Gylfi

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Image:Odin & Gylfi.JPG According to Snorri Sturluson, Gylfi (occasionally anglicized as Gylfe, Gylvi, or Gylve) was an ancient king of Sweden, from whom the supposedly historic Odin and his people the Æsir obtained new land where they built the settlement of Old Sigtuna. Gylfi was later taught the religion promulgated by the Æsir.

The account can be found in the Ynglinga Saga section of Snorri's Heimskringla and more fully in the Gylfaginning section of his Edda, where he presents an outline of Norse mythology through a dialogue between Gylfi and three rulers of the Æsir. In Snorri's account Gylfi is deluded by the Æsir into accepting their supposed religious beliefs, hence the name Gylfaginning 'Deluding of Gylfi'.

It is possible that Snorri's account is based on an old tradition tracing particular beliefs or foundations of particular cults to this legendary Gylfi.

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