Laufey is a figure in Norse mythology best known as the mother of Loki, the trickster god. She appears in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and in skaldic poetry, though always in a supporting role, and the myths never describe her in detail.
Who Was Laufey?
Laufey is a giantess (jötunn) from the world of the giants, though the sources do not say which clan she belongs to. Her name is often translated as “leaf” or “foliage,” which may connect her to trees or growth, but the meaning is not certain. She is also called Nál, meaning “needle,” in the Prose Edda, and some scholars think Nál may have been her original name or a nickname. The name Laufey appears in the Poetic Edda, particularly in the poem Lokasenna, where Loki refers to himself as “Laufey’s son” (Laufeyjarson). The Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century, also names her as Loki’s mother.
Family and Relationships
Laufey’s husband is Fárbauti, a giant whose name means “cruel striker” or “dangerous hitter.” Together they have at least one son, Loki. Some sources also name two other sons, Býleistr and Helblindi, but they appear only in passing and have no stories of their own. Loki is often called “Laufey’s son” rather than “Fárbauti’s son,” which is unusual in Norse tradition because most characters are identified by their father’s name. This may be because the poets wanted to emphasize Loki’s connection to Laufey, or because the name Fárbauti was less common in the surviving texts. The exact reason is unknown, and scholars have debated it without reaching a firm conclusion.
Laufey in the Primary Sources
The main sources for Norse mythology are the Poetic Edda, a collection of anonymous poems, and the Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson. In the Poetic Edda, Laufey is mentioned in several poems. In Völuspá, the seeress calls Loki “Laufey’s son” when she describes the events of Ragnarök. In Lokasenna, Loki repeatedly calls himself “Laufey’s son” in his flyting (insult contest) with the gods. In the Prose Edda, Snorri writes that Loki’s mother is Laufey, and he also uses the name Nál for her. The skaldic poem Haustlöng, composed in the 10th century, also refers to Loki as “Laufey’s son,” which shows that the name was in use long before Snorri wrote his work. These references are brief, and none of them describe Laufey’s appearance, personality, or actions.
Laufey’s Role in the Myths
Laufey does not appear as an active character in any surviving myth. She is never said to have spoken, fought, or traveled. Her role is entirely genealogical: she exists to explain who Loki’s mother is. This is typical of many figures in Norse mythology who are only known as parents. For example, the giantess Bestla is known only as the mother of Odin, and the giant Aurgelmir (also called Ymir) is the ancestor of all giants. Laufey’s importance comes from her son, and the myths use her name to identify Loki in a way that is unique among the gods. The phrase “Laufey’s son” is used so often that it becomes a kenning, a poetic circumlocution, for Loki himself.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Laufey is a goddess or that she raised Loki. The sources do not say either. She is a giantess, and the myths do not describe Loki’s upbringing. Another misconception is that Laufey is Loki’s father because of the way modern retellings sometimes change the genders. In the original sources, Laufey is clearly female. The Prose Edda says “his mother is Laufey,” and the name is grammatically feminine in Old Norse. There is also a misconception that Laufey appears in the story of Loki’s punishment, where he is bound with the entrails of his son Narfi. That story involves Loki’s children, not his mother. Laufey is not mentioned in that episode.
Laufey in Modern Culture
Laufey has appeared in modern adaptations of Norse mythology, though often with changes. In Marvel Comics, Laufey is depicted as a male Frost Giant king and the biological father of Loki, who is adopted by Odin. This is a significant departure from the original mythology, where Laufey is Loki’s mother and not a king. The Marvel version has influenced public perception, but it is not based on the medieval sources. In the 2011 film Thor, Laufey is played by actor Colm Feore as a male character. These adaptations are creative reinterpretations and should not be confused with the mythological figure. For readers interested in the original myths, the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda remain the primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Laufey mean?
The name Laufey is often translated as “leaf” or “foliage,” but the exact meaning is uncertain. Some scholars connect it to the Old Norse word lauf (leaf), while others suggest it may be related to lightning or a tree spirit. The alternative name Nál means “needle,” which could refer to a pine needle or a sewing needle, but the reason for the name is not known.
Is Laufey a goddess?
No, Laufey is a giantess, not a goddess. In Norse mythology, giants and gods are separate groups, though they often intermarry. Loki himself is a giant by birth but lives among the Aesir gods. Laufey is never described as having divine status.
Why is Loki called Laufey’s son instead of Fárbauti’s son?
This is a unique feature of Loki’s name. In Norse tradition, people are usually identified by their father’s name, such as “Odinson” for Thor. Loki is almost always called “Laufey’s son,” which suggests that his mother was somehow more prominent or that the name Fárbauti was not used for poetic reasons. Scholars have proposed various explanations, but none is definitive.
Does Laufey appear in any stories?
No, Laufey does not appear as an active character in any surviving myth. She is only mentioned as Loki’s mother. There are no stories about her actions, words, or fate.
Is Laufey the same as Nál?
In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson says that Loki’s mother is Laufey, and he also calls her Nál. Most scholars treat Nál as another name for the same figure, but it is possible that Nál was a separate name used in different traditions. The sources do not explain the relationship between the two names.
How is Laufey depicted in the Marvel movies?
In Marvel Comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Laufey is a male Frost Giant and the king of Jotunheim. He is Loki’s biological father, not mother. This is a major change from Norse mythology, where Laufey is female and Loki’s mother. The Marvel version is a modern adaptation and not accurate to the original myths.
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