The Young Man Who Became a Boar

Why did Freyja trace Ottar's ancestors?

In The Lay of Hyndla, Freyja wakes Hyndla, who lives in a cave. Darkness is falling. Hyndla says that Freyja's companion is the young man Ottar. Freyja replies that he is a boar with shining golden bristles.

Ottar and Angantyr were competing for a treasure. Freyja wants to help Ottar claim the wealth he should inherit from his father. Hyndla traces his family back from his father through his ancestors. She says that royal families, too, are among Ottar's relatives.

Freyja asks for a drink to help him remember what he has heard. On the morning of the 3rd day, Ottar must discuss his ancestry with Angantyr. But Hyndla tells her to leave: she wants to sleep.

Freyja threatens to surround Hyndla with fire so she cannot escape. Hyndla says she can see the flames. Then she orders Freyja to give Ottar a poisoned drink. Freyja rejects the curse and asks the gods to help Ottar.

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