Aurboða facts for kids

Aurboða (pronounced like Ow-r-boh-thuh) is a powerful female giant, known as a jötunn in Norse mythology. She is married to another giant named Gymir. Together, they are the parents of Gerðr, a very beautiful giantess.

What Does Her Name Mean?

The name Aurboða comes from Old Norse, an ancient language. The second part of her name, -boða, means "to offer" or "to bid". The first part, Aur-, is believed to mean "gravel" or "wet earth". So, Aurboða's name likely means "gravel-offerer" or "earth-bidder".

This meaning fits well with her family. Her husband Gymir and daughter Gerðr are also linked to the earth. Some old stories mention another figure named Aurboða. She is described as one of nine maidens. These maidens sit with a giantess named Menglöd.

Where is Aurboða Mentioned?

Aurboða is mentioned in two important old Norse poems. These are the Hyndluljód and Gylfaginning. In both of these stories, she is clearly named as the mother of the giantess Gerðr.

For example, Hyndluljód tells us that Gerðr is the daughter of Gymir and Aurboða. Gylfaginning also says that Gymir and Aurboða are married. It describes Gerðr as their daughter and the most beautiful of all women. These mentions help us understand Aurboða's place in the stories of the Norse giants.

See also

• Angrboða, another female jötun