The mythology of this region is grim, shadowed by long, sunless winters. There are, however, impressive streaks of grandeur shown by epic battles involving gods, giants and human warriors. Norse deities came in two varieties, the Aesir and Vanir.
The former were gods of war and the sky; they included Thor and Odin. The latter were associated with the earth, fertility and prosperity, and included Njord, Freyr and Freyja. Unlike Greek gods, who were immortal and lived up on Mt. Olympus, Norse gods had limited lifespans and rarely interfered in the lives of humans. Here are more details about the most common gods mentioned in Nordic legends.
Odin – Father of Creation
He was the ruler of the Aesir, and lord of war, death and knowledge. His thirst for wisdom was legendary, so he sacrificed an eye when drinking enchanted water at the Well of Mimir, which was deep below the roots of Yggdrasil — the Tree of Life.
Odin was always accompanied by two ravens, whose names were Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory). They both travelled around the world each day and informed Odin of what was happening in the affairs of the gods, giants, dwarves and men. Odin's favorite weapon was the spear Gungnir, and he always rode an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. It was always believed by the Vikings that Odin feasted with the spirits of slain warriors in Valhalla — an enormous hall in which wounds healed quickly and there was a constant supply of meat.
Loki – God of Trickery
This was the most unpredictable and dangerous god in Norse legends. He had the ability to change his shape and gender whenever he wanted, and was known to possess demonic qualities. Neither an Aesir nor a Vanir, he would change sides in a battle without warning and would put other gods into dangerous situations.
Loki was responsible for the death of Balder, the son of Odin and Frigg. His actions became so intolerable that the gods bound him in a cave until Ragnarök, the conflict that marked the end of the world and destruction of many of the Norse gods.
Thor – God of Thunder
Thor was often portrayed as being a huge and intimidating god, carrying a magical hammer called Mjöllnir. Thor was the eldest son of Odin and Fjorgyn, the goddess of Earth. He was married to Sif, a fertility goddess and also kept a mistress, the giantess named Járnsaxa.
It was Thor who chased away the icy frosts of winter and called warm rains to release the world from its bondage of snow. His greatest enemy was the Midgard Serpent, Jormungand. At Ragnarök, Thor killed Jormungand but succumbed to its venom.
Freyja – Goddess of Love and Beauty
She was a member of the Vanir and no man could resist her when she wore her necklace, known as the Brisingamen. This necklace was made for her by four dwarves. As repayment they demanded that she spend a night with each of them.
Freyja was chief of the Valkyries, demi-goddesses who guided the souls of heroic warriors to the realm of the gods. Those spirits were divided between Valhalla and Sessrúmnir, Freyja's grand hall. She could fly in a falcon's skin and travelled around the world, sprinkling morning dew and summer sunlight behind her. Norse legends say she cried golden tears over the death of her husband, Od, one of the gods of ecstasy.
Frigg – Goddess of Marriage and Destiny
This sky goddess weaved the clouds, and brought sunlight, rain and fertile crops. Frigga had the ability to see the future, but could never change anyone's fate. In some myths she was rumored to have affairs with Odin's brothers Ve and Vili.
Scott Hayden - Since joining Suite101 in early 2007, I've contributed articles about travel, history and health. My speciality is writing about workplace ...
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