Freyr's golden boar, crafted by dwarven skill and capable of running faster than a horse.
Gullinbursti, whose name means 'golden bristles', is a boar crafted by the dwarf brothers Brokkr and Sindri as one of three treasures made for the Æsir. The boar was given to Freyr and can run faster than any horse, over land and sea alike. Moreover, its bristles shine and illuminate the darkness around it. The story is found in Skáldskaparmál 35.
In Gylfaginning 49 and Skáldskaparmál, Gullinbursti is described as one of the most precious objects created during the famous competition over the dwarven treasures. The boar is intimately linked to Freyr as a fertility god, and similar boar figures recur in the cult of fertility and prosperity.
Sources in the Eddas
- Skáldskaparmál 35
- Gullinbursti's creation and qualities are described in the competition narrative. Own translation.
- Gylfaginning 49
- The boar is listed among Freyr's possessions. Own translation.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Gullinbursti is Freyr's luminous golden boar, crafted by Brokkr and Sindri, attested in Skáldskaparmál.
B What we think we know
The luminous boar attribute is linked by scholars to solar symbolism and fertility cult in pre-Christian Scandinavian religion.