Despite living in 9 distinct realms, characters in Norse legends are often connected with each other through natural kinship or via their adventures. There are actually a lot of species or creatures and types of people involved in the Norse tales: gods, goddesses, notable humans, maidens, giants, dwarves, valkyries and other creatures of monstrous proportions. Learn how they are related to each other, their stories and history that compose the Norse legends.
Despite living in 9 distinct realms, characters in Norse legends are often connected with each other through natural kinship or via their adventures. There are actually a lot of species or creatures and types of people involved in the Norse tales: gods, goddesses, notable humans, maidens, giants, dwarves, valkyries and other creatures of monstrous proportions. Learn how they are related to each other, their stories and history that compose the Norse legends.
The "nine homeworlds" which composed the Norse cosmology and where various types of living creatures inhabit. Their common connection being a supposedly huge world tree called Yggdrasil, the cosmic ash tree in the middle of the cosmos. Under its root is the spring of Mimir, the waters of which are said to contain understanding and wisdom. Both Eddas did not specify exact details so little can be gleaned from the stories presented in them.
Discover the meaning and etymology behind the names of the Norse pantheon, places and items. Additional details are also provided on their modern usage, overall popularity and cognate words.
Odin – also Odinn ("rage" or "inspiration"). The leader of the Aesir gods who is associated with war, wisdom and art.
Thor – the god of thunder. He's the son of Odin and usually carried his hammer Mjolnir
Freya – also Freyja ("lady"). The goddess of beauty and death who brings the worthy dead to Valhalla.
Freyr – also Frey ("lord"). The god associated with rain, sunlight and fertility.
Loki – Aesir god known for being a trickster and can manipulate fire and magic. He was eventually confined to a stone by his fellow gods for being evil.
Baldr – also Balder ("prince"). The son of Odin and Frigg who was killed because Loki tricked Hoder into it.
Heimdall – the white god who presided over light and dawn. He is considered the guardian of Asgard