Sigyn, a goddess of the Aesir in Asgard, was the devoted wife of the trickster Loki. Loki, despite his giant origins, lived among the Aesir due to a pact with Odin. Though his mischievous nature often put him at odds with the gods, Sigyn remained steadfastly by his side, even in the face of his cruel punishment.
Some sources suggest Sigyn may have been a goddess of victory, potentially hinting at divided loyalties between her Aesir family and giant husband. However, the question of whether this played a role in the stalemate of Ragnarok remains a mystery.
Her primary role in surviving Norse sources centers on her relationship with Loki, about whom we know significantly more. Loki, though an adopted member of the Aesir, fathered three infamous children with the giantess Angrboda: the serpent Jormungandr, the wolf Fenrir, and the ruler of the underworld, Hel. With Sigyn, he also had Narfi and Vali.
Loki’s trickery often angered the gods. While his cleverness could resolve dire situations, such as procuring treasures for the gods or saving Freyja, it was ultimately his role in the death of the beloved Balder that proved unforgivable.
Loki’s Betrayal & Punishment
Loki manipulated the blind god Hodr into killing Balder with a dart fashioned from mistletoe, the one substance Frigg had overlooked in her efforts to protect her son. Balder’s death, and the inability to retrieve him from Helheim, was a devastating blow. The gods’ subsequent punishment of Loki was severe, a testament to the gravity of his betrayal.
The tragic death of Balder had far-reaching and violent consequences. His wife, Nanna, overwhelmed by grief, perished on his funeral pyre. Though Loki was the instigator of Balder’s death, his punishment was not immediate. Hodr, who unwittingly struck the fatal blow, was slain and sent to Helheim.
Later, a feast hosted by Aegir became the stage for Loki’s bitter confrontation with the gods. Uninvited, he arrived to verbally assault them, reminding Odin of their blood oath. Frigg lamented that Balder’s demise robbed the gods of a fierce defender against Loki. In a boastful retort, Loki proudly confessed to orchestrating Balder’s death. Thor’s arrival and threats finally forced Loki to flee, but his capture and subsequent punishment were swift.
The Punishment of Loki and His Sons
The gods imprisoned Loki and his sons with Sigyn, Vali and Narfi. In a horrifying act of cruelty, Vali was transformed into a wolf. Overcome by bloodlust, he killed his brother Narfi and fled, likely to his own death. Narfi’s entrails were then used to bind Loki to three rocks. A venomous serpent was positioned above him, its poison causing excruciating pain that made Loki’s body violently convulse, triggering earthquakes throughout the nine realms.
Sigyn, in a remarkable testament to her loyalty, remained by her husband’s side, attempting to alleviate his suffering with a bowl to catch the venom. Yet, the bowl would inevitably fill, forcing her to empty it, and the earthquakes resumed. This enduring image earned Loki the kenning “Sigyn’s burden.”
Sigyn’s name translates to “victorious girlfriend,” often interpreted in relation to Loki. However, an alternative perspective suggests she may have been a goddess of victory akin to Nike (Greek) or Victoria (Roman). This potential role complements Odin as a war deity and raises a fascinating question about her position at Ragnarok.
Sigyn’s Significance at Ragnarok
The Völuspá prophecies speak of Sigyn’s sorrow beside her chained husband at Ragnarok. When the earthquakes break Loki’s bonds, he will join his monstrous children, Fenrir, Jormungandr, and Hel, all previously imprisoned by the gods, to lead an assault against them. This epic battle will result in the deaths of major figures: Odin, Thor, Loki, Heimdall, and many more, leading to the destruction of the cosmos.
Could Sigyn’s inability to choose between her Aesir family, who murdered her sons, and her giant husband, who betrayed her kin, be a factor in the stalemate of Ragnarok? Her potential as the goddess of victory makes this a compelling possibility, hinting that her divided loyalties might ultimately prevent either side from achieving a decisive win.
