In Norse mythology, Svalinn is a legendary shield which stands before the sun.
The name Svalinn means "cold" or "chill" and is derived from the verb svala means "cool"; svala sér means "to slake one's thirst" and svala-drykkr is a "icing draught".
It is attested in original Grímnismál:
- Svalinn heitir,
- hann stendr sólu fyrir,
- skjöldr, skínanda goði;
- björg ok brim,
- ek veit, at brenna skulu,
- ef hann fellr í frá.
- - Grímnismál 38,
- Guðni Jónsson's edition
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Translations
- Svalinn is his name,
- he stands a shield before the sun,
- the shining deity.
- I know that the hills and
- the sea would burn,
- if it were to fall from its place.
- - Grímnismál 38,
- William Herbert's translation
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- In front of the sun
- does Svalinn stand,
- The shield for the shining god;
- Mountains and sea
- would be set in flames
- If it fell from before the sun.
- - Grímnismál 38,
- Henry Bellows' translation
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See also
