This is a paper I wrote for a class on Hindu mythology that I thought might be of general interest.
Some introductory definitions follow.
All incomplete citations refer to the notes at the end of the paper. Comments and questions are encouraged, either posted or by e-mail. In Norse myth, a liquid retrieved from giants by Odinn, which allowed poetic speech. Vanir - A subgroup of the Norse gods, as distinguished from the AEsir. Their prominent members are Njord, Freyr, and Freyja.