Origin of the word “elf” or “alfar” Along with the Æsir and Vanir the Eddas speak of the Alfar or elves. These are represented in later Germanic folk-belief, and equivalents of the name are Old High German alp, Anglo-Saxon ælf, Old Danish elv, Old Swedish älf. In Germany, the older use of alp or alb …
Light & Dark Elves Norse Mythology (Ljösalfar & Dökkalfar) Read More »
The Origin of the Norn The Germanic peoples seem to have been much impressed by the idea of overruling fate or, at first, of powers controlling the destinies of men and even gods, and it enters largely into their literature. “Fate none can escape” is the terse saying of Gudrun in Atlamal. Different words expressed …
The Norns: Fate Weavers of the Norse (+ Portrait & Origins) Read More »
What is a Fylgja? In Norse mythology, Fylgja were invisible guardian spirits for a person or family, usually in animal form or as a copy of a person’s body. The Fylgja accompanied people in life, shielded, warned and consoled them. However, if a person’s Fylgja became visible, this meant their death was imminent. The Fylgja …
All about Fylgja: Norse & Viking Guardian Spirit Animals Read More »
Norse mythology has been a well studied field for a very long time, and as such there are tons of books out there that tell both the great and the small stories of Norse mythology. The best part about this is that you don’t need to spend any money to get these books. This is …
12 Free, High Quality Norse & Viking Mythology Books Read More »
Story of Signy and Sigmund Signy was the daughter of Volsung and the sister of Sigmund. Her husband slew Volsung by treachery and captured his sons. One by one he chained them at night to where the wolves would find them and devour them. When the last, who was Sigmund, was brought out and chained, …
The Story of Signy and Sigurd (from Norse Mythology) Read More »