InNorse mythology,Syn (Old Norse:[ˈsyn], "refusal"[1]) is agoddess associated with defensive refusal. Syn is attested in theProse Edda, written in the 13th century bySnorri Sturluson; and inkennings employed inskaldic poetry. Scholars have proposed theories about the implications of the goddess.
In chapter 35 of theProse Edda bookGylfaginning,High provides brief descriptions of 16ásynjur. 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" atthings "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."[2]
In theProse Edda bookSkáldskaparmál, Syn is included among a list of 27 ásynjur names.[3] Syn also appears in two kennings used in works recorded inSkáldskaparmál: once for "jötunn" ("hearth-stone-Syn") inÞórsdrápa byEilífr Goðrúnarson, and for "woman" ("Syn [woman] of soft necklace-stand [neck]") in a work attributed to Steinar.[4]
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 collectivedísir, and were, in turn, related to theGermanicMatronae.[5]