A Quest for Ancestry
The goddess Freyja had a favored follower, a man named Óttar, who was devoted to her worship. When Óttar became locked in a dispute over an inheritance, everything turned on his being able to prove his noble descent. To help him, Freyja set out to uncover his ancestry.
She sought the wise giantess Hyndla, who dwelt apart in the wild and knew the lineages of gods and heroes. Freyja rode to her upon her boar Hildisvíni, which was in truth Óttar himself, transformed and hidden in the shape of the golden-bristled beast.
Freyja woke the reluctant Hyndla and pressed her to recite Óttar's forebears. Grudgingly the giantess named generation after generation, tracing his blood back through the great families of the north, until his noble descent stood beyond doubt.
Key Events of the Tale
The Boar Hildisvíni
Freyja rides to the giantess on her boar, secretly her follower Óttar transformed, so that he might hear his own ancestry.
The Long Genealogy
Hyndla recites Óttar's forebears at length, naming the heroes and families from whom he descends.
The Memory-Ale
Freyja demands a draught of memory-ale so Óttar can recall the whole lineage. Hyndla curses the drink, but Freyja shields her follower from the harm.
Sources and Related Tales
The tale is preserved in the Poetic Edda poem Hyndluljóð, which is also a rich storehouse of genealogical and mythological lore.
Quick Facts
Key Figures
Freyja
Champion of her devoted follower
Hyndla
Keeper of the lineages
Óttar
The hero hidden as a boar
Themes & Symbolism
Blood and Worth: A hero's claim rests on the strength of his ancestry.
Loyalty of the Goddess: Freyja goes to great lengths for those devoted to her.
Knowledge from the Giants: The oldest wisdom often lies with the jötnar.