Þjaza augu

Þjaza augu, the Thiazi’s eyes, is a Norse constellation mentioned in the Rímtǫl glosses, which dates back to the 11th century CE and is an Old Norse calendar of 52 weeks (364 days). 

Concordance, Etymology, History

Origin of Constellation

Þjaza augu (Thiazi’s eyes) are the eyes of the giant Thiazi, who abducted the goddess Idun. The Æsir fought and killed Thiazi, and when his daughter sought revenge, Odin, as a sign of respect, cast Thiazi’s eyes into the sky, transforming them into stars (Sturluson 2017, p. 83). There is no concrete evidence as to which stars these might be, but the two bright and closely positioned stars Castor and Pollux are obvious candidates.

Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation

nothing known

Rökstenen, rune stone near Ödeshög in south Sweden (CC BY Bengt Olof ÅRADSSON)

Weblinks

• Norse Constellations by Digitalis Solutions
• Valkyria.com Norse Calendar

References

• References (general)