The Ultimate Guide to the Gods & Goddesses of Norse Mythology

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Every Norse god + their meanings, symbols, & powers
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Thor and Loki get a lot of attention within the Marvel Cinematic Universe , but they’re really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Norse gods (and goddesses). We’re pleased to inform you that there’s a whole cultural world of Norse mythology for you to explore, stemming from the rich and storied beliefs of ancient Nordic, Scandinavian, and Viking peoples. Today, their mythologies remain just as fascinating, so we don’t blame you for wanting to learn all about them! Below, you can find a comprehensive list of the major (and minor) Norse gods and goddesses, as well as historical background on how Norse mythology came to be.

Norse Mythology 101: Key Gods & Goddesses

  • Freyja: Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war.
  • Frigg: Goddess of marriage, motherhood, and fertility.
  • Sif: Goddess of fertility, grain, and family.
  • Odin: Chief god of war and death.
  • Thor: God of thunder, lightning, and storms.
  • Heimdall: God of brightness and the watchman of the gods.
Section 1 of 6:

Important Norse Gods & Goddesses

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  1. Odin (aka Wodan, Woden, or Wotan) is arguably the most powerful god in Norse mythology, ruling over war, death, magic, and wisdom. He was the predominant god in Scandinavia toward the end of the pre-Christian period, when he was worshipped by kings, chieftains, and the common peoples of Scandinavia. Odin is also referred to as the “All-Father,” since he sacrificed his eye to gain an all-seeing wisdom. He lives in Valhalla (the hall of the slain) in Asgard with his wife, Frigg. [1]
    • Symbols: Ravens, the Valknut (3 interlocking triangles), runes, Draupnir (magical ring), Sleipnir (8-legged horse), Vegvísir (Viking compass), Gungnir (an ornate spear).
    • Powers: Wisdom, oversight of the afterlife, precognition, magic, shapeshifting, healing.
    • Mythological Stories: Odin sacrificed an eye for a drink from the Well of Mímir (Mímisbrunnr), granting wisdom and omnipotence; was destined to die in battle during the end of the world (Ragnarok); discovered the Norse runes after sacrificing himself and hanging for 9 days from the World Tree Yggdrasil.
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    Frigg Frigg is associated with marriage, motherhood, wisdom, and prophecies, and she is considered to be a protector of home and familial life. Also known as the “Lady of the Hall,” Frigg is the wife of Odin, the most powerful Norse god, and Queen of the Æsir (the group of gods that lived in Asgard, the realm of the heavens). And, although she rarely speaks of it, Frigg has a clairvoyance and ability to see into the future. [2]
    • Symbols: Spinning wheel, falcon, keys, mistletoe, yellow bedstraw (“Frigg’s herb”), stork, bog animals (e.g, waterfowl, goats), swampy ground.
    • Powers: Prophecy, protection, fertility, transformation (into a falcon).
    • Mythological Stories: Frigg tried to prevent her son’s death by demanding every object in the world promise to not harm him; was tricked by Loki into forgetting to demand this promise from mistletoe, which led to Balder’s death.
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  3. In Norse mythology, Thor is the god of thunder, lightning, and storms. As one of the most powerful Norse gods, he’s also said to rule over strength, fertility, and the protection of humankind. He’s often depicted with a red beard and with the hammer Mjölnir in his hand. He’s the son of Odin and Fjörgyn (the Earth goddess) and is married to Sif, the goddess of fertility. He often fights in defense of Asgard (the immortal realm) and Midgard (the human realm), frequently engaging in battles against giants and other monstrous creatures. [3]
    • Symbols: Mjölnir (hammer used for battles and blessings), Járngreipr (iron gloves used to hold Mjölnir), chariot pulled by goats, thunder, lightning, oak trees.
    • Powers: Control over storms and lightning, immense strength, and the gifting of protection, fertility, and blessings.
    • Mythological Stories: Thor battled frequently with giants who threatened the order of the cosmos; was destined to kill the serpent Jörmungandr before dying at Ragnarok; was given Mjölnir by dwarves in order to defeat his enemies and bring blessings to the world; once disguised himself as Freyja to get his hammer back from the giant Thrym.
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    Sif Sif is a Norse goddess of earth, fertility, and the harvest. She’s married to Thor, the god of Thunder, and is usually depicted with golden hair or a golden headpiece. Some scholars believe that Sif’s golden locks are meant to symbolize fields of golden wheat, given that Sif is a harvest goddess. Together, Sif and Thor are considered a divine fertility couple, as both of them are connected to the fertility of the earth and of people. Sif is also the mother of Ullr, god of archery, skiing, and single combat. [4]
    • Symbols: Golden hair, wheat, soil.
    • Powers: Can induce fertility, mimic gold, manipulate plant growth, and resolve familial issues.
    • Mythological Stories: Sif had her golden hair cut off by Loki as she slept; was gifted a golden headpiece by Loki as amends; attempted to calm Loki at a gathering of the gods; played an important role in the Icelandic celebration of summer.
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    Tyr Tyr is a Norse god of war, justice, and heroic endeavors. Tyr is known for showing both bravery and skill in battle, and he’s also associated with upholding legal justice, fairness, and order. He’s often depicted as a one-handed god, due to an encounter with the wolf Fenrir in which he lost his hand as a show of sacrifice to the gods. In Old Norse, the word for “Tuesday” (Týsdagr) translates to “Tyr’s day,” due to Tyr’s parallels with the Roman god Mars (who was also associated with Tuesday. [5]
    • Symbols: Tiwaz rune (ᛏ), spear, scales of justice, one hand, sacred colors (blue, white, and purple).
    • Powers: Combat fighting, the ability to help warriors in battle, sight of invisible objects and persons, instant threat and lie perception, immunity to illusions and magic.
    • Mythological Stories: Tyr sacrificed his hand to the wolf Fenrir, who bit it off after being chained up by the gods; was the only god who had the courage to feed the fearful Fenrir, had a diminished role during the Viking age but was more prominent in early Germanic mythologies.
  6. In Norse mythology, Heimdall is the watchman of the gods. He guards over Asgard with a keen sense of sight and hearing, which can sense even the smallest movements (like a growing blade of grass). He lives near the rainbow Bifrost bridge in Himinbjörg, where he’s able to protect Asgard from invaders and blow his horn (Gjallarhorn) to signal the beginning of Ragnarok. [6]
    • Symbols: Gjallarhorn (a powerful horn), Himinbjörg (his fortress dwelling), Bifrost (the rainbow bridge connecting Asgard to other realms), Gulltoppr (golden horse), Hofund (mighty sword).
    • Powers: Divine hearing and sight, foresight, ability to go without sleep.
    • Mythological Stories: Heimdall created the human social classes; was fated to warn the gods of the coming of Ragnarok; was fated to duel with Loki during Ragnarok, resulting in both their deaths; taught mankind to read runes ; recovered Freyja’s treasured necklace from Loki
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    Freyja Freyja is an important goddess in Norse mythology, representing love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, wealth, and magic. She’s part of the Vanir family of gods, or the group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom, and clairvoyance (rather than battle and strength). Despite her connection to love and beauty, Freyja has a darker side, as she is also associated with war and death and is a powerful practitioner of seidr , a magic used for divination and manipulation over the future. [7]
    • Symbols: Chariot pulled by cats, Brísingamen necklace, falcon feather cloak, boar, cats, sacred colors (yellow, white, green, red, pink, and light blue), gold, amber, flowers (e.g., almond, clover, cypress, holly, poppy, rose, strawberry), essential oils (e.g., birch, myrrh, rose, sandalwood).
    • Powers: Seeing and influencing the future, shapeshifting, welcoming of the dead (particularly women and soldiers) to her sacred meadow.
    • Mythological Stories: Freyja chose half of the fallen warriors after each battle to join her in her sacred meadows; had her necklace (Brísingamen) stolen by Loki; taught seidr to the Aesir gods; traveled the world seeking a lost husband and weeping tears of gold.
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    Freyr Freyr (sometimes written as Frey) is Freyja’s twin brother and a god of fertility, prosperity, peace, fair weather, and good harvest. He’s a prominent god within the Vanir family of deities, and he’s deeply connected to the land and the well-being of the people who live off of it. Freyr is specifically associated with weather elements that encourage a good harvest and healthy produce, such as rain and sunshine. He’s specifically revered in Sweden, where he’s said to be an early mythical ancestor of the country’s royal bloodline. [8]
    • Symbols: Phallus, magical ship (Skíðblaðnir), sword that could fight on its own, golden boar (Gullinbursti), horses (especially Blóðughófi ), boars.
    • Powers: Influence over the growth of crops and livestock, weather control, ability to grant peace, prosperity, and wealth.
    • Mythological Stories: Freyr pursued and eventually married Gerðr, a jötunn giantess; was fated to die in combat during Ragnarök after he gave up his sword in order to marry Gerðr; was gifted the realm of Alfheim (Land of the Light Elves) as a childhood “tooth-gift.”
  9. Baldur (alternatively spelled as Balder or Baldr) is a Norse god of light, beauty, joy, purity, peace, and forgiveness. He’s particularly known for his personal wisdom, beauty, and peaceful nature and, consequently, he’s often depicted alongside an image of light or radiance. While he’s the son of Odin and the brother of Thor, the most famous part of his story is his tragic death, which brings on Ragnarok (or the Norse apocalypse). He lives in a hall called Breidablik, which is a sanctuary from strife and hardship. [9]
    • Symbols: Light, mistletoe, funeral pyres, Hringhorni (the greatest ship ever built).
    • Powers: Invulnerability, peacemaking, rebirth.
    • Mythological Stories: Baldur is killed by mistletoe, his only vulnerability, at the hands of Loki; dies tragically and subsequently brings on the end of the world; is reborn in the new world after Ragnarok; is prevented from being released from the underworld due to Loki (disguised as the giantess Þökk) refusing to weep.
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    Loki Loki is a noted trickster and shapeshifter in Norse mythology—and it’s worth noting that his persona and history varies greatly from his depiction in the Marvel universe. According to myth, Loki is the son of the goddess Laufey and the giant Fárbauti. He’s a companion of Thor and Odin, although he sometimes causes trouble for them—for instance, he was responsible for the death of the god Balder, a son of Odin and brother of Thor. His actions are also said to have caused the Norse apocalypse, Ragnarok. [10]
    • Symbols: Flames, dark colors (e.g., black, green, gold, and yellow), Snaptun Stone (semi-circular flat stone), animals (e.g., mare, seal, salmon).
    • Powers: Shapeshifting, metamorphosis, fire mastery, cunning, manipulation.
    • Mythological Stories: Loki caused the death of the god Balder; was bound to a rock as punishment for his role in Ragnarok; gave life to monstrous offspring such as the wolf Fenrir and the serpent Jörmungandr, transformed into a mare to prevent giants from building Valhalla.
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    Bragi Bragi is the Norse god of poetry, bards, music, eloquence, and wisdom. He’s revered for his wisdom and his skill with words, and he’s typically portrayed as a wise old man with a long beard. Bragi is married to the goddess Iðunn, who looks after the apples of youth that gods eat to stay young. According to some scholars, Bragi may have been based on real-life Norwegian poet Bragi Boddason. [11]
    • Symbols: Harp, long beard, runes on the tongue.
    • Powers: Fluency of speech, “bragr” (eloquence or skill with words), “skaldship” (the art of poetic composition and performance).
    • Mythological Stories: Bragi died after being impaled by a battle-board during Ragnarok; condemned Loki for his role in Balder’s death.
  12. Njǫrðr (or Njord) is a god of the sea, wind, wealth, and fishing. He’s the father of Freyr and Freyja, whom he shares with his sister, Nerthus. Njǫrðr’s primary domain is the sea, and he’s often called upon by sailors and fisherman in order to grant them a safe voyage or bountiful catch. He lives in the heavens in a realm called Nóatún, which means “the place of boats.” [12]
    • Symbols: Ships, silver, gold, hatchets.
    • Powers: Calming the seas, granting riches, crop fertilization, dispute mediation, control over the wind.
    • Mythological Stories: Njǫrðr was originally a Vanir god but was given as a hostage to the Aesir gods; was married to a frost giant called Skaði, but their marriage was short-lived.
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    Skadi Skadi is a Norse giantess ( jötunn ) and goddess who is associated with bowhunting and skiing. As a fierce, independent, and skilled huntress, she’s also connected to the mountains and the winter months. Skadi is also able to ski down snowy mountains, and many claim that she had supernatural control over winter weather phenomena like snowstorms and blizzards. Some scholars believe that Scandinavia was named after Skadi, likely meaning that she was worshiped by the indigenous Sámi people prior to the Viking Age. [13]
    • Symbols: Snow, skiing, snowshoes, hunting bow, wolves, eagles, colours (white and brown).
    • Powers: Winter weather control, hunting prowess, protection over wild animals.
    • Mythological Stories: Skadi demanded reparations from Asgard after the death of her father, Thiazi; placed the venomous serpent onto the chained-up Loki; married the sea god Njörd but didn’t like the presence of crows and wolves in his home.
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    Ullr Ullr is the Norse god of winter, hunting, archery, skiing, and snow. He’s also associated with duels and oaths, mandating that others swore on his ring in order to preserve the sanctity of their oaths. As the son of Sif and stepson of Thor, Ullr’s home was known as Ydalir (Yew Dales)—as yew wood was used for making bows. [14]
    • Symbols: Bow and arrow, yew tree, skis, snowshoes, magical ring.
    • Powers: Skill in archery and hunting, magical sailing abilities.
    • Mythological Stories: Ullr briefly ruled over Asgard while Odin was in exile.
  15. Jörð (anglicized as Jord) is the Norse personification of the earth. As a goddess, Jörð is the mother of the thunder god Thor and a consort of Odin, Thor’s father. As the divine representation of the earth, Jörð symbolizes fertility, the natural world, and the source of life. She also reflects a deep connection between the natural world and the ancient Norse peoples. [15]
    • Symbols: Earth, agriculture, mountains, the sky.
    • Powers: Life-creating, blessing of bountiful harvests.
    • Mythological Stories: Jörð was depicted as silent and mysterious in myth; created the land and cycles of nature; gave birth to Thor by Odin.
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    Gefjun Gefjun is a norse goddess of ploughing, fertility, and virginity. With a name that means “the giving one,” Gefjun is primarily connected to ploughing and the creation of the Danish island of Zealand, which is believed to have been created when her oxen plowed the land. In some stories, Gefjun had four sons with a giant that she turned into oxen. In other accounts, however, she was a virgin who was served by women who died unmarried. [16]
    • Symbols: Plow, oxen, Zealand.
    • Powers: Transformation, ploughing.
    • Mythological Stories: Gefjun created the island of Zealand by plowing the land with her oxen; was offered land by Swedish King Gylfi as a reward for her entertainment, had four sons with a giant whom she transformed into oxen; may have been an alter ego of Freyja or Frigg.
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    Vidar Vidar is a son of Odin and the giantess Grid. He’s particularly known for his silent and powerful persona, as well as his immense strength in battle. In fact, he’s described as being nearly as strong as Thor, and gods frequently turned to him for help in challenging situations. Most significantly, Vidar avenged Odin’s death during Ragnarok by killing the wolf Fenrir. Vidar was also one of the sole deities to survive Ragnarok and help rebuild the mortal and divine worlds. [17]
    • Symbols: Thick shoe, forest trees, killing of Fenrir.
    • Powers: Immense strength, wilderness survival skills.
    • Mythological Stories: Vidar avenged his father’s death during Ragnarok by killing Fenrir; prepared for Ragnarok by crafting a thick shoe out of leather scraps; killed Fenrir by holding his jaw open with a thick shoe and slicing the wolf’s mouth to pieces with his sword; survived Ragnarok and helped to create a new pantheon of gods in the reborn world.
  18. Vali is a Norse god who avenged the death of his half-brother Balder by killing Höðr, another god who was tricked into killing Balder by Loki. Vali, the son of Odin and Rindr, was born for just this purpose. He grew into adulthood within one day of his birth, and then went on to kill Höðr and bind Loki with the entrails of his son, Narfi. He’s often described as a bold warrior and skilled marksman who remained ceremonially unwashed. [18]
    • Symbols: Raven-feathered cloak, horses, wolves.
    • Powers: Combat fighting skills, control over the skies, flight, marksmanship.
    • Mythological Stories: Vali killed Höðr to avenge his brother Balder; bound Loki with the entrails of his son; survived Ragnarok (the apocalypse) to reestablish the earth and the divine order.
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    Hel Hel is the Norse goddess over the underworld—a realm which is also called Hel. In this role, Hel receives souls who have passed away. As the offspring of trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrbod, she’s described as a half-goddess, half-giant who’s half-dead and half-alive—one of her body is typically flesh-colored while the the appears black. Hel is also the sister of the monstrous wolf Fenrir and the serpent Jörmungandr, who are two of the main actors in bringing about the end of the world. [19]
    • Symbols: Ejludner (Hel’s mansion), “famine” table, “starvation” knife, attendants Ganglate and Ganglot.
    • Powers: Dominion over death.
    • Mythological Stories: Hel leads an army of the dead against the gods during Ragnarok; initially refuses to release Balder for resurrection unless all beings in the world weep for him.
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    Forseti Forseti is the god of justice, peace, and reconciliation in Norse mythology. He was best known for his wisdom and his ability to resolve conflicts amongst others, with him often acting as a divine judge and mediator. Forseti dwells in the hall of Glitnir, which was described as a palace of gold and silver in which the god would settle immortal and mortal disputes. [20]
    • Symbols: Sacred axe, golden thrones, scales and sword, Glitnir (golden courthouse).
    • Powers: Mediation, arbiter of justice.
    • Mythological Stories: Forseti lived in a golden courthouse; was the son of god Balder and his wife, Nanna.
  21. Eir is a goddess associated with medical skill and healing, although she’s also identified as a Valkyrie—or one of the female warriors who would choose which fallen warriors went to Valhalla (the Norse afterlife). Eir is often depicted as a handmaiden of Frigg, but she’s also considered to be the most powerful healer in Northern mythology. [21]
    • Symbols: Sharp objects like bones or rocks, copper, healing herbs (i.e., comfrey).
    • Powers: Healing.
    • Mythological Stories: Eir helped injured soldiers recover during battle.
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    Nanna Nanna is a Norse goddess of joy and peace who was married to the god Balder. She was also the mother of Forseti, the god of justice. Known for her unwavering love and loyalty, Nanna died of grief after Balder’s tragic death and ended up being burned with him at his funeral. [22]
    • Symbols: Moon.
    • Powers: Nanna’s powers are not well-defined, as she’s mostly known for her relationship with Balder.
    • Mythological Stories: Nanna birthed Forseti, the god of reconciliation and justice; died of a broken heart at her husband Balder’s funeral; was resurrected alongside Balder after Ragnarok.
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    Mímir Mímir is a Norse god of wisdom who was renowned for his exceptional wisdom. He was decapitated during the Æsir–Vanir War, but his head was preserved by Odin as a source of knowledge that could speak and offer counsel. His knowledge was kept in a well called Mímisburnnr, which was thought to be a source of profound wisdom. This is the well from which Odin was said to drink from when he sacrificed his eye in the pursuit of wisdom. [23]
    • Symbols: Well, disembodied head.
    • Powers: Vast wisdom and knowledge, clairvoyance.
    • Mythological Stories: Mímir
  24. Hodr (or Höðr) is a blind god who is associated with darkness and winter. His blindness is an important part of Hodr’s story, as it contributes to Loki being able to trick him into killing his brother, Baldr. This tragic event kicked off Ragnarok, or the Norse apocalypse. Höðr, son of Odin and Frigg, is then killed by Vali, who was born specifically for the purpose of avenging Baldr. [24]
    • Symbols: Blindness, mistletoe, darkness, winter.
    • Powers: Physical strength, prowess in battle.
    • Mythological Stories: Hodr unintentionally killed his brother Baldr after being manipulated by Loki; was killed by his brother Vali in order to avenge Baldr’s death; was reborn after Ragnarok to rule over the heavens with Baldr.
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    Hermodr Hermodr is the son of Odin and brother of Balder in Norse mythology, but he also serves as a messenger to the gods. He’s famously quick-footed and brave, with one of his most notable heroics being the journey to Hel (the underworld realm) to retrieve Balder. Hermodr generally symbolizes speed, communication, and bravery, and he’s typically depicted as wearing a helmet and coat of mail given to him by Odin. [25]
    • Symbols: Winged helmet, Gambantein (his magic staff).
    • Powers: Swift travel, negotiation, navigating through dark roads.
    • Mythological Stories: Hermodr traveled to Hel to retrieve the slain Balder.
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    Gullveig Gullveig is a Vanir goddess who’s associated with gold, magic, and the beginning of the end of the world. The Aesir (or the principal gods) attempt to kill Gullveig four times—first with a sword and then thrice by burning. However, Gullveig is reborn each time, eventually taking on the name Heidr, meaning “the gleaming one.” Gullveig is sometimes interpreted as the personification of gold itself or as a symbol of greed and decadence, which may also be presented as a mark of the end times. [26]
    • Symbols: Gold.
    • Powers: Seidr magic, rebirth, witchcraft, seership.
    • Mythological Stories: Gullveig was stabbed and burned thrice by Odin but reborn each time; eventually transformed into Heidr (a powerful witch and seer).
  27. Sól is the sun goddess (or the personification of the sun) in Norse mythology. According to myth, Sól drives her chariot across the sky that’s pulled by two horses (Árvakr and Alsviðr) and chased by the wolf Sköll. The manes of Árvakr and Alsviðr are said to be the source of the sun’s light. However, the wolf who chases her (who’s sometimes described as Fenrir) is destined to devour her during Ragnarok. Before her death, however, she births a daughter who continues her journey across the sky. [27]
    • Symbols: Chariot, horses, sun, Sunday, the runic letter S.
    • Powers: Influences the passage of day and night, gives warmth to the earth, keeps time.
    • Mythological Stories: Sól was destined to be killed by Sköll during Ragnarok; gave birth to a daughter before her death; married a man called Glenr (“opening in the clouds”).
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    Mani Mani is the personification and god of the moon in Norse mythology. He’s also the brother of the sun goddess Sól. In his divine role, Mani guides the path of the moon in the sky and controls its waxing and waning. He’s accompanied by two entities: Bil (“the waning one”) and Hjuki (“the one coming to strength”). From Earth, these two entities are viewed as moon spots. Mani is also relentlessly pursued by the wolf Hati, who will devour him during Ragnarok. [28]
    • Symbols: Horse-drawn chariot, clocks, stone circles, the moon, silver, crescent shapes, the lunula.
    • Powers: Controlling the moon and lunar cycle, keeping the world in time and in balance.
    • Mythological Stories: Mani took Bil and Hjuki from the well Byrgir to be his companions; was caught up with and eaten by the wolf Hati on Ragnarok; was replaced by his daughters after Ragnarok.
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    Nótt Nótt (which means “night”) is the personification of night in Norse mythology. Nótt is a giantess who gives birth to Dagr (Day) and Jörð (Earth). She’s portrayed as dark, black, and swarthy, having been birthed by the giant Narfi. Nótt and her son (Dagr) ride around the Earth every 24 hours, marking the beginning and end of each night and day. Nótt is also responsible for the morning dew, which is said to fall from the drip of her horse’s bit. [29]
    • Symbols: Stars, books, writing utensils, Hrimfaxi (her frost mare).
    • Powers: Creating nighttime, creating morning dew, stoking creativity.
    • Mythological Stories: Nótt travels across the sky with her son Dagr (Day); married thrice to Naglfari, Annar, and Hodr.
  30. Dagr is the personification of daytime or daylight in Norse mythology. He’s the son of Dellginr (dawn) and Nótt (night), and he’s typically depicted while riding his horse Skinfaxi across the sky. In this action, Dagr is able to bring light to the world, resulting in daytime. He alternates with his mother, Nótt, who brings nighttime and physical darkness to the world. [30]
    • Symbols: Light, the sun, clocks, Skinfaxi (his horse).
    • Powers: Creating daylight, controlling the cyclical nature of time, dispelling darkness, providing clarity and wisdom.
    • Mythological Stories: Dagr creates the cycles of day and night with his mother, Nótt; rides the horse Skinfaxi, whose mane illuminates the sky and the earth.
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    Iðunn In Norse mythology, Iðunn is the goddess of youth, spring, and fertility. Specifically, Iðunn is the keeper of the golden apples of immortality—the gods eat these apples in order to remain young and healthy. Iðunn is also the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry. Their marriage is viewed as a divine example of poetry and storytelling being a means of immortality. [31]
    • Symbols: Magical apples kept in a box.
    • Powers: Granting eternal youth and life to the gods.
    • Mythological Stories: Iðunn was abducted by the giant Thjazi to cause the gods to age, but was rescued by Loki (who transformed her into a falcon).
  32. Vili and Ve are two Norse gods who are the brothers of Odin. Along with Odin, they are credited with creating the world and first humans (Ask and Embla). While Odin gave life and breath to these humans, Vili gave understanding and emotion and Ve gave senses and appearance. Out of this trio, Odin is the eldest, Ve is the youngest, and Vili is the middle brother. [32]
    • Symbols: Vili and Ve don’t have any specific symbols associated with them.
    • Powers: Creation of humanity.
    • Mythological Stories: Vili and Ve helped to bring forth humanity, imbuing humankind with feeling, emotion, understanding, senses, and external appearance.
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    The Norns The Norns are a group of divine female beings who control fate—the main three are named Wyrd (or Past), Verðandi (Being or Present), and Skuld (Obligation or Future). These powerful entities weave the threads of destiny for both gods and humans, determining the fate of mortal and immortal beings alike. Once they decide someone’s fate, it cannot be changed, and even gods must obey their decrees. They live near the world tree (Yggdrasil) and are typically portrayed as aged, gray-haired women. [33]
    • Symbols: The roots of the World Tree (Yggdrasil), tapestries, threads, the well of Urd.
    • Powers: Control over fate and destiny, influence on the future of newborns.
    • Mythological Stories: The Norns control the fates of all beings; draw water from the well of Urd to nourish Yggdrasil; visit newborns to determine their fate (which may be malevolent or benevolent).
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    The Valkyries Valkyries are a group of female figures who serve the chief god Odin. Their primary role is to choose which slain souls in battle are worthy enough to travel to Valhalla. These warriors are later trained to fight alongside Odin at Ragnarok (the Norse apocalypse). For this reason, the Valkyries are largely associated with war and death and are often depicted as riding horses, wolves, or boars. [34]
    • Symbols: Swans, ravens, helmets, shields, spears, horses.
    • Powers: Flight, choosing the honorable among the dead.
    • Mythological Stories: Valkyries serve Odin as the daughters of mortal kinds; ride to battlefields to choose which brave soldiers deserve a place in Valhalla; escort warrior souls to Valhalla.
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Section 2 of 6:

A Brief History of the Norse Gods

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  1. According to Norse mythology, there were once two worlds sitting on either side of a bottomless abyss called Ginnungagap. One of these worlds was a land of ice (“Niflheim”) and the other was a land of fire (“Muspelheim”). Over time, each of these worlds grew stronger and they competed with one another for space. As the two worlds clashed and fought, the combination of fire and ice created water droplets that fell into Ginnungagap and created life. This first life was called Ymir, a giant that was half male and half female. [35]
  2. More beings were created from more droplets falling into Ginnungagap. Namely, these beings evolved into what we now know as the first Norse gods: Odin, Vili, and Vé. These gods conspired together to kill Ymir, using the giant’s own blood, teeth, hair, and bones to create the Nordic mythological universe—including Asgard, Hel, the mortal world, and other divine realms. [36]
  3. Æsir and Vanir. These two groups—which are often referred to as “houses” or “families”—were necessary to provide all that was needed for life to exist. The Æsir house focused more on battle, war, bravery, loyalty, and strength. Its most important gods and goddesses include Odin, Frigg, Thor, Loki, Balder, Hod, Heimdall, and Tyr. The Vanir house, on the other hand, ruled primarily over magic, fertility, wealth, and commerce. Njord, Freyr, and Freyja are the most notable Vanir gods. [37]
    • While it was understood that the coexistence of both houses was necessary in order to have balance in the universe, conflict and battles still regularly occurred between the two groups.
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Section 3 of 6:

Where does Norse mythology come from?

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  1. After these stories evolved and were developed throughout the Germanic and Viking eras, they were eventually recorded in Old Norse—a language spoken by ancient Norse peoples in modern Scandinavia (e.g., Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Greenland). The primary written sources for Norse mythology are the Poetic Edda (written in 1250 by an anonymous author) and the Prose Edda (written in 1220 by Snorri Sturluson). [38]
Section 4 of 6:

How many Norse gods and goddesses were there?

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  1. People in ancient Scandinavia were polytheistic, meaning that they worshipped multiple gods at once (rather than just one). Some of the most important and well-known Norse gods and goddesses include Thor, Odin, Freyja, Frigg, and Hel. Many of these gods are considered to have shaped early and modern Nordic culture. [39]
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Section 5 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions About Norse Mythology

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  1. 1
    Where did the main Norse gods live? The principal Norse gods and goddesses lived in Asgard. Asgard was a legendary immortal dwelling that could only be reached through the Bifrost, a rainbow bridge guarded by Heimdall. Asgard itself was divided into 12 separate realms in which the gods lived and worked. The realms included Valhalla, where Odin lived, Thrudheim, where Thor lived, Breidablik, where Balder lived, and many others. Each important Norse god and goddess had their own palace within Asgard. [40]
  2. 2
    Who were the most powerful Norse gods? Some of the most powerful gods include Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Odin was the chief god and king of the Æsir, and he also fathered Thor—the god of thunder and one of the most physically strong and powerful gods in Norse mythology. Freyja, a key goddess, was a fierce warrior who would lead the Valkyries into battle. She also oversaw love, beauty, fertility, and war.
    • However, there are many other supremely strong and powerful Norse gods besides these three. Some include Balder, Loki, Hel, Tyr, Heimdall, Vidar, and Vale.
  3. 3
    Do people still believe in Norse gods? Yes, some small groups still believe in Norse gods—although modern Norse belief is not practiced widely. This modern form of Norse paganism is known as Ásatru (which means "faith in the Aesir") or Heathenry, and its practitioners worship deities like Odin, Thor, and Freya. Most of the practicing communities live in Scandinavian countries—for example, the Asatru Association practices in Iceland. Other notable communities, such as in Denmark, boast about 500-1000 members. [41]
    • Not only do these communities still worship the Norse gods, but they also perform pagan rites such as the Odinist ritual .
  4. 4
    Who is the female Viking god? The Vikings worshipped several different powerful female goddesses. The most notable of these divine females was likely Frigg, the queen of Asgard and highest-ranking Norse goddess. She was also the wife of Odin and the goddess of marriage, motherhood, and fate. Other female Viking gods include Freya, Iðunn, Hel, Eir, and Sigyn.
  5. 5
    Who is Loki's wife in Norse mythology? In Norse mythology, Loki is a trickster god who’s married to Sigyn, an Asynjur goddess. Sigyn is one of the oldest known Norse goddesses, with her most notable moment being her commitment to staying by Loki’s side during his imprisonment. Together, the pair have two sons: Narfi and Váli. [42]
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Section 6 of 6:

Further Learning on World Mythology

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  1. Curious to know more about the beliefs of ancient cultures from around the world? Check out any of the articles listed below to learn more fascinating details from Norse, Greek, and Egyptian mythologies:

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      References

      1. ↑ https://thetroth.org/resource/odin/
      2. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-aesir-gods-and-goddesses/frigg/
      3. ↑ https://people.uncw.edu/deagona/herakles/thor.htm
      4. ↑ https://vikings.mrdonn.org/gods.html
      5. ↑ https://people.wku.edu/charles.plemons/dnd/hammer_of_glory/campaign/deity_tyr.html
      6. ↑ https://vikings.mrdonn.org/gods.html
      7. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-vanir-gods-and-goddesses/freya/
      8. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-vanir-gods-and-goddesses/freyr/
      9. ↑ http://plaza.ufl.edu/drobeson/Norse_Gods.html
      1. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-aesir-gods-and-goddesses/loki/
      2. ↑ http://plaza.ufl.edu/drobeson/Norse_Gods.html
      3. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-vanir-gods-and-goddesses/njord/
      4. ↑ https://nordicperspective.com/history/why-is-it-called-scandinavia
      5. ↑ https://galvanizeit.org/project-gallery/ullr-breck
      6. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jord
      7. ↑ https://godsandgoddesses.org/norse/gefjun/
      8. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/vidar/
      9. ↑ https://ydalir.ca/norsegods/vali/
      10. ↑ https://www.worldhistory.org/Hel/
      11. ↑ http://plaza.ufl.edu/drobeson/Norse_Gods.html
      12. ↑ https://www.northernpaganism.org/shrines/mengloth/eir/who-is-eir.html
      13. ↑ http://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Nanna/312631
      14. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mimir
      15. ↑ https://norse-mythology.org/hodr/
      16. ↑ http://plaza.ufl.edu/drobeson/Norse_Gods.html
      17. ↑ https://www.academia.edu/37651481/Halls_Gods_and_Giants_The_Enigma_of_Gullveig_in_Óðinns_Hall
      18. ↑ https://www.physics.unlv.edu/~jeffery/astro/art/art_w/wolf_norse.html
      19. ↑ https://gallery.library.vcu.edu/exhibits/show/jamesbranchcabell/item/79818
      20. ↑ https://www.academia.edu/7747871/Norse_Mythology_Legends_of_Gods_and_Heroes
      21. ↑ https://chs.harvard.edu/chapter/thomas-a-dubois-the-mythic-sun-an-areal-perspective/
      22. ↑ https://vikings.mrdonn.org/gods.html
      23. ↑ https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/creation.html
      24. ↑ http://plaza.ufl.edu/drobeson/Norse_Gods.html
      25. ↑ https://public.wsu.edu/~kimander/beerbowlgoddess.htm
      26. ↑ https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/creation.html
      27. ↑ https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/creation.html
      28. ↑ https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/creation.html
      29. ↑ https://pantheon.org/mythology/norse/
      30. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/question/What-was-the-Vikings-religion
      31. ↑ https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/creation.html
      32. ↑ https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/religion-magic-death-and-rituals/the-old-nordic-religion-today/
      33. ↑ https://trexlerworks.muhlenberg.edu/trexler_blog/uncategorized/the-norse-god-loki/

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