Gods etc.

The following is a list of the gods worshipped by the Germanic peoples, I have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible & include a brief description of each, but would direct you to the links on this site for more in-depth information. This list includes those Gods & Spirits worshipped as part of the beliefs of the Angles, Saxons, Jutes as well as the other Germanic tribes like the Frisians, Danes, Norse, Finns, Lapps & Baltic peoples etc. The reason is to try to give you some idea of the ancients' beliefs, which of course helped determine their whole way of life, hopefully this will enable you to gain a better understanding of them.

Ægir

(Eagor, Hler, Gymir) Sea god, husband of Rag, father of nine daughters (the nine waves), possibly belonged to an older genaration of Gods than either the Æsir or Vanir, when he rose from the sea it was for a single purpose, the destruction of ships, said to of been outwitted by Þúnor into supplying the gods with ale, his hall, at the oceans bed, was a neutral place for the gods to meet. Prisoners would be sacrificed to him to ensure a calm voyage, his father was Mistarblindi, his brothers were Logi (fire) & Kari (air), his sister & wife was Rag. He Hall under the sea was by the island of Hlesey. His nine daughters were, Himinglæva, Dufa, Blodughadda, Hefring, Unn, Hronn, Bylgia, Bara & Kolga. He brewed Ale for the Gods who every winter visited his Hall where they would drink from cups that would magically refill. Gold was embedded in the floor to provide light (gold was known as Ægir's fire), he had two servants called Frimafeng & Eldir. After Bealdor's death, Loki came to Ægir's Hall, where the Gods were gathered, & insulted them, as his Hall was a place of sanctuary they could not harm him.

Æsir

(Ése) Collective name for one race of the Gods, the others being the Vanir, a war between them ended with a peace treaty where hostages were exchanged. The following were it's members, Woden, Bealdor, Bragi, Forseti, Fréo (originally a Vanir), Fréa (originally a Vanir), Heimdallr, Hod, Loki, Njörðr (originally a Vanir), Þúnor,Tíw, Vili, Ve, Vidar, Fríge, Sif, & Idun, almost all were doomed to be slain at Ragnarok.

Akka

Finnish Goddess, wife of Ukko

Andhrimnir

Cook of the Gods & the fallen warriors in Valhöll

Annar

Husband of Nott & father of Earth

Astrild

Goddess of love

Asynjur

Collective name for the Goddesses of the Æsir

Atla

Water Goddess & daughter of Rag & Ægir

Aud

Son of Nott & Naglfari

Aurvandil

(Orwandil, Earendel, Horwendil) The Bold, husband of Geofon, whilst crossing the frozen poisonous rivers with Þúnor his toe froze solid, Þúnor broke it off & threw it into the sky creating the star 'Aurvandil's Toe' (Alcor in the Big Dipper, Rigel in Orion was his other toe). He was the son of Gerwendil & brother of Feng, in the history of the Danes he was the King of Jutland & a Viking. He slew the King of Norway by hacking off his foot, he then marries Rorik's (King of the Danes) daughter Gerutha. Their son was Amleth (Hamlet), Feng his brother slays him & then marries Gerutha, & we all know what happens then thanks to the works of William Shakespeare.

Baduhenna

Goddess of battle

Bara

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Bealdor

(Balder, Baldr, Baldur) Son of Woden & Frige, husband of Nanna, father of Forseti, slain by his brother Hodr with a dart made of mistletoe. His name means 'Warrior' and is found a few times in Anglo Saxon literature (including Beowulf). There are very few places named for him and there's no evidence of his worship. There are also the conflicting myths about Bealdor, in Icelandic sources he appears as a God. He's the son of Wóden and Fríge and much-loved of the Gods, brave, wise, and pure of heart. Some however give an entirely different picture of him, casting him as a demigod, the son of Wóden by a mortal woman (not unusual as most Germanic kings traced their descent from Wóden). He's also portrayed as selfish, devious, and wholly wanton. It would seem Bealdor's myths developed along national or political lines. For the Norwegians he appears to of been a hero, so much so that he was later deified. For the Danes he appears to of been an archvillain who would never see the Halls of the Gods. To most however he is one of the Æsir, handsome & wise & known as the God of Light. He lived in Breidarlik (The Broad-Gleaming) which had a roof of silver on golden pillars. He has a foreboding dream, Woden his father then rides to Hel's realm to wake Volua from the dead to decypher it. She foretells Baeldor's death by Hod his fraternal twin. Fríge, his mother, makes all living things swear not to harm him but forgets the mistletoe. Loki, disguised as an old woman, visits her & discovers this secret. During a game where the Gods were throwing things at Bealdor, Loki tricks the blind God Hod into throwing a dart made of mistletoe, which then kills Bealdor. Nanna his wife dies of a broken heart & is burned with him on his funeral ship Hringhorni (along with an unlucky Dweorgh who Þúnor kicks in at the last minute). Hermod rides to Hel's realm to get her to agree to return Bealdor to life if all things would weep for him, unfortunately a giantess named Thokk (Loki in disguise?) refuses, so he must remain in Helheim. He will rise again after Ragnarok to rule jointly over the new world.

Beldegg

Son of Woden who became the King of West Saxony

Beyla

Wife of Byggvir, maiden of Fréo, protects dairy workers, mead & ale

Bil

Daughter of Vidfinn & sister of Hjuki. It is said that as Bil & Hjuki were leaving a well called Byrgir, carrying a pail named Sæg, on a pole called Simul, they were abducted from the earth by the moon. She is also called the Goddess of weaving, as she is said to weave destiny.

Blodughadda

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Bragi

Son of Woden & Gunlod, God of poetry & eloquence, married to Idun. He is the chief poet of Woden & said to be very wise, with runes cut upon his tounge. He lives in Valhöll with Woden, during the feast in Asgard attended by Ægir, it is Bragi who tells him the tales of the Gods.

Brono

Son of Bealdor, pesonification of daylight

Byggvir

God of mead & ale, husband of Beyla

Bylgia

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Dagur

Son of Delling & Nott, personification of day whose chariot is pulled through the sky by the horse Skinfaxi, whose shining mane illuminates the sky (the sun)

Delling

Personification of twilight, husband of Nott & father of Dagur

Disen

Group name for the Goddesses of fate & fertility

Dufa

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Earth

Son of Nott & Annar

Einmyria

Daughter of Loki & Glut, sister of Eisa

Eir

Member of the Æsir, Goddess of medicine, taught women the lore of healing, lived in Lyfjaberg (Hill of Healing)

Eisa

Daughter of Loki & Glut, sister of Einmyria

Elli

Goddess of old age, defeated Þúnor in a wrestling match

Éostre

In De Temporum Ratione, Bede (the Anglo Saxon scholar), states that the Englisc Éosturmónaþ, (around March or April) was named for the goddess Éostre, to whom the Anglo-Saxons sacrificed during that month. Christians could not stop this practice so conveniently 'hijacked' it to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, Easter. She was also worshipped by the Continental Germans, proven from the fact that the modern German name for the same festival (Ostern) also derives from her name, she was a Goddess of the dawn and consequently spring and the renewal of life. Éostre does not seem to have been known in Scandinavia and Iceland, as they preserve no trace of her name. It's possible she was known to the Scandinavians under another name, the Goddess Idun mentioned in the Eddas as guarding the apples of immortality might be a possibility, as she also appears to deal in the renewal of life.

Feng

Brother of Aurvandil

Fjorgyn

Goddess, mother of Frige & Þunor

Forseti

(Forseta, Fosite) God of justice, son of Bealdor & Nanna. Does not appear anywhere as a God in Englisc, he is similar to Néorðr, & it is possible that he was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons. He was the much-loved god of the ancient Frisians, these later migrated to Britain with the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. His name means "he who presides". He was it seems less important to the Old Norse as references to him are rare.

Fréa

(Freyr, Frey, Ingui, Yngvi) Brother of Fréo son of Njord, God of fertility & the weather, mainly concerned with fertility, sunlight, rain & peace, husband of the beautiful Frost Giantess Gerda, originally one of the Vanir, ruled over Alfheim. Often mentioned in Old Norse sources, possibly remembered in the Englisc Rune Poem's verse for Ing as well and the genealogy for the kings of Bernicia (an Anglo Saxon Kingdom of North England, where Ingui is listed), ancestor God of the Angles. Places were named for him in both England and Scandinavia. To make peace, the Æsir & Vanir exchanged hostages, Njörðr, Fréo & Fréa were sent by the Vanir to dwell with the Æsir. His ship, Skidbladnir, which was made by the Dweorghs, could sail on sea, land & air, it could hold all the Gods but could be folded up to fit in a pocket. His chariot, also made by the Dweorghs, was drawn by two boars called Slidrugtanni & Gullinbursti (whom he rode through the sky). He sent his servant Skirnil to win Gerd's hand in marriage, she agreed to give herself to Fréa in nine nights at the Forest Barri. At Ragnarok, Fréa will be slain by the Fire Giant Surt. Said to be the progenitor of the Swedish Royal Line, a statue of Fréa stood in the temple at Uppsala.

Fréo

(Freyja, Freya) Daughter of the Sea God Njörðr, sister of Fréa, fertility Goddess as well as of war, originally one of the Vanir, a sourceress, she shared the heroic dead with Woden, half going to Valhöll with him, the other half going to her hall Sessrumnir. Has places named for her in both England and Scandinavia. She turns up in the Old Norse sources more than any other goddess. Her husband was Od (some say Woden) & her daughters are Gersemi & Hnoss (who is so beautiful that everything valuable & lovely is named after her 'treasure'). She lives in Folkvang (battlefield) when she loses her husband Od, she is said to cry golden tears. Her chariot is drawn by male cats & she ownes the precious Brisings' necklace (for which she slept with four Dweorghs to acquire), & a feather coat (which allows her to fly between worlds). When she went to live with the Æsir as a hostage, she teaches them Seidr (sourcery, including Woden), some say Friday is named after her.

Fríge

(Frigg, Friga, Saga, Frigga, Fricka, Frija) Daughter of Fjorgyn, Goddess of the earth & atmosphere, wife of Woden, fertility Goddess, similar to Fréo, possilby a shared origin, spins long pearly webs of cloud from her jewelled distaff (the constellation Frigg's Spinning Wheel). Was worshiped as one of the 'Earth Mothers', her symbol was a sheath of corn and the Gera rune, seldom mentioned in Old Norse, never the less, places were named for her in both England and Scandinavia along with the day Friday (Englisc = Frígesdæg). Goddess of marriage, poetry & history, lived in Fensalir (The Ocean Halls) also known as Sokkvabekk (Sunken Halls).

Fulla

(Volla) Fríge's maid & messenger, a virgin with long golden hair who wore a gold band (possibly representing the binding round a sheaf, making her a fertility Goddess). When Hermod rode to Hel to plea for Bealdor, Nanna gave him a gold ring to give to Fulla.

Geofon

(Gefjun, Gefjon, Groa, Gefion, Geffinn) Goddess of fertility & agriculture, appears as a word for the sea in Englisc. Prophetic virgin Goddess, all women who die virgins go to her Hall. From the prose Edda, Gefjun came to King Gylfi of Sweden disguised as an old beggar woman. She amused him so well that he offered her as much land as she could plough with four oxen in a day. She turned her four sons (not a virgin in this myth then) into oxen and hitched them to a plough, then she ploughed so deep and hard that she dragged the land to a sound west of Sweden. She then fixed the land so that it wouldn't move and named it Zealand (a present day Danish territory). Bearing in mind this myth deals as much with the sea as the land, and that she was worshipped in Denmark (the area from where the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes originated), it's quite possible that Geofon may have been worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons as her name later became another name for the sea.

Gersemi

Daughter of Fréo

Gerwendil

Mother of Aurvandil & Feng

Glen

Husband of Sol

Harbard

Woden disguised as a ferryman who annoys Þúnor

Hefring

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Heimdallr

(Heimdall) Appears as the guardian of Bifröst (the Rainbow bridge) keeping watch for the coming of the Frost Giants, when he will sound his horn Gjallar. The enemy of Loki in Old Norse, a myth refers to a battle between Heimdallr and Loki (in the form of seals) over a gem called the "sea kidney" (now and then identified with Fréo's necklace, Brísingamen by scholars), at Ragnarok he & Loki will slay each other. He dwells in Himinbjorg (Heavenly Mountains), the nine sisters (Ægir's daughters) gave birth to him, as Rig he begets Þrall, Karl & Jarl (the three classes of men, slave, freeman & noble). It's hard to tell if the Anglo-Saxons knew of Heimdallr, the poem Béowulf relates to a tale where a hero named Hama rescued a necklace called Brosinga mene, this could well be Englisc for Fréo's necklace. It's possible the author of Béowulf mistook the Germanic hero Hama with the god Heimdallr and therefore credited one of the god's legends to the hero. Or possibly Hama was simply a shortened version of the Englisc equivalent of Heimdallr. If so then Heimdallr may possibly have been worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons.

Hengest

One of the brothers who led the settlement of England, although mentioned as historical figures it's possible they were Gods. Tacitus (the Roman historian) mentions a Germanic cult that worshiped twin Gods, belived to be Horse Gods. The name Hengest means 'stallion' and Horsa means 'horse', many Germanic people trace their lines back to twins or brothers, Anglo-Saxon royal lines trace theirs to Hengest and Horsa. Horsa was slain in battle at Ayelsford around 455, and Hengest became King of Kent (which still has a horse as it's symbol).

Hermod

Son of Woden & Frige, brother of Bealdor, devine messenger, ventures to bargain with Hel for the life of Bealdor

Himinglaeva

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Hjuki

Brother of Bil, abducted by the moon with his sister

Hlin

Goddess of consolation, handmaiden to Fríge, brings relief to mourners

Hnoss

Daughter of Fréo

Hod

(Hoder, Hodur, Hodr) Son of Woden & Frige, brother of Bealdor, blind God of darkness & winter who slew Bealdor with a dart made of mistletoe after being tricked by Loki, sent to the realm of the dead as punishment (some versions say they were rivals for Nanna thus Hod slays Bealdor & in turn is slain by Vali), after Ragnarok the brothers return from the realm of the dead reconciled to the new earth

Holler

God of death & destruction, bringer of desease & disasters, drags people to his dungeon & tortures them to death.

Honir

(Hoenir) Brother of Woden, a long-legged, indesisive God, sent as hostage with Mimir to the Vanir. Because of his silence he was of no use to them in counsel, angered by his indisiveness & his constant relying on Mimir they behead Mimir. Honir survives Ragnarok & later rules in the New World

Horsa

One of the brothers who led the settlement of England, although mentioned as historical figures it's possible they were Gods. Tacitus (the Roman historian) mentions a Germanic cult that worshiped twin Gods, belived to be Horse Gods. The name Hengest means 'stallion' and Horsa means 'horse', many Germanic people trace their lines back to twins or brothers, Anglo-Saxons royal lines trace theirs to Hengest and Horsa. Horsa was slain in battle at Ayelsford around 455, and Hengest became King of Kent (which still has a horse as it's symbol).

Hreða

Possibly a War Goddess as Hreða means 'fame' or 'honour', sacrifices were made to her during the month named after her, Hreþmonað the last month of winter, as she defeats it (the eternal battle against the Frost Giants?).

Hronn

Daughter of Aegir, one of the nine waves

Idun

(Iðunn, Iþunn, Idunnor, Iduna) The Rejuvenating One who guarded the apples of youth. Goddess of youth, married to Bragi. Loki lures her to the giant Þiazi (disguised as an eagle) who kidnaps her, taking her to his home Þrymheim in the mountains of Jotunheim. This causes the Gods to lose their immortality so they force Loki to bring her back. When Þiazi tries to recapture her he is slain by the Æsir, his daughter Skadi then comes to avenge his death.

Juksakka

Lapp Goddess, daughter of Madder-Atcha & Madder-Akka, Goddess who ensure male births

Jumala

Finnish creator God

Kied Kie Jubmel

Lord of the herds. Stone God worshipped by the Lapps

Kolga

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Laga

Friend of Woden, Goddess of wells & springs

Leib-Olmai

(Alder man) Lapp Bear God

Lofn

(Sjofn) Member of the Æsir, Goddess of matchmaking, love & passion

Logi

(Sjofn) Brother of Ægir, possibly another name for Loki

Loki

(Lopt, Satære) Son of Farbauti & Laufery, mischief-maker, trickster, shape-changer. Germanic God of agriculture & very cunning. A Giant who became a member of the Æsir when Woden makes him his blood brother. After causing Bealdor's death he's bound by the Gods until Ragnarok, when he will be freed. Confounded with Saturn, both prototypes of Satan. One of the major characters in the Icelandic sagas whose behaviour seems a bit erratic. He is either a good natured trickster (getting the Gods into trouble, but eventually helping them), or a malicious creature who commits acts of evil against the Gods (ultimately siding with the Þyrs against them). Maybe Loki began as a benevolent trickster that developed under Christian influence, into a demonic character. Maybe there were two Lokis? The Eddas and Saxo Grammaticus refer to a Þyrs named Utarðaloki, who's antagonistic to the Gods. Perhaps they eventually became confused in people's minds, myths once attributed to Utarðaloki being credited to the trickster. Whatever, there's no evidence that Loki was ever worshipped, or any places named for him.

Luonnotar

Finnish creator Goddess

Madder-Akka

Creator Goddess of the Lapps

Madder-Atcha

Creator God of the Lapps

Magni

Son of Þúnor & Jarnsaxa, brother of Modi, of vast strength, inherited Þúnor's hammer along with his brother after Ragnarok

Mani

Personification of the moon, son of Mundilfari & brother of Sol. He rides a chariot through the sky determining the moons waxing & waning, he is chased by the wolf Hati (hate), whenever Hati catches him an eclipse would occur. He abducted Bil & Hjuki taking them to the moon.

Menu

(Menulis) Baltic moon god, husband of Saule

Miming

A forest god

Mimir

Wise god sent by Woden to the Vanir who hacked his head of in anger & returned it to Woden, Woden smears magic herbs on it so it never rots and restores his power of speech, the head is placed by the magic well under Yggdrasil, Woden sacrificed an eye to drink from this well to gain knowledge

Modi

Son of Þúnor & Jarnsaxa, brother of Magni, inherited Þúnor's hammer along with his brother after Ragnarok, God of Battle Wrath, worshipped by berserkers along with Sif

Naglfari

Husband of Nott & father of Aud

Nanna

Wife of Bealdor died of grief at his death, mother of Forseti

Narvi

Father of Nott, son of Loki & Sigyn

Nerþus

(Ingun, Erce, Nerthus) Mother Goddess, possilby sister of Njörðr & mother of Fréa & Fréo. Earth Mother (in Englisc Eorþen Mordor) one of the most important Goddesses who brought fertility to the earth, worshiped at various times of the year during festivals, paticularly Solmonað

Njörðr

(Néorð, Njord) Sea God, member of the Vanir, sent to dwell among the Aesir, father of Fréa & Fréo, husband of Skadi. God of wind & sea, bestower of wealth, protector of travelers. Sent as a hostage to the Æsir, Woden makes him a priest of sacrifices, making him ruler over growth, seasons & prosperity. He lives at Noatun (Harbour), his wife was the giantess Skadi (who married him because of his beautiful feet), they live apart because they could not decide in whose dwelling to live. His sister is Nerþus (who may have been Fréa & Fréo's mother). Although he does not seem to appear in Englisc as a God, it's quite likely that the Anglo-Saxons worshipped him. Scandinavia has many places named after him.

Nott

Personification of the night, daughter of Narvi, married three times, her first husband was Naglfari & their son was Aud, her second husband was Annar & their son was Earth, her third husband was Delling & their son was Dagur. She has a chariot which is pulled by the horse Hrimfaxi (frost-manned) which covers the earth with dew each morning.

Od

Husband of Fréo

Patollo

Baltic God of War

Perkuno

(Perkonis, Perkons, Perkunas) Baltic Thunder God

Rag

(Ran) Storm Goddess of the Sea, she gathered sailors in her drowining net, married to Ægir

Rig

Name assumed by Heimdallr when he created the three categories of men

Sarakka

Lapp Goddess, daughter of Madder-Atcha & Madder-Akka, Goddess of childbirth

Saule

Baltic Sun Goddess

Sceaf

A Child-God

Seaxneat

Unique to the Saxons, the 'Sword God' or 'Friend of the Saxons'. In Essex he remained the major God, modern day counties such as Essex still have swords as their symbols.

Sif

Wife of Þúnor, with hair of gold, possibly a fertility Goddess & Goddess of battle frenzy.

Sigyn

(Sigryn, Sigunn) Wife of Loki, mother of Narvi

Skadi

(Skade, Skaði) Goddess of skis or snow shoes because she travelled on skis & carried a bow. Daughter of the giant Þiazi who was the son of the rich giant Alvaldi. When he died Þiazi & his brothers, Idi & Gang, divided the inheritance each taking a large mouthful. After Þiazi was slain by the Æsir, Skadi went looking for vengence, so the Æsir offered her compensation by letting her choose a husband from the Gods. There was a catch though, she could only pick one by looking at their feet, she picked Njörðr but thought she'd picked Bealdor. She demanded further compensation wanting the Æsir to make her laugh. Loki tied one end of a rope to a goat's beard & the other end to his testicles, he then pulled on the rope making them both bellow. After her marriage both Njörðr & herself could not decide on where to live so seperated. Some sources say she then became involved with Woden & bore him many sons. Skadi is said to be the one who positions the venomous snake above Loki's head after he is bound.

Snotra

Goddess of virtue, self-discipline & wisdom

Sol

(Alfrodull) Personification of the sun, daughter of Mundilfari, married to Glen, sister of Mani. Rides through the sky on a chariot pulled by the horses Alsvid (all swift) & Arvak (early riser) carrying the glowing orb(the sun), the gods protected the earth from it's heat by placing the shiel Svalin in front of it. Chased by the wolf Skoll causing solar eclipses when caught.

Storjunka

(Great Lord) God worshipped by the Swedes

Tapio

Finnish Forest God

Þrud

(Thrud) Daughter of Þúnor, promised to the Dweorgh Alvis in marriage by the Gods.

Þúnor

(Thor, Þórr, Donar) Thunder God, son of Woden & Fjorgyn, bane of the Frost Giants, dies at Ragnarok after defeating Jormungand by drowing in it's venom. The most popular God among the ancient Germanic peoples, he was married to Sif and had a magic hammer called Mjollnir which was symbolic of lightning. He lived in Þruðheim (Land of Strength) in his hall Bilskinir. He rides across the sky in a goat drawn chariot, this was believed to be the sound of thunder & called Þunorrad (Thunder riding). His veneration was popular among the Anglo Saxons, small amulets of Þúnor's Hammer have been found in many grave sites, along with the runic symbol Fylfot, which was holy to the God throughout the Germanic world. Oak was associated with him as well and considered a sacred tree. England and Scandinavia have several places named for him as well as the fifth day of the week (Thursday).

Tiw

(Tir, Tiwaz, Tiwas, Tiv, Tyr, Wuldorfadur) God of war, son of Woden & Frige. Seldom mentioned in Old Norse. Nonetheless, an important God for both the Anglo-Saxons and the ancient Scandinavians judging by the places named for him and the day Tuesday. Possible one of the oldest Gods worshiped by the Germanic people, regarded as the 'Sky Father' (in Englisc Wuldorfadur) and venerated alongside the 'Earth Mother', a War God, his rune Tir is often found on swords. The only God brave enough to put his hand in Fenris the wolf's mouth (losing his right hand in the process), so the gods could bind it with the tether Gleipnir.

Tuoni

Finnish God of the dead

Ukko

Finnish God of the sky & air who replaced Jumala as the supreme God

Uksakka

Lapp Goddess, daughter of Madder-Atcha & Madder-Akka, Goddess of newborn children

Unn

Daughter of Ægir, one of the nine waves

Vali

Son of Woden & the Giantess Rind, his throne was in Valhöll, killed Hod for slaying Bealdor, his half brother

Vanir

(Wen) Collective name for a group of the Gods (those considered the bringers of health, youth, fertility, luck, wealth & masters of magic).

Var

Listens to the sacred vows made by men & women in love, bringing vengence upon those who break their vows

Ve

One of the primeval Gods along with his brothers Woden, & Vili. The three brothers created heaven & earth from the slain body of Ymir & built the twelve realms, also created Ask & Embla the first pair of humans

Vidar

The silent God, son of Woden & the Giantess Grid, lived in his hall Idavoll in the forest of Asgard, places his foot in Fenris's mouth at Ragnarok, ripping his throat out & slaying him, survives Raganarok to rule jointly in the New World

Vidfinn

Father of Bil & Hjuki

Vili

One of the primeval Gods along with Woden & Ve

Welund

(Wayland, Volund, Volundr) Anglo-Saxon Smith God, son of a sailor & a mermaid, renowned for making mail coats & swords, captured by King Nidud of the Swedes (who cuts the sinews in his legs), he slays his sons & fashions wings to fly to freedom with.

Woden

(Odin, Óðinn, Wotan, Ygg, Bolverk, Grimnir, Grim the hooded) Son of Bor, God of battle, war, magic & wisdom, sacrificed an eye so he could drink from Mimisbrunnr to gain wisdom, hanged himself for nine days from Yggdrasil to learn the sercrets of the dead and gain magic, is destined to be slain at Ragnarok by Fenris the Wolf. The major God of the Anglo-Saxons and the ancient Scandinavians, the God most often mentioned in Old English, both England and Scandinavia boast several places named for him. One of the most significant sources to mention Wóden, The Nine Herbs Charm, sets him as the supreme wizard. Anglo-Saxon kings looked to him as their ancestor God and creator of their lineage. Creator of runes and leader of the Wild Hunt (a ride through the sky with his army of noisy lost souls) leader of the Æsir. His hall was called Valhöll & his high seat Hlidskialf, Valhöll is where he gathered his portion of slain warriors . They would be served mead which flowed from the udder of Woden's goat Heidrun, they were also served meat from the boar Sæhrimnir (which magically came to life before each meal), cooked by Andhrimnir in the cauldron Eldhrimnir. After the meal the warriors would go outside & fight to the death (brought back to life before each feast) in preperation for the final battle Ragnarok. He was armed with a spear called Grungir (which never missed it's target) a bow (which shot ten arrows each pull) & a magic ring Draupnir. His steed Sleipnir had eight legs & could travel to the underworld & through the air. He had two wolves Geri & Freki as well as two ravens Hugin (thought) & Munin (memory) who gathered knowledge. The day Wednesday is named after him

Wuldor

(Uu, Ullr, Oller) His name means 'Glory' and is found in abundance in Anglo Saxon literature. God of archery, & the hunt. He carried a longbow made of Yew & lived in Ydal (Yew Dales). Son of Sif & stepson of Þúnor. Mentioned rarely in Old Norse sources, even though place names in Norway and Sweden seem to show him to have been an important deity.

The following is a list of Spirits, some are lesser gods, magical beasts, or heroic mortals favoured by the Gods, they possess some powers or magic and indeed were worshiped, but cannot be classed as 'Gods', some could be conisidered 'good' & some 'evil'.

Ælf

(Ylfe, Álfar, Elf) This Englisc word survives as Elf. In Old Norse they are often named alongside the Æsir apparently connected to the Vanir, we are told that Fréa was given Álfheim ("home of the elves") as a gift upon receiving his first tooth (Tooth fairy?). It seems that they lived in mounds & are linked to healing, they are prayed to during childbirth, and believed to cause diseases through "elfshot" (tiny darts or arrows, rudimentary knowledge of air borne germs?).

Alaisiagæ

One of the Wælcyrige

Alsvid

(All swift) Horse that draws Sol's chariot through the sky

Arvak

(Early riser) Horse that draws Sol's chariot through the sky

Audhumla

Primeval cow who emerged from the Ginnungagap at the start of creation, created at the beginning of time from the melting ice of Niflheim, from her teats flowed four rivers of milk which nourished Ymir

Brunhilde

(Brynhild) One of the Wælcyrige, imprisoned by Woden in a ring of fire, within which she fell into a deep sleep, lover of Sigurd (whom she had killed, when deceived by him), kills herself with remorse at Sigurd's death

Eldir

Servant of Ægir

Freki

Woden's wolf

Frimafeng

(Fimafeng) Servant of Ægir

Geri

Woden's wolf

Glum

Attendant of Frigg

Gna

Emissary of Frigg, traveled through the sky on her steed Hofvarpnir.

Grimhild

Queen of the Niebelungs famed for her magic, gives Sigurd her magic mead so he forgets about Brynhild & falls in love with Gudrun her daughter instead

Groa

Seeress & concubine of Aurvandil, tried to heal Þúnor after his battle with Hrungnir

Gudrun

Wælcyrige, fell in love with the hero Helgi, when he dies in battle she weeps so much he calls from his grave to plead with her to stop, they are reunited in Valhalla

Gullfaxi

(Golden Mane) Stallion of the Frost Giant Hrungnir

Gullinbursti

Boar which drew Frea's chariot

Gullinkambi

The golden cockerall that calls the Gods & heroes to Ragnarok and dwells in Yggdrasil

Gullveig

Sorceress & seeress with a lust for gold, the Aesir try to burn her to death causing the first known war with the Vanir

Heidrun

Woden's goat from whose udder flowed mead that was served to the fallen heroes in Valhöll

Himinrjot

(Himinbrioter) The head of a giant black ox that Þúnor used as bait to catch Jormungand

Hladgunnr

One of the Wælcyrige who sets traps for her victims

Hofvarpnir

(Hoof thrower) Gna's horse

Huginn

(Thought) Woden's raven who flew to the nine realms to keep Woden informed of all that occured

Ilmarinen

Finnish hero who hammered out the sky with his magic hammer at his forge & accompanied Vainamoinen

Kvasir

(Spittle) Wiseman slain by the Dweorgh's Fjalar & Galar & turned into magic mead, eventually drunk by Woden, created from the spittle the Aesir & Vanir spat into a jar to mark the end of conflict between them

Landvaettir

Guardian spirits that protected places or lands (the original source for the european habit of having patron saints for countries, i.e. St George, St Patrick etc?)

Leminkainen

(Lover) Finnish hero, talented singer & pursuer of women, journeyed with Vainamoinen, slain by Tuoni's son his remains were scattered into a river, his magician mother puts his body back together & brings him back to life

Menglad

Beauty wooed by Svipdrag

Muninn

(Memory) Woden's raven who flew to the nine realms to keep Woden informed of all that occured

Nicor

(Nykr, Nix, Nixie) Equivalent to the German nix and nixie, appear to refer to water wights of a much deadlier and more sinister nature than the Germans' fairy tale river spirits. Grendel's mother (from Béowulf) is an example of the Anglo-Saxon's idea of a Nicor! Beyond the worship of a few major gods and various beliefs (such as Wyrd, fate), it is wights where the Germanic peoples held the most in common. Gods, including deified heroes, were the province of priests and kings. the worship of wights was a matter of folk belief, the belief of the common man. This is how customs as the Yule log managed to survive several centuries in different countries.

Norns

(Nornir) Demi-goddesses of destiny, said to help at child birth when each person is alloted their own personal Norn (where the belief in Guardian Angels originate from)

Ratatosk

(Swift Teeth) Squirrel which dwelt on Yggdrasil & disturbed the eagle & hawk who perched at it's top

Rhine Maidens

Ethereal spirits who dwell in lakes & rivers

Roskva

Sister of Þialfi, servant of Þúnor

Sæhrimnir

Woden's boar which was slaughtered and served as a meal to the fallen heroes in Valhalla, it magically came to life each time

Skinfaxi

Dagur's steed which pulls his chariot through the sky

Skirnir

Servant of Fréa, tricked Gerda into marrying his master

Skuld

(Future) One of the Norns

Sleipnir

(Glider) Woden's eight-legged horse

Slidrugtanni

Boar which drew Frea's chariot

Svadilfari

Stallion who helps the Giant Blast, sired the eight legged Sleipnir, Woden's steed, with Loki (disguised as a mare)

Svartalfar

Black elves who grew from the maggots of Ymir's flesh. They dwell in the land of Svartalfheim, they turn to stone in daylight

Svipdrag

Son of Groa raised his mother from the dead to seek her advise on how to woo Menglad

Syn

Attendant of Frigg, called upon by those on trial for defence.

Tanngnost

(Tooth-gnasher) Goat that pulled Þunor's chariot

Tanngrisnir

(Tooth-grinder) Goat that pulled Þunor's chariot

Þialfi

(Thialfi) Servant of Þúnor, beaten in a race by Hugi

Vainamoinen

Finnish hero, son of Luonnotar, champion of Kalevala (fatherland of heroes), created the magic talisman Sampo

Verdandi

(Present) One of the Norns

Volua

Seeresses, can descypher dreams

Wælcyrige

(Valkyrja, Valkyrie) Choosers of the slain, sister spirits who gather the fallen heroes from the battlefields, originally dark angels of death, they evolve into Woden's shield maidens, charged with bringing newly killed heroes to Valhöll. They are said to be beautiful but also have a savage side. The term wicce (witch) in Englisc, derived from Wælcyrige.

The White Dragon of the Englisc

This was the dragon which fought the Red Dragon of the Welsc in an underground cavern, slaying and devouring it, signifying the Anglo-Saxons' victory over the Britons.

Wyrd

(Urd, Fate) One of the Norns

The following is a list of what could be considered Demons, virtually all take the form of beasts, they are terrifying in appearance & ferocity and only true heroes were capable of facing them down, they must of made the listeners cower in fear as the bards described them in the Longhouse or Hall. It should be pointed out that the terms serpent & dragon were used to describe the same creature depending on which tribe's version was being recited, dragons were often refered to as great serpents.

Fenris

(Fenrir) Son of Loki & the Frost Giantess Angrboda, brother of Hel & Jormungard, the devouring wolf & doom of the gods, kidnapped by the gods & imprisoned in Asgard, bound by the magic tether 'Gleipnir', he bites off Tiw's hand whilst being bound by it, slays Woden at Ragnarok before being slain himself by Vidar.

Garm

The hound that guards the entrance to Helheim, lives in the Gnipa-cave, slain fighting Tiw at Ragnarok.

Goin

One of the serpents that gnaw at the world tree Yggdrasil

Graback

One of the serpents that gnaw at the world tree Yggdrasil

Grafvolluth

One of the serpents that gnaw at the world tree Yggdrasil

Grendel

Water monster (Nicor) who troubled the kingdom of King Hrothgar of Denmark, he would visit his Hall each night & slaughter his warriors, he is impervious to weapons, eventually he is slain by the hero Beowulf who wrestles with him, ripping his arm from his socket, Grendel slinks off to his mother to die.

Hati

(Hate) The wolf that devours the moon before Ragnarok

Hel

(Helið, Helia) Daughter of Loki & Angrboda, in the Old Norse sources Hel is the Goddess of the realm of the dead (In Englisc sources Hel is also the name for the realm of the dead, hence our modern word Hell). In Anglo-Saxon literature the place called Hel is often described with the characteristics of a person or or a wolf (with gaping jaws). Her realm was situated in Niflheim & her Hall was Elvidnir (Misery). Described as half white & half black, her bottom half being a rotten corpse.

Hræsvelg

(Corpse-eater) Giant eagle that perches on Helheim

Jormungard

(Midgard Serpent) Serpent son of Loki & Angrboda, brother of Hel & Fenris, kidnapped & brought to Asgard by Woden, he was thrown into the ocean where he grew so long he encircled the earth, destined to be slain by Þúnor at Ragnarok

Modgud

The hound that guards the entrance to Helheim, lives in the Gnipa-cave.

Moin

One of the serpents that gnaw at the world tree Yggdrasil

Nidhogg

Dragon who dwelt at Niflheim at the roots of Yggdrasil (which he occasionally nibbled), he would rip corpes apart, he survives Ragnarok.

Skoll

The wolf that devours the sun before Ragnarok.

Vidofnir

One of the serpents that gnaw at the world tree Yggdrasil

The following is a list of other notable creatures, places etc. from the saga's, firstly Þyrs (Giants), then Dweorghs (Dwarves), then Mortals (Heroes), then items & finally places/events.

Þyrs

(Eoten,Ettins, þurs, Jötunn) What we would call Giants, they turn to stone in sunlight, said to appear in mists & fogs. The Anglo-Saxons may have looked upon the þyrs as a malevolent creature, intelligent enough to be compared to the Christian Satan, although in some tales they are the complete opposite, indeed some are the parents of or are themselves gods.

Alvaldi

(Olvaldi) Father of Þiazi, Idi & Gang

Angurboda

(Angrboda) Mistress of Loki, mother of the demons Fenris, Jormungand & Hel

Bergelmir

Frost Giant, son of Þrudgelmir, progenator of the Frost giants, he & his wife were the only Frost Giants to survive after his grandfather Ymir was slain, they escaped in a hollowed out tree trunk.

Bestla

Daughter of Bolthorn, wife of Bor, mother of the first Gods Woden, Ve & Vili

Billing

Father of Rind the Giantess who bore Woden's son Vali

Blast

(Hrimthurs) Rock Giant who repaired the walls of Asgard, slain by Woden

Bolthorn

Frost Giant, father of Bestla

Bor

Son of Buri, husband of Bestla, father of Woden, Vili & Ve, the first Gods.

Buri

Primeval Giant created by Audhumla who licked him free from the ice, father of Bor

Farbauti

Father of the fire God Loki, married to the Giantess Laufey who gave birth to Loki when hit by a lightning bolt unleashed by Farbauti

Gang

Brother of Þiazi

Geirrod

Frost Giant, father of Gjalp & Greip, enemy of Þúnor, captured Loki when the God was in the form of a hawk, made him promise to bring Þúnor to his hall without his magic belt & weapons, but Þúnor was warned by the Giantess Grid who gave him a magic staff which helped him slay Geirrod, his daughters & his servants

Gerda

Beautiful Frost Giantess, daughter of Gymir, wife of Freyr (reluctantly), the Aurora Borealis was believed to be her radiance

Gjalp

Daughter of Geirrod, slain by Þúnor

Glaur

Giantess married to Mundilfari, mother of Mani & Sol

Glut

First wife of Loki, mother of Eisa & Einmyria

Greip

Daughter of Geirrod, slain by Þúnor

Grid

Frost Giantess who helped Þúnor, concubine of Woden & mother of the God Vidar

Gunlod

(Gunnlod) Mother of Bragi

Gymir

Father of Gerda

Hrodvitnir

Mother of the wolves Skoll & Hati

Hrungnir

Frost Giant, owner of the stallion Gullfaxi, challenged Woden and Sleipnir to a race, then challenged Þúnor to a duel, who slew him.

Hugi

Frost Giant who outran Þúnor's servant Þialfi in a race

Hymir

(Dark One) Father of Tiw, owner of a magic cauldron that brewed mead for the Gods, slain by Þúnor when trying to retrieve it from him after Þúnor stole it

Idi

Brother of Þiazi

Jarnsaxa

Concubine of Þúnor, mother of Magni & Modi

Jord

Wife of Woden & mother of Þúnor

Kari

The Tempest Giant, Lord of the Storm Giants, brother of Aegir

Laufey

Wife of Farbauti, mother of Loki

Mistarblindi

Father of Aegir, Logi, Kari & Ran

Mokkuralfi

(Mist Calf) Clay Giant created by the Frost Giants to scare Þúnor (who 'wet himself' at the sight of him), slain by Þialfi

Rind

Daughter of Billing, wife of Woden, mother of Vali

Sinmore

Wife of Surt

Skrymir

Frost Giant magically created to trick Þúnor

Surt

Fire Giant, ruler of Muspell, sets the world on fire during Ragnarok

Þiazi

(Thiazi, Thiassi, Þjazi) Father of Skadi, lives in Þrymheim, disguised as an eagle he gourged himself on the ox cooked by Woden, Honir & Loki, he then kidnaps Idun, is finally slain by the Aesir.

Þokk

(Thokk) Frost Giantess who thwarts the Gods attempt to bring Bealdor back from the realm of the dead (possibly Loki in disguise)

Þrudgelmir

(Thrudgelmir) Son of Ymir, father of Bergelmir

Þrym

(Thrym) Frost Giant ruler of Jotunheim

Utarðaloki

(Utarthaloki) Giant who's antagonistic to the Gods

Vafthrudnir

Wise Frost Giant who gains knowledge from the dead, defeated by Woden in a battle of wits

Ymir

(Aurgelmir) Primordial giant, proginator of the Frost Giants. Created from the melting ice of Niflheim & the hot air of Muspell, from his sleeping body the first Giants sprang. Slain by Woden & his brothers Ve & Vili to prevent the creation of more Giants, from his body they created the cosmos.

Dweorghs

(Dvergr) Basically Dwarf, allusion to dwarves are rare in Englisc. They are master smiths living in mountains or rocks, covetous of their treasures. The gods' greatest treasures (Wóden's spear Gungnir, Þúnor's hammer etc.) were all made by dwarves.

Alberich

(Andvari) Dweorgh king, guarded the Nibelung hoard gave Sigmund the sword Balmung, Fréo the necklace Brisingamen, Woden his ring & the magical sword Tyrfing, lost his hoard of treasure to Loki

Alvis

Created weapons for the Gods, tricked by Þúnor (who's daughter was promised to Alvis), & turned to stone in sunlight.

Austri

(East?) One of the four Dweorgh's who hold up Ymir's skull which forms the sky

Dockalfar

(Dark Dwarves) Formed from the maggots in the rotting flesh of Ymir, too ugly to be seen they're condemned to a life undergound, turning to stone in sunlight.

Dvalin

Dwarf who invented runes (the name is also given in some sources for a stag who grazes on the tree Yggdrasil).

Fjalar

Brother of Galar, he and his brother slay the wiseman Kvasir in order to gain his magic powers

Galar

Brother of Fjalar, he and his brother slay the wiseman Kvasir in order to gain his magic powers

Ivaldi

Dwarf whose sons spun hair of gold for Sif at Loki's request & made Woden's spear Gungnir

Nordi

(North?) One of the four Dweorgh's who hold up Ymir's skull which forms the sky

Sudri

(South?) One of the four Dweorgh's who hold up Ymir's skull which forms the sky

Westri

(West?) One of the four Dweorgh's who hold up Ymir's skull which forms the sky

Mortals

Those of normal human birth (although some not) that are great heroes, gifted with magical items, or at the right place at the right time, whatever, if they are worthy of a mention in the sagas they are worth a mention here.

Afi

(Grandfather) Lived in a well maintainded house owned by a farmer & artisan with his wife Amma, visited by Rig

Ai

(Great Grandfather) Lived in a homestead with his wife Edda, visited by Rig

Amma

(Grandmother) Lived in a well maintained house owned by a farmer & artisan with her husband Afi, visited by Rig, mother of Karl

Ask

(Ash) First man created by Woden, Ve & Vili, given the realm of Midgard to dwell in

Beowulf

Hero who slew Grendel & his mother, died slaying a dragon

Borghild

Wife of Sigmund, is said to be the personification of the moon & evening mist

Edda

(Great Grandmother) Lived in a homestead with her husband Ai, visited by Rig, mother of Þrall

Einherjar

(Einheriar) The heroic dead, gathered from the battlefields by the Wælcyrige, they reside in Valhöll with Woden or Sessrumnir with Fréo, ready to fight by his side at Ragnarok

Embla

(Elm) First women created by Woden, Ve & Vili, given the realm of Midgard to dwell in

Fadir

(Father) Lived in a beautiful mansion with Modir his wife, visited by Rig

Fafnir

Son of Hreidmar, corrupted by the ring 'Andvaranaut', brother of Regin, slew his father for his gold hoard, turned to a dragon to guard the hoard & prevent his brother Regin from possessing it, slain by Sigurd

Gunnar

(Gunner) Brother of Hogni, with whom he owned a fabulous hoard, friend of Sigurd, bewitched by the magic ring Andvarinaut they slay him, they in turn are slain, thrown into a serpent's pit whilst playing a harp with his feet as his hands were bound

Helgi

Hero who leads the fallen heroes from Valhöll at Ragnarok

Hogni

Brother of Gunnar, with whom he owned a fabulous hoard, friend of Sigurd, bewitched by the magic ring Andvarinaut they slay him, they in turn are slain, he dies laughing whilst his heart is ripped out

Hreidmar

(Reidmar) Magician & farmer, father of Otter, Fafnir & Regin, given the Dweorgh Alberich's gold hoard by the gods in payment for the slaying of his son Otter, slain by Fafnir & Regin for it

Jarl

(Earl) First of the race of warriors, son of Rig & Modir

Karl

(Carl) Son of Rig & Amma, married Snor, their descendants formed the race of peasants (freemen)

Ketill

Legendary hero of the Sagas

Kullervo

Powerful sorcerer who unwittingly despoils his sister, denied love throughout his life he finally throws himself on his sword

Lif

(Life) Husband of Lifthrasir, the only couple to survive the destruction after Ragnarok by hiding in Hodmimir's forest, which could not be destroyed by Surt's flaming sword. They sleep through the destruction & wake in the new world where they will be the progenitors of the new human race.

Lifthrasir

(Eager for life) Wife of Lif, destined to survive Ragnarok & repopulate the new earth

Loddfafnir

Man who visited the Well of Urd & stayed in Valhöll learning the wisdom of the gods

Modir

(Mother) Lived in a beautiful mansion with Fadir her husband, visited by Rig, mother of Jarl

Mundilfari

King, offended Woden by naming his son & daughter moon & sun, Woden snatched them & turned them into constellations

Ottar

Lover of Fréo, descendant of Sigurd, turned into a boar by Freo so she could keep him in Asgard

Otter

Son of Hreidmar, slain by Loki in error after he was turned into an otter by his father in order to catch fish

Regin

Step father of Sigurd, brother of Fafnir, slew his father Hreidmar for the hoard of gold he acquired, refordged the sword Gram for Sigurd so he could slay his brother Fafnir (who had turned into a dragon), slain by Sigurd after he plots to kill him.

Siggeri

King of the Goths, slayed Volsung's sons (except Sigmund), married Signy (Volsung's daughter), slain by Sigmund & Signy

Sigmund

(Siegmund) One of the sons of Volsung, drew the magic sword from the Branstock oak, with this sword he won fame throughout Scandinavia, captured by Siggeir (his brother-in-law) along with his father & nine brothers, they were bound to forest trees prey to the beasts of the forest, only Sigmund escaped by bitting off a wolf's tongue, he then sought vengence on his kinsman & with the help of his sister Signy slays him.

Signy

Daughter of Volsun, married Siggeir, sister of Sigmund (she bore him a son Sinfiotli when she was in disguise & tricked him), helped her brother avenge their sibling's & father's deaths in slaying Siggeir, she died in Siggeir's burning palace.

Sigurd

(Siegfried) Son of Sigmund, foster son of Regin. Hero who slew Fafnir (after he had turned into a dragon) to regain the hoard of gold for his step father. Disguised himself as Gunnar to rescue the Valkyrie Brunhilde (who then married Gunnar).

Sinfiotli

Son of Sigmund & Signy

Snor

Wife of Karl whose descendants formed the race of peasants

Þir

(Thir, Dredge) Wfe of Thrall, progenator of the race of serfs

Þrall

(Thrall) Son of Edda & Rig, husband of Þir, progenator of the race of serfs

Volsung

Father of Sigmund, dies with nine of his sons

Wicce

(Witch) Beautiful, usually wicked, spellcaster

Items

This is a selection of objects mentioned in connection with Gods or heroes, the Dweorgh's seem to be responsible for creating most of them.

Andvaranaut

(Andvarinaut) Magic ring that can seek out gold (Wagner's Ring Cycle Opera)

Balmung

(Glam) Magical sword made by Welund, thurst into the oak log of the Branstock tree by Woden, pulled free by Sigmund. Woden destroyed the sword in battle, it was remade for Sigmund for him to slay Fafnir.

Brisingamen

Neckless made by the Dweorghs and worn by Fréo

Draupnir

Woden's magic ring

Eldhrimnir

The mighty cauldron in Valhöll in which boar stew was prepared to feed the fallen heroes

Gjallar

Heimdallr's horn

Gleipnir

Magic unbreakable tether that the Gods used to restrain Fenris

Gungnir

Woden's magic spear which never misses it's target

Hlidskialf

Woden's throne

Hringhorni

Bealdor's funeral ship

Mjollnir

Þúnor's hammer

Sampo

A talisman from Finish legend, fashioned by Ilmarinen, it ensured prosperity.

Skidbladnir

A wonderous longship crafted by the Dweorghs for Fréa, it could sail accross the sky & was big enough to hold all the Gods, yet could be folded up to fit in a pocket.

Svalin

The shield which protected the earth from the heat of the glowing orb (Sun) on Sol's chariot

Places/events

This is a list of some of the main places & events mentioned in the saga's of the Gods & heroes.

Alfheim

One of the nine worlds, home of the Ælf's of light & location of Fréa's palace.

Asgard

One of the nine worlds, home of the Æsir, in the middle lies Ida where they meet to make important issues, the Gods in the hall Gladsheim & the Goddesses in the hall Vingolf, they also meet daily at Urdarbrunnr under the Asgard root of the Ash tree Yggdrasil.

Bifrost

(Asbru) Rainbow bridge between Midgard (realm of men) & Asgard (realm of the gods), guarded by Heimdall

Bilskinir

Þúnor's hall

Breidarlik

(The Broad-Gleaming) Bealdor's hall

Elvidnir

(Misery) The hall of Hel

Fensalir

(The Ocean Halls, Sokkvabekk, Sunken Halls) Frige's hall

Fimbulvetr

The winter of winters that preseeds Ragnarok

Folkvang

(Battlefield) Freo's realm

Ginnungagap

The 'yawning emptiness' between the realms of fire & cold at the begining of time, overtime the ice of Ginnungagap melted and formed Ymir & Audhumla

Gladsheim

Hall of the Gods in Asgard on the plain of Ida

Gnipa-cave

Cave in Helheim where Modgud & Garm dwell

Godheim

Christian name of Asgard, legendary name of Russia

Helheim

The realm of the dead ruled by Hel, situated in Niflheim, the river Gjoll (which flows from the spring Hvergelmir) encircles it. Those who do not die in battle go there, a place where even the Gods cannot escape, the entrance is guarded by Garm & Modgud, the giant eagle Hraesvelg (corpse-eater) sits on the edge of this world, his flapping wings causing the winds

Himinbjorg

(Heavenly Mountains) Heimdallr's realm

Hvergelmir

(Roaring kettle) The source of all rivers

Ida

Plain in the centre of Asgard where the Halls of the Gods & Goddessess lie

Idavoll

Vidar's hall

Jotunheim

One of the nine worlds, land of the Frost & Rock Giants ruled by Þrym king of the Frost Giants

Lyfjaberg

(Hill of healing) Home of Eir

Midgard

(Middle world) One of the nine worlds, basically a fortress built around the centre of the land alloted to men to protect them from the giants

Mimisbrunnr

The Well of Wisdom guarded by Mimir's head

Muspell

(Muspellheim) One of the nine worlds, a realm of fire ruled by the Fire Giant Surt

Nidavellir

One of the nine worlds, realm of the Dweorghs

Niflheim

One of the nine worlds, realm of fogs, mists, darkness & cold. After Ragnarok a hall will stand here where murderers, oath-breakers & philanderers will be punished

Noatun

(Harbour) Njörðr's realm

Ragnarok

(Gotterdammerung) Doom of the Gods, after a terrible winter lasting three years a final battle is fought between the Gods & Frost Giants. Woden, the Gods & the glorious dead on one side, Loki, the Frost Giants, Fenris, Jormungand, and the unglorious dead on the other, after the battle a new world will emerge from the destruction

Sessrumnir

Fréo's hall where she dwells with the heroic dead

Svartalfheim

One of the nine worlds, home of the Svartalfar & Dockalfar

Þruðheim

(Thruthheim, Land of Strength) Þúnor's realm

Þrymheim

(Thrymheim) Þiazi 's realm

Urdarbrunnr

(Well of Urd) The well of fate & knowledge guarded by the Norns. Situated under one of Yggdrasil's roots, the place where the Gods held their daily assembly

Utgard

Stronghold of the Giants in Jotunheim, Loki had his castle here

Valhöll

(Valhalla, Valaskjalf) Hall of fallen heroes, the rafters are spears & the roof sheilds, a wolf guards the western door & an eagel hovers over it

Vanaheim

One of the nine worlds, home of the Vanir

Vigrid

The plain were the final battle between the Gods & Frost Giants takes place (Ragnarok)

Vingolf

Hall of the Godessess in Asgard on the plain of Ida

Ydal

(Yew Dales) The realm of Wuldor

Yggdrasil

(Hoddmimir's wood, Laerad, Odin's horse) The Cosmic Tree, beneath it's roots are Asgard, Jotunheim & Niflheim, three wells are at it's base, Mimisbrunnr, Urdarbrunnr (well of fate guarded by the Norns), & Hvergelmir. Four deers run accross it's branches representing the four winds, a squirrel called Ratatosk (a notorious gossip), a serpent called Vidofnir, & a golden cockerall called Gullinkambi perch in it's brances. It's roots are gnawed by serpents & Surt will set it ablaze at Ragnarok