SUTTUNG; Suttung’s mead; see Qvaser.
SVEA, SVITHIOD, names of Sweden.
SYN, name of an Asynia who in this poem figures as the porteress of Valhalla, but in the Edda she is porteress of the palace of Freya.
THIASSE, name of a giant, father of Skada. In the shape of an eagle he carries off Asa-Lok, and compels him to join in a plot to steal away Iduna from Asagard. When Iduna is delivered, Thiasse pursues her in the shape of a griffin, but is burnt to death by falling into the bale fire at Breidablik.
THOR, an Asa, son of Odin and Frigga, the god of war, strength, and thunder. He plays a most prominent part in the Gothic mythology. He is the arch enemy of the giants, and is constantly employed in punishing crime and oppression and protecting the weak and virtuous. His various actions are described in this poem, of which he is the principal hero. He is the owner of a famous hammer called Miölner, and of a no less famous belt called Megingard; he wears steel gauntlets and brazen armour. He travels usually in a golden car, drawn by two white goats, Tanngniostr and Tanngrisner; when that car rolls along the heavens, it causes thunder and lightning. The worship of Thor seems to be of very remote antiquity; he typifies probably the occult force of nature, which checks the blind fury of the elements and brings them back to their proper limits. There is no mention of Thor as an historical personage. Odin is thought to have introduced the worship of Thor into Scandinavia; hence, by mythologic filiation, he is said to be Thor’s father; or this relationship may typify supreme force proceeding from supreme wisdom. Thor defeats and puts to flight the giants; thus does thunder disperse noxious exhalations and purify the atmosphere. Thor seems to resemble the Indra of the Hindoo mythology.
THRYMUR, name of a giant who falls in love with Freya. Having obtained possession of Thor’s hammer, Miölner, he offers to restore it on condition of obtaining the hand of Freya. The gods are unwilling to part with Freya, but hit on the expedient of sending Thor disguised as Freya, and Asa-Lok as female attendant, down to Thrymur’s abode in Jotunheim. As soon as Thor obtains his hammer, he throws off his female attire, and slays Thrymur and all his followers.
TIALFE, or Tialf, name of a young peasant adopted by Thor and admitted among the Asar; he accompanies Thor as his shield-bearer in all his expeditions. He is brother of Roska.
TING, or THING; a council is so called in the Scandinavian peninsula. This word has the exact meaning of the English word “thing,” “business,” etc., and of the Latin “negotium.” Storting means “grand council,” for stor signifies “great” in all the Scandinavian dialects.
TRUDVANG, or TRUDVANGUR, name of the domain of Thor, in Asagard.