Neitanir, Eddukvæði og rúnarista

Abstract

1. The Old Icelandic system of negations, especially -a, -(a)t, and ne, né, has recently been the subject of detailed studies. On the basis of these studies interpretations are suggested for fíve texts. 2. Grípisspá 53, line 2, mun-at has been interpreted as lst plural or 3rd plural. The latter is obviously correct. 'Fate can't be opposed.' 3. Atlamál 96, lines 5-6, are interpreted as follows: 'you were so deceitful, you didn't accept anything.' This fíts the context. Guðrún Gjúkadóttir has shown contempt for Atli's wealth, and he accuses her of not having accepted anything. 4. A Norwegian runic inscription found in Bergen, N B265, is the only certain occurrence of Ijóðaháttr outside Iceland. Line 5 is probably to be read as follows: sák-at átekt um okkart T didn't see that our [relationship] was objected to.' 5. Grípisspá 49, the first half of the verse. The following interpretation is suggested here: 'Brynhildr repays you [your deceit], not because of sorrow but because of anger.' According to this, there are parallels between the fírst and the second half of the verse. Brynhildr is angry, but not overcome; Sigurðr cheated her, but did her no harm. 6. Hamdismál 13 (14). The second half of the verse is probably to be interpreted as follows: Tn what way is your help better than the help we give to each other?'