02            Norse mythlogy
         

The collective myths of the Scandinavians (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland). The main sources for Norse mythology, Indo-European in origin, are the Icelandic Eddas. The saga of Norse mythology itself took place in Germanic Europe, including those elements of the myths which were current in Scandinavia in the millenium before that. Norse Mythology is a strange world. It's differed from other mythology, in that their characters and world, even in Asgard, are grave and solemn. This may all be due to the fact, even though the gods are immortal, they will be destroyed in the final battle between good andevil. There is a lot more myth base on a country or culture. Example : Greek | Egypt | Celtic myth etc.The pages devoted to Norse myths has been divided into three section :

THE ASGARD contains information of Norse deities, both the Aesir and Vanir, including giants and monsters.

Asgard was one of the Nine Worlds created by Odin and his brothers, and it was the name of the home of Aesir gods and goddesses. Dozen or more palaces or halls were built within Asgard belonging to the gods, with Odin residing in great hall called Valaskjalf. Valhalla was another great hall belonging to Odin. The great wall around Asgard was built by the frost-giant, Hrimthurs. There was only one entrance to Asgard, known as Bifrost or "Rainbow Bridge", which was guarded by Heimdall. More information about Asgard can be found in Norse Creation. Asgard is a section in Timeless Myths, dealing with Norse (and Germanic) deities. According to the Norse myths, there were two race of gods, the Aesir and the Vanir. Note that though Njörd, Freyr and Freyja were Vanir deities, they later became important Aesir gods and goddess. More details about these three deities can be found under Vanir. In this section,some information about the giants and the monsters that appeared in Norse myths are also added.

Aesir (Æsir in Old Norse) were one race of gods that resided in Asgard. Their counterpart and once enemies, whom they warred upon, were the Vanir. The Vanir were more deities of nature and fertility. Whereas the Aesir were more warlike than their rival. When the two warring races, Aesir and Vanir, made peace, the Vanir deities such as Njörd (Njord), Frey and Freyr became Aesir.Only four of the Aesir deities were common to other Germanic tribes: Odin (Wodan), Frigg, Thor and Tyr (Tiw). The female Aesir were called Asynior.                                            

Chief Aesir Deities

Odin Ruler of universe and leader of the Aesir. Odin was the son of the giants, Bor and Bestla. He along with his brothers, Ve and Vili (Hoenir) created the universe. As one od the creator of the universe and was father of many of the gods, Odin became known as Alfodur ("Father of All"). His wife and consort was Frigg. By Frigg, Odin was father of Baldr, Höd and Hermod. Odin was the father of his eldest son, Thor, by Jörd (Jord) or Fjörgyn (Fjorgyn), a giantess (some say Frigg was Thor's mother) and Vidar by another giantess, Grid. Odin was also the father of Vali by Rind, daughter of King Billing. According to the Nordic myths, he was the chief god, replacing Tyr, who was originally the chief gods to the Germans. He also inherited Tyr's role as god of sky and war. Though Odin was the supreme ruler of the gods and men, in contrast with Tyr, he was not trustworthy, because in several stories, he would break his oaths. Odin seemed to be god of war, particularly victory in battle (Sigtyr); the god who can turn the tide of the battle. Odin was known as Val-father ("Father of the Slains"), since he received half of the fallen heroes in battles, known as the Einherjar. These heroes wait for the coming of Ragnarök (Ragnarok), in Odin's great hall, called Valhala ("Hall of the Slains"). He was god of the hanged and was called Hanga. Odin himself was hung for nine days under the Yggdrasill (World Tree), pierced by his own spear. There he learned the magic of runes and some powerful spells within poetry. Odin offered wandered the world, accompanied by Vili (Hoenir) and Loki. Loki was often allowed to attend the feast in Asgard, since Odin and Loki were blood brother. In Norse myths, ties through blood-oaths were sometimes stronger than among kins. Loki often helped Odin, but sometimes his mischevious nature caused more trouble and embarrassment to him and the other gods. Odin was depicted as somber and grim bearded god, who sacrificed one of his eyes, so he could drink from the well of Mirmir (Well of Wisdom). He was also described as the god who wore wide-brimmed hat and a ring called the Draupner (Ring of Power), as well as carrying a spear Gungnir made by the dwarves (sons of Ivaldi). His symbol was the valknut, a knotted device. Odin rode a horse with eight legs named Sleipnir, an offspring of Loki (mare) and the giant stallion Svadilfari. Since he could only drink wine, he gave all his food to two wolves Freki and Geri. Two ravens, Huginn ("Thought") and Muninn ("Memory"), often attended him, carrying tidings of the world. Odin was also the father of Sigi, who was the grandfather of Völsung (Volsung). (See Völsunga Saga). It was he who put the sword Balmung (made by Wayland the Smith) in the mighty oak tree, Branstock. Only Völsung's youngest son, Sigmund, could draw the sword out of Branstock. The sword was supposed to allow the wielder to win all his wars. It was Odin who broke the sword in two, before Sigmund lost his final battle. The sword was restored by Sigmund's son, Sigurd. Sigurd renamed the reforged sword to Gram. Odin led the mystical band in the Wild Hunt. They roamed at night, usually on solitice nights (Summer and Winter). Seeing them, meant it was likely to be your doom. In Ragnarök (Ragnarok), Odin would be killed and devoured by giant wolf, Fenrir. His son, Vidar, avenged his death by killing Fenrir. The classical Roman writers identified Odin (Wodan) with Mercury, because Mercury's day was identical to Wodan's day (Wednesday).

Frigg Goddess of marriage, fertility and childbirth. Daughter of Fjörgyn (Fjorgyn), goddess of the earth. Frigg was possibly the sister of Thor. She lived in the hall Fensalir. Like the Greek goddess Hera, she was queen of heaven, as wife and consort of Odin. She was the mother of Balder (dying god), Höd (blind-god) and Hermod (herald of the gods).

She was the weeping mother goddess, because her blind son, Höd (Hod), accidentally killed her other son. It was foretold that Balder could die. Frigg wandered the world and exacted an oath from all-living creature and inanimated object to not harm her son. Frigg thought the shrub, the mistletoe, was too insignificant to harm her son. Unfortunately, she did not bother to exact oath from the mistletoe. Loki disguised himself as a woman, found out Balder's weakness from Frigg. Loki then tricked Höd into throwing mistletoe, the only object that could harm Balder. Even though Balder was dead, Frigg was determined to freed him from Hel. She learned that Hel would release Balder, allowing him to live, if every creatures in the world shed tears for Frigg's son. Frigg asked every creature to mourn for Balder. Only one giantess named Thokk refused to weep, therefore Balder remained dead. Loki was punished for his involvement with Balder's death. Some writers Frigg confused with the former Vanir, Freyja. Friday was named after Frigg.

Thor God of thunder and lightning. Thor was the son of Odin and the giantess Jörd (Jord), Fjörgyn (Fjorgyn) or Hlódyn (goddess of the earth). Thor married Sif, the golden-haired goddess. He was the father of a daughter, named Thrud. By his mistress, Jarnsaxa (Iarnsaxa), a giantess, he was the father of two sons, Magni and Modi. Thor has a hall which he resided, called Bilskirnir. His symbol was the device known as the swastika. Thor was always depicted as a massive and strong, bearded man with his mighty war-hammer Mjollnir that he can used to create thunderbolts. The Mjollnir was powerful weapon, which was used by throwing the hammer at his enemy, the hammer would always return magically to his hands, probably because he worn magical iron gloves. What made Thor seemingly invincible was that he also wears the Megingjarpar (girdle of might), that gives him his strength.This girdle was given to Thor by the giantess Grid, when the giant Gerrod stole Mjollnir. Grid also gave Thor a pair of iron gloves and an unbreakable staff. Thor was the mightiest of the gods. His chief enemies were the giants from Jötunheim (Jotunheim). Often the stories of Thor were concern with the god killing one giant or another in various adventure. He was also renown for his great appetite. (See Thrym, for the amusing story, when he lost Mjollnir and disguised himself as Freyja). His greatest enemy was the Midgard Serpent (World Serpent) called Jörmungand (Jormungand) or Jörmungandr. He failed to kill Jörmungand, in an early encounter. During the final battle of the gods (Ragnarök), Thor and Jörmungand would kill one another. Thor enjoys greater popularity than Odin does, particularly in the rural area. And since he was god of thunderstorm he was similar to the Roman god, Jupiter or Jove (Zeus). Thursday was named after Thor, matching Jove's day.

Tyr One-handed god of war. Tyr was possibly the son of Odin and Frigg or the giantess Fjörgyn (Fjorgyn), and younger of brother of Thor. Otherwise he was known as the son of the giant Hymir. Tyr seemed to be one of the earliest gods to be worshiped by the Teutonic people, known as Tiw or Tiwaz. Tyr was the most important god to the Germans at the height of Roman power, as the sky-god, the god of war and justice. In Scandinavia, however, Odin supplanted Tyr as supreme gods. Odin inherited many of Tyr's duties as the war-god, reduced Tyr to secondary role. Tyr was also patron god of justice and the formality of war, particularly of fair treaties. Tyr had reputation of keeping his oath, guarantee of good faith. He was often seen carrying either a sword or spear of justice. Unlike the Greek god Ares, Tyr was the bravest of all the gods.

He was the god of courage and boldness. Tyr sacrificed his hand in an early encounter with Fenrir, an offspring of Loki and the giantess Angerboda. In order to bind Fenrir, the gods pretend to play game with the monster, Tyr placed his hand in the mouth of the giant wolf. However, when Fenrir found that he was been tricked and it was no game at all, he bit off Tyr's hand.

Njörd God of wind and sea. Njörd (Njord) was also patron god of good fortune for sailors and hunting. Sailors prayed to Njörd when they set out on a voyage. Like her son and daughter, Njörd was originally a Vanir deity before he became a Aesir god. See Vanir, for more detail on Njörd.

Freyr God of light (sun), fertility and prosperity. He was also the god of rain and agriculture. Like her father and sister, Freyr was originally a Vanir deity before he became a Aesir god.

Freyrja ( lady ) Goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Freyja was also the goddess of witchcraft and war. Like her father and brother, Freyja was originally a Vanir deity before he became a Aesir goddess.

Loki God of fire. He was the son of the giant Fárbautia (Farbautia) and the giantess Laufey. He was known as the Trickster and Shape-changer. Loki was a very important member of the Aesir. (There are some confusion and argument, whether he was a god or not. If he was a god, whether he was a Aesir or not. Anyway, I put him down as one.) By the giantess, Angerboda, Loki became the father of Hel, goddess of death; Jörmungand (Jormungand), the evil Misgard Serpent; and Fenrir, the giant wolf. By his wife Sigyn, he was father of Narvi and Vali. Don't confuse this Vali, with the son of Odin and Rind. None of the gods like him, but he was allowed to attend the feasts held in Asgard, since Odin and Loki became blood brothers. He was cunning and resourceful god, often helping Odin and the other gods, though often causing more trouble and embarrassment. Originally, he was a mischievous god not an evil god. However, Loki was a god who likes to play practical joke on the gods and human. Like when he cut beautiful golden hair of Sif. Loki also appeared in the Völsunga Saga (Volsunga Saga), when he killed Hreidmar's son, Otter. Odin and Hoenir were held as hostage until Loki can find the ransom to release the two gods. Loki forced the dwarf, Andvari, to give up all his treasure. Later his role became darker and more sinister, representing the evil god as oppose to the Aesir, gods of good. He was indirectly involved with death of Balder. Loki tricked Frigg in revealing his son's weakness and had Frigg's other son Hod to throw the mistletoe at his brother, killing Balder instantly. To punish Loki, the gods bound the fire god in a cavern. Venom from a serpent would drip on his head, causing tremendous agony and such great spasm, that the whole earth shook. His loyal wife, Sigyn stayed with him, catching the venom in a cup. Loki's respite was short, since Sigyn had to empty the cup whenever it was full, which resulted in the venom dripping on his head again. At Ragnarök (Ragnarok), he would escape from his imprisonment, and lead the war against the gods. Loki would kill Heimdall, but he himself would die at Heimdall's hand.

Minor Aesir Deities

Ve (Lother) Ve was the son of the giants, Bor and Bestla. Ve was sometimes called Lother. He along with his brothers, Odin and Vili (Hoenir), killed the giant Ymir and created the universe.

Vili (Hoenir) Vili was the son of the giants, Bor and Bestla. Vili was sometimes called Hoenir. Vili along with his brothers, Odin and Ve, killed the giant Ymir and created the universe. As Hoenir, he was one of the hostages to the Vanir, during the peace between the warring gods: Aesir and Vanir. As brother of Odin, he was fit to rule, but he was not very bright. He received advice from the Mimir, the wisest of the Aesir. The Vanir became suspicion when he gave poor advice when Mimir was absent. The Vanir felt cheated, and decapitated Mimir, returning the head to the Aesir. Again as Hoenir, he appeared in the Völsunga Saga (Volsunga Saga). Hoenir and Odin was held as hostages by Hreidmar, when Loki killed Hreidmar's son Otter Of the three brothers (and much of the elder generation of gods), only Vili (Hoenir) survived Ragnarök (Ragnarok).

Heimdall was the son of the Nine Waves (nine giantesses, this mean that Heimdall had nine mothers), daughters of Aegir. He was also known as Rig, creator of mankind. Heimdall was the warder of the entrance to Asgard: the rainbow bridge called Bifröst (Bifrost). Heimdall had super-sharp eyesight and hearing. He was the never-sleeping watchman, whose duties to prevent giants from entering Asgard. He also watched and blowing his horn Gjallahorn to warn the other gods of the coming of Ragnarök (Ragnarok). He dwelled in his hall Himinbjörg (Cliff of the Hills or Heavenly Fall), just at the edge of Asgard. In the final confrontation between the gods and the evil giants, riding his horse Gulltop and armed with his sword Hofund, Heimdall and Loki would kill one another.

Ull God of justice, hunting and duelling. Ull was the son of Sif, wife of Thor. He was excellent archer and taught man how to ski and was the inventor of snowshoes. He later married Skadi, a giantess and ex-wife of Njörd (Njord). Ull lived in Ydalir (Yew Dales),in Asgard.

Sif Goddess of of corn and fertility(?). Sif was the wife and consort of Thor. She was goddess with beautiful golden hair. She had a son named Ull. Not much is known about Sif. Originally, Sif was probably a prophetess known as the Sibyl. One story told about her, how Loki cut off her hair as practical joke. In a rage, Thor would have bash Loki to death with his hammer, if the trickster did not restore Sif's hair. Loki went to the dwarves, sons of Ivaldi. The dwarves made a wig with hair made of finely spun gold. The magic in the wig, allowed the gold to grow like natural hair.

BragiGod of poetry. Bragi was the son of Odin and the giantess Gunnlod. Bragi married to Idun, the goddess of spring and youth. Bragi was also the god of eloquence.

Idun Goddess of young and spring. Idun was wife of Bragi. Idun was the keeper of the golden apples, that kept the gods young and immortal. One story was that the giant Thiassi, builder of Valhalla, demanded from Loki the goddess Idun and her golden apples as payment. Loki abducted Idun and stole her basket containing apples for Thiassi. Without the apples, the Aesir began to age. During the council, the gods compelled Loki to bring Idun and the apples back. Loki turned himself into a falcon, and flew to Thiassi's home. Loki waited while Thiassi was distracted before entering the home. He changed Idun into a nut, before fleeing back to Asgard. Idun returned with the apples, and the gods were restored to youthful look.

Fjörgyn Goddess of the earth. Fjörgyn (Fjorgyn) was probably also called Jörd (Jord) or Hlódyn (Hlodyn). Fjörgyn was possibly a giantess. By Odin, Fjörgyn was the mother of Thor and possibly of the goddess Frigg.

Forseti Law-maker and god of justice. Forseti was the son of Balder and Nanna. Forseti acted like a judge, arbiter of disputes; often seen settling differences between gods and men. Foresti presided at the hall called Glitnir.

Gefjon Goddess of agriculture. Gefjon was also called Gefion or Gefinn. Gefjon was also the goddess of fertility. Gefjon may have been a virgin goddess, who protected the virgins after deaths. Though Loki had accused Gefjon of spreading her legs to a mortal lover, for a gold necklace, like Freyja.Gefjon was the founder of the dynasty in Denmark and Zeeland.

Mimir The wisest gods of the Aesir. During the peace between to warring tribes of gods, Aesir and Vanir, the two sides exchanged hostages. The Aesir received Njörd (Njord) and Freyr, while the Vanir received Mimir and Hoenir. When they discovered that Hoenir only seemed wise, due to Mimir secretly giving Hoenir advice, the angry Vanir had Mimir decapitated. Mimir's head was returned to the Aesir. The head was preserved and Odin often used to gain wisdom. There was a different story on how Odin gains knowledge. Beneath the Yggdrasill (World Tree) was a well called Mímisbrunnr (Well of Mimir). In order to drink the water from the well and gain knowledge, Odin had to sacrifice one of his eyes.

Balder Dying god. Balder was the son of Odin and Frigg. He was brother of Höd (Hod). Balder married Nanna and had a son, named Forseti. Balder was the god of beauty. He was the most beloved of all the the gods. However, through the prophecy, the gods found that he would be kill. His mother, Frigg, set about asking and extracting an oath on all creature, plant and all inanimated materials in the world, to not harm her son. Frigg did not think of a mistletoe could harm her son, so she did not get an oath from the harmless plant. Loki managed to get the information from Frigg. In Asgard, the gods normally played game which they thought was quite amusing. They would throw rock, spear, sword or whatever object at Balder. None of these object would harm the young god. Only Hod did not play, because he was blind. Loki came to the blind god, and asked him to play with his brother. Loki gave the mistletoe to Hod. Loki directed Hod throw. Hod threw the mistletoe at Balder with all his strength. The onlookers watched in horror when Balder, pierced by the plant, was killed instantly.

Hel, goddess of the dead, agreed to released Balder, allowing the young god to live, if every creatures would mourned, and shed tears for Balder. All the creatures in the world weeped for Balder, except the giantess named Thokk, refused to even shed a single tear for the god. Hel refused to released Balder. Loki was punished for his involvement with Balder's death. After Ragnarok, Balder was reborn, heralding the beginning of a new age.

Höd Blind god. Höd (Hod) was the son of Odin and Frigg. Höd was the brother of Balder. He was god of winter and darkness. Loki tricked Höd in throwing mistletoe at his brother, the only object that could kill Balder. Vali avenged Balder's death, by killing Höd.

Hermod Messenger of the gods. Hermod was the son of Odin and Frigg. Hermod was the brother of Balder and Höd (Hod). When his blind brother Hod killed his other brother Balder, only Hermod dared to go to the world of the deads, seeking audience with Hel, the goddess of the dead. Hermod asked Hel to allow Balder to return among the living gods. Hel consent only if every creature shed at least a single tear for Balder, to prove that he was most beloved of the gods. Hermod failed when one giantess refused to cry for Balder. Balder remained in Hel's domain until after Ragnorak.Hermod probably survived Ragnarök (Ragnarok).

Vidar Silent god. Vidar was the son of Odin and the giantess Grid. He rarely talks. Vidar avenged his father death at Ragnarök (Ragnarok), by killing the giant wolf Fenrir with his bare hands. Vidar was one of the survivors of Ragnarök.

Vali was the son of Odin and the giantess Rind. (Vali should not be confused with the son of Loki and Sigyn, who also was named Vali). When his half-brother Höd (Hod) killed his other half-brother Balder, Vali avenged Balder's death by killing Höd. Vali survived Ragnarök (Ragnarok).

Thrud Goddess of power and strength. Thrud was the daughter of Thor and Sif. Thor prevented the marriage between Thrud and Alvis, but her father turned the dwarf into stone.

Magni and Modi were the two sons of Thor and the giantess Jarnsaxa. Magni was given the horse called Golden Mane, when he rescued his father from the frost giant Hrungnir. Magni and Modi survived Ragnorak, inheriting the Thor's hammer, Mjollnir.

Non-Aesir Deities

Aegir God of the sea and ocean. He dwelled in the hall at the bottom of the sea nears the island of Hler (or Hlesey), with his wife and consort, Ran. Aegir was the father of the Nine Waves (nine giantesses) and grandfather of Heimdall.

Ran Goddess of the sea. Ran married Aegir and his consort. Ran was the mother of the Nine Waves, and grandmother of Heimdall. Ran gathered seafarers in her net having carrying them to the bottom of the sea in a whirlpool.

Hel Goddess of the dead. Hel was the daughter of Loki and Angerboda. She was the sister of Jörmungand (Jormungand), the evil Misgard Serpent, and Fenrir, the giant wolf. Hel was never an Aesir, but I had no place to put her. She resided in Niflheim, the cold world of the dead. Niflheim was often called Hel (just as the Greek Underworld was named after it ruler, Hades). She had absolute control over her realm.

Norns were goddesses of destiny or fate. They guarded the Well of Urda, one of the three wells under the Yggdrasil (World Tree). Like their Greek and Roman counterparts, there were three goddesses associated with fate. These three goddesses were named Urda ("past"), Verdani ("present"), and Skuld ("future"). The Vanir were a tribe of deities associated with fertility and prosperity. They lived in Vanaheim (Vanaheimr or Vanaland), the world of the Vanir. They warred upon rival tribe of gods known as the Aesir. They differed from the Aesir, by being the Vanir gods of light. The Aesir seemed more somber and gloomy. However, after a peace between the Vanir and Aesir, three of the Vanir - Njord, Freyr and Freyja, became also popular deities of the Aesir. The Vanir deities seemed to be more popular in Sweden, where most of their places of worship were found. However, other Scandinavian countries also worship them.

Njörd | Nerthus | Freyr | Freyja | Gullveig | Kvasir

Njörd God of wind and sea. By his own sister (nameless), Njörd (Njord) was the father of Freyr and Freyja. His marriage to the giantess Skadi, daughter of Thiassi, did not last long, due to the fact that he preferred to live by the sea, Nóatún (Noatun), while Skadi like to live on the mountains. Skadi left Njörd before she married Ull. Njörd and his children were originally Vanir, and during the peace between them and rival tribes, the Aesir, they were exchanged as hostages, to keep the peace. However Njörd and his children were later offered places within Aesir. (See War of Aesir and Vanir). Njörd was the god of the sea. He was patron god of sailors and fishermen. He was also god of good fortune, whom seafarers and fishermen prayed to, when they set out to sea. Njörd may also be god of hunting.

Nerthus  was possibly an earth goddess. Nerthus was the sister and wife of Njörd (Njord). Nerthus was the mother of Freyr and Freyja. There were some confusion surrounding Nerthus, because in the later tradition, she became connected to the Vanir Njörd, god of the sea. How she undergone a sex change still baffled modern scholars.

Freyr God of light, fertility and prosperity. Freyr was son of Njörd (Njord) and Njörd's nameless sister. Freyr was the brother of Freyja. Like his father and sister, he was originally a Vanir, but he became an important god of the Aesir. Freyr was one of the hostages after their war against the Aesir. Like his sister, Freyr was the god of fertility and his sacred animals was also the pig. The golden boar Gullinbursti drew his chariot. He also had a collapsible ship made by sons of Ivaldi called Skidbladnir (Wooden-bladed), which can be reduce to size small enough to put in his pocket when he was not on it. Freyr was god of light and the sun. He also appeared to be god of rain and agriculture. He resided in Alfheim and was either ruler or patron god of the elves. Freyr married the giantess Gerd, daughter of the giants - Gymir and Aurboda. Freyr asked his shield-bearer, Skirnir, to help him woo Gerd. Skirnir asked for the great magical sword from his master as payment for this service, Freyr agreed. At first, Gerd refused to marry Freyr, no matter what gifts Skirnir offered her. She only consent to marry the Vanir, when Skirnir threatened her to cause the beautiful giantess to aged into old woman. In Ragnarök (Ragnarok), he fought the fire-giant, Surt, without a weapon, and was the first to be killed. His shield-bearer Skirnir had asked for his sword as payment for his services and his help in getting Gerd to marrying him.

Freyja Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, magic and war. Freyja was the daughter of Njörd (Njord) and Njörd's nameless sister. She was the sister of Freyr. In several aspects, she and her brother were like the Greek deities Artemis and Apollo. She was sometimes confused with Frigg, wife of Odin, since both of their names mean "Lady". Like her brother and father, she was originally a Vanir goddess, but she would later become an important goddess of the Aesir. Freyja was described as an extremely beautiful goddess, blonde and blue eyes. Like Aphrodite, Freyja was the goddess of love and beauty. Freyja married a god named Od, and became mother of two daughters, Nossa or Hnossa, and Gersimi (both daughters' names mean "Jewel"). However Od had mysteriously disappeared. She wandered the earth, searching for husband, weeping tears of gold. (Od may have been another name for Odin). As a Vanir, she was the goddess of fertility. After her husband abandoned her or disappeared on her, she became the most promiscuous of all goddesses; she was probably the goddess of sex rather than of fertility. She had many love affairs, with gods, human, elves and even dwarves. She may have even slept with brother Freyr. Freyja was much sought after by the giants. The giants, Hrimthurs and Thrym, both wanted to marry Freyja. Thor had killed both giants. Unlike Aphrodite, but like the Greek goddesses, Athena and Persephone, she was the goddess of war and death. Freyja enjoyed combat and battle. She received half of the fallen heroes in combat; the other half goes to Odin in Valhalla. These warriors stayed in her great hall, Fólkvangar ("battlefield"), within her palace Folkvang ("Field of Folk"). Her other hall was the Sessrumnir where she was attended by her handmaiden, Fulla ("Bountiful"). She had a great love for gold. Her most prized possession was the necklace Brísingamen. She received the necklace by sleeping with four dwarves known as the Brising (Alfrigg, Berling, Dvalin and Grerr). Odin was disgusted by her sexual promiscuity, sent Loki to steal the Brísingamen. The gate-keeper of Asgard, Heimdall, who had great vision, saw the theft. He pursued Loki and recovered the necklace for Freyja. Freyja received other gifts as well, such as a cloak of bird feathers (allowing her to transform herself into a falcon), and a chariot drawn by to two cats. Another of her favourite animals was the pigs or boars. Her human lover Ottar disguised himself as a battle boar with golden bristles, known as Hildesvini. She was sometimes called Sýr (sow). She was also known to have wandered the countryside at night, in the form of a she-goat.

She was also the goddess witchcraft, a disreputable kind of magic called seidr (seior). Her love of gold and the witchcraft she practised, may have result in the confusion, surrounding her with another Vanir goddess, named Gullveig.

Gullveig was a Vanir goddess. Gullveig was probably the goddess of healing. Gullveig was a goddess with a fondness for gold. Her constant chatter about gold irritated the Aesir gods. Gullveig was assaulted in the hall of Odin. She was tortured: repeatedly pierced by spears, and burnt three times in a great fire. The Vanir demanded reparation from the Aesir for the torture of Gullveig: the Vanir wanted the same status and privilege as the Aesir. The Aesir refused, and war broke out between the two races of gods. The war of Aesir and the Vanir, lasted for 10 years, before the Aesir agreed to the Vanir's terms. From the fire, Gullveig was reborn as a witch (fordoeda) named Heid, who practised witchcraft known as seidr. Gullveig was sometimes confused with Freyja, who also practised the disreputable kind of magic, seidr and her love for gold.

Kvasir was the wisest of the Vanir. Kvasir was born from the saliva of the two groups of gods, Aesir and Vanir. It was how the two warring deities made peace by spitting in a vessel. Kvasir wandered around the world, teaching people. Kvasir was killed by two dwarves, Fjalar and Galar, who were tired of his lecturing. They mixed his blood with honey in a cauldron (Odhrorir), making the mead of poetry. Anyone who drank the magical mead would be inspired with poetry and wisdom. The giant Suttung forced the dwarves to give him the mead, and had his daughter Gunnlod to guard it in Jotunheim. However, Odin heard of the mead, and was determined to have the mead for himself. He work one year for Baugi, Suttung's brother, disguised as a farmhand. He persuded Baugi to give him a drink of the mead

Giants
The Giants were the chief enemies of the gods, particularly the Aesir. There are several different types of giants. The frost giants were the most common, they lived in Jotunheim, one of the nine worlds. The capital of Jotunheim, was Utgard, the citadel of the frost giants. The other giants were the fire giants, who lived in Muspelheim. The fire giant named Surt ruled Muspelheim.

Aurgelmir Primeval giant. Aurgelmir was also called Ymir. Aurgelmir was the first creature created in the universe. He was father of the giants. He was father of six-head giant that was nourished by a giant cow, Audumla. Audumla found nourishment through licking stones. This stone shaped like a man, became the giant Buri, father of the giant Bor. Bor and Bestla became parents of the 3 gods: Odin, Vili and Ve.

Buri The ancestor of the gods. Buri was created from a stone or ice that the giant primeval cow, Audumla, licked into shape. Buri was the father of Bor and thegrandfather of the three original Aesir gods: , Odin,Vili and Ve.

Bor Primval god. Bor was son of giant Buri. Bor married a frost-giantess Bestla and became the father of the three Aesir gods: Odin, Vili (Hoenir) and Ve.

Bestla Giantess. Bestla was the wife of the giant Bor, son of Buri. She was the mother of the three Aesir gods: Odin, Vili and Ve.

Bergelmer was the grandson of Yir (Aurgelmir). When the gods killed Ymir, his blood flooded the world, drowning all the frost giants, except for Bergelmer and his wife. Surviving the flood, Bergelmer became the ancestor of the later frost giants.

Angerboda Frost giantess. Through Loki, she was the mother of Hel, goddess of the dead, the Midgard Serpent (Jörmungand), and Fenrir, the giant wolf.

Surt Fire Giant. Surt dwelled in Muspelheim, the world (region) of fire, said to be located far to the south. Surt ruled Muspelheim and was leader of the fire giants. In Ragnarök, he killed Freyr, the first of the god to die. Surt ended the battle, by setting all Nine Worlds on fire. Destroying almost every creature.

Hrimthurs was the giant who built the wall around Asgard and owner of the intelligent and magical stallion called Svadilfari. Hrimthurs claimed he could built the wall within six months. Had Hrimthurs won, the giant would receive Freyja as his bride, as well as the sun and moon. Thor killed Hrimthurs when he lost his wagers against the gods.

Thrym Giant. Thrym was the ruler of the giants in Jötunheim (Jotunheim). He had stolen Mjollnir, the magical hammer of Thor. Loki found out from the giants, that Thrym will return the hammer to Thor, if he was allowed to marry Freyja. It was Thor who dressed himself in bridal gown that went to Jötunheim, instead of Freyja. During the feast, Thrym and the other giants was stunned when they saw Thrym's bride (Thor) ate an ox, eight salmons, and three large tankards of mead. Loki made a silly excuse, telling Thrym that Freyja had not eaten in eight days, because she was excited to be wedded to the king of giants. When Thrym peeped under his bride's veil, the giant was taken back by the fire in Freyja's (Thor's) eyes. Again, Thrym demanded explanation from Loki; Loki answered that Freyja was just excited about the wedding. When Thrym had the hammer brought in and placed it on his bride's laps, Thor threw off his disguise and attacked Thrym. Thor killed Thrym and all the giants within the hall.

MONSTER
Audumla The primeval cow. Audumla provided nourishment to Ymir's six-headed son. Audumla received nourishment through licking stones. Audumla licked the stone until it was shaped into a man. This stone became Buri, grandfather of the Aesir gods: Odin, Vili, Ve.

Midgard Serpent World Serpent. Offspring of Loki and the giantess Angerboda. His name was either Jörmungand (Jormungand) or Jörmungandr. Jörmungand symbolised evil. Thor failed to kill Jörmungand, the first time the two met. The thunder-god tried to smashed Jörmungand with Mjollnir. The Aesir did, however, managed to confine Jörmungand in the deep ocean. But, Jörmungand grew so large that his entire body completely encircled the world. At Ragnarök (Ragnarok), Jörmungand escaped his underwater confinement. Thor managed to kill the evil serpent with the Mjollnir; but Thor succumbed to the deadly venom from Jörmungand.

Fenrir Giant wolf. Fenrir was the offspring of Loki and the giantess Angerboda. Fenrir was also called Fenris. Fenrir grew so rapidly and in such gigantic proportion that the gods feared it. The gods pretend to play game of binding the wolf, to see if it could freed itself. Fenrir agreed to play the game if someone would place his or her hand in Fenrir's giant mouth. Only the war-god Tyr was fearless enough to place his hand in its mouth. The gods found nothing could bind the wolf, until they received a magical silk ribbon called Gleipnir, created by dwarfs. This ribbon was made of noise of a cat, beard of woman, breath of a fish and spittle of a bird. When Fenrir could not escape, he realised he was tricked by the gods, when they refused to release him. In revenge, Fenrir bit off Tyr's hand. Thereafter, Tyr was known as the One-handed God. When Ragnarök (Ragnarok) arrived, Fenrir broke free from his fetter, and joined the other giants and monsters in a war against the gods. Fenrir fought against Odin, until the wolf killed and devoured Odin. Vidar avenged his father's death, by ripping Fenrir's jaw apart with his bare hands.

Garm Hell-hound. Garm was the giant hound that guarded the gate in Hel (world of the dead). (Garm was very much like three-headed Ceberus, who also guarded the Underworld, in Greek myths.) Although, Garm was killed in Ragnarök (Ragnarok) by Tyr, the war-god died from his severe wounds that the hound had inflicted on him

VALHALLA contains information of Norse characters, particular heroes and heroines. Valhalla is a section in Timeless Myths that give description of Norse characters. Valhalla is divided into "Norse Heroes" and "Minor Norse Characters". Not all the characters are heroes or heroines, but who play some roles in Norse sagas and romances. Also listed in the "Minor Characters" section are the dwarfs (dwarves). Valhalla was a great hall belonging to Odin, in Asgard, where heroes who had fallen in battle or some great adventure, wait for coming of the Ragnarök. Only those who had shown great courage and skill in battles or adventures were ever chosen, they were called the Einherjar.

Norse Heroes

Volsungs
Sigmund was the son of Volsung and Ljod (Hljod). He was brother of Signy (his twin) and nine other brothers. Sigmund was the only person who could drew out the magic sword Balmung from the great tree Branstock (much like Arthur drawing Excalibur from a rock). The sword allowed the man who wields the sword, would win all his wars. Siggeir who was his father's guest and had proposed marriage to his sister, wanted to buy the sword. Sigmund refused. The refusal angered Siggeir, into plotting to destroy Volsung and his family. His father and brothers were killed. Sigmund survived, and together with his sister, they sought vengeance against Siggeir. Sigmund had unknowingly slept with his sister (Signy was disguised as a witch). Sigmund was also aware that Sinfjotli was really his son. With Sinfjotli's help, Sigmund destroyed Siggeir and his people, by setting the palace on fire, letting no one to escape, except Signy. Signy however told Sigmund the truth about their son, before returning to the burning house. Sigmund returned to land with Sinfjotli, and became king of the Huns. Sigmund married Borghild, and became the father of Helgi and Hamund. Borghild hated her stepson and poisoned Sinfjotli. Sigmund banished Borghild for murder, and sought a new wife. Sigmund fell in love with Hjordis, daughter of Eylimi. Lyngi (Lyngvi), son of Hunding, was another suitor of Hjordis. Lyngi was jealous when he lost to Sigmund, who was an older man. Lyngi led his father's army against Sigmund and Eylimi. In the battle, Sigmund's father-in-law was killed. Odin, who gave the sword to Sigmund, shattered the sword in two. Sigmund was mortally wounded, and his army was defeated. Hjordis, who was pregnant with Sigmund's child, founded her husband. Sigmund asked Hjordis to collected the shattered blade of his sword and give it to their son when he needed. Hjordis fled to Denmark, and married its king, named Alf. When Sigurd had grown, Hjordis gave the shattered blade to her son. With the sword called Gram, Sigurd not only killed a dragon, but also avenged his father, by killing Lyngi and his brothers, and destroyed their army.

Signy was the daughter of Volsung and Ljod (Hljod). She was the sister of Sigmund (her twin) and nine other brothers. Signy was the reluctant bride of Siggeir, king of Gothland. She immediately knew that Siggeir was treacherous and murderous. She unsuccessfully tried to convince her father not to let the marriage to take place. When Siggeir invited her father and brothers to his land, Signy tried to warn her father of her husband's plot, but was ignored. As a result, Volsung and nine of her brothers died.

She only managed to save twin, Sigmund. Signy bore four children to Siggeir. As her brother hid in the wood near the palace, the two plot to avenge their family. Signy planned to use her two eldest sons to destroy Siggeir. When each of her two elder sons reach the age of eleven, she send them to her brother to test their mettle. When each of her son show lacking in strength and courage, Signy ordered her brother to kill her son. Still determined to avenge her father's death, Signy sought help from beautiful witch. The witch transformed Signy so that her looks resemble the witch herself. Disguised as the witch, Signy made love to her brother for three nights. She bore Sigmund a son named Sinfjotli. Signy sent Sinfjotli (when he was eleven) to Sigmund. Sigmund was unaware that Sinfjotli was really his son. Likewise, Sinfjotli did not know Sigmund was his father. Together, Sigmund and Sinfjotli were strong enough to defeat Siggeir and his warriors. Using stealth, they tried to sneak into Siggeir's palace, but Siggeir and Signy's younger children spotted them. Again, Signy ordered Sigmund to kill her children, but he refused. They were instead killed by Sinfjotli. Sigmund and Sinfjotli were captured. Siggeir had them put in the barrow, and have them buried alive. Signy however secretly managed to give the magic sword to Sigmund. Sigmund and Sinfjotli dug their way out of the barrow. When Sigmund and Sinfjotli escaped, they set the palace on fire letting no one but Signy to escape. Signy came out of the burning building only to tell Sigmund that Sinfjotli was really his son. Signy who was involved with her other children's death, returned to the burning house, to die with her husband, whom she hated.

Sinfjotli was the son from the incestuous relation of Sigmund and his sister Signy. Sinfjotli was the half-brother of Sigurd, Helgi and Hamund. Sinfjotli was born as the result of Signy, who had secretly disguised as a young witch, who visited and slept with her brother. Signy gave her brother a son, who will help them avenged their father and brothers' death. Sigmund and Sinfjotli did not know they were father and son, until at Signy's death. Sinfjotli helped Sigmund with his vengeance, and killed Siggeir and his followers. He followed his father to Hunland, when Sigmund became king. His father married Borghild, and had two sons, Helgi and Hamund. Sinfjotli helped Helgi in several wars, but his stepmother continued to hate him. Sinfjotli was aware of her hatred. She tricked her husband to drinking two drugged wine meant for Sinfjotli. The third cup contained poison. Sigmund thinking that there was nothing in the third cup, so he told his son to drink it. Sinfjotli drank poisoned wine and died. Sigmund took his son's body to fjords where he met a ferryman (Odin). The ferryman offered them passage across the fjords but could only carry one person at the time. In the middle of the fjords the boat and Sinfjotli's body disappeared before Sigmund's eyes. Sigmund then returned home and banished Borghild for murder.

Helgi was the son of Sigmund and Borghild. He was brother of Hamund, and half-brother of Sinfjotli and Sigurd. The Norns told Sigmund that Helgi would become the greatest king. Sigmund gave him Hringstead (possibly Ringsted, island of Zeeland). At the age of fifteen, Helgi fought in his first war against King Hunding. In the first battle he killed Hunding. In the second battle he killed Hunding's four sons: Alf, Eyolf, Herward and Hagbard. After winning the second battle, Helgi encountered Sigurn, the lovely daughter of Hogni, and her attendants. Sigrun was probably a Valkyrie (shield-maiden). Her father had made arrangement for her marriage to Hodbrod, son of King Granmar. Sigrun was not happy with the arrangement. Helgi fell in love with Sigrun, and offered to fight Hodbrod for her. To win her hand, Helgi had to gather an army to fight Hodbrod. Aided by his half-brother Sinfjotli, Helgi defeated and killed Hodbrod at Wolfstone. Helgi then married Sigrun and ruled the land belonging to Hodbrod.

There is also a story of Helgi marrying Gudrun, a Valkyrie. Helgi's stepbrother, Sigurd, was second husband of Gudrun, after Helgi died.

Sigurd was the son of Sigmund and Hjordis, daughter of Eylimi. He was the half-brother of Sinfjotli, Helgi and Hamund. Sigurd was the wielder of his father's reforged magic sword called Gram. Odin helped the young hero to choose his loyal and fearless horse named Grani, offspring of Sleipnir, Odin's magical horse. After killing the dragon Fafnir and his foster father Regin, Sigurd possessed the treasure and cursed ring of Andvari, called Andvaranaut. The treasure and ring became one of the factors of his downfall. He also could understand the language of the animals (birds) and had invincible strength and courage after eating Fafnir's heart. Sigurd fell in love with the Valkyrie, Brynhild, riding through a Circle of Fire. However, Sigurd had fallen under the spell of Grimhild, mother of King Gunnar of Burgundy. Sigurd forgot about Brynhild, and married Gunnar's sister, Gudrun. Gudrun bore the hero a daughter named Swanhild. Sigurd became Gunnar blood brother, and helped the king win many wars. Sigurd helped his brother-in-law, to win Brynhild. Sigurd only recognised Brynhild when she was already married to Gunnar. When Brynhild discovered Sigurd and Gunnar had deceived her, into marrying Gunnar, she plotted his death. She convinced her husband (Gunnar) with lies that Sigurd dishonoured his oath to him and had taken advantage of her during their travel. Guttorm, the brother of Gudrun and Gunnar, mortally wounded Sigurd. At his death, Brynhild revealed the truth to Gunnar that she had lied about Sigurd's honour, before she killed herself. Sigurd and Brynhild were cremated together in a single pyre.

Guikings
Gunnar King of Burgundy. Gunnar was the son of Giuki (Gjúki) and Grimhild. He was the brother of Hogni, Guttorm and Gudrun. He succeeded his father at Giuki's death. Sigurd and Gunnar swore an oath of brotherhood, when they met. Sigurd helped Gunnar to win several wars. Sigurd married his sister Gudrun. When it was time for him to marry, Gunnar wanted to marry Brynhild, a Valkyrie who would sleep within a Ring of Fire, until a hero wake her up. Gunnar attempted a couple of times to ride through, but neither he could ride his horse through the fire. He asked Sigurd to take his place. They exchanged appearances with the help of his mother's magic. Sigurd rode through the fire and won Brynhild's hand for him. After their short marriage, Brynhild found out who actually rode through the fire to win her. His infuriated wife lied to Gunnar and tricked him into having Sigurd killed. Gunnar could not kill Sigurd because of his oath. His brother, Guttorm however mortally wounded Sigurd. At Sigurd's death, Brynhild revealed to him that she had lied. At Sigurd's funeral, Brynhild also revealed that she had never loved anyone but Sigurd, killing herself. Gunnar had no choice, but to burned his wife in Sigurd's pyre, when Brynhild asked a last boon from him. After death of Sigurd and Brynhild, Gunnar and his brother Hogni kept the treasure of Sigurd for themselves. Later, Gunnar married Glaumvor. Gunnar tried to console his sister, who ran off to Sigurd's stepfather. When Gudrun refused to return home with them, their mother gave Gudrun potion to make her forget Sigurd. When Brynhild's brother asked for her hand in marriage, he married Gudrun off to Atli. This marriage would cause his death. Atli who knew that he had Sigurd's treasure, ambushed the Giukings on their visit. He and Hogni were captured. When he would not reveal the location of where they hid the treasure, Atli had him thrown in a pit of venomous snakes. However, Gudrun threw a harp to him. Still bound in chain, Gunnar played the harp with his toes so well, that music caused all but one snake to fall to sleep. This last adder killed him.

In Germanic literature, Gunnar was identified as Gunther, a Nibelung (Burgundy). Gunnar also appeared as a historical figure, Guntharius (Gundicaricus), son of Gibica. Guntharius was a Burgundian king, who established a kingdom with as his capital in Worms. Guntharius died in battle against the Huns, in AD 437.

Gudrun was the daughter of Giuki and Grimhild. She was the sister of Gunnar, Hogni and Guttorm. Gudrun had a vision that her family and Brynhild would cause her husband's death. In the dream, Sigurd was sometimes symbolised as beautiful falcon with feather of gold, at other times as a hart. Sigurd was actually in love with, Brynhild whom he was betrothed to (at their first meeting). The hero only had no memory of Brynhild, because Grimhild gave magic potion to Sigurd. Without his memory of Brynhild, Sigurd fell in love with Gudrun and married her. She became mother of a daughter named Swanhild. Later, some time after Brynhild married her brother, Gunnar, Gudrun and Brynhild had an argument. Infuriated by Brynhild's remark about her husband, Gudrun reveal the truth about who rode through the flame for Brynhild, Sigurd. Her brother and husband had deceived Brynhild. Enraged by the revelation, Brynhild sought Sigurd's death. When her brother Guttorm killed Sigurd, Gudrun could not bear to live with her family anymore, ran off with Swanhild, and live for awhile with King Alf of Denmark, Sigurd's stepfather. Years later, Atli, brother of Brynhild, want to have Gudrun's hand in marriage. Her brother (Gunnar) and her mother Grimhild tried to encourage Gudrun to marry Atli. Gudrun recalled in her dream that Atli would cause her brothers' death, refused. Grimhild, however, used her potion on Gudrun and made her daughter forget Sigurd. Gudrun left her daughter behind, and married Atli. By Atli, Gudrun was the mother of two sons, Erpr and Eitill. However, Gudrun was unhappy with the marriage, and later realised that Atli married her so he could get the treasure of Sigurd, (which now belonged to her brothers, Gunnar and Hogni), and to avenge Brynhild's death. Gudrun tried to warn her brothers of Atli's treachery. Atli had invited the Giukings to Hunland, to visit their sister. Gunnar suspecting treachery, the two brothers hid the treasure before leaving home. They were captured, and when neither brother would reveal the treasure whereabouts, they were interrogated before they were killed. When Atli was celebrating with followers, they became intoxicated with wine and mead. Gudrun saw her chance to avenge her brothers. She killed her two sons to Atli, roasted their hearts before serving it to her drunken husband. After Gudrun revealed to husband what she done, she ran a sword through Atli. Together with her nephew, Niblung, son of Hogni, they killed the other guest by setting the palace on fire. After killing Atli, she tried to drown herself, but was saved by King Jonakr, whom she married and became mother of three sons: Hamdir, Sorli, and Erp. When her daughter Swanhild was killed by a jealous king named Jormunrek, she asked her sons to avenge their stepsister's death. All three of her sons died. There is also a story of Gudrun being a Valkyrie, who first fell in love with Helgi, half-brother of Sigurd. She married Helgi until he died, before she even met Sigurd In the Germanic literature, Gudrun is identified as Kriemhild. Kriemhild married the hero Siegfried (Sigurd). When her brother Gunther (Gunnar) and his henchman, Hagen (Hogni), killed Siegfried, Hagen had stolen Siegfried's treasure that Gudrun should have inherited. Kriemhild wanted the treasure, so she could use it to avenge her husband's death. When she could not retrieved the treasure, Kriemhild ran off and married Etzel (Atli), king of the Huns. With a new and powerful husband, Kriemhild plotted her brother's death. She pretended that she was reconciled with brother and sent a message to Gunther to come and visit her. Hagen did not trust Kriemhild, so he hid the treasure somewhere on the Rhine River. When Gunther and his followers arrived, Kriemhild tricked Etzel's men into attacking her brother and his followers.

Gunther and Hagen were captured. It was she, who killed her own brother Gunther, not her husband Etzel. She killed Gunther to avenge Siegfried's death. Kriemhild also killed her brother's henchman Hagen, when he would not reveal the location of Siegfried's treasure. The German hero Hildebrand, sick of the killing committed by Kriemhild, killed his queen. The Nibelungenlied ended with her death, and the treasure was never recovered.

Brynhild Valkyrie. Brynhild was the daughter of Budli. She was the sister of Atli and Bekkhild. Brynhild was also the foster-daughter of Heimir. Brynhild (Brünhild or Brunhild) was the beautiful Valkyrie who punished by Odin for disobedience. In the high mountain, sleeping within a circle of fire, Brynhild was to sleep until a hero with no fear ride through the flame. Sigurd rode through the flame twice. The first time he rode through, Sigurd and Brynhild fell in love with one another. But Sigurd left her there, since he had many tasks he must perform. He promised to return to her when he had complete his tasks. Brynhild agreed and said she would wait for him within the Ring of Fire. She promised she would marry no other but the man he would ride through the flame. Sigurd gave her his magic ring (Andvaranaut). The second time Sigurd came to her, however, was he was disguised as Gunnar, through the use of magic. Brynhild was disappointed that it wasn't Sigurd who came for her. With no choice, she agreed to marry Gunnar. Sigurd exchanged the rings with Brynhild again, taking back the magic ring (Andvaranaut). Sigurd then brought her to Gunnar's court. Sigurd then resumed his own form. Gunnar and Brynhild were soon wedded, while Sigurd married Gunnar's sister. Later Brynhild argued with Gudrun of who had the bravest husband. Gudrun claimed that Brynhild had be duped by Sigurd and Gunnar, that it was actually Sigurd who rode through the flame the second time, disguised as Gunnar. As proof, Gudrun produced the magic ring that Brynhild had unknowingly returned to Sigurd. When the truth had being revealed, Brynhild sought revenge upon Sigurd. Brynhild told Gunnar that Sigurd had broken his vow to him, and slept with her the night before she arrived in the palace. Anger at the betrayal, Gunnar sought Sigurd's death. Since vow to brotherhood to Sigurd, Gunnar could not kill Sigurd.His brother (Guttorm) mortally wounded Sigurd. At his death, Brynhild mocked Gudrun's grief and told her husband, that she lie about Sigurd betraying him. At the funeral, Brynhild was overcome with grief, killed herself. Brynhild revealed to Gunnar that he had always loved Sigurd, and asked her husband to allow her body to be burned together with Sigurd in a single pyre. Brynhild seemed to have the ability to interpret dreams and as well foretell the future. Brynhild told Gudrun (before Gudrun met Sigurd), that Sigurd would love her (Brynhild) but marry Gudrun. She also told Gudrun that Sigurd would die at her brothers' hands, and that she would marry Atli and that she would killed her children and Atli. She also saw that Swanhild would be trampled to death. During the funeral of Sigurd, Brynhild told her husband, that he and Hogni, would be kill by her brother (Atli).

Other Characters

Wayland the Smith was the legendary smith and craftsman. Wayland may have become god of crafts and metalworking. Wayland was a popular Germanic mythical figure, since he appeared in many of the sagas and poems in the Germanic societies (Scandinavia, Germany and Anglo-Saxon England). Wayland appeared in the Völundarkvida ("Lay of Völundr") in Poetic Edda and in the Beowulf (Old English saga) as Völund (Volund). The German authors called him Wielund. He even reappeared in William Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. Wayland (Völund) was the brother of Egil and Slagfid (Slagfinn). They were the sons of a Lappish king. The three brothers had encountered three sisters who were bathing in a lake. These sisters were Valkyries (or swan-maidens), named Alvit, Olrun and Svanhvit. The brothers raped the three sisters. Alvit became Wayland's wife. King Nídud (Nidud) of Sweden, lord of Niarar, was so impressed with craftsmanship of Wayland that he captured the hero. To prevent Wayland from leaving, Nídud had him crippled. After some times, Wayland killed Nídud's two sons, using their skulls to make cups studded with gemstones. When Nídud's daughter, Bödvild (Bodhilda) turned up in the smithy, she brought her ring for Wayland to repair. Wayland raped Bödvild, who became the mother of the hero Vidia (Wade). Wayland escaped from Nídud by creating a huge winged device that allowed him to fly away. It was said that he flew all the way to Asgard. In a way, he was like the Celtic god Goibhniu and Hephaestus (Vulcan), the Greek artisan god of fire, who was the son of Zeus and Hera. Hephaestus was also a crippled master craftsman. Wayland's escape from Nídud, bears a striking resemblance to that of the Cretan architect and inventor, Daedalus, who escaped from Minos, in wings made out of feathers and wax

Volsungs
Minor Characters

Sigi was the son of Odin. He had murdered another hunter and thrall named Bredi, who out-performed him. He left the body in the snowdrift. Sigi later had become king of the Huns. He married and had a son named Rerir. As he grew old, Sigi made many enemies, including his brother-in-laws. His brother-in-laws and other enemies ambushed him and killed him. His son succeeded him to the throne and became king of Hunland.

Rerir was the son of Sigi and grandson of Odin. He avenged his father's death. Rerir succeeded his father and became king of Hunland (or the Huns). Rerir and his wife were having difficulties having a son, Rerir prayed to the gods. Odin heard his prayer, and asked his wife Frigg to help him. Frigg had an apple from Hrimnir, delivered to Rerir by a crow. Once Rerir and his wife ate the apple, his wife became pregnant. However, the pregnancy lasted six years. Rerir died from illness during a war. His wife died giving birth to Volsung.

Volsung King of the Huns. Volsung was the son of Rerir. Volsung's mother died giving birth to Volsung. Volsung experienced no infancy because his mother pregnancy lasted for six years. Volsung could already talk, when he was born. His childhood was short; he rapidly grew huge and strong as any man. Volsung succeeded his father, and became king of the Huns.

Volsung married Ljod (Hljod, Hljóð), daughter of the giantess Hrimnir. Ljod was probably a Valkyrie ("wish-maiden"). Volsung became father of the twins, Sigmund and Signy, and nine other sons. Volsung agreed to marry Signy to the Siggeir, king of the Goths. He did not believed his daughter that Siggeir was treacherous, ignoring her pleads not to come and visit her in Gothland. As Volsung and his sons reached Siggeir's territory, they were ambushed. Volsung died in the fighting while all his sons were captured. Only Sigmund survived to avenge him and his sons.

Swanhild was the daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun. After Sigurd's death, Gudrun took her daughter to Denmark, where she was brought up in the court of Alf, Sigurd's stepfather. Swanhild was so beautiful that the aged king, Jormunrek, wooed her. Gudrun agreed to her marriage to the king. However, she was in love with Randver, Jormunrek's son. Jormunrek's advisor, Bikki, betrayed them, by revealing to Jormunrek. Jormunrek killed his own son while Swanhild was trampled to death by horses. Gudrun asked her three sons to King Jonakr - Hamdir, Sorli, and Erp - to avenge their half-sister's death. During their journey, his brothers accidentally killed Erp. Hamdir and Sorli managed to maimed Jormunrek, but the king's men kill the brothers.

Giukings

Hogni a Giuking. Hogni was the son of Giuki and Grimhild. He was the brother of Gunnar, Guttorm and Gudrun. Gunnar and Hogni became the blood brothers of Sigurd, when the hero married their sister Gudrun. Brynhild tricked and lied to them that Sigurd had dishonoured her by sleeping with her. So Hogni and his brothers plotted Sigurd's death. At Sigurd's death, Hogni and Gunnar shared Sigurd's treasure hoard. Brynhild also killed herself at Sigurd's pyre. Since Brynhild was the sister of Atli, they expected Atli to take vengeance upon them. Gunnar and Hogni forced Gudrun to marry Atli, to appease their more powerful neighbour. When Atli invited Gunnar and Hogni to come visit their sister, they suspected that Atli was after the treasure, so they hid the hoard in the Rhine river. They vowed never to reveal the treasure's location. Atli's men captured him and his brother, when they were visiting their sister. Neither brother would reveal the location of Sigurd's treasures. Gunnar tricked Atli into killing Hogni before he would reveal the treasure. Gunnar also died without revealing the treasure. Later, Hogni's sister and his son Niblung (Niflung, Niflungr) later avenged their death, by killing Atli. In the Germanic saga, Nibelungenlied, Hogni was identified as Hagen, Gunther's (Gunnar) advisor and henchman, not his brother as in the Norse mythology. Hagen played a vital role in the Nibelungenlied. Hagen had plotted to murder Siegfried (Sigurd), so he could seize the treasure. Hagen and Gunther arranged Siegfried's death at a hunting trip. At Siegfried's death, Hagen stole the cursed treasure (Rhinegold) that should have belong to Kriemhild (Gudrun), wife of Siegfried. Knowing that Kriemhild wanted the treasure, so she can raise an army, to avenge husband's death, Hagen sank the treasure in the Rhine. When Gunther went to visit his sister, they were captured by Etzel (Atli), Kriemhild's second husband. When Hagen refused to tell Kriemhild, where he hid Siegfried's treasure, Kriemhild murdered Hagen with Siegfried's sword.

Guttorm a Giuking. Guttorm was the son of Giuki and Grimhild. He was the brother of Gunnar, Hogni and Gudrun. Gunnar and Hogni persuaded Guttorm to kill Sigurd, promising him wealth and power. Guttorm came upon Sigurd while the hero was sleeping with Gudrun. Guttorm mortally wounded Sigurd with his sword, but Sigurd killed Guttorm, when he tried to flee. Sigurd had thrown his sword at Guttorm's back.

OtherCharacters

Siggeir King of the Goths. Siggeir induced Volsung to allow him to marry Signy. Signy, however was not happy with it. When an old man, stuck a beautiful magic sword in a great oak tree Branstock, noone could draw the sword out except Sigmund, Volsung's young son. When Siggeir asked Sigmund if he could buy the sword of him, the youth refused. Jealous of Sigmund's prowess and obssessed with sword, Siggeir was determined to destroy his in-laws. When he invited Volsung and his sons to his kingdom, he had ambushed in-laws, killing Volsung and capturing his sons. He had Volsung's sons chained to trees in the wood. Each night, one of Signy's brother was killed by a she-wolf. Only Sigmund survived. His wife and Sigmund plotted to avenged their father's and brothers' death. Signy two eldest sons to Siggeir were send to Sigmund, when they turned eleven years old. But each of them was too weak and frightened; Signy ordered Sigmund to killed her sons. Knowing that none of her sons to Siggeir would be strong enough to help her brother exact revenge upon her husband. Signy secretly slept with her brother, and became mother of Sinfjotli. Siggeir's last two children were killed by Sinfjotli. Sigmund and Sinfjotli later killed Siggeir and his men, by burning his palace down. Signy died with her hated husband, after revealing to her brother that Sinfjotli was his real son.

Atli King of the Huns. Atli was the son of Budli and brother of Brynhild and Bekkhild. In Gudrun's dream or vision, Atli was symbolised as a wolf-cub. Atli married Gudrun, sister of Gunnar and Hogni. Atli had married her because he wanted the treasure of Sigurd and vengeance for his sister's death. He ambushed and captured Gudrun's two brothers. When neither Gunnar nor Hogni would reveal the location of treasure, they were killed. Seeking to avenge her brother's death, Signy killed her own two sons to Atli, roasted their hearts. While Atli and other guests were intoxicated with wine, his wife served his sons' flesh. When Atli asked Gudrun where their sons were, she told him that he just ate their heart. Taking up a sword, Gudrun then killed her husband. She then set Atli's house on fire, killing Atli's drunken guests. Gudrun tried to kill herself, jumping off a cliff. Gudrun was however rescued by the King Jonakr. Gudrun married Jonakr and had three sons: Hamdir, Sorli, and Erp. When King Jormunrek killed her daughter, she ordered her sons to their half-sister's death. Erp was killed by his brothers, throught misunderstanding. Hamdir and Sorli were stoned to death after they mutilated Jormunrek. In the Germanic literature (myth), Atli was identified as Etzel (particularly in the Nibelungenlied). In the German account, it was his wife Kriemhild (Gudrun), who killed her own brother Gunther (Gunnar), not Etzel. Disgusted by the murder of Hagen, Etzel ordered his champion Hildebrand, to kill Kriemhild. Historically, Atli was known by the name: Attila the Huns (Attila means Scourge of God), who overran the Roman empire and died in AD 453. It probably shouldn't be told here, but how Attila died was very interesting. Attila who had many wives, decided to marry his latest German (Visigoth) bride, Hildico or Ildico. On their wedding night, his followers had found him dead, apparently from bursted bloodvessels (must be some wild bed play).

Heimir A chieftain in Hlymdale. Heimir married Bekkhild, sister of Brynhild. They had a son named Alswid. Heimir became the foster father of Brynhild. Sigurd was a guest of Alswid, whom he shared some of his treasure.

Jormunrek King of the Goths. Jormunrek was the aged king who fell love with the beauty of Swanhild, daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun. Gudrun reluctantly agreed to the marriage. Before the wedding, Randver, Jormunrek's son, also fell in love with Swanhild. Jormunrek's treacherous adviser, Bikki, encouraged Randver to make feeling known to Swanhild. Swanhild seemed to return the affection. Bikki falsely accused Randver and Swanhild were lovers, advising Jormunrek to kill the pairs. Jormunrek was identified with the historical figure Ermanaric, king of the Goths in the Ukraine (Ostrogoths), who was killed in AD 375. When a subject tribe Rosomoni, deserted him in the war against the Huns, Ermanaric captured the wife of Rosomoni chieftain, named Sunilda (Swanhild), and had her torn to pieces, by tying her to two wild horses. Sunilda's brothers tried to avenge her death, but only managed to severely wounded the king. The Huns later destroyed his kingdom.

Regin was the son of Hreidmar and brother of Fafnir and Otter. When Fafnir killed their father, Fafnir wanted the entire treasure for himself, so he drove Regin away. Not long after that, Fafnir was turned into a fearsome dragon. Regin became Sigurd's foster father. He told Sigurd's story about his family and the treasure. Sigurd decided to help Regin in gaining the treasure. It was Regin who reforged Sigmund's shatter sword. Sigurd called this sword, Gram. With this sword, Sigurd killed the dragon. Regin hoped to keep all the treasure, tricked Sigurd that he would not vengeance upon the young hero, if he cooked Fafnir's heart for him to eat. By eating the dragon's heart, Regin would become stronger than Sigurd. However, Sigurd discovered the deception and killed Regin.

Fafnir was the son of Hreidmar and brother of Otter and Regin. Once Hreidmar received the ransom (Andvari's treassure) from Loki, greed set in the entire family. Fafnir killed his father and drove Regin off, keeping the whole treasure for himself Fafnir' greed was so great that he was transformed into a great dragon, sometimes known as the Worm. He guarded the treasure of Andvari, until Sigurd killed him. By eating a dragon's heart, Sigurd gained the strength and power over any man or woman, as well as understanding the language of the bird. Sigurd took the treasure and the cursed ring from Fafnir.

Otter was the son of Hreidmar and brother of Fafnir and Regin. Otter had the ability to transform himself into an otter. Loki, seeing how beautiful the hide was, killed and skinned Otter. Loki wrapped the Otter's hide over his shoulders. When Odin, Hoenir and Loki came to Hreidmar's house, Hreidmar immediately realised that Loki had killed his son. Hreidmar bounded the three gods. Hreidmar told them that he would only released the two other gods, if Loki can pay a ransom for the gods' freedom. Loki stole the treasure from a dwarf named Andari. When Hreidmar saw the treasure, his greed made him forgot about the grief over the loss of his son. Fafnir killed his father and seized the treasure for himself

NORSE SAGAS contains stories of the Creation and Ragnarök, as well as the Völsunga SagaNorse Sagas contain stories of interest, particularly the Völsunga Saga. The Völsunga narrated the entire saga of family of Sigurd (Völsungs) and the Giukings For those readers who are interested in the gods I have included the Norse creation and Ragnarök. The War of Aesir and Vanir as well a description of Asgard and Midgard can be found in the Creation myths.

NorsE CreatioN

CREATION
There was nothing in the beginning but seemingly almost endless chasm, bordered by Niflheim, far to the north, and Muspelheim, far to the south. Out of this chaos the first being came into existence from the drop of water when ice from Niflheim and fire from Muspelheim met. This being was Aurgelmir, also called Ymir, a primeval giant. Ymir became father of the giants. He was the father of six-headed son that was nourished by a cow called Audumla. Audumla fed herself by licking stone, until that stone was licked into a shape of man. This stone-man was named Buri and he was the primeval god. Buri was the father of Bor.

Bor married the frost giantess Bestla and they became the parents of the gods Odin, Vili (Hoenir) and Ve.

Ymir grew so large and so evil that the three gods killed Ymir. The blood that flowed from Ymir's wound, was so great that almost all the frost giants drowned in the torrent. Only the frost giants Bergelmer and his wife escape the flood in a chest, arriving on the mountain of Jötunheim (Jotunheim), home of the giants.

Odin and his brothers used Ymir's body to create the universe. This universe comprises of nine worlds. They placed the body in a void (space???) called Ginnungagap. They used his flesh for creating the earth and his blood for the sea. His skull, held up by four dwarves (Nordri, Sudri, Austri, and Vestri), was used to create the heaven, using sparks from Muspelheim, to create the sun, moon and stars. While Ymir's eyebrows was used to create a place where the human race could live in; a place called Midgard (Middle Earth). A great ash tree called Yggdrasill ("World Tree") supported the universe, with roots that connects the nine worlds together. One root of Yggdrasill extends to Muspelheim ("world of fire"), while another root to Niflheim (the "world of cold"). Hel, sometimes used interchangeably with Niflheim by writers, was the world of the dead. While one root was connected to Asgard (home of the Aesir), another root to Vanaheim (home of the Vanir). The frost giants lived Jötunheim (Jotunheim). Midgard was the world for human. Alfheim was home of the elves. There was also the underground world for dark elves called Svartalfheim, and Nidavellir for the dwarves. Besides the roots Yggdrasill were three wells. The Well of Urda, guarded by the Norns (who were sort of like the Fates in Greek myths). The Norns were Urda ("Past"), Verdandi ("Present") and Skuld ("Future"). The second, was the Well of Mimir or Mímisbrunnr (Mimisbrunnr), which was also known as the "Well of Knowledge". The third well was called Hvergelmir or "Roaring Kettle", where a giant serpent called Nidhogg, continuously gnaw at the root of Niflheim.

WAR OF THE AESIR AND VANIR The war broke out between the Aesir and Vanir, when the Aesir had tortured the Vanir goddess, Gullveig. When the Vanir demanded reparation from the Aesir - they wanted equal status to their rival - the Aesir instead waged war against the more peaceful Vanir. The Vanir, however, were gaining the upper hand in the war. The warlike Aesir were suffering one defeat after another, before they agreed to end hostility and grant the Vanir, equal status. The peace was followed by strange ritual where the two sides spat in a vessel. From the combined saliva in the vessel, Kvasir was born. This was followed by hostage exchange, to ensure that peace was kept on both sides. The Vanir Njörd (Njord) and his son Freyr were the Aesir's hostages accompanied by Kvasir, the wisest Vanir. The Vanir received Hoenir (or Vili) and Mimir (the wisest of the Aesir) as hostages. At first the Vanir were happy with exchange and thought that Hoenir was as wise as Mimir, until they realised that Hoenir was not very smart at all. Mimir had been giving Hoenir advice. The Vanir felt cheated. They had Mimir decapitated before returning the head to the Aesir. The Aesir did not retaliate in kind. Odin had the head preserved and used it to gain knowledge. The Vanir, Njörd and his son and daughter, Freyr and Freyja, were greatly honoured by the other gods, by giving them places among the Aesir.

Asgard was the home of the Norse gods and goddesses. Twelve palaces or halls were built for each of the more prominent Aesir. The only entrance to Asgard was through the "Rainbow Bridge" called Bifrost. The responsibility of guarding the entrance was entrusted to Heimdall.

Odin dwelled in the great hall was called Valaskjalf, where he has a great throne called Hlidskjalf. However, the best-known hall in Asgard was Valhalla or Hall of the Heroes, also belong to Odin. Valhalla had overlapping shields for a roof and 540 doors. When the bravest warriors were killed in battle or combat, they were brought to Valhalla by group of women warriors known as the Valkyries was translated as "Battle-Maidens". The Valkyries were sometimes were known as "Swan-Maidens", because their garments were made of swan feathers, which allowed them to fly. The Valkyries served Odin, by going through battlefield, choosing slain warriors who would be suited to fight in Ragnarök (Ragnarok) and therefore have a place in Valhalla. Here the fallen warriors were known as the Einherjar. These warriors wait for the coming of Ragnarök, where they would fight and die alongside with the gods. While they wait in Valhalla, they fought each other in a sort of mock battle during the day, but at night they enjoy a great feast

RAGNARöK (THE FINAL BATTLE)

Ragnarök was the doom of the gods and men, and heralded the destruction of the Nine Worlds. To the Germans, Ragnarök was called Götterdämmerung (Gotterdammerung). Nothing will escape the coming destruction, whether you live in heaven and on earth. The war will be wage between the goods and the evils. The goods were the Aesir, led by Odin, ruler of the gods. The evils, were the giants and monsters, led by Loki. Yet the strangest things about Ragnarök was that the gods already knew what was going to happen through the prophecy: who will be killed and by whom, who would survive, what happen to those in the other world and so forth.Despite, knowing their fates, the gods will still defiantly face their destiny, as brave as any hero in a story.

The Norse gods knew what was to come, and knew they could not do anything to prevent prophecy coming to pass.

Loki, who was confined in a cavern and punished for his involvement with Balder's death, will escape from his imprisonment, and lead the giants, and his monsterous offspring, to destroy the gods and mankind. Fenrir will escape from his magic binding, while the Midgard Serpent named Jörmungand (Jormungand) will escape from his confinement in the sea. Frost giants and mountain giants will leave their home in Jötunheim, and sailing toward Plain of Vigrid in a ship called Naglfar; while the fire giants led by Surt will leave their fiery home of Muspelheim. When Ragnarök come, winter and cold weather will last for three years. The two giant wolves, Skoll will swallow up sun (Sol), while Hati shall devour the moon (Mani). Stars will fall out of the heaven. The giant worm Nidhogg that have been gnawing at one of roots of Yggdrasill (Niflheim) will have succeeded eating away the root.

Heimdall will warn the gods of Aesir of Ragnarök by sounding his horn Gjallahorn. It would be the sound of doom. The gods will arm themselves for the war, even though they knew that they couldn't win. All the slain heroes (Einherjar) who lived in Valhalla will accompany them. These heroes will now assist the gods in a hopeless war. The battlefield will be fought upon the plain of Vigrid. Freyr, without his magical sword and totally unarmed would be the first to fall to the fire-giant Surt's flaming sword. The one-handed Tyr managed to kill the hellhound Garm, but Tyr was so severely wounded that he died shortly after the hound. The contest between Loki and Heimdall was evenly matched that both die from the other's weapon. The thunder-god Thor smashed Midgard Serpent to death with his mighty Mjollnir, but the conflict will exact a heavy toll on the god. Thor will succumbed from the searing venom of Jörmungand (Midgard Serpent).

Odin fought with his mighty spear Gungnir against the monstrous wolf Fenrir. Eventually, Odin fell, devoured by Fenrir. Silent Vidar, seeing his father fall to the giant wolf, bound upon Fenrir and tore the wolf's jaws apart with his bare hands.

Surt then set the world ablaze with flaming sword. None of the nine worlds escaped from the fire. The earth tried to sink into the sea to avoid the scorching heat. Gods and men, giants and dwarves all perished in the fire. Fire that reach high as the heaven.

THE BIRTH OF NEW AGE

Well, not all life ceases to exist. Okay, I was wrong about all the gods dying in the final battle. So I went overboard describing Ragnarök. Give me a break will you. With Ragnarök ended, new life began as the earth rose from the sea. Vili (or Hoenir) and many of the younger gods who took part in the war survived. So did Frigg, Freyja and the other goddesses. Balder, the dead god of beauty, will be reborn. Two mortals, Lif and Lifthrasir escaped the destruction of Ragnarök, to repopulated Midgard. A new era had come. Where the gods and men will live in peace, with no wickedness and abundant of food. In reality, an impossible dream and unachievable paradise