Editing Syn (goddess)

{{Short description|Norse deity}}
In [[Norse mythology]], '''Syn''' ([[Old Norse]]: {{IPA|non|ˈsyn|}}, "refusal"<ref name=ORCHARD157>Orchard (1997:157).</ref>) is a [[Áss|goddess]] associated with defensive refusal. Syn is attested in the ''[[Prose Edda]]'', written in the 13th century by [[Snorri Sturluson]]; and in [[kenning]]s employed in [[skald]]ic poetry. Scholars have proposed theories about the implications of the goddess.

==Attestations==
In chapter 35 of the ''Prose Edda'' book ''[[Gylfaginning]]'', [[High, Just-As-High, and Third|High]] provides brief descriptions of 16 [[ásynjur]]. High lists Syn eleventh, and details that she "guards the doors of the hall and shuts them against those who are not to enter". High additionally states that Syn is "appointed in defense" at [[thing (assembly)|things]] "in legal matters in which she wishes to refute" and that her name is connected to a saying where "a denial (''syn'') is made when one says no."<ref name=FAULKES30>Faulkes (1995:30).</ref>

In the ''Prose Edda'' book ''[[Skáldskaparmál]]'', Syn is included among a list of 27 ásynjur names.<ref name=FAULKES157>Faulkes (1995:157).</ref> Syn also appears in two kennings used in works recorded in ''Skáldskaparmál'': once for "[[jötunn]]" ("hearth-stone-Syn") in ''[[Þórsdrápa]]'' by [[Eilífr Goðrúnarson]], and for "woman" ("Syn [woman] of soft necklace-stand [neck]") in a work attributed to Steinar.<ref name=FAULKES115>Faulkes (1995:115).</ref>

==Theories==
[[Rudolf Simek]] says that Syn ranks among the female goddesses whose names are recorded from the "late heathen period", but that prior to this these goddesses were considered among the collective [[dís]]ir, and were, in turn, related to the [[Germanic paganism|Germanic]] [[Matres and Matrones|Matronae]].<ref name=SIMEK309>Simek (2007:309).</ref> 

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
* Faulkes, Anthony (Trans.) (1995). ''Snorri Sturluson: Edda''. First published in 1987. London: Everyman. {{ISBN|0-460-87616-3}}
* Orchard, Andy (1997). ''Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend''. [[Orion Publishing Group|Cassell]]. {{ISBN|0-304-34520-2}}
* Simek, Rudolf (2007) translated by Angela Hall. ''Dictionary of Northern Mythology''. [[Boydell & Brewer|D.S. Brewer]]. {{ISBN|0-85991-513-1}}
{{refend}}

{{Norse mythology}}

[[Category:Ásynjur]]
[[Category:Justice goddesses]]