Video:Norse Gods and Goddesses
with Jade BroadusNorse mythology emerged from Northern Germanic tribes and is comprised of Vanir and Aesir God and Goddesses. Learn more about Norse mythology in this About.com video.See Transcript
Transcript:Norse Gods and Goddesses
Hi, I’m Jade with About.com and today we’re going to discuss several of the major Gods and Goddesses from Norse Mythology.
Origins of Norse Mythology
Norse mythology emerged form Northern Germanic tribes with an oral tradition dated around the 9th century AD. In this system, there were 2 families of gods, Aesir and Vanir.
Vanir Gods in Norse Mythology
The Vanir were peaceful gods related to elves and life. Some of the best known Vanir gods are:
Njoror - The god of the sea, wind, wealth, and crop fertility. He is the father of Freyr and Freyja.
Freyer – The horned fertility god, associated with virility and weather. He has a ship which was built by dwarves, it always has a favorable breeze and can hold all the gods or fit into his pocket.
Freyja – The goddess of love and beauty, and also a warrior goddess associated with wisdom and magic. She is the Queen of the Valkyries.
Aesir Gods of Norse Mythology
The Aesir were warlike gods related to the giants. Some of the more powerful Aesir gods are:
Odin – The lead god of the Aesir and ruler of Vahalla. He was the god of poetry, wisdom, war, and death and ruler of Asgard (home of the gods). He rode an eight-legged horse named given to him by Loki, and wields a spear fabled to never miss. Also, he only has one eye – having sacrificed an eye to drink form the fountain of wisdom.
Frigg – The wife of Odin, Queen of the Aesir, and the Norse goddess of marriage, motherhood, and wisdom. She is also the goddess of weaving and is known for weaving clouds and the threads of fate.
Thor – Son of Odin, is the most powerful god. Thor is the god of thunder and protector of both Asgard and Midgard (home of humans). His weapon of choice is a war hammer that among other powers causes thunder.
There are many other Gods in both the Aesir and Vanir families. Some believe that the Vanir were an earlier set of gods that were eventually overcome by the Aesir.
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