Research source

Ottar, unable to remember the names of more than a few of his progenitors, offered sacrifices to Freya,…

Date of account: Ancient and medieval traditions presented in 1909
Source: Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas
Reference: Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas · selected passage 82
Rights: public_domain
Language: English retelling from Eddic and saga sources
Translation: H. A. Guerber
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

Ottar, unable to remember the names of more than a few of his progenitors, offered sacrifices to Freya, entreating her aid

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

Ottar, unable to remember the names of more than a few of his progenitors, offered sacrifices to Freya, entreating her aid. The goddess graciously heard his prayer, and appearing before him, she changed him into a boar, and rode off upon his back to the dwelling of the sorceress Hyndla, a most renowned witch. By threats and entreaties, Freya compelled the old woman to trace Ottar's genealogy back to Odin, and to name every individual in turn, with a synopsis of his achievements. Then, fearing lest her votary's memory should be unable to retain so many details, Freya further compelled Hyndla to brew a potion of remembrance, which she gave him to drink.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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