Sigrún

Sigrún is an Old Norse feminine name derived from the elements sigr meaning "victory" and rún meaning "secret lore, rune". Thus, the name Sigrún may be interpreted as "victory rune" or "secret of victory". In Norse mythology, Sigrún is a valkyrie, a warrior maiden who serves Odin and chooses slain heroes for Valhalla.

Etymology and Mythological Significance

The name appears in the Poetic Edda, specifically in the poems Helgakviða Hundingsbana I and Helgakviða Hundingsbana II. According to these sources, Sigrún is the beloved of the hero Helgi Hundingsbane. She leads a band of nine valkyries and falls in love with Helgi after their first meeting. Their union is opposed by her father Högni, who has promised her to Höðbroddr. Helgi invades the kingdom of Granmarr, slaying all opposition, but spares Sigrún's brother Dagr under an oath of fealty. However, Dagr betrays Helgi and kills him with a spear given by Odin. Sigrún mourns Helgi's death and places a curse on her brother, condemning him to live on carrion.

The name Sigrún is also linked by editors to Sváfa, another valkyrie character, with one note suggesting that Sigrún is the reincarnation of Sváfa.

Usage and Variants

Sigrún is used in Iceland and historically among Scandinavian cultures. A related form is Sigrun in Norwegian and other languages. The name remains popular in Iceland, where it is borne by notable individuals such as actress Sigrún Edda Björnsdóttir and writer Sigrún Pálsdóttir.

• Meaning: Victory rune / secret of victory
• Origin: Old Norse
• Type: Feminine name, valkyrie name
• Usage: Icelandic, Norse, Old Norse
• Related names: Sigrun