Hothbrodd

Hothbrodd (Old Norse: Hǫtbroddr) is a name appearing in Norse mythology and legendary saga literature. It is primarily associated with figures of royal or heroic stature. The name itself is a compound, likely combining the elements hǫttr ("hat," "hood," or possibly "head covering") and broddr ("point," "spike," or "prick"). Its overall meaning is therefore interpreted as something like "pointed hood/head covering" or "pointed spearhead."

Hothbrodd is most famously known as the name of a king featured in the Hrólfs saga kraka. In the saga, Hothbrodd is the king of Sweden and the father of Yrsa, who later unwittingly marries her own father, King Helgi of Denmark. This incestuous union produces Hrólf Kraki, a renowned legendary king. Hothbrodd is portrayed as a powerful and somewhat antagonistic figure in this context, often in conflict with Helgi.

Beyond Hrólfs saga kraka, the name Hothbrodd is less commonly found in other sources. Its presence predominantly within saga literature suggests its association with themes of kingship, conflict, and the complexities of familial relationships that are characteristic of those narratives. The name contributes to the rich tapestry of character names within Norse literature, each often carrying symbolic weight or reflecting aspects of the bearer's personality or fate.