Aegir - a Sea God, husband to Ran and father of nine daughters, the waves. A powerful God of the sea, resided in a glistening underwater palace from where he directed the swirling waves through his nine daughters, who were known as billow maidens. The hissing, seething Nordic sea was called ''Aegir's Brewing Kettle". Aegir belonged to a much older generation of Gods than either the Aesir or Vanir. No details of his parents survived. He rose from his underwater hall for one reason, to destroy ships and their crews. Before a Viking raiding party set sail for home they usually sacrificed a prisoner to Aegir, to bring about calm seas.
Aesir - Were one branch of the family of the Gods; the other branch was the Vanir. The Aesir were Warrior-Gods worshipped by heroes and kings. Very much like the Norsemen, they loved, fought and died with human feelings for, though divine, they were not immortal. There was a war between the younger Aesir and the older Vanir, which ended in peace and left the Aesir dominant. In order to cement the peace, several of the leading Aesir went to live with the Vanir, while a number of important Vanir went to live in Asgard, home to the Aesir. The Aesir under the leadership of Odin included the following: Balder, Bragi, Forseti, Freyr (once a leading Vanir), Heimdall, Hodr, Loki, Njord (father of Freyr and his twin sister Freyja; another leader of the Vanir), Thor, Tyr, Vili, Ve, Vidar, Freyja (sister to Freyr and daughter of Njord, also Vanir), Frigg, Sif, and Idunn.
Alberich - A dwarf of Niebelungenlied forged a ring of power from the Rhinegold stolen from the Rhine Maidens. News of this ring of power caught the attention of Gods and Giants alike. Also see Andvari
Alfheim - Home of the Light Elves.
Alvis - "All Wise" a dwarf who was outwitted by Odin's son Thor. Alvis was promised Thrud (Thor's daughter) for marriage, in exchange for weapons he had forged for the Gods. Thor was displeased with this arrangement and devised a test of knowledge to stop the dwarf from marrying Thrud. Alvis had to prove that his great wisdom made up for his small stature. When he arrived in Asgard, Thor quizzed him and prolonged the test until sunrise. Alvis, like all dwarfs, turned to stone in sunlight.
Andvari - or Alberich, as he was later known in German legend, a craftsman dwarf. He was the richest of those who dwelt underground. The Gods Odin and Loki stole his treasure trove, in order to pay a ransom demanded by Hreidmar, who was holding Honir hostage until he received a death-price for his son Otter. When they took his gold making ring too, Andvari danced with rage and cursed the ring.
Angrboda - or Angerboda "Distress-Bringer" a frost giantess. She was Loki's mistress and mother of three monstrous offspring: Fenrir the wolf, Jormungand the serpent and a rotting daughter named Hel. When the Gods heard about them, they agreed that they must be dealt with quickly. Odin first banished Hel to the "world beneath the worlds". He then threw Jormungand into the ocean. He was less certain what to do with Fenrir, when the Norns (Goddesses of destiny) warned him that the wolf would bring about his death; action was taken to bind Fenrir securely with a magic chain. Odin knew that on the day of Ragnarok all three would break free for the final conflict. Odin is supposed to have said, "the gray wolf watches the halls of the Gods". With this threat in mind he had no choice but to gather to his side the greatest champions.
Asgard - The divine stronghold of the Aesir, it shimmered on a plane above Midgard. Within, there were countless shining, glittering halls for each of the Gods. A giant stonemason Hrimthurs who named the hand of Freyja, the sun and moon as his price for the 18-month task built Asgard's mighty walls. Hrimthurs aided by his wondrous horse, Svadilfari was given a term of 6 months to complete the work, if not complete in this time frame he would receive no payment. He nearly finished on time but was thwarted by Loki's trickery. Asgard was linked to Midgard by an ethereal pathway for the Gods, a rainbow bridge called Bifrost.
Audhumla - The primeval cow. This creature was the first to emerge from Ginnungagap "the yawning emptiness" at the start of creation. From Audhumla's teats flowed the four rivers of milk, nourishment enough for Ymir the first frost giant and the first living thing. From Ymir's children descended the frost giants, enemies of the Gods. The cow herself seems to have survived on the goodness that she obtained from an icy salt lick. As she continued to lick the ice Buri was soon freed also.
Aurvandil - Exactly who he was is uncertain, some suggest that he may be a Fertility God of the wetlands.
Baba Yaga - Sometimes Jezi Baba, a Slavonic witch of monstrous size; the hideous man-eating female demon. Her mouth is said to stretch from earth to the gates of hell. She lives within a gated fence made of human bones. She preyed upon travelers devouring their flesh. She was seen as a hunched hag, bearded, part woman, and part tree. When she wished to travel, it was believed that she flew in an iron kettle.
Balder - Or Baldr, Baldur was the son of Odin and Frigg, known as the "Bleeding God". A loving and gentle soul who spread light and goodwill wherever he went. Balder was tormented with nightmares that indicated he was about to die. Frigg his mother had a plan to save Balder from this death; the Goddess went through the nine worlds and got everything to swear an oath that it would do her son no harm. The Gods decided to test Balder's invulnerability by throwing stones and spears at him with great force, he remained unharmed. Loki was so annoyed with Balder's escape from danger that he plotted a tragic death and imprisonment in Hel. Loki, transformed himself into an old woman and went to Frigg's hall, in conversation he learned that she received a promise of harmlessness from all things except mistletoe. Armed with this information Loki gave Hodr (Blind God) a branch of mistletoe to throw at Balder, who immediately fell down dead when it passed through him.
Beowulf - A hero who slew the water monsters. He was the nephew of King Geats, who some have interpreted as the Jutes. His story is set in Denmark, one night a dreadful creature known as Grendel came to the hall of King Hrothgar and ate one of the warriors sleeping. Grendel was seized by Beowulf and held in a grip that he could only break away by loosing an arm. The water monster fled to it's home and bled to death, neither the king nor the warrior reckoned on his mother an even more dreadful creature avenging her son's death. Beowulf followed her to her lair, he had lost his weapon in the struggle and like King Arthur, and he was fortunate to find another magic weapon in the water. He used this weapon to finish off Grendel's mother. Even in his old age Beowulf would tackle fire-breathing dragons. Yet neither his might nor his fabled armor could withstand the dragons crushing teeth. Beowulf was mortally wounded in this combat, but he did not die before seeing the dragon's treasure released for his people.
Bergelmir - The son of Thrudgelmir and the grandson of Ymir. When Odin, Vili and Ve killed Ymir and threw his body into the middle of Gunnungagap, all the frost giants drowned in the giant's blood except Bergelmir and his wife. By using a hollowed out tree as a boat, they escaped to the edge of the world where they founded the realm of Jotunheim and bred a race of frost giants, who never lost their hatred for the Gods. The frost giants and the dead in Hel are destined to settle the final account for Ymir's dismemberment.
Bifrost - In Germanic myth is a flaming three-strand gigantic rainbow causeway/bridge, reaching from the shining citadel of Asgard to the earthly realm of Midgard. Built by the Gods of red fire, green water and blue air it shimmers with rainbow colored light. The Gods travel over the ethereal arch across the bridge to hold their meetings at the well of Urd. The bridge is guarded by the (Watchman God) Heimdall.
Billing - The father of Rind. According to some traditions, he was King of the Ruthenians, or Russians. Unknown to King Billing, Odin disguised himself as a dwarf who was intent on wooing his daughter Rind. She was destined to bear Odin a son to avenge Balder's death and kill Hodr. Even though King Billings approved of Odin's pursuit of his daughter Rind. On the contrary, she treated the chief of the Germanic Gods with undisguised contempt. She finally gave way to his advances and bore a son, Vali. He did kill Hodr with his bow and arrow.
Bolverk - One of Odin's evil disguises. See Fajalar, Kvasir.
Bor - The son of Buri, husband of the giant Bestla and father of Odin, Vili and Ve. An ancient God, Bor lived in a time before the world had been made, when there was no earth, sky or sea, only mist, ice, fire and the gaping pit of Gunnungagap. Bor's father-in-law also had a son who imparted his wisdom to his nephew Odin.
Bragi - The son of Odin and Gunnlod, a female giant, and was the Germanic God of poetry and eloquence. Born in a glittering stalactite cave, where his mother, Gunnlod guarded the Mead of Poetry, until seduced by Odin. The dwarfs gave the fair child a magical harp and set him afloat on one of their vessels from which he sang his poignant Song Of Life, which rose to the heavens. Bragi was married to Idunn, the Goddess who kept the magic apples of youth. Bragi told Loki he was unwelcome company at their feast and enraged Loki so much that he called Bragi "the bragger" whereupon Bragi threatened to twist off Loki's head to stop his lies. The effect of Bragi's words on Loki even made him more threatening. He prophesied the destruction of the Gods and then fled from Asgard. Bragi was portrayed as an old, bearded man carrying a harp, and when oaths were sworn they were solemnized by speaking over a vessel called the Cup of Bragi.
Brisingamen - Is a necklace crafted by the dwarfs so finely that it shown like a liquid flame. The Goddess Freyja, beside herself with longing, paid dearly for possessing the treasure. It so enhanced her beauty that she wore it continually, night and day. See Rings of Power.
Brisings - Also known as Bristlings, were mysterious owners of a golden necklace, called Brisingamen. The fertility Goddess Freya craved this necklace. To Odin's disgust Freya slept four successive nights with the dwarfs Alfrigg, Dvalin, Berling and Grer in order to acquire the necklace. When she returned to Asgard Odin accused her of debasing her divinity by paying such a price. As a penance he made her stir up a war in Midgard, the world of men. Freyja and Odin shared those slain on the field. No agreements exist on the meaning of this myth because the identity of the Brisings is unknown. What seems more logical is that the sexual price for this necklace shows the other side of love, namely blind passion and lust.
Brynhild - Also known as Brunhild, a leading Valkyrie who defied Odin by messing with his will in warfare. Odin put her to sleep and banished to earth within a ring of fire, where she would remain until a peerless hero freed her. Only Sigurd braved the scorching fire, waking her from her enchanted sleep.
Buri - In Germanic mythology, was the ancestor of the Gods. Audhumla, the primeval cow, released him from the ice. He has a son Bor, who married a frost giantess, and their sons were Odin, Vili and Ve.
Dark Dwarfs - Were formed from the maggots of the rotting flesh of the slain giant, Ymir. The Gods thought them too ugly to be seen, however, and condemned to a life underground. Like giants they turned to stone in daylight, thus explaining the many smaller stones and rocks scattered across the Nordic landscape.
Dazhbog - The Slavic Sun God, known as Dabog to the Serbs and Dazbog to the Poles. Son of Svarog, the God of the sky, and brother of fire, he was born again every morning and rode through the sky on his diamond chariot until he became an old man in the evening. In some stories he is said to have married Myesyats, the moon, and quarrels between them are said to cause earthquakes.
Draupnir - Odin's magical ring, it produced eight similar gold rings every nine days, an everlasting source of wealth. The gold ring among the Vikings was the token of power, fame and fortune.
Dietrich - A hero, he won a wondrous ring from the dwarf Laurin, who ruled an underground kingdom lit by gems. Dietrich overcame the dwarf, and claimed the ring as well as a girdle of strength, an invisible cape, a magical sword and a vast ring hoard.
Eagor - See Aegir
Einherjar - The "Heroic Dead" they were gathered on the battle fields by the Valkyries. It's said that a chosen hero would see Valkyries before the fatal blow. In Valahalla, the Einherjar formed Odin's private army, which he raised to fight at Ragnarok, the doom of the Gods. These dead warriors would fight every day and feast every night, magically heal all wounds sustained during their battles each and every day until the final day of Ragnarok.
Fafnir - Son of magician Hreidmar was corrupted by the curse of the ring Andvarinaut stolen from the dwarf Andvari. Lusting after the famous ring-hoard, he slew his father, helped by his brother Regin. Greed made him monstrous in nature and form, as he turned into a dragon to guard his hoard. The legend of his treasure drew many aspiring heroes into his lair in search of fame and fortune.
Farbauti - A giant "Cruel Striker" and father of Fire God Loki. He was married to Laufey "Tree Island" who gave birth to Loki when hit by a lightening bolt unleashed by Fabauti. Nothing else is known of Loki's parents.
Fenrir - Or Fenris, the son of the mischief making God, Loki. His mother was the frost giantess Angrboda. He is the devouring wolf, beast of Ragnarok, doom of the Gods. Odin, chief of the Gods is destined to become his victim. Kidnapped by the Gods and brought to Asgard where they could keep an eye on him, Fenrir was so savage that only the War God Tyr dared to feed him. Odin had the dwarfs make a magical fetter called Gleipnir, Fenrir was then secured to a rock and his mouth was kept open by a sword so he could not bite.
Fenris - See Fenrir
Fjalar - Is one of two brothers, wicked dwarfs who killed the wise man Kvasir in order to gain his magical powers. His blood was drained to extract the wisdom and mixed with honey in a cauldron to make magical mead that bestowed wisdom. The two wicked dwarfs Fjalar and his brother Galar lost the wonderful drink to the frost giant Suttung, whose parents they had also killed. Suttung was boastful about his acquisition and it wasn't long before the Gods heard about the mead. Odin himself disguised as evil Bolverk journeyed to Jotunheim to lay hands on the magical drink.
Forseti - The Germanic God of Justice and was known to the Frisians and the Forsite. He was the son of Balder and Nanna. Both of his parents were killed, his father stabbed by a piece of mistletoe and his mother from a broken heart shortly after this tragic event. Forseti plays a very small role in Germanic mythology, he's known, as the fair God of justice, was a Solomon-like force of peace. We are told of his hall Glitnir, the red gold pillars and the sliver inlaid roof, where he sits allaying strife and settling disputes of Gods and men. He never failed to reconcile even the bitterest foes.
Frea - See Freyja
Frey - See Freyr
Freya - See Freyja
Freyja - Also known as Frea, Freya, and "Lady" A voluptuous blue eyed Goddess of Love and Fertility. Is the daughter of the Sea God Njord and twin sister to brother Freyr. All three are Vanir Gods that went to live with the Aesir when peace was agreed between the two branches of Gods. She rode in a chariot drawn by two cats that were the symbols of her affection. She was accompanied by a flock of airborne love spirits. She journeyed heaven and earth looking for her roving husband Odur, shedding tears of gold or amber at sea all the while. Freyja's greatest treasure was the Brisingamen necklace that she acquired from the four dwarfs. Her stunning beauty won her many admirers. She is said to be a sorceress who could fly in a falcon's skin. On arriving to Asgard she taught the Gods the spells and charms of the Vanir. Odin and Freyja took an interest in the heroic dead, dividing the slain between them at the end of every battle. Her share or warriors went to her hall known as Sessrumnir. It is possible that Freyja's husband Odur of whom nothing is known could be Odin. She was the Goddess of Lust as well as Love, a suitable partner for Odin who was the father of battles and the lover of destruction.
Freyr - Sometimes Frey, "Lord" is the twin brother of Freyja and son of Njord. Freyr was Lord of the fairy realm of Alfheim, home of the Light Elves. He was mainly concerned with fertility, control of sunlight, rain, fruitfulness and peace. Freyr was born under the Vanir Gods and as his father Njord and sister Freyja, went to live in Asgard as a symbol of peace between the two branches of Gods. Freyr's myth is about the wooing of the frost giantess Gerda, the daughter of Gymir. When Freyr first saw Gerda he immediately fell in love, not knowing how to gain her affection, he became ill. Skirnir a faithful servant went to Jotunheim taking two of Freyr's greatest treasures, his magic horse and his magic sword. The servant was instructed to bring Gerda to Asgard, whether her father liked it or not. Skirnir finally persuaded Gerda to pledge herself to Freyr with an agreement to meet. Freyr's passion was fulfilled, though it cost him his horse and sword. At Ragnarok, the doom of the Gods, he sorely missed his mighty magic weapon.
Fricka - See Frigg
Frigg - Also known as Fricka, Frigga, and Frija. The daughter of
Fjorgyn, Goddess of the earth and atmosphere, wife to Odin and mother to Balder. When Balder told his mother he dreamed of impending danger, she extracted a promise from each and every thing not to harm her son. She made a mistake in doing so; she overlooked the mistletoe, thinking it was such a harmless plant. Loki the Fire God got blind Hodr to throw a branch of mistletoe at Balder and it killed him instantly. Frigg has given her name to Friday. She is a fertility Goddess and has much in common with Freyja, although her role as consort to Odin shows her to be a devoted wife, she also possessed a falcon skin and has a great passion for gold. Frigg thought of it as a privilege to sit beside her husband, Odin on his throne Hlidskialf. From his throne Odin could see the nine worlds, witnessing the present and the future. Though this Goddess lacked the ability to enter the Netherworld, she never revealed her foreknowledge.
Frithiof - Frithiof and Ingeborg, childhood sweethearts that were thwarted by Ingeborg's brothers. The brothers forced their sister to marry an old chieftain. Frithiof lived for years in misery awaiting the death of Ingeborg's husband. When the old king died he at last had his love.
Galar - One of two bothers, wicked dwarfs that killed the wise man
Geffinn - See Gefion
Gefion - Also known as Gefinn, is a Goddess of fertility akin to Freyja. The Goddess of Agriculture, whose name is connected with "Gift". She was thought of as a virgin and a protector of virgins after their deaths. Loki accused Gefion of selling herself, like Freyja. Gefion, disguised as an old beggar, managed to trick King Gylfi of Sweden out of a track of land. For her hospitality the king offered her as much of his land as she could plough with four oxen during one day and one night. With the help of her four sons transformed into oxen, she ploughed a giant field. They dragged the tilled field to the coast and floated it across the sea to Denmark, where it formed the island of Zealand.
Geirrod - A Frost giant and the father of Gjalp, Greip, one of Thor's worst enemies.
Gerda - A beautiful frost giantess and daughter of Gymir. She reluctantly became the wife of the Fertility God Freyr. The Aurora Borealis was believed by some to radiate Gerda's beauty.
Ginnungagap - "Yawning Emptiness" at the time of creation, which lays between the realms of fire and cold.
Gjalp - "Howler" a frost giantess, daughter of Geirrod and sister to Greip.
Grendel - A man devouring water monster who was invulnerable to weapons. The warrior Beowulf seized the creature's arm and wretched it from its socket. Grendel fled to his underwater lair and bled to death.
Grid - A kindly frost giantess who helped the Thunder God Thor. She bore Odin a son the Silent God Vidar. She made him a special shoe to stand in the mouth of Fenris the wolf.
Grimhild - Queen of the Niebelungs, was feared for her socery. With her magic spells she could control people to do as she willed.
Groa - A seeress and the wife of Aurvandil, whose frozen toe Thor turned into a star by throwing up into the sky. Groa was a gifted healer.
Gungnir - The name of the magic spear belonging to Odin. It was made from the sacred wood of Yggdrasil and carved with the God's magic runes. Gungnir never missed its target.
Gudrun - A Valkyrie who fell in love with a mortal hero, Helgi. She wept so much when he died that called her from his grave, asking her to stop crying. For each tear she shed so his wounds flowed. Helgi's spirit soon rose to Valhalla where the two lovers dwelt.
Gunner - Brother to Hogni. He and his brother befriended Sigurd, who owned the famous cursed ring Andvarinaut.
Harbard - "Grey Beard" A boatman, wishing to cross a deep river, the God Thor summoned Harbard to ferry him over, only to be met with insults. Thor failed to see that Harbard was his father Odin. The meeting between the two Gods reveals their characteristics: Odin the deceitful troublemaker and braggart; Thor is hot tempered but honest.
Heimdal - See Heimdall
Heimdall - Also Heimdalr, Heimdal the son of nine mothers the nine waves. The Watchman for the Gods. He could hear the sounds of grass or wool growing, and see for miles. He stood on Bifrost the three stranded bridge linking Asgard and Midgard. Ready to blow his horn Gjall at the onset of Ragnarok, during which he will be the last to fall in combat with Loki. Heimdall's name may be related to the concept of a "World Tree", as he is thought to be the supreme watchman perched at the top, above the highest rainbow. He disguised himself as Rig, the mortal man who established the three social groups: Nobles, Peasants and the Enslaved.
Heimdalr - See Heimdall
Helheim - The world of the unworthy dead.
Hel - Goddess of the "Dead" the daughter of Loki and frost giantess Angrboda. Ruler of the netherworld (Hel) banished by Odin. Hel's subjects were attendants of the decomposing queen. She had the face and body of a living woman but her thighs and legs were those of a corpse. Hel's thrown is known by the name "Sick Bed" and her subjects were those who died through sickness and old age.
Hermod - Son to Odin and Frigg and brother to Balder. He acted as a divine messenger; he also shared an interest in the dead. He was sent to Hel after Balder's death to ask Hel for his brother's release. Hermod nearly met his own death on a journey to Midgard. Odin sent him there, to consult worries concerning the future. He was saved my magic.
Himinbrioter - See Himinrjot
Himinrjot - "Sky Bellower" the head of a gigantic black ox, belongs to Hymir.
Hlidskialf - Odin's mystical throne from where he views the nine worlds, present and future.
Hod - See Hodr
Hodr - Also Hodur or Hod the son of Odin and Frigg, the "Blind God". Hodr unintentionally killed his brother Balder. Once it was clear that Balder would have to stay in the land of the dead, Hodr was sent to join him as punishment.
Hodur - See Hodr
Hoenir - See Honir
Hogni - He and his brother Gunner befriended the hero Sigurd; who owned the famous but cursed magic ring called Andvarinaut. When Hogni and Gunner inherited Sigurd's fortune, they were doomed.
Honir - Or Hoenir, brother to Odin, challenged with the inability to make up his mind. Sent to live with the Vanir as a token of peace between the two groups of Gods. He proved to be an increasing disappointment to his new companions. He was too reliant on his fellow Aesir, Mirmir when making any decisions. The Vanir killed Mirmir and sent his head to the Aesir.
Idunn - The Goddess of Spring, keeper of the golden apples that kept the Gods eternally young. The tree was tended and guarded by the three wise Norns, who allowed only Idunn to pick the magic fruit. She was the wife of Bragi, the God of Poetry.
Iduna - See Idunn
Idunnor - See Idunn
Jezi Baba - See Baba Yaga
Jormungand - The massive world serpent, is destined to overwhelm the world at Ragnarok. In the ocean he grew to such a monstrous size that he encircled Midgard. On the day of Ragnarok Jormungand will be slain by Thor.
Jotunheim - The land given to the frost giants by Odin and his brothers at the creation. The World Tree Yggdrasil shelters it. A mountain region of freezing cold, said to lie within Midgard.
Kvasir - The account of his death, it is clear that the myth is about the fermentation. To put a seal on the peace agreement between the Aesir and the Vanir. The two branches of Gods had spat into a jar, and it was from this spittle that Kvasir had been formed. Spittle like yeast causes fermentation so when the wicked dwarfs killed Kvasir, mixed his blood with honey in a cauldron they created magical mead. The connection between inspiration, poetry, and wisdom and some form of potent drink occurs in several mythological traditions.
Loki - The "Fire God" and son of giants Farbauti and Laufey. He is a mischief-maker, trickster and shape shifter. He grew progressively more evil in the eyes of the Aesir, the Gods gathered together and bound him into a cave until the day of Ragnarok. Boredom was a very big problem for Loki, who seemed to get amusement from placing the Gods in danger, though his quick wit usually saved them in the end. Loki was known to risk serious harm to his companion Thor, the Thunder God. Yet it was Loki who came up with the plan to get Thor's magic hammer back from the dwarfs. Loki was married twice, first to the frost giantess Angrboda and then to Sigyn. The Gods bound Loki in a cave beneath the dripping mouth of a venomous snake, where he waits for the day of Ragnarok. Loki will emerge leading an army of evil; this is when Loki will meet his death at the hands of Heimdall.
Midgard - The home of Humankind.
Mjollnir - Thor's wondrous hammer made by the dwarfs Brokk and Eitri, it was never far from his grasp. Mjollnir was used as a fiery thunderbolt, launching shafts of lightening. It is an instrument of destruction, fertility and resurrection. A weapon to smash the skulls of the frost giants, Thor's worst enemies.
Nanna - Balder's wife.
Nidavellir - The land of the dwarfs.
Niflheim - A cold world that rest underneath Yggdrasil's Roots.
The Nine Waves - Mother to Heimdall, Bara, Bylgia, Blodughadda, Dufa, Hefring, Himinglaeva, Hronn, Kolga and Unn.
The Nine Worlds - Asgard, Jotunheim, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Nidavellir, Midgard, Svartalfheim, Helheim and Niflheim.
Njord - The "Sea God" and a member of the divine Vanir race, he was traded to live in the Aesir as a token of peace along with his twins Freyja and Freyr; their mother Njord's sister Nerthus was left behind with the Vanir due to the fact that the Aesir didn't approve of marriages between brother and sister. His second marriage was to frost giantess Skadi, who chose him on the basis of his beautiful feet. The marriage didn't last, after spending nine nights in each other's homes they decided to live apart. Njord's hall in Asgard is called Noatun. Njord is a gentle soul, popular with the sailors and fishermen he aided ships in distress and would calm the storms raised by Aegir.
Nornir - See Norns
The Norns - Or Nornir, Goddesses of Fate and Destiny of both Gods and humankind. The original Norn was "Fate". The well at Urd, which was situated under one of the great roots of the Yggdrasil Tree, also the site where the Gods held they're daily meeting. The two other Norns known by Verandi "Present" and Skuld "Future". Urd is also known by the name of Wyrd.
Odin - Also known by many other names is the chief God of the Aesir. The son of Bor and the grandson of Buri. He was favored by the Vikings and rose in popularity between the eighth and ninth century. Odin loved battle and was known as "father of the slain". Odin's hall in Asgard is Valhalla a divine fortress. The one eyed God was said to preside over the Einherjar "Glorious Dead". Odin was looked upon as inspiration for the hard-bitten warriors. He had the power to inspire men in battle to a state of berserk rage in which they feared nothing. Odin's name is related to "Fury" or "Madness". The fact Odin became the foremost God shows how important warfare always was in Germanic traditions. Odin was always ready to stir up strife and on one occasion commanded Freyja to, find two kings and set them at each other's throats. Gathering up warriors slain in battle was the only policy he could adopt under the constant threat of Ragnarok. In addition to Frigg his wife in Asgard, Odin had many other wives and he fathered a number of children. Odin kept himself informed with the affairs of the nine worlds through his ravens, Huginn and Muninn. These two ravens would fly about then whisper in his ear every thing they saw or heard. Odin was also known as a God of magic and wisdom. He was the oldest of the Gods first born to Bor; the other Gods treated him like a father. Odin's love for wisdom was so profound that he was willing to sacrifice himself to plumb its depths. A God of vision sacrificed one eye for a drink of Mimir's Fountain of Wisdom. He then hung himself from Yggdrasil for nine days, to learn the secrets of the dead.
Ragnarok - The preordained doom of the Gods. A battle doomed to take place with forces led by Odin and forces led by Loki. A terrible winter lasting three years would signal the coming, the final battle, Ragnarok; between the Gods and frost giants. There was nothing that Odin could do to prevent this catastrophe. His only consolation was knowing that Ragnarok was not the end of the cosmos. Almost all of the Aesir will be killed at Ragnarok, in a mutually destructive manor.
Ran - Aegir's sister-wife, famous for her drowning net, which she used to snatch unsuspecting sailors from the decks of ships and drag them down into the seabed. A stormy maiden of the sea reflected the shifting moods of the ocean, sometimes helpful, sometimes harmful. She entertained them in her coral caves, which were lit by gleaming gold and where mead flowed as freely as in Valhalla.
Rhine Maidens - Were ethereal sprites who dwelt in lakes and rivers during the winter, emerging from the water to flit through the forest in summer. The river's colors reflected the nymphs' moods, turning black with grief when the Rhine Maidens lost their gold.
Rig - The name assumed by Heimdall when he created the three categories of men: Slave-Thrall, Peasant-Karl, and Noble Man or chieftain - Jarl. Heimdall was also identified as Rig or King. Rig wandered Midgard and fathered three classes of men. See also Heimdall.
Rosterus - Odin in disguise as a goldsmith dwarf, to woo King Billing's daughter Rine.
Sigurd - He won the cursed ring Andvarinaut after slaying its dragon guardian, Fafnir. Though he was a good being, he suffered the rings doomed curse.
Svartalfheim - The land of the dark elves.
Thiassi - Or Thiazi, a frost giant and the father of Skadi, who stole Idunn's apples of youth. After Thiassi's death Odin took his eyes from his cloak and threw them up into the sky as stars. "Thiassi will look down upon all of us, " he said, "for as long as the world lasts. Skadi went to Asgard to seek compensation for her father's death. She was given the chance to pick a God for a husband, based on his feet.
Thokk - A frost giantess that would not mourn Balder's death and therefore kept him from returning to the land of the living. She said, "Let Hel keep what she holds". In some myths it's believed that Thokk was none other than Loki.
Thor - Son of Odin, represented as honest, straight forward and "Allergic" to the frost giants. The Icelandic colonists that fled the Odin-like activities admired Thor. To show their allegiance they would change the family name: Thorsten or Thorolf were the most common. Thor's mighty magic hammer was the only weapon that the frost giants feared.
Thrud - The daughter of Thor and his wife Sif. She was promised to the dwarf Alvis for payment. Thor outwitted the dwarf of payment by keeping him talking until morning, turning the dwarf to stone.
Thrym - A frost giant that once stole Thor's hammer and caused chaos in Asgard. It was the only weapon that could protect the Gods against the frost giants.
Tir - See Tyr
Tiwaz - See Tyr
Tyr - Also known as Tiv and Tiwaz, the "War God" son to Odin and his wife Frigg. Famed for his bravery and might, he was the only God that would volunteer his hand to be placed in the mouth of Fenris while they bound him. When the wolf realized he couldn't break the chain he bit off Tyr's hand. Tyr was considered a Sky God who passed on his powers to Odin. Odin's magic spear may have once belonged to Tyr. Archeologists have uncovered several spears dedicated to Tyr.
Urd - Or Wyrd, meaning "Fate or Past", one of the three sisters known as the Norns, Goddesses of Destiny. Urd gave her name to the well that was situated beneath one of Yggdrasil's roots. This is where the Gods would hold their daily meeting. Urd warned Odin that he was destined to be killed by the wolf, Fenris.
Utgard - The huge giants' stronghold in Jotunheim. It's said that Utgard is an illusion made by frightened frost giants to deter Thor, their greatest enemy.
Vafthrudnir - A wise frost giant that gained his wisdom by consulting the dead. Like Odin, Vafthrudnir also temporarily died. Seeking to test the knowledge of the giant Odin journeyed to Vaftrudnir's land in disguise. There he challenged the giant, to match their knowledge of the past, present and future. Odin defeated the giant with an unanswerable question "What did I whisper to my dead son (Balder) before I lit the pyre on which he laid"? Odin had reassured Balder of the future resurrection and worship on the new earth, after the battle of Ragnarok.
Valhalla - Hall of the slain or Einherjar "Heroic Dead". A Vikings paradise where chosen heroes fought and feasted from dawn to dusk. All wounds healed over night, and the meat and the mead flowed freely. Built in Asgard by Odin, Valhalla was enormous. It had over 500 hundred doors, each wide enough for eight hundred men to march through abreast. Odin is gathering his phantom army of heroic warriors, to fight at Ragnarok.
Valholl - See Valhalla
Vali - The son of Odin and Rind who was destined to kill Hodr, for his unwitting murder of Balder. He grew from a baby into manhood in one day. He along with his half-brother Vidar survives Ragnarok.
Valkyrie - They were originally known as demons of death, sinister spirits of slaughter, dark angels who soared over the battlefields and seas weaving the web of war in the name of Odin. They dispatched Odin's will on the battlefield without question. Chosen heroes were gathered up and taken away to Odin's Hall Valhalla. In later myths the Valkyries were romanticized as Odin's maidens, virgins with golden hair. They served the chosen heroes everlasting mead in the great hall Valhalla. Idealized Valkyries were more vulnerable than their fierce predecessors, and fell in love with mortal heroes.
Vanaheim - The home of the Vanir Gods.
The Vanir - The older of the two branches of Gods. They were "Fertility Gods". They lived in Vanaheim, far from Asgard. The Vanir and Aesir fought for supremacy not long after creation. The younger Aesir Gods led by Odin, won. Peace was sealed with a God exchange also see Aesir. The Aesir sent Honir and wise Mimir to Vanaheim. The Vanir Gods gradually came to the conclusion that they had gotten the worst of the exchange. The indecisiveness of Honir whenever Mimir was absent caused anger among the Gods. They cut off Mimir's head and sent it to the Aesir. It didn't rekindle the battle between the Gods but it did cause a rift.
Vidar - The "Silent and Solitary God" son to Odin and the frost giantess Grid. He lived in Vidi where all is quiet and peaceful. He is the personification of the raw forces in nature. Vidar's destiny is to avenge his father's death at Ragnarok.
Vigrid - A huge expansive land of 120 leagues in each direction. The location of the destined final conflict between the Gods and the frost giants; the battlefield of Ragnarok.
Vili - Son of Bor and Bestla and brother to Odin and Ve. When he and his brothers created the first man and woman, his contribution was feeling hearts and sharp wits. In an Icelandic poem Vili is given the name Honir.
Ve - One of the sons to Bor and Bestla and brother to Odin and Vili. The grandson of Buri. Ve's contribution to creating the first man and woman, the ability to see and hear. In some myths Ve is known as Lodur or Lothur.
Volound - See Wayland
Volsung - A descendant of Odin, his hall was built around a sacred Oak Tree. When Signy, Volsung's only daughter was to be married against her will, a one eyed stranger appeared. It was Odin, he stuck a sword into the Oak Tree and told the people that the sword belonged to whomever could pull it out. This person would never be defeated. Sigmund, Volsung's youngest son was the much-envied wielder of the sword.
Vlkodlak - A wolf, a figure more in folklore than myths. A ravenous wolf that dwells in the forest. The animal most feared in Europe.
Wieland - See Wayland
Wayland - The "Smith God" son of a sailor and a mermaid. In Scandinavia he was known as Volund or Volundr and in Germany as Weilund. He was renowned by warriors seeking arms. He was also a wonderful craftsman, designing the Icelandic Maze, known as Volund's House. He and his brothers happened upon Valkyries bathing one day, they took their plumage and kept them on earth for nine years, until they escaped. It's said that Wayland made wings for himself and flew after his wife in Alfheim.
Woden - See Odin
Wotan - See Odin
Yggdrasil - Means "Dreadful Mount" is the cosmic Ash Tree. The world tree, lay at the heart of the universe. Its name is a reference to Odin's horse. Odin wasn't the only one that hung from Yggdrasil. The Vikings performed sacrificial hangings as a way to worship the God. The Parallel between Odin's voluntary death on Yggdrasil and the Christians Crucifixion remains striking to scholars. Yggdrasil is described as being the largest and most stately tree ever to have grown. Its branches over hung the nine worlds and spread out above the heavens. There is an eagle perched at the top of the tree and is harassed daily by a squirrel named Rataosk, who brought upwards-unpleasant comments from the dragon. The tree is thought of as the backbone of the universe, the structural support of the nine worlds.
Ymir - He was the first living creature. The frost giant who emerged from the ice in Ginnungagap. He was evil and both father and mother of all frost giants who came from the sweat of his armpit. Ymir fed on the milk from Audhumla. He was slain by brothers Odin, Vili and Ve. They tired of his brutality and the increasing number of frost giants.
