ek hann görfan hefk
ór Leirbrimis limum;
svá hefik studdan, at hann standa mun,
æ meðan öld lifir."
Vindkaldr kvað:
13. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat þeir garmar heita, er gífrari hefik
enga fyrr í löndum lítit?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
14. "Gífr heitir annarr, en Geri annarr,
ef þú vilt þat vita;
varðir ellifu, er þeir varða,
unz rjúfask regin."
Vindkaldr kvað:
15. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita, hvárt sé manna nökkut,
þat er megi inn koma, meðan sókndjarfir sofa."
Fjölsviðr kvað:
16. "Missvefni mikit var þeim mjök of lagit,
síðan þeim var varzla vituð; annarr of nætr sefr,
en annarr of daga, ok kemsk þá vætr, ef þá kom."
Vindkaldr kvað:
17. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr,
er ek þik fregna mun ok ek vilja vita, hvárt sé matar nökkut,
þat er menn hafi, ok hlaupi inn, meðan þeir eta."
Fjölsviðr kvað:
18. "Vegnbráðir tvær liggja í Viðópnis liðum,
ef þú vilt þat vita, þat eitt er svá matar,
at þeim menn of gefi,
ok hlaupi inn, meðan þeir eta."
Vindkaldr kvað:
19. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr,
er ek þik fregna mun ok ek vilja vita: Hvat þat barr heitir,
er breiðask um lönd öll limar?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
20. "Mímameiðr hann heitir,
en þat manngi veit,
af hverjum rótum renn; við þat hann fellr,
er fæstan varir, flær-at hann eld né járn."
Vindkaldr kvað:
21. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat af móði verðr þess ins mæra viðar,
er hann flær-rat eld né járn?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
22. "Út af hans aldni skal á eld bera
fyr kelisjúkar konur;
útar hverfa þats þær innar skyli,
sá er hann með mönnum mjötuðr."
Vindkaldr kvað:
23. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat sá hani heitir, er sitr í inum háva viði,
allr hann við gull glóir?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
24. "Víðópnir hann heitir, en hann stendr veðrglasir
á meiðs kvistum Míma;
einum ekka þryngr hann örófsaman
Surtr Sinmöru."
Vindkaldr kvað:
25. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
hvárt sé vápna nökkut, þat er knegi Viðópnir fyrir
hníga á Heljar sjöt?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
26. "Lævateinn heitir hann, en hann gerði Loftr rúnum
fyr nágrindr neðan;
í segjárnskeri liggr hann hjá Sinmöru,
ok halda njarðlásar níu."
Vindkaldr kvað:
27. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
hvárt aftr kemr, sá er eftir ferr
ok vill þann tein taka."
Fjölsviðr kvað:
28. "Aftr mun koma, sá er eftir ferr
ok vill þann tein taka, ef þat færir,
er fáir eigu, Eiri örglasis."
Vindkaldr kvað:
29. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
hvárt sé mæta nökkut, þat er menn hafi
ok verðr því in fölva gýgr fegin."
Fjölsviðr kvað:
30. Ljósan léa skaltu í lúðr bera,
þann er liggr í Viðópnis völum,
Sinmöru at selja, áðr hon söm telisk
vápn til vígs at ljá."
Vindkaldr kvað:
31. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat sá salr heitir, er slunginn er
vísum vafrloga?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
32. "Hyrr hann heitir, en hann lengi mun
á brodds oddi bifask;
auðranns þess munu um aldr hafa
frétt eina fírar."
Vindkaldr kvað:
33. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hverr þat gerði, er ek fyr garð sák
innan, ásmaga?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
34. "Uni ok Íri, Óri ok Bári,
Varr ok Vegdrasill;
Dóri ok Úri, Dellingr, Atvarðr,
Líðskjalfr, Loki."
Vindkaldr kvað:
35. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat þat bjarg heitir, er ek sé brúði á
þjóðmæra þruma?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
36. "Lyfjaberg þat heitir, en þat hefir lengi verit
sjúkum ok sárum gaman;
heil verðr hver, þótt hafi árs sótt,
ef þat klífr, kona."
Vindkaldr kvað:
37. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvat þær meyjar heita, er fyr Menglaðar knjám
sitja sáttar saman?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
38. "Hlíf heitir, önnur Hlífþrasa,
þriðja Þjóðvarta, Björt ok Blíð,
Blíðr, Fríð, Eir ok Aurboða."
Vindkaldr kvað:
39. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita:
Hvárt þær bjarga, þeim er blóta þær,
ef gerask þarfar þess?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
40. "Bjarga svinnar, hvar er menn blóta þær
á stallhelgum stað;
eigi svá hátt forað kemr at hölða sonum,
hvern þær ór nauðum nema."
Vindkaldr kvað:
41. "Segðu mér þat, Fjölsviðr, er ek þik fregna mun
ok ek vilja vita, hvárt sé manna nökkut,
er knegi á Menglaðar svásum armi sofa?"
Fjölsviðr kvað:
42. "Vætr er þat manna, er knegi á Menglaðar
svásum armi sofa, nema Svipdagr einn,
hánum var sú in sólbjarta brúðr at kván of kveðin."
Vindkaldr kvað:
43. "Hrittu á hurðir, láttu hlið rúm,
hér máttu Svipdag sjá;
en þó vita far, ef vilja myni
Menglöð mitt gaman."
Fjölsviðr kvað:
44. "Heyr þú, Menglöð, hér er maðr kominn,
gakk þú á gest sjá;
hundar fagna, hús hefir upp lokizk,
hygg ek, at Svipdagr sé."
Menglöð kvað:
45. "Horskir hrafnar skulu þér á hám galga
slíta sjónir ór, ef þú þat lýgr,
at hér sé langt kominn mögr til minna sala.
Menglöð kvað:
46. Hvaðan þú fórt, hvaðan þú för gerðir,
hvé þik hétu hjú?
At ætt ok nafni skal ek jartegn vita,
ef ek var þér kván of kveðin."
Svipdagr kvað:
47. "Svipdagr ek heiti, Sólbjartr hét minn faðir,
þaðan rákumk vindkalda vegu;
Urðar orði kveðr engi maðr,
þótt þat sé við löst lagit."
Menglöð kvað:
48. "Vel þú nú kominn, hefik minn vilja beðit,
fylgja skal kveðju koss;
forkunnar sýn mun flestan glaða,
hvars hefir við annan ást.
49. Lengi ek sat ljúfu bergi á,
beið ek þín dægr ok daga;
nú þat varð, er ek vætt hefi,
at þú ert kominn, mögr, til minna sala.
50. Þrár hafðar er ek hefi til þíns gamans,
en þú til míns munar;
nú er þat satt, er vit slíta skulum
ævi ok aldr saman."