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Glite Dictionary
Skuld

Skuld

1 9.9
One of three Norse goddesses who represent the future
  • proper noun
  • Literature
: Skuld
  • As one of the Norns, Skuld plays a crucial role in deciding the fates of both gods and mortals.
  • sister Skuld

Examples

  • In Norse mythology, Skuld represents the future and is one of the three goddesses known as the Norns.

  • However, King Hrolfr's death is, in fact, caused by his evil sister Skuld and her husband Hjorvardr, whom Hrolfr made his subject.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Weaving and destiny occupy the three sister-goddesses called Norns (Skuld 'Being', Urd 'Fate', Verdandi 'Necessity').

    Academic text (2000)

  • Skuld, the goddess of the future, is often depicted weaving the destinies of humankind.

Surface Forms

Skuld main

Etymology

Skuld is a name from Old Norse that originally meant 'debt' or 'what is owed', and a helpful way to remember it is to think of the English word should, which points to 'what must happen'. So Skuld is the Norn who represents the future — the things that 'should' or will come to pass.