Göndul (Art by Anato Finnstark)
Göndul is one of the valkyries of Norse mythology.
Description[]
Göndul was widely considered to be the most beautiful of the valkyries which is impressive considering the valkyries themselves are very beautiful in their own right. She was known for her silver tongue, sharp wit and had a figure so stunning it would literally drive men insane. Thus, Odin forbade her from entering Midgard after a time, for insanity is not a welcome trait in Valhalla.
History[]
King's Men[]
In one legend, Odin sends forth the two valkyries Göndul and Skögul to "choose among the kings' kinsmen" and decide who in battle should dwell with Odin in Valhalla. A battle rages with great slaughter, and part of the description employs the kenning "Skögul's-stormblast" for "battle". Haakon and his men die in battle, and they see the valkyrie Göndul leaning on a spear shaft. Göndul comments that "groweth now the gods' following, since Hákon has been with host so goodly bidden home with holy godheads." Haakon hears "what the valkyries said," and the valkyries are described as sitting "high-hearted on horseback," wearing helmets, carrying shields and that the horses wisely bore them.
Göndul and Hedinn[]
Göndul features prominently in another legend with the figure Hedinn. Hedinn is separated from his men and enters a clearing. He sees a tall, beautiful woman sitting on a chair, and he asks her what her name is, and the woman replies that her name is Göndul. The two talk, and she asks him of his great deeds. He tells her of his deeds and asks her if she knows of any king who is his equal in accomplishments and stature. She says that she knows of one named Hogni of Denmark, who also rules over no less than twenty kings. Hedinn says that they two must compete to find which is better. Göndul comments that Hedinn should now go back to his men, for they are searching for him.
On a day with beautiful weather, Hedinn goes for a walk in the woods and, like back in Serkland, loses his men and finds himself in an open meadow. In the lawn sits the same woman, Göndul, in the same chair, and yet she seems more beautiful than before. His heart yearns for her. In her hand she holds a drinking horn, shut with a lid, and she tells the king to drink. Hedinn is thirsty from the heat, and drinks from the horn. The drink causes Hedinn to forget his oath of brotherhood with Hogni.
Göndul asks if Hedinn has tried his prowess against that of Hogni, as she had suggested. Hedinn says that he has done this and that, indeed, they found themselves to be equal. Göndul says that he is mistaken, they are not equal at all. Hogni asks her what she means, and she responds that he no bride, yet Hogni has a noble wife. Hedinn says that he will marry Hogni's daughter Hildr, and that Hogni will surely approve. Göndul replies that it would be more glorious for Hedinn to take Hildr and to slay Hogni's bride, specifically by placing her on a ship and then to kill her before launching it. Influenced by the drought he drank, Hedinn leaves with only this plan in mind.
Taken by Göndul[]
After Hedinn has executed the plan as Göndul suggested, he returns alone to the wood in Serkland and again sees Göndul sitting in the same chair. The two greet one another and Hedinn tells her that he has completed the plot. With this she is pleased. She again gives him the horn, from which he again drinks, yet this time he falls asleep in her lap. Göndul draws away from his head and says "Now hallow I thee, and give thee to lie under all those spells and the weird that Odin commanded, thee and Hogni, and all the hosts of you."
Hedinn wakes up and sees the ghostly shadow of Göndul. She has become black and huge, and he remembers everything. Great woe comes over him.