Orð og tunga - 01.06.2015, Page 159

Sigurður R. Helgason: Gullbrá og Menglöð
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Abstract
The subject of this paper is basically two Icelandic place names, Gullbrárfoss and
Menglaðarfoss, and two associated folktales. The folktales concern two troll wives,
Gullbrá and Menglöð, who live in the said waterfalls. The names Gullbrá and Menglöð
are both beautiful Icelandic names, in full contrast with the trollish nature of the
two females. The fact that Menglöð who is said to live in Menglaðarfoss carries one
of Freyja's names invites investigation. A further incitement to study is that the two
Gullbrárfossar are both in the same area, which seems to indicate considerable im-
portance of the unusual name Gullbrá. Both folktales indicate that Menglöð and Gull-
brá had enjoyed a brighter existence some time in the distant past. Each of the names
is studied per se and in the light of the respective folktales, leading to the conclusion
that both names seem to fulfill the criterion of representing Freyja in the context of
the place names and in that of the folktales. The fact that these presumed representa-
tives of Freyja are depicted as trolls in the folktales indicates a deformation or even
demonization of Freyja after the conversion to Christianity. The presence of Freyja in
pre-Christian Iceland is discussed as well as the possible deformation or demoniza-
tion of other heathen gods after the Conversion. The conclusion of the paper is that in
all probability Gullbrá and Menglöð are Freyja in derogatory garb in the place names
as well as the associated folktales.
Sigurður R. Helgason
sigrh@centrum.is