Tag Archives: Norse/Germanic

Winternights

Winternights (Vetrnætr) is one of the three major festivals celebrated in pre-Christian Scandinavia, the others being midwinter (Yule, Jól/Jólablót, Hökunótt) and the beginning of the summer raiding season (Sigrblót “Victory Blot” or Sumarmál). Snorri Sturluson wrote of these festivals in the Ynglinga saga of the Heimskringla: “There should be a sacrifice at the beginning ofContinue reading “Winternights”

Skadi, the Snow Queen

Skadi, Skade, Skathi (Norse), Sceadu (Anglo-Saxon) Skadi (Skaði) is a female jötunn (giant) and Norse goddess of winter, snow, mountains and the hunt. She is also associated with independence, wilderness and wisdom. Skadi lived in the highest reaches of the snow-covered mountains. She was described as being tall and beautiful with long black hair, silverContinue reading “Skadi, the Snow Queen”

Heathenry

Heathenry, or Germanic Neopaganism, centres on Scandinavian, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon deities and mythology. Heathens are largely polytheistic and follow a reconstructionist viewpoint, which aims to recreate the religion of ancient people through study of archaeological and historical records. These records include Old Norse texts (such as the Prose and Poetic Eddas, and the Icelandic Sagas), Germanic folklore,Continue reading “Heathenry”

Freyja, Goddess of Love and War

Freya, Frejya, Freyia, Frøya, Frøjya, Freia Freyja is a Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, crops, war, wealth, divination and magic.  Famed for her great beauty, with blue eyes and golden hair, she has been referred to as ‘The Fair One’.  She was the symbol of sensuality and was called upon in matters of love. Continue reading “Freyja, Goddess of Love and War”

Odin, All Father

Woden / Wodan / Wotan (Anglo-Saxon) Odin was the chief god of Norse mythology, head of the Æsir gods.  He was also called Alfodr (All Father), Yggr (Terror), Sigfodr (Father of Victory) or Valfodr (Father of the Slain).  Odin is thought to be the same as Woden, Wodan or Wotan in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic mythology.Continue reading “Odin, All Father”

Thor, God of Thunder

Thunor, Donar (Anglo-Saxon) Thor is the Norse god of thunder, also associated with oak trees, strength, protection and fertility. ‘Thor’ comes from the Germanic word for ‘thunder’, thus he is associated with thunder, lightning and storms. He is often viewed as a fierce warrior with red hair, a red beard, and eyes like lightning. HeContinue reading “Thor, God of Thunder”

Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology

Norse Cosmology contains ‘nine homeworlds’ (Níu Heimar in Old Norse) in which all beings inhabit.  These worlds are centered on the World Tree, Yggdrasil, which lies at the centre of the cosmos.  Each of these Nine Worlds is the homeland of various classes of beings that are part of Norse and Germanic mythology.  Travel betweenContinue reading “Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology”