Sigyn - Goddess of Norse Mythology

An imposing figure of Sigyn, .
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Sigyn, , depicted as an imposing figure.

Sigyn (pronounced: "SEE-gin") is a Norse goddess who is mostly known as the faithful wife of the trickster god Loki. She is believed to be a member of the Aesir group of deities in Norse mythology. Sigyn's name is thought to mean "victorious friend," although its exact meaning remains uncertain.

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

ᛋᛁᚴᚢᚾ

In Norse mythology, Sigyn is primarily associated with the story of Loki's punishment. According to the myth, after Loki was responsible for the death of Baldr, the god of light, he was captured by the Aesir and punished by being bound to a rock with the entrails of one of his sons. A venomous serpent was placed above Loki's head, and Sigyn stood by her husband's side to catch the dripping venom in a cup. However, when the cup was full, she had to leave to empty it, causing the venom to fall on Loki's face and causing him immense pain.

Despite the agony that Loki's punishment caused him, Sigyn remained loyal to her husband and continued to catch the venom, even though doing so only provided him with brief relief. Sigyn's devotion and sacrifice in this myth have made her a symbol of faithfulness and loyalty in Norse mythology.

Sigyn is mentioned in several sources from Norse mythology, including the Poetic Edda, Snorri's Edda, and skaldic poetry. She is also depicted on the Gosforth Cross, an 11th-century stone cross located in Cumbria, England, which features a mixture of Christian and pagan imagery.

In addition to her role as Loki's wife, Sigyn is also listed as an Asyne, or goddess, in Snorri's Edda. She is said to have attended a banquet held by the giant Ægir alongside other Asynes, although her exact role in Norse mythology beyond her association with Loki is unclear.

Sigyn's cult and worship are not well attested in historical records, but her presence in Norse mythology suggests that she was once an important goddess in Norse religion. Today, Sigyn remains a popular figure in modern paganism and is often invoked as a symbol of loyalty and devotion.


Please note that the information provided about Sigyn 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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Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


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