Thor was twice married; first to the giantess Jarnsaxa (iron stone), who bore him two sons, Magni (strength) and Modi (courage). Their names come from the Old Norse words âs-megin (power, strength) and âs-módr (courage). His second wife was Sif, who also gave Thor two children: Lorride and a young giantess named Thrud. Both Modi …
Magni & Modi: Thor’s Sons with the giant Jarnsaxa Read More »
Who is Farbauti and Laufey (or Nal) Farbauti and Laufey are recorded in Norse mythological poems as being the father and mother of Loki, the Norse god of fire and bringer of mischief. Not much is known about them, and their names are mentioned only a handful of times throughout the Poetic Edda and Prose …
Farbauti & Laufey in Norse Mythology: Father, Mother of Loki Read More »
In Norse mythology, the cosmic realm is structured around 9 different worlds: Asgard, home of the Aesir such as Thor and Odin Alfheim, home of the elves. Midgard, home of humans. Jotunheim, a freezing world inhabited by ice giants. Muspelheim, a glowing fire world inhabited by fire giants, such as Surtr. Svartalfheim, home of the …
According to Norse mythology, the giantess Angrboda was a love interest of the fire god Loki and was the mother of his three children: the wolf Fenrir, the giant serpent Jörmungand, and the ruler of the dead Hel. For a character of such importance, there is surprisingly little information concerning Angrboda and her role in …
Angrboda in Norse Mythology: Fenrir’s Mother & Lover of Loki Read More »
Who are the Vanir Though associated in cult with the Æsir or even included among them in the Norse mythological stories, the Vanir are a small but distinct group of Norse gods. They dwell in Vanaheim, not Asgard, and include Njord, Frey, and Freyja, possibly also Heimdall and Frigg (Odin’s wife). Their general functions seem …
Vanir Gods in Norse Mythology, Their Role and Powers Read More »
Njord is a Norse god who sits with the Æsir, though he was not an Æsir himself, for he was born and raised in the land of the Vanir and given by them as a hostage to the Æsir as a way of maintaining the peace. This is based on numerous passages among both the …
Njord, Norse Mythological God of Wealth, Seas and Winds Read More »
What is mead? Mead is an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey mixed with water, and sometimes with other ingredients such as fruits, spices, hops and grains. The beverage itself is ancient, and among the first popular and widely produced types of alcoholic drinks. Its origins can be traced back to the historical Vedic period …
Mead in Norse Mythology: Creation, Powers of Poetry & More Read More »
The highest, the supreme divinity, universally honoured among all Germanic people, would in the Gothic dialect have been called Vodans; in Old High German Wuotan; the Longobards spelt it Wodan or Guddan; the Old Saxons Wuodan or Wodan, the Anglo-Saxons Woden, the Frisians Weda, and finally the Norse form which is Odin. The root of …
How the Old Norse Vikings Worshipped & Prayed to Odin Read More »
Norse mythology is one of the best documented and richest cultural sources of popular folklore, although it’s not quite as widespread and well-known as Greek or Anglo-Saxon mythology. There have been many TV series and films inspired by Viking and Norse mythology, with some better than others. Below are two sections, one with the best …
24 Best Norse Mythology Movies & TV Series of All Time Read More »
Surtr (or Surt, Surtur), leader of the Fire giants of Muspellheim The giant Surtr with the flaming sword is guardian of the final fire that will burn up the world. Fire-giants are the dwellers in the Fire-world Muspellheim who, led by Surt, will come forth to fight the gods at Ragnarock. Surt’s fire will destroy …
Surtr, Fire Giant & Burner of the World in Norse Mythology Read More »