(also spelled Siguna), in Norse mythology, one of the Asynjur goddesses, and the wife of Loki, the trickster fire god. Her name means “Victory Giver.” By Loki she had a son named Nari, or Narfi. But not much is known about Sigyn from the surviving literature, except in her connection to Loki’s fate.
The ‘Prose (or Younger) Edda’ recounts how the evil god Loki, responsible for the murder of the beloved god Balder, was finally captured by the Aesir gods. He was taken to a cave and bound to three stone slabs. The goddess Skadi then set a poisonous serpent above Loki’s head so that the burning venom would drip onto his face. There he was doomed to remain in his bonds until Ragnarok, the final battle between the forces of good and evil, when he would break free and lead the denizens of the underworld in battle against the gods. Until that time, Sigyn, his faithful wife, crouched between him and the huge serpent above his head. She patiently caught each of the drops of poison in a basin. Every time the basin became full, however, she had to empty it, and so, for that brief time, the poison would land on Loki’s forehead and sear him. Then he would writhe in agony and pull at his bonds, and the Earth rumbled and shook from the force. This was the Norse explanation for earthquakes.
I'm an enthusiast deeply immersed in Norse mythology, with a particular focus on the intricacies surrounding the characters and stories within this rich tradition. My extensive knowledge draws from a variety of primary sources, including the Prose Edda, Poetic Edda, and other sagas, providing a comprehensive understanding of the mythological landscape.
Now, let's delve into the Norse mythological figure mentioned in the provided passage—Sigyn. Also known as Siguna, she is an Asynjur goddess, and her name, translating to "Victory Giver," hints at her significance within the Norse pantheon. Sigyn holds a pivotal role as the wife of Loki, the trickster fire god. This familial connection adds layers to her character, as she is intricately tied to the fate and actions of Loki.
According to the 'Prose Edda,' Loki faces dire consequences for his role in the murder of Balder, a beloved god. The Aesir gods capture Loki and confine him in a cave, bound to three stone slabs. Here, the goddess Skadi orchestrates a particularly cruel punishment for Loki. A poisonous serpent is positioned above his head, with its venom dripping onto his face. This excruciating torment is meant to persist until Ragnarok, the apocalyptic battle between the forces of good and evil.
Sigyn plays a crucial role in this narrative. Despite the betrayal and chaos caused by Loki, she remains faithfully by his side. Positioned between Loki and the venomous serpent, Sigyn endeavors to alleviate her husband's suffering. She uses a basin to catch the venom droplets, preventing them from reaching Loki's face. However, the process is not without its challenges. As the basin fills, Sigyn must empty it, allowing the poison to briefly sear Loki's forehead. During these moments of agony, Loki thrashes against his bonds, causing the Earth to rumble and shake. In Norse mythology, this seismic activity is explained as the result of Loki's suffering, providing a unique perspective on the origin of earthquakes.
In essence, Sigyn emerges as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and endurance in the face of adversity. Her actions in mitigating Loki's torment also shed light on the Norse mythological explanation for natural phenomena, connecting divine struggles to the earthly realm. The complexity of Sigyn's character and her role in this myth exemplify the depth and intricacy inherent in Norse mythology.
