----- Original Message -----
From: "Andreas Zautner" <andreas.zautner@...>

> In Simeks encyclopedia of germanic mythology Hárbarðr
> is also translated as "grey beard"
>
> But in Hárbarðsljóð Oðinn is a kind of ferryman
> so I think it makes sense that according to the
> meaning of "prow of a ship" for "Barð"
> Hárbarð could also have a the meaning of
> (somebody) the High one who is leading ahead .
> Hárbarðr could be an Oðinsheite that stands
> for God who leads ships like a ferryman.
> A Translation like "Hair Beard" or "Grey-Beard" makes not much sense in
the case of the Hárbarðsljóð to me.

I agree with all of this.

> There exists the Oðinsheite Siðskeggr that stands for
> "Broad Beard" or "Long Beard".
> Why should Siðskeggr and Hárbarðr have the same
> meaning.

There's always the answer of 'poetic license' but you have a good point.
Again, I agree.

> I 've also looked up longobardi/Langobarden in some books
> and often I found the translation "Long-beards"
>
> In Döblers encyclopedia "Die Germanen" I found :
>
> longobardi
> There are different possible interpretations for this name.
> probably they are not "Long beards" but men with long
> "Barten" that means "Beile"(germn. hatchets)
>
> So it is possible that the longobardi get their names
> for the axes/hatches they used like
> the Saxons for their sax (short sword)
> and the Franks for their frakka (spear).

This is a fascinating hypothesis. Even if it can be dismissed by other
evidence, it's a really unique comparison to make. I enjoy that.

Thanks, Andreas.