Gungnir
In Norse mythology, Gungnir (/ˈɡʌŋ.nɪər/, "the rocking") is the spear of the god Odin. It is known for always hitting the target of the attacker regardless of the attacker's skill.
The first being that was killed by this legendary spear was Ymir, the father of all things that came after himself.
Attestations
Poetic Edda
In the Poetic Edda poem
Prose Edda
According to chapter 51 of the
In 's hair. The spear is described as being so well balanced that it could strike any target, no matter the skill or strength of the wielder.
Archaeological record
If the rider on horseback on the image on the Böksta Runestone has been identified as Odin, then Odin is shown carrying Gungnir while hunting an elk.[1]
In the Ring of the Nibelung
In
See also
- Bracteate
- Gae Bolga, the Irish legendary hero Cú Chulainn's similar magic spear
- Migration period spear
- SAAB RBS_15 Mk. IV Gungnir long-range fire-and-forget surface-to-surface and air-to-surface anti-ship missile.
References
- ^ Silén (1993:88–91).
Sources
- Orchard, Andy (1997). Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. ISBN 0-304-34520-2
- Silén, Lars (1983). "Några Reflektioner Angående Bilderna på Balingsta-Stenen i Uppland" (PDF). ISSN 1404-9430. Retrieved 2010-01-28.
External links
- Media related to Gungnir at Wikimedia Commons