According to the 13th-century Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson, Freyr was the most renowned Norse deity in Christian Iceland. In some ways this is surprising. He surpassed Odin the All-Father and Thor the god of thunder and protector, and he was not even an Aesir god, but one of the Vanir gods sent to live among... Continue Reading →

As the wife of Odin, Frigg was considered the most important Norse goddess. But very little information is preserved about her in Norse mythology. Frigg was a goddess of the household and matronly duty, and she had three handmaidens. But the only story that survives about Frigg is actually about her son Balder. Perhaps the... Continue Reading →

The Vikings were a seafaring people, raiding, trading and exploring around Europe and the Atlantic. It makes sense that they would have had several gods of the sea. Njord was one of these gods. Njord was one of the Vanir gods who lived in Asgard among the Norse gods and he was associated with seafaring... Continue Reading →

Balder was the son of Odin with his wife Frigg, and he seems to have been the beloved prince of Asgard in the Norse pantheon, rather than Thor. But despite being portrayed as the most beloved of all the gods, he is most famous for his death. Balder's death is one of the key events... Continue Reading →

Bragi is known in Norse religion as the bard of Valhalla and was considered the god of poetry. But it is also possible that Bragi was once a man, a famous skald called Bragi Boddason, and that he was defied for his talent. The Bard of Valhalla Bragi is known as a master of skaldic... Continue Reading →

Idun is one of the most interesting goddesses in Norse mythology for two reasons. First, she is responsible for maintaining the eternal youth, strength, and immortality of the gods, suggesting something about the Norse conception of divinity. Secondly, Idun clearly demonstrates that Norse beliefs don’t draw clear lines between the different types of beings –... Continue Reading →

Tyr is among the most important gods in the Norse pantheon, as demonstrated by the fact that he is listed among the 12 principal Aesir gods in various Norse myths. But, while it is clear that he was an important Norse deity, we actually know very little about Tyr. Tyr was a god of war... Continue Reading →

According to Norse mythology, the Norse god Heimdall is the sentinel of Asgard. He watches over the Rainbow Bifrost Bridge to ensure the safety of the Aesir gods. He is the son of nine mothers, which seems to have granted him incredible powers that make him uniquely suited to his role as a watchman. The... Continue Reading →

Gods often have attributes that reflect their power and purpose and are useful symbology to help us identify the gods in art. Odin is the leader of the Norse gods and the god of war, wisdom, writing, wanderers, and witchcraft. One of Odin's most consistent and fascinating attributes is his two ravens, Huginn and Muninn,... Continue Reading →

While Freya, or Freyja, does not make an appearance in the Marvel universe, she is probably the best-known of the old Norse goddesses. The evidence suggests that Freya was more widely worshipped among the pagan Vikings than any other goddess. In Norse mythology, Freya is a complex goddess imported into the Aesir pantheon. Freya is... Continue Reading →