Rindr - Goddess of Norse Mythology

A digital artwork depicting Rindr, a goddess in Norse mythology.
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Depicted here is Rindr, a goddess in Norse mythology who is alternatively described as a giantess or a mortal princess.

Rindr (pronounced: "RIN-dr") also known as Rind or Rinda, is a goddess in Norse mythology who is associated with revenge and the avenging of Baldr's death. She is described alternatively as a giantess or a mortal princess of the East. The most detailed account of Rindr can be found in Book III of the Gesta Danorum, written by Saxo Grammaticus in the 13th century.

The name "Rindr" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚱᛁᚾᛏᚱ

According to Saxo's account, Rindr is the daughter of the king of the Ruthenians. After Baldr's death, Odin consults the augurs on ways to find revenge. On their advice, he goes to the Ruthenians disguised as a warrior, under the name of Roster. Twice Rindr rejects his advances. Odin then touches Rindr with a piece of bark on which he has inscribed magic runes, provoking in its victim a fit of madness. The god then takes on the features of a healer, Wecha, and claims to have the appropriate remedies: however, these could provoke a violent reaction. The king therefore has his daughter tied to his bed, thus allowing Odin to rape her. From this rape is born Váli, who will avenge Baldr.

Rindr's rape by Odin is also evoked in a verse in stanza 3 of the Sigurðardrápa, a poem by Kormákr Ögmundarson which praises Sigurd Håkonsson, who ruled around Trondheim in the mid-10th century. Another passage which may refer to the same event is in verse 6 of the text Grógaldr, from the Poetic Edda.

Rindr's name appears in the work of several skalds and in The Dreams of Baldr, where alliteration suggests it may have originally been Vrindr. This dubious etymology could link it to the Swedish toponym Vrinnevi or Vrinnevid, near Norrköping.

Rindr is also known as the mother of Váli, Odin's son, who avenges Baldr's death. According to Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda, she belongs to the ásynjur (goddesses).

In conclusion, Rindr is a goddess in Norse mythology who is associated with revenge and the avenging of Baldr's death. She is described alternatively as a giantess or a mortal princess of the East. Her most notable role is as the mother of Váli, who avenges Baldr's death. The story of her rape by Odin is a controversial topic in Norse mythology and has been the subject of much debate and interpretation.


Please note that the information provided about Rindr and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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