Loki's mother, also called Nal. Unusually used as matronymic.
Laufey (Old Norse Laufey) is Loki's mother, consort of the giant Farbauti. She is also called Nal ('needle'), and Gylfaginning 33 gives both names. Unusually for Norse tradition, Loki is identified by the matronymic 'Laufeyjarson' rather than through his father, suggesting that Laufey was considered the more significant parent.
Laufey's name is interpreted as 'leaf island' or 'the leafy one'. In naturalistic mythological readings, Laufey (leaf) and Farbauti (lightning) have been connected to the origin of fire, but the interpretation lacks firm support in the sources. Beyond Loki's parentage, no independent narratives about Laufey survive.
Sources in the Eddas
- Gylfaginning 33
- Laufey or Nal is named as Loki's mother, consort of Farbauti.
- Lokasenna, prosa-inledning
- Loki is called 'Laufeyjarson' in the poem's prose introduction.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Laufey is Loki's mother, attested in Gylfaginning 33 and through the matronymic Laufeyjarson.
The byname Nal ('needle') is given as an alternative name in the same source.
B What we think we know
Why Loki is identified through a matronymic rather than a patronymic lacks a certain explanation.
C What we do not know
Laufey's possible role in cult or older mythological tradition is entirely unknown.