Grani
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In Scandinavian heroic legend, Grani (Old Norse: [ˈɡrɑne]) is a horse owned by the hero Sigurd. He is the horse that Sigurd receives through advice from Odin. Grani is a descendant of Odin's own steed, Sleipnir.
Attestations
In chapter 13 of Völsunga saga, the hero Sigurðr is on his way to a wood when he meets a long-bearded old man he had never seen before. Sigurd tells the old man that he is going to choose a horse, and asks the old man to come with him to help him decide. The old man says that they should drive the horses down to the river Busiltjörn. The two drive the horses down into the deeps of Busiltjörn, and all of the horses swim back to land but a large, young, and handsome gray horse that no one had ever mounted. The grey-bearded old man says that the horse is from "Sleipnir's kin" and that "he must be nourished heedfully, for it will be the best of all horses". The old man vanishes. Sigurd names the horse Grani, and the narrative adds that the old man was none other than Odin.[1]
Archeological evidence
Grani is believed to be depicted on several of the
Modern influence
In Wagner's
In
Grani also forms the theoretical Old Norse root of the etymology of the island of Guernsey via Anglo-Norman, from "Granis" (Grani's) + "ey" (dialectical term for "little island"); although it is probable that this was from a Viking's personal name rather than a direct appellation to the divine horse.[5]
In Fire Emblem Heroes, Grani's Shield is a skill that protects cavalry units against bonus damage from enemies who have anti-cavalry weapons.
In Final Fantasy XIV, Grani is a mount available to players that pre-ordered the Shadowbringers expansion. It is described in-game as a "heroic steed from a realm not your own."
In Arknights, Grani is a character based on a horse-inspired race.
In Granblue Fantasy, Grani can be fought as a raid boss and be obtained as a summon.
See also
Notes
References
- Düwel, Klaus (1988). "On the Sigurd Representations in Great Britain and Scandinavia". In Jazayery, Mohammad Ali; Winter, Werner (eds.). Languages and Cultures: Studies in Honor of Edgar C. Polomé. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. pp. 133–156. ISBN 3-11-010204-8.
- Liepe, Lena (1989). "Sigurdssagan i Bild" (PDF). ISSN 1404-9430. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ISBN 1-60506-469-6