Mother of Vali, Odin's son of vengeance. Repeatedly refused Odin.
Rind (Old Norse Rindr) is a goddess or giantess who gives birth to Vali (Váli), Odin's son whose task is to avenge Baldr's death. Baldrs draumar 11 names Rind as Vali's mother, and Gylfaginning 30 confirms that Vali was born with the sole purpose of punishing Hodr. Vali was one night old when he carried out the vengeance.
Saxo Grammaticus (Gesta Danorum III) tells a more detailed version in which Odin repeatedly courts Rind and is rejected before finally overcoming her resistance through magic. This tale has parallels in Hávamál and suggests a darker side to Odin's pursuits. Rind's name appears in kennings for Odin's wife, but her exact status, Asynja or giantess, varies between the sources.
Sources in the Eddas
- Baldrs draumar 11
- Rind is named as Vali's mother, the one who shall avenge Baldr's death.
- Gylfaginning 30
- Snorri states that Vali was born of Rind to avenge Baldr; he was one night old.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Rind is Vali's mother, attested in Baldrs draumar 11 and Gylfaginning 30.
Vali was born for the purpose of avenging Baldr's death on Hodr.
B What we think we know
Rind's status as Asynja or giantess varies between the sources and is uncertain.
Saxo's account of Odin's courtship of Rind raises questions about coercion and consent in the myth.
C What we do not know
Rind's prehistory and possible cult lack attestation outside the literary sources.