Freyr's Prized Possessions: His Wild Boar
Gullinborsti (Golden Bristled) also Called Slidrugtanni (One with the Dangerously Sharp Tusks)
“Brokk then brought out his treasures…To Freyr he gave the boar, remarking that night or day it could race across the sky and over the seas better than any other mount. Furthermore, night would never be so murky nor worlds of darkness so shadowy that the boar would not provide light wherever it went, so bright was the shining if its bristles.” - Snorri
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When I asked Freyr to tell me about his wild boar, Gullinborsti, this is what he said:
Yes, Gullinborsti. He is also known as Slidrugtanni or the One with the Dangerously Sharp Tusks. The finest gift he is, second only to Alfheimr itself.
As you know, Freyja experiences much pleasure riding nude on her blanket-covered Hildsvini. That is her way, not mine. It would cause me a great deal of discomfort between my legs to ride Gullinborsti back-back, never mind naked.
Gullinborsti draws my chariot. I need no reigns to control him. He responds to my word. When I tell him to charge, he goes full speed with the earth quaking beneath his hooves. When I tell him to go slow he does so. Likewise if I say left or right he goes. Everything I ask he does. We are partners, he and I. I have great respect for him and hold him dear.
Some may wonder why Freyja has two cats big and wild to draw her chariot while I have just one boar. The answer is simple. Wild boars, males, work alone. They are solitary beasts except when it is time to mount a female in heat. They do not work in pairs. Besides, Gullinborsti alone is plenty.
Oh, I should also say that Slidrugtanni describes Gullinborsti well. His tusks are harder, stronger and sharper than any human-forged steel. With them he easily shreds his opponents. But Gullinborsti is his name. His golden bristles shine like the sun and remind all that I myself am Lord of the sun.