Sinmara is a mysterious figure in Norse mythology, appearing in the poem Fjölsvinnsmál as the companion of Surtr, the fire giant who will lead the attack against the gods in Ragnarök. Sinmara is the guardian of a powerful weapon called Lævateinn, which could be a sword or a magical staff. This weapon can only be obtained by offering the rooster (Víðópnir) that perches on the tree Mímameiðr. However, little else is known about her, as her name, origin, and relationship with other figures in Norse mythology remain ambiguous.
- Also Read: Giantess: History of a Mythological Being
Sinmara: Etymology
The name Sinmara has been subject to various interpretations, none of which are entirely conclusive. Some scholars propose that the element “sin-” could be related to Old Norse “sindr,” meaning “ash,” alluding to her fiery nature. Others suggest that “sin-” could derive from other words meaning “sinew,” “flood,” or “eternal.” The element “-mara” might refer to the English word “(night-)mare,” meaning “nightmare,” or the Old Norse verb “merja,” meaning “squash” or “crush.” Thus, Sinmara’s name could be translated as “the pale nightmare,” or “the great [night]mare,” among other possibilities.
Speculation about Sinmara’s identity has also arisen, with some authors attempting to link her to other goddesses or giantesses in Norse mythology. For instance, Viktor Rydberg considered her the wife of Mímir, the wise guardian of the well of knowledge, and the mother of Nótt, the personification of night, Böðvildr, the daughter of Niðhad, the king who captured and mutilated the blacksmith Völundr (Wayland the Smith), and other dísir, female protective spirits. However, this theory lacks significant support among current experts.
Another possibility is that Sinmara could be an alternative form of Skaði (Skadi), the goddess of hunting and winter, who married Njörðr, the sea god, but later separated from him due to their habitat differences. Skaði was also an adversary of Loki, the trickster god and instigator of Ragnarök, allegedly placing a venomous snake over his head as punishment for his crimes while bound to a rock. This hypothesis is based on the phonetic similarity between the names Sinmara and Skaði and the fact that both are wives of gods, contrary to their nature.
Sinmara is one of the few women playing an active and significant role in the scenario of Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods, marking the end of the world and the rebirth of a new one. Alongside Surtr, her consort, Sinmara, will lead the army of fire giants emerging from Muspelheim, the realm of fire, to confront the gods of Asgard, the celestial realm. Surtr will wield his flaming sword, shining brighter than the sun and burning the world tree, Yggdrasil, and everything that exists. Sinmara, in turn, will guard the Lævateinn, the secret weapon that could alter the course of the battle, which only the hero Sigurd, the dragon slayer, might seize.
Quotes
Fjolsvith spake: Lævatein is there, that Lopt with runes Once made by the doors of death; In Lægjarn's chest by Sinmora lies it, And nine locks fasten it firm. Henry Adams Bellows translation, 42.
Fjolsvith spake: The sickle bright in thy wallet bear, Mid Vithofnir's feathers found; To Sinmora give it, and then shall she grant That the weapon by thee be won. Henry Adams Bellows translation, 46.
