Norse Mythology Facts
January 20, 2023
Norse Mythology has been around since the 9th century AD the stories were shared through the Northern Germanic Tribes. The stories were passed down as poetry until the 11th– 18th centuries through Northern Germanic Tribes.
The very first Norse god was Aurgelmir (a.k.a Ymir), a giant who was created from the drops of water that formed when the ice of Niflheim met the heat of Muspelheim.
The most powerful thing in Norse mythology is Odin, the King of the Aesir gods.
Followers of Norse Paganism believe that life is centered on a vast sacred tree called the Yggdrasil, which has different realms that extend from it. Humans inhabit one called Midgard, and the other realms are inhabited by multiple gods and goddesses, as well as giants, dwarves, and elves.
Virtues emphasized by Old Norse myths were Independence, self- reliance, loyalty, modest, hospitality, generosity, compassion, courage, and most importantly, wisdom.
The number nine is significant because the Norse cosmology knows nine worlds that are supported by Yggdrasil, and the mythologies culture and traditions are still alive in modern day Norway and beyond.
Norse Gods and Goddesses:
Odin: Supreme deity, Odin was the awe-inspiring ruler of Asgard. Odin is the god of war, poetry and magic. He is famous for sacrificing his eye in order to see the cosmos more clearly and he hung from the world tree for nine days and nine nights until he was blessed with the knowledge of the runic alphabet.
Frigg: Odins wife and a paragon of beauty, fertility and fate. She was gifted with the power of divination, and took an oath from the elements, weapons, beasts, and poisons so they wouldn’t injure her first son Balder but was betrayed by Loki.
Loki: Mischievous god who could shape shift and take animalistic forms. When he learned Balder could only be hurt by mistletoe, he had Hod the blind god pierce Balder with it to kill him.
Thor: Odins most well-known son, the protector of humanity and the powerful god of thunder who wielded a hammer called Mjöllnir. Among the other gods he was known for his, bravery, strength, healing powers, and righteousness.
Freya: One of the most sensual and passionate goddesses in Norse mythology. She is the sister of Freyr.
Freyr: He was the god of fertility and one of the most respected gods of the Vanir clan. Freyr was a symbol of prosperity and good weather conditions.
Heimdall: Known as the ‘shiniest’ of all the gods due to him having the ‘whitest skin’. He was the son of Odin and sat atop the Bifrost remaining forever alert; guarding Asgard against attack.
Hel: The goddess and ruler of the Norse underworld (a.k.a Helheim). She has pale skin and has a death like appearance.
Vidar: A son of the supreme god and Grid (a giantess) who’s powers were only matched by Thor.
Vale: The son of Odin who avenged Balder by killing Hod.
