SKIDBLADNER or SKYBLADNER, name of a ship given to the gods by Gerda, on her marriage with Frey. When not required for navigation, it could be folded up like a scarf. It seems to resemble the Sverga, or ship of heaven, of the Hindoos; and they are both probably types of the clouds, for sky is “cloud,” and blad a leaf, in the Icelandic tongue.
SKINFAX, name of the steed who draws the chariot of day. Its meaning is “light-bearer,” the φωσφορος of the Greeks.
SKIRNIR, name of an Asa, messenger of Frey; he is sent by Frey to negotiate his union with Gerda, and by Odin to procure a cord to bind the wolf Fenris, both which commissions he executes successfully. Etym.: Icelandic verb skirna (to clear up).
SKRYMER, name of a giant who meets Thor on his journey to Utgard and leads him astray. He mystifies him also by giving to him a wallet filled with provisions, but which Thor could not untie. Etym.: Icelandic word skrum (boasting), from which comes the Swedish verb skrymma (to look big).
SKULDA, name of the Norna, or destiny of the future. Etym.: skulu (shall), in Icelandic.
SLEIPNER, name of Odin’s charger. He has eight feet; he typifies the wind with its eight principal points.
SNOTRA, an Asynia extremely graceful, who inspires mankind with elegance of gesture and diction. Etym.: Icelandic verb snotra (to teach manners).
STARKODDER, name of a celebrated Scandinavian warrior. He slew king Oluf in a perfidious manner, but having afterwards greatly distinguished himself by a series of brilliant actions, he seems to have obliterated his crime, for he was deified after his death. He may be considered in some measure as the Hercules of the Goths.
SURTUR, name of a formidable giant, who, with flames collected from Muspelheim, is to set fire to the universe at Ragnarok. Etym.: surtr (swarthy in colour).