Hildisvini- Norse CreatureCreature · Beast"Battle Swine"
Also known as: Hildisvíni and Hildisvin
Titles & Epithets
Domains
Description
Freyja rides this boar to the cave of the giantess Hyndla, seeking genealogies for her protégé Óttar. But Hyndla sees through the disguise: the beast is Óttar himself, hidden in bristled form by the goddess's seiðr.
Mythology & Lore
The Road to Hyndla's Cave
In the Hyndluljóð, Freyja rides a boar called Hildisvíni to the cave of the giantess Hyndla. She needs Hyndla to recite the genealogy of her protégé Óttar, who must prove his noble lineage to settle an inheritance dispute. Freyja wakes the giantess and asks sweetly. Hyndla refuses.
Then Hyndla looks at the boar. She declares that Hildisvíni is no boar at all but Óttar himself, disguised by Freyja's seiðr. She accuses Freyja of riding her lover on the road of the slain. Freyja does not deny it. She threatens Hyndla with fire.
Hyndla relents and recites the genealogy, name after name, generation after generation, tracing Óttar's blood back through kings and heroes. When she finishes, she curses the ale she offers as a parting gift. Freyja tells her the curse will not hold and rides away with Óttar still in the shape of a boar beneath her.