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Meili
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Meili
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In Norse mythology, Meili (Old Norse: [ˈmɛile]) is a god, a brother of the god Thor. Meili is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. In the nafnaþulur, a section at the end of the Prose Edda that may be later, he is named as a son of the god Odin. No additional information is provided about Meili in either source.

Attestations

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In the Poetic Edda poem Hárbarðsljóð, Thor declares that, even if he were an outlaw, he would reveal his name and his homeland, for he is the son of Odin, the brother of Meili, and the father of Magni.[1]

Meili receives four mentions in the Prose Edda book Skáldskaparmál. In chapter 17, verses from the poem Haustlöng (attributed to the 10th-century skald Þjóðólfr of Hvinir) are provided, where Thor is referred to as "Meili's brother".[2] The lines mentioning Meili are also quoted in chapter 23.[3] In chapter 22, additional quotes from Haustlöng are provided where a kenning is employed for the god Hœnir that refers to Meili ('step-Meili').[4] In the nafnaþulur at the end of the Prose Edda, Meili is listed among names of the Æsir and as a son of Odin (between the god Baldr and the god Víðarr).[5]

Reception

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The name Meili is of unknown etymology and meaning. Rudolf Simek suggested der Liebe, 'the dear one'.[6][7]

Scholars have generally accepted that Meili, like Thor, is a son of Odin. Some 19th-century scholars proposed that he should also be understood as having the same mother as Thor, Jörð, a goddess and the personified Earth.[8] Also during the 19th century, Viktor Rydberg theorized that Baldr and Meili are one and the same.[9]

Notes

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References

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Meili

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Meili is an god in , attested as the brother of Thor and, by extension, a son of . He appears in the , a collection of poems compiled in the 13th century from earlier oral traditions, most notably in the poem . In stanza 9 of the poem, Thor declares his identity to the ferryman Hárbarðr ( in disguise), stating: "And all my race; I am Othin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's father, the strong one of the gods." Meili is also referenced briefly in the by , in skaldic kennings such as "Meili's brother" for Thor. These references establish Meili's familial ties but provide no further details on his character, exploits, or domain. No myths, attributes, or roles are recorded for Meili beyond these attestations. Scholars have proposed etymological interpretations of his name, such as "the lovely one" from roots, though its precise meaning remains uncertain and has led to speculative associations with concepts like or endearment. His obscurity highlights the fragmentary nature of Norse mythological records, where many minor deities are known only through incidental mentions.

Etymology

Name Origin

The name Meili derives from , where it appears as a referring to a god in the mythological corpus. Its is uncertain and of unknown origin, but scholar proposes that it may stem from a form related to *mildr, meaning "mild" or "gentle," interpreting Meili as "the dear one." This connection aligns with broader Germanic linguistic patterns, potentially linking to Proto-Germanic *mildijaz, an adjective denoting gentleness or kindness, though direct attestation for the theonym remains sparse. The name is historically attested in 13th-century Icelandic manuscripts, primarily as a theophoric element in skaldic poetry and the , such as in the poem , where Thor identifies Meili as his brother. These sources, compiled from earlier oral traditions, represent the primary linguistic evidence for the name's use in Norse pagan context, without explicit glosses on its meaning in the texts themselves.

Interpretations of the Name

The name Meili has been interpreted in various ways, often drawing on phonetic and contextual clues from sources. Simek's reading posits Meili as "the dear one," reflecting possible connotations of gentleness or benevolence as a lesser-known member of the Æsir. This interpretation arises from similarities to terms evoking endearment in medieval Icelandic manuscripts, such as forms akin to mildr ("mild" or "gentle"), suggesting a figure of mild temperament. Such readings align with broader Germanic linguistic patterns where divine names may encode attributes, though Meili's obscurity means proposals remain tentative.

Mythological Role

Attributes and Associations

Meili is a minor god in , attested only through brief mentions that provide no explicit descriptions of his attributes or associations. He appears solely in kennings referencing his kinship with Thor, such as "Meili's brother" used for Thor, without indicating any specific domains, exploits, or characteristics. No myths or roles are recorded for Meili in the surviving Norse texts, including the and . Scholarly analyses note his complete obscurity beyond familial ties, with no evidence of attributes like agility or involvement in divine functions.

Role in the

Meili occupies a peripheral position among the , the primary tribe of gods in who dwell in and maintain order within the centered on . As a son of and brother to Thor, his sole significance lies in reinforcing the pantheon's familial structure, with no attested role in cosmic events or divine duties. Meili is absent from major narratives, including Ragnarök, underscoring his non-central status and the fragmentary nature of Norse mythological records where many deities lack defined functions.

Family and Relations

Parentage

In Norse mythology, Meili is identified as the son of Odin, the Allfather and chief of the Æsir gods. This parentage positions Meili as a member of the Æsir tribe, akin to his brother Thor, emphasizing his divine lineage within the primary pantheon of gods. Some 19th-century scholars proposed that, like Thor, Meili is also the son of the earth goddess , though this is not directly attested. The primary attestation of Meili's relation to Odin appears in the , specifically in the poem , where Thor declares himself "'s son, Meili's brother" during a verbal exchange with the ferryman Hárbarðr (likely in disguise). This establishes Meili explicitly as 's son and Thor's sibling, without detailing further family ties in the poem itself. The reinforces 's paternity in its Nafnaþulur section, listing Meili among 's sons alongside figures like and . is named as Thor's mother in the section of the same text, leading some to infer that Meili shares this maternal lineage. Variations across sources highlight the non-explicit nature of the maternal line, relying on sibling relations for confirmation rather than direct statements.

Siblings and Kin

In Norse mythology, Meili is primarily attested as the brother of the god Thor, with their fraternal relationship explicitly named in the Poetic Edda. In the poem Hárbarðsljóð, Thor identifies himself during a verbal exchange with the ferryman Hárbarðr (disguised Odin) as "Othin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's father," emphasizing his lineage and underscoring a close kinship bond among the Æsir gods associated with strength and protection. This reference positions Meili as Thor's sole explicitly named sibling in the Eddic corpus, highlighting a dynamic of shared divine might where Thor, the thunder god, acknowledges Meili in a context of familial solidarity. The further reinforces this sibling connection through kennings in , where Thor is repeatedly referred to as "Meili's brother" in skaldic verses, such as in the poem Haustlöng and others preserved by , implying Meili's role as a counterpart in Thor's protective and martial domain. These portray Meili as a lesser-known figure aligned with Thor's attributes of power, potentially supporting the thunder god's journeys, though direct narratives of their interactions remain scarce. Meili is also included among Odin's sons in the Nafnaþulur appendix to Skáldskaparmál, listed alongside siblings such as , Váli, Víðarr, and Hildólfr, which situates him within the broader Æsir pantheon but with particular emphasis on his loyalty to Thor as the only brother named in direct relation. This kinship underscores Meili's integration into the divine family, distinct from more prominent figures like , yet tied to Thor through themes of fraternal support in mythological poetry.

Attestations

Poetic Edda References

In the Poetic Edda, Meili receives a single, fleeting mention in the poem Hárbarðsljóð, a or verbal duel between Thor and the ferryman Harbarðr ( in disguise). In stanza 9, Thor identifies his lineage during the exchange, declaring himself "Othin's son, Meili's brother, and Magni's father," thereby positioning Meili as one of his siblings without elaborating on the figure's attributes or deeds. This terse reference underscores familial bonds within the Æsir but offers no narrative development or independent role for Meili. The mention serves primarily to bolster Thor's identity in the poem's confrontational dialogue, where each participant boasts of exploits and kin to assert superiority. Meili's inclusion alongside more prominent brothers like Magni highlights the breadth of Odin's progeny but remains incidental, lacking the mythological depth seen in other Eddic portrayals of Thor's family. forms part of the , a collection of poems preserved in the manuscript, compiled around 1270 in 13th-century from earlier oral traditions dating to the . This context emphasizes the poem's function in illuminating divine lineages through poetic contest, reinforcing Thor's heroic stature amid the Edda's broader exploration of godly relations.

Prose Edda and Other Texts

In the , compiled by in the 13th century, Meili receives no extended narrative treatment or direct depiction in the mythological dialogues of or the prose sections of . However, his name is included in the Nafnaþulur, a verse catalogue of poetic names appended to , where he is listed among the as part of the enumeration of the Æsir: "Óðinn's sons are and Meili, and Nepr, , Áli, Þórr and Hildólfr...". This listing serves as a (poetic synonym) for the gods, underscoring Meili's place within the divine family without elaborating on his attributes or deeds. Meili is referenced indirectly in Skáldskaparmál through quotations of earlier skaldic poetry, where his name forms part of kennings identifying Thor as his brother. In chapter 17, Snorri quotes stanzas from the 10th-century poem Haustlöng by Þjóðólfr ór Hvini, describing Thor's rage before battling the giant Hrungnir: "High swelled the godlike anger / In the mind of Meili’s Brother.". Here, "Meili’s Brother" functions as a kenning for Thor, emphasizing their sibling bond amid the god's martial fury. Similarly, in chapter 30, another stanza from Haustlöng employs "blóða Meila" ("brother of Meili") to denote Thor in the context of the gods' dealings with the giant Þjazi. These instances highlight Meili's role primarily as a relational figure to more prominent deities, rather than as an active participant in the myths recounted. Beyond the Prose Edda, Meili's attestations in medieval Icelandic literature are sparse, confined to skaldic verse rather than prose sagas or historical narratives. The Haustlöng references, already embedded in Snorri's work, represent the primary surviving examples from pre-13th-century poetry, with no further direct mentions identified in major family sagas like the Íslendingasögur or kings' sagas such as Heimskringla. One additional skaldic usage appears in the þulur tradition, reinforcing the familial kenning without expanding on independent lore. Archaeological evidence for Meili remains absent, with no , amulets, or artifacts bearing his name or iconography confirmed from or medieval Scandinavian sites. Speculative associations with travel-related symbols, such as wayfarer motifs on pendants, lack direct linkage to the god and stem from etymological interpretations rather than material proof.

Interpretations and Theories

Scholarly Analyses

In the , Jacob Grimm's Teutonic Mythology (1835) identifies Meili as a son of (via Iörð) and brother of Thor, noting the figure's presence in Norse sources. Twentieth-century scholarship has generally viewed Meili as a marginal in the Norse pantheon due to limited attestations. Contemporary analyses, such as Rudolf Simek's Dictionary of Northern Mythology (2007), describe Meili's name as deriving from a sense of "the dear one," emphasizing his role in reinforcing familial ties among the , such as in the "Meili's brother" for Thor, without evidence of independent mythological agency. Some scholars, including 19th-century Viktor Rydberg, have proposed theories equating Meili with other figures like , though these remain speculative. The of Meili remains uncertain, with proposals including "the dear one" (Simek) and speculative links to concepts like "mile-stepper" or pace, potentially associating the name with mobility, though direct evidence is lacking.

Symbolic Meanings

Interpretations of Meili's role are limited by textual scarcity. A proposed linking the name to "mile-stepper" or "pace" has led some to speculate on associations with and in Norse culture, though this is not supported by myths. In skaldic poetry, the name appears in the kenning "fet-Meili" ("step-Meili" or "pace-Meili"), used for the god to denote swiftness, as in Þjóðólfr's Haustlöng. This usage highlights themes of movement in divine s but does not establish a distinct role for Meili.

Modern Reception

Academic Interest

Interest in Meili within academic circles emerged as part of the broader 19th-century Romantic nationalist revival of across and , where scholars sought to reclaim pre-Christian heritage amid cultural and political movements for . However, due to Meili's obscurity in primary sources like the Eddas, he received minimal attention compared to prominent deities such as and Thor; for instance, Richard Wagner's influential operatic cycle (1876), drawing from Eddic and Völsung traditions, entirely omitted Meili in favor of central figures driving the narrative of gods and heroes. In the 20th and 21st centuries, scholarly engagement with Meili expanded through comprehensive cataloging of the Norse pantheon in works of comparative mythology, where he is positioned as a minor Æsir god with proposed associations to travel based on debated etymological links to Old Norse míli ("mile"), and occasionally compared to Indo-European counterparts like the Roman Mercury (god of travelers and commerce) or the Celtic Lugh (a multifaceted deity with mobility aspects). John Lindow's Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs (2002), for example, briefly notes Meili as Odin's son and Thor's brother, highlighting his attestation in the Poetic Edda (Hárbarðsljóð) and potential symbolic ties to journeys across the cosmos. As of 2025, Meili continues to receive limited academic attention, reflecting his minor role in surviving sources.

Depictions in Media

Meili's obscurity in Norse mythology has resulted in sparse and niche portrayals across modern literature, art, and entertainment, often limited to fan-created or speculative content that highlights his familial ties to Thor and associations with travel. In fantasy novels, inclusions of Meili are rare, typically as a peripheral figure emphasizing themes of journey and kinship. Video games and comics feature occasional references to Meili through fan discussions and unofficial extensions rather than canonical appearances, often imagining him as Thor's reliable brother aiding in quests or battles. In communities surrounding titles like God of War Ragnarök, fans have proposed Meili as a missed opportunity for inclusion, envisioning him as the god of travel who could accompany Thor on nomadic adventures, though he remains absent from the official narrative. Similarly, Marvel's Thor comics have inspired fan interpretations of Meili as a background supportive sibling, but no mainstream issues include him directly. Artistic representations of Meili in the , particularly within the movement from the onward, frequently emphasize nomadic and exploratory motifs, depicting him as a graceful traveler with earthy attire and a sense of quiet . Digital illustrations on platforms like portray him as a slender, long-haired figure evoking elven grace, clad in practical wanderer's gear to symbolize his mile-stepping essence. These works draw on historical to infuse modern vitality into his mythic role, blending traditional Norse aesthetics with styles.

References

  1. https://sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/poe08.htm
  2. https://pantheon.org/articles/m/meili.html
  3. https://journeytothewestresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/John-Lindow-Norse-mythology_-a-guide-to-the-Gods-heroes-rituals-and-beliefs-Oxford-University-Press-2002.pdf
  4. http://www.voluspa.org/harbardsljod6-10.htm
  5. http://www.voluspa.org/skaldskaparmal31-40.htm
  6. http://www.voluspa.org/nafnathulur1-20.htm
  7. https://books.openbookpublishers.com/10.11647/obp.0308/ch6.xhtml
  8. https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/poe08.htm
  9. https://chs.harvard.edu/chapter/pernille-hermann-methodological-challenges-to-the-study-of-old-norse-myths-the-orality-and-literacy-debate-reframed/
  10. https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=verse&i=1116
  11. https://sacred-texts.com/neu/pre/pre05.htm
  12. https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=verse&i=1009
  13. https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=verse&i=1014
  14. https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=wordtextlp&i=300918
  15. https://www.arild-hauge.com/einscription.htm
  16. https://archive.org/stream/teutonicmytholog04grim/teutonicmytholog04grim_djvu.txt
  17. https://www.academia.edu/2688047/Norse_skaldic_kennings
  18. https://skaldic.org/m.php?p=kenningnameref&i=2855
  19. https://vikingr.org/norse-gods-goddesses/meili
  20. https://gamerant.com/god-of-war-ragnarok-important-norse-mythology-figures-left-out/
  21. https://www.reddit.com/r/marvelstudios/comments/2u4qg3/do_thor_lokis_other_siblings_not_exist_in_the_mcu/
  22. https://www.deviantart.com/spinosaur1/art/Meili-Odindottir-945232641
  23. https://www.deviantart.com/biscuitcrumbs/art/meili-277313172
  24. https://www.reddit.com/r/norsemythology/comments/zpkaex/what_do_you_think_meili_looked_like/
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