39 This epithet (in the original, Hilditǫnn) may mean “warrior”; or perhaps the name developed by popular etymology from an original Hildidanr, “War Dane,” because of the similarity to Harald Bluetooth (Blátonn).

40 [OE. Hrēthric, “Glorious Ruler.”] The epithet here given him is one typical of a generous, ring-dispensing prince (See “Helgakviða Hundingsbana” I, St. 17 and Note 24), but in this case the name is ironic: according to the ancient “Lay of Bjarki” he cast away his gold to buy off his assailant King Hrólf Kraki.

41 “The Wealthy” (?). Her namesake, a famous woman colonist of Iceland, bore the same epithet.

42 This famous viking plays a role in the Ragnars saga Iǫðbrókar.

43 “Shield-Warrior.” Not identical, of course, with the son of Jormunrekk. See “Guðrúnarhvǫt,” Introductory Prose.

44 “Sacrificed,” “slain.”

45 After this stanza the manuscript, without the indication of a break, inserts “The Short Prophecy of the Seeress,” which quite evidently has no connection whatever with the matter in hand.

46 Containing the “ale of memory.” See St. 34 below and “Sigrdrífumál,” Prose after St. 4.

47 Ironic, with reference to Freya’s speech when approaching her (see Note 3 above); but the epithet is doubtful.

48 The name of the mythical she-goat mentioned in “Grímnismál,” St. 25.

49 Her husband. See “Vǫluspá,” St. 25. The meaning, possibly, is that notwithstanding her pretended faithfulness to him—after he had left her she sought him in many lands (“Gylfaginning,” Chap. 34)—she had accepted other lovers. A similar accusation is made by Loki (“Lokasenna,” St. 30).