Jormunrek

[ yawr-moon-rek ]

noun

, Scandinavian Mythology.

1. king of the Goths, murderer of Svanhild, the daughter of Sigurd: killed by the Gjukungs; probably identical with Ermanaric (4th century a.d.), the Ostrogothic leader.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jormunrek¹

< Old Norse Jǫrmunrek, equivalent to jǫrmun- great + -rek ( r ), earlier -rīkr (compare rīkr powerful, rich ); cognate with Old English Eormenric

Example Sentences

A minister of Jormunrek; causes Randver to be hanged, and Svanhild trodden to death by horses.

From Project Gutenberg

Then King Jormunrek riding out of the woods from the chase with his courtiers, while Queen Swanhild sat dressing her hair, had the courtiers ride onto her, and she was trampled to death beneath the feet of the horses.

From Project Gutenberg

She laid the plan for them, that when they came to King Jormunrek, they should attack him in the night whilst he was sleeping.

From Project Gutenberg

Brage the Old made the following song about the fall of Sorle and Hamder in the drapa, which he composed about Ragnar Lodbrok: Jormunrek once, In an evil dream, waked In that sword-contest Against the blood-stained kings.

From Project Gutenberg

King Jormunrek Ordered Gjuke’s descendants Violently to be stoned When they came to take the life Of Swanhild’s husband.

From Project Gutenberg