Æsir
14
articles
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Loki: Central in myth, absent from cult
Whilst British actor Tom Hiddleston has received fanfare and plaudits for his duplicitous depiction of Loki on the small and silver screens, people in Viking societies had a far more complicated relationship with the eternal trickster of Norse mythology.4 months ago — Culture and religion -
Why did giants and the Norse gods keep intermarrying?
They say that opposites attract. Never is this more the case than in the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, where the forces of chaos and order mix, where jötnar and the Norse gods intermarry.9 months ago — Culture and religion -
Frigg vs. Freyja: Why two Norse goddesses get confused
Do you have a serious case of deity dyslexia? The Norse goddesses Frigg and Freyja may have alliteration and gender in common, but each holds a distinctive and unique place in Norse mythology. We look at why these two deities have a serious case of mistaken identity.10 months ago — Culture and religion -
Bound in pain: How the gods punished Loki
The themes of divine retribution and fate are no strangers to mythologies the world over. In the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, how the gods punished Loki occupies a central place in the cataclysmic events leading to Ragnarök.11 months ago — Culture and religion -
Víðarr, Odin's son: The god who survived Ragnarök
"The wise man must guard his tongue carefully; rarely is there regret for being too silent." Whilst this quote is attributed to Odin himself, it could easily describe his son, Víðarr. Let us examine this Norse god of silence and vengeance and peel back the mystery of this enigmatic deity.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Bragi: The divine poet of Norse mythology
The rich tapestry of sagas and poems that Viking societies left behind extends well beyond their reputation as fierce warriors. In fact, in the world of early medieval Scandinavia, poetry was held in such high regard that it was worshipped in the form of a god, Bragi.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Thrúd: The forgotten story of Thor's fierce daughter
Though she was born of Thunder and destined for greatness, time has not been kind to Thrúd, the daughter of Thor. Who is this overlooked Norse goddess living in the shadow of her famous father?2 years ago — Culture and religion -
From guarding Asgard to heralding Ragnarök: The story of Heimdall
The god Heimdall stands as a figure of unwavering vigilance in the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. He embodies the essence of protection, security, and watchfulness.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Eir, goddess of healing, and her influence in Norse mythology
People in Viking societies lived in a dangerous era before the advent of widespread medical knowledge, hospitals, and doctors. Divine protection was needed in the form of the Norse goddess Eir to ensure health, healing, and safety.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Surtr: The fiery giant of Norse mythology and his role in Ragnarök
People from Viking societies foretold the apocalyptic destruction of the world that is as memorable as it is horrific: Ragnarök. What does a sword-wielding fire giant have to do with this armageddon of annihilation?2 years ago — Culture and religion