Odin - Norse Mythology - Ancinet-Mythology.com Odin | Norse Mythology (also Woden or Wotan in Anglo-Saxon myth) Odin is the chief god of Germanic mythology. Son of Bor and Bestla , Odin was risen to favor mostly by the Vikings, and became known as the supreme god in the eighth and ninth centuries. The Vikings admired Odin's love for the battle, as he was known as the "father of the slain". Odin's prominence demonstrates the importance of warfare to Germanic traditions. Odin loved to cause conflicts and shifts of power. He once aided Harald, a Danish King, instructing him in tactics and granting him victories for years. In the king's final battle, however, Odin took the place of Harald's charioteer and drove the king to his demise. Although Odin embodied deceit, violence and war, he also embodied many admirable qualities. He was the most knowledgeable god, with a great love for wisdom. He would willingly sacrifice himself for it. With the threat of Ragnarok , the death of all gods, Odin built the Valhalla , a great hall of the "heroic dead".

Odin would then gather heroes and warriors who were slain in battle, and bring them to Valhalla so they would fight alongside the gods on the Vigrid plain, in an attempt to strengthen and save the gods in the final battle against the frost giants at the time of Ragnarok. Odin was killed by a wolf, Fenrir , a monstrous offspring of the god Loki and the frost giantess Angrboda. When the Romans arrived in Germanic territory, they assumed that Odin was their messenger god, Mercury . Norse myth - definition of Norse myth by The Free Dictionary Norse myth - definition of Norse myth by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Thesaurus , Wikipedia . ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend: Noun 1.

Norse mythology - the mythology of Scandinavia (shared in part by Britain and Germany) until the establishment of Christianity Asgard - (Norse mythology) the heavenly dwelling of the Norse gods (the Aesir) and slain war heroes Valhalla , Walhalla - (Norse mythology) the hall in which the souls of heros slain in battle were received by Odin Midgard - (Norse mythology) the abode of humans in Norse mythology mythology - myths collectively; the body of stories associated with a culture or institution or person Deutschland , FRG , Germany , Federal Republic of Germany - a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990 Fafnir - (Norse mythology) the Norse dragon that guarded a treasure and was slain by Sigurd Sigurd - (Norse mythology) mythical Norse warrior hero who gains an accursed hoard of gold and was killed by Brynhild; Siegfried is the German counterpart Aesir - (Norse mythology) the chief race of gods living at Asgard Andvari - (Norse mythology) a dwarf who possessed a treasure that was stolen by Loki Vanir - (Norse mythology) race of ancient gods sometimes

 in conflict with the Aesir Balder , Baldr - (Norse mythology) god of light and peace and noted for his beauty and sweet nature; son of Odin and Frigg and husband of Nanna; killed by Hoth Brage , Bragi - (Norse mythology) god of poetry and music; son of Odin Elli - (Norse mythology) goddess of old age who defeated Thor in a wrestling match Forseti - (Norse mythology) god of justice; son of Balder and Nanna Frey , Freyr - (Norse mythology) god of earth's fertility and peace and prosperity; son of Njorth and brother of Freya; originally of the Vanir; later with the Aesir Freya , Freyja - (Norse mythology) goddess of love and fecundity; daughter of Njorth and sister of Frey Frigg , Frigga - (Norse mythology) goddess of the heavens and married love; wife of Odin Heimdal , Heimdall , Heimdallr - (Norse mythology) god of dawn and light; guardian of Asgard Hel , Hela - (Norse mythology) goddess of the dead and queen of the underworld Hoenir - (N

orse mythology) one of the Aesir having a strong and beautiful body but a dull mind Hoder , Hodr , Hodur , Hoth , Hothr - (Norse mythology) a blind god; misled by Loki, he kills his brother Balder by throwing a shaft of mistletoe Idun , Ithunn - (Norse mythology) goddess of spring and wife of Bragi; guarded the apples that kept the gods eternally young Jotun , Jotunn - (Norse mythology) one of a race of giants often in conflict with the Aesir Loki - (Norse mythology) trickster; god of discord and mischief; contrived death of Balder and was overcome by Thor Mimir - (Norse mythology) giant who lives in the roots of Yggdrasil and guards the well of wisdom Nanna - (Norse mythology) wife of Balder Njord , Njorth - (Norse mythology) chief of the Vanir; god of the sea and winds and prosperity; father of Frey and Freya; sometimes subsumes Teutonic Nerthus Norn , weird sister - (Norse mythology) any of the three goddesses of destiny; identified with Anglo-Saxon

 Wyrd; similar to Greek Moirae and Roman Parcae Odin - (Norse mythology) ruler of the Aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of Frigg; identified with the Teutonic Wotan Sif - (Norse mythology) wife of Thor and guardian of the home Sigyn - (Norse mythology) wife of Loki; held a cup over him during his punishment to spare him the pain of drops of poison Thor - (Norse mythology) god of thunder and rain and farming; pictured as wielding a hammer emblematic of the thunderbolt; identified with Teutonic Donar Tyr , Tyrr - (Norse mythology) god of war and strife and son of Odin; identified with Anglo-Saxon Tiu Ull , Ullr - (Norse mythology) one of the Aesir known for his beauty and skill with bow and skis; son of Sif and stepson of Thor Vali - (Norse mythology) one of the Aesir and avenger of Balder; son of Odin Vidar , Vithar , Vitharr - (Norse mythology) one of the Aesir; son of Odin;

 avenges his parent by slaying Fenrir at Ragnarok Fenrir - (Norse mythology) an enormous wolf that was fathered by Loki and that killed Odin Volund - (Norse mythology) a wonderful smith; identified with Anglo-Saxon Wayland and Teutonic Wieland Ygdrasil , Yggdrasil - (Norse mythology) a huge ash tree whose roots and branches hold the earth and Heaven and Hell together Ymir - (Norse mythology) the primeval giant slain by Odin and his brothers and from whose body they created the world: the sea from his blood; the earth from his flesh; the mountains from his bones; the sky from his skull Brunhild , Brunnhilde , Brynhild - a Valkyrie or a queen in the Nibelungenlied who loved the hero Siegfried; when he deceived her she had him killed and then committed suicide Valkyrie - (Norse mythology) one of the maidens of Odin who chose heroes to be slain in battle and conducted them to Valhalla Norse Mythology Norse Mythology Introduction These are 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 shaping 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. Lindemans, M F., ed. "Norse Mythology." Encyclopedia Mythica. Encyclopedia Mythica Online. 17 Oct. 2006 < >. Norse Mythology is one of the most exciting and interesting mythology systems to read. These are the stories of Vikings, warriors, sailors, and kings. Students enjoy reading Norse Mythology because of its action, heroism, and similarities to popular movies like, "Conan, the Barbarian," "Lord of the Rings," and "The 13th Warrior." One popular opera, written by Richard Wagner, "Der Ring Des Nibelungen" (The Ring of the Nibelungs) contains almost every imaginable element of Norse Mythology -- from dwarves, fairies, giants, and dragons, to Valkyries, magic swords and helmets. Contemporary computer and video games such as Rune, Gothic, and Age of Mythology also highlight the Norse Mythological element.

Ironically, however, it is the world of comic books that seems to best bring to life the element of mythology into our mainstream society. Marvel Comics hero, THOR, and his illustrators have brought the gods and demigods of Valhalla and Asgard to life between the covers of its magazines for decades NOTE: MANY, IF NOT MOST OF THE TEXTS AND SITES ON THIS PAGE ARE LINKS TO D. L. ASHLIMAN'S COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITE ON LEGENDS AND LORE, WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH. Ashliman, D. L. "Germanic Myths, Legends, and Sagas." Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts. 27 Sept. 2004. University of Pittsburgh. 24 Oct. 2006 <~dash/mythlinks.html>. Vikings in America . Information about the Norse settlement in Vinland, including photographs of the reconstructed way station at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada. a well-organized collection of links from a server in Great Britain. This is the best starting point for a search of Viking material on the web.

Life After Death for the VikingsFamily trees and geneologies of the Norse GodsIllustrations, stories, facts, and links concerning the ship culture of the Vikings. More about the Vikings, including the opportunity to purchase authentic scale models of their ships.a summary essay from Sweden. An extensive examination of ancient Finnish religion, including the precursors to the Kalevala. The Poetic Edda translated into English by Stephan Grundy. Also known as Edda Saemundar and as the Elder Edda, the oldest written copy of this work dates to 1270 in Iceland, about 30 years after the publication of Snorri Sturlason's Prose Edda. Still, this work is often judged to be closer to the source than Snorri's work and less colored by his clerical perceptions. The Blue Belt . A folktale from Norway, collected in the mid nineteenth century by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. The magic belt in this tale is reminiscent of the Norse god Thor's belt of strength as described in The Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson. Stories from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

THE VOLSUNG SAGA Links To: Killings, Douglas B., ed. "THE STORY OF THE VOLSUNGS." Online Medieval and Classical Library. May 1997. 24 Oct. 2006 < THE NIEBELUNGENLIED Links To: Killings, Douglas B., ed. "THE NIBELUNGENLIED." Online Medieval and Classical Library Release. Sept. 1997. 24 Oct. 2006 < CONTENTS Creation of the Gods, Giants, and the Universe -- A thorough page, but difficult to read Timeless Myths has an excellent page recounting in detail the beginnings of Norse Mythology, specifically the Norse Creation Myth . God of the Sea and Ocean Timeless Myths: Aesir Page The Major Aesir include: Odin, Ve, Vili, Thor, Tyr, Njord, Freyr, Heimdall, and Loki. Minor Aesir: Ull, Bragi, Forseti, Vidar, Vali, Balder, Hod, Hermod, Mirmir, Magni and Modi, and Mani Dwarf; robbed of gold and magic ring by Loki.

Giantess; mother by Loki of Fenrir, Hel, and Midgard serpent. First man; created by Odin, Hoenir, and Lothur. Atli: Second husband of Gudrun; invited Gunnar and Hogni to his court, where they were slain; slain by Gudrun. Cow that nourished Ymir; created Buri by licking ice cliff. God of light, spring, peace, joy; son of Odin; slain by Hoth at instigation of Loki. See also: Timeless Myths -- Baldur Rainbow bridge connecting Midgard and Asgard. God of poetry; husband of Ithunn. Branstock: Great oak in hall of Volsungs; into it, Odin thrust Gram, which only Sigmund could draw forth. Brynhild: Valkyrie; wakened from magic sleep by Sigurd; married Gunnar; instigated death of Sigurd; killed herself and was burned on pyre beside Sigurd. Son of Buri; father of Odin, Hoenir, and Lothur. Progenitor of gods; father of Bur; created by Audhumla. First woman; created by Odin, Hoenir, and Lothur.

Fafnir: Son of Rodmar, whom he slew for gold in Otter's skin; in form of dragon, guarded gold; slain by Sigurd. Wolf; offspring of Loki; swallows Odin at Ragnarok and is slain by Vitharr. God of fertility and crops; son of Njorth; originally one of Vanir. Goddess of love and beauty; sister of Frey; originally one of Vanir. Goddess of sky; wife of Odin. Watchdog of Hel; slays, and is slain by, Tyr at Ragnarok Home of blessed after Ragnarok. King of Nibelungs; father of Gunnar, Hogni, Guttorm, and Gudrun. Hall of gods in Asgard. Sigmund's sword; rewelded by Regin; used by Sigurd to slay Fafnir. Sigmund's horse; descended from Sleipnir. Mother of Gudrun; administered magic potion to Sigurd which made him forget Brynhild. Daughter of Giuki; wife of Sigurd; later wife of Atli and Jonakr.

Gunnar: Son of Giuki; in his semblance Sigurd won Brynhild for him; slain at hall of Atli. Son of Giuki; slew Sigurd at Brynhild's request. Messenger of the Gods -- Probably survives Ragnarok Goddess of dead and queen of underworld; daughter of Loki. Hiordis: Wife of Sigmund; mother of Sigurd. One of creators of Ask and Embla; son of Bur. Son of Giuki; slain at hall of Atli. Blind god of night and darkness; slayer of Balder at instigation of Loki. Keeper of golden apples of youth; wife of Bragi. Slayer of Swanhild; slain by sons of Gudrun. The wisest of the Vanir. Kvasir was born from the saliva of the two groups of gods, Aesir and Vanir. First man and woman after Ragnarok. God of evil and mischief; instigator of Balder's death. Lothur (Lodur): One of creators of Ask and Embla. Sons of Thor: Survived Ragnarok Abode of mankind; the earth. Sea monster; offspring of Loki; slays, and is slain by, Thor at Ragnarok.

Giant; guardian of well in Jotunnheim at root of Yggdrasill; knower of past and future. Nagifar: Ship to be used by giants in attacking Asgard at Ragnarok; built from nails of dead men. Dwellers in northern kingdom ruled by Giuki. Outer region of cold and darkness; abode of Hel. Father of Frey and Freya; originally one of Vanir. Njord--Giovanni Caselli Demigoddesses of fate: Urth (Urdur) (past), Verthandi (Verdandi) (present), Skuld (future). Odin (Othin): Head of Aesir; creator of world with Vili and Ve; equivalent to Woden (Wodan, Wotan) in Teutonic mythology. Otter: Son of Rodmar; slain by Loki; his skin filled with gold hoard of Andvari to appease Rodmar. Ragnarok: Final destruction of present world in battle between gods and giants; some minor gods will survive, and Lif and Lifthrasir will repeople world. Blacksmith; son of Rodmar; foster-father of Sigurd.

King of Huns; son of Sigi. Rodmar: Father of Regin, Otter, and Fafnir; demanded Otter's skin be filled with gold; slain by Fafnir, who stole gold. Wife of Thor. Siggeir: King of Goths; husband of Signy; he and his sons slew Volsung and his sons, except Sigmund; slain by Sigmund and Sinflotli. King of Huns; son of Odin. Sigmund: Son of Volsung; brother of Signy, who bore him Sinflotli; husband of Hiordis, who bore him Sigurd. Daughter of Volsung; sister of Sigmund; wife of Siggeir; mother by Sigmund of Sinflotli. Sigurd: Son of Sigmund and Hiordis; wakened Brynhild from magic sleep; married Gudrun; slain by Guttorm at instigation of Brynhild. The Sigurd Portal . Carved doorposts of the medieval stave church at Hylestad, Setesdal, Norway.

Although part of a Christian church, the carvings represent scenes from the heathen story of Sigurd the dragon slayer. The Sigurd Runestone at Ramsundsberget, Jäder, Södermanland, Sweden. This famous runestone illustrates the story of how Sigurd kills the dragon Fafnir and his treacherous companion Regin. Ashliman, D. L. Germanic Myths and Legends. Folklore and Electronic Texts. 24 Oct. 2006 <~dash/mythlinks.html>. Son of Sigmund and Signy. Fire demon; slays Frey at Ragnarok. Svartalfaheim: Daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun; slain by Jormunrek. God of thunder; oldest son of Odin; equivalent to Germanic deity Donar. Other Links to Thor are: Thor's Home Page Thor's hammer amulets . About 50 amulets shaped like Thor's hammer have been discovered in the modern era. This site features photographs of a representative sample of these important symbolic items. Soapstone mold found in Egholm, Denmark.

This mold was used to cast Thor's hammer amulets as well as small ingots of different size and value. Thor's Hammer / Christian Crucifix Mold . This tenth-century soapstone mold, found at Trendgården, Jylland, Denmark, could be used to cast either heathen or Christian amulets. Numerous sagas and historical accounts refer to the conflict between heathenism and Christianity, The hammer and the cross were very important symbols in this conflict, and the silversmith or goldsmith who used this mold could satisfy customers of either faith. God of war; son of Odin; equivalent to Tiu in Teutonic mythology. Son of Sif; stepson of Thor. Great hall in Asgard where Odin received souls of heroes killed in battle. Valkyries: Virgins, messengers of Odin, who selected heroes to die in battle and took them to Valhalla; generally considered as nine in number. Early race of gods; three survivors, Njorth, Frey, and Freya, are associated with Aesir. Brother of Odin; one of creators of world. Brother of Odin; one of creators of world. Abode of goddesses in Asgard.

Son of Odin; survivor of Ragnarok. Descendant of Odin, and father of Signy, Sigmund; his descendants were called Volsungs. Yggdrasill: Giant ash tree springing from body of Ymir and supporting universe; its roots extended to Asgard, Jotunnheim, and Niffheim. Ymir (Ymer): Primeval frost giant killed by Odin, Vili, and Ve; world created from his body; also, from his body sprang Yggdrasill. Jarnsaxa or Iarnsaxa was mother of Magni and Modi , by the Aesir Thor . Not much is known about Jarnsaxa, except that she was Sif's rival for Thor's love. Jotunheim One of the nine worlds -- Home of the Frost Giants Muspelheim Thiassi, a frost giant, had the ability to turn himself into an eagle. Utgard The first primeval giant was known as Ymir. The frost-giants called him Aurgelmir. Ymir was the first creature created in the universe. Magical/Powerful Objects Used by the Gods Taken from: Joe, Jimmy.

"Facts and Figures: Enchanted Objects." Timeless Myths. 1999. 22 Oct. 2006 < Name Gungnir Odin The spear or lance of Odin. Gungnir ("swaying one") was made by the sons of Ivaldi (4 dwarfs). Draupner Odin Draupner or "The Dipper" was Odin's Ring of Power was created by the dwarf brothers, Brokk and Eiti. Basically the ring could created nine other gold rings; each new ring was of the same size and weight of the original ring. Mjollnir Thor The warhammer made by the dwarf brothers, Brokk and Eiti, for Thor, the god of thunder. It was Mjollnir that cause the lightning and thunder. Grídarvöl Grid, Thor A powerful, magical staff that Thor possessed. The giantess Grid gave him this Grídarvöl, along with her own set of belt of power (Megingjarpar) and iron gloves. Megingjarpar Grid, Thor The Megingjarpar was also known as the "Girdle of Might", which made Thor even stronger than he was.

Thor also possessed a pair of magic iron gloves, which allowed him to wield the Mjollnir. These magical items were given to him by the friendly giantess, Grid. Sword of Freyr Freyr, Skirnir The magic sword of Freyr. Freyr gave the sword to his servant Skirnir, who helped him wooed Gerd. Skidbladnir The collapsible ship of Freyr, made by the dwarfs, known as the sons of Ivaldi. Brísingamen Freyja The beautiful gold necklace of Freyja. The Brísingamen were made by four dwarfs, known as the Brisings. The Brisings refused to give the necklace to Freyja, unless she had slept with each dwarf. Odin was disgusted with Freyja's wanton behaviour and ordered Loki to steal the Brísingamen, but Heimdall recovered the necklace for Freyja. Gjallahorn Heimdall The horn that would signal the coming of Ragnarok, belonged to Heimdall, the god that guard the gates to Asgard.

Gleipnir The Aesir gods A magic silk ribbon was the only thing that can bind the wolf Fenrir. It was made of "noise of a cat, beard of woman, breath of a fish and spittle of a bird". Fenrir will only break the ribbon, when the gods faced Ragnarok. Aegishjalmarr Odin, Fafnir, Sigurd, Thidrek The helm belonging to Odin, which was Aegishjalmarr or "Helm of Awe". Later Sigurd would also possessed the Aegishjalmarr, because it was part of the treasure of Fafnir, but I am not certain if it is the same helmet of Odin. Gram Sigmund, Sigurd, Hildebrand This sword, at first, belonged to Sigmund, and it had no name. Odin shattered his sword in Sigmund's last battle. The sword of Sigmund was reforged for his son, the hero Sigurd. According to the Thidrekssaga, Hildebrand (Hildebrand) received Gram, after the fall of the Niflungs.

Ridill and Hrotti (Rotti) Fafnir, Sigurd Ridill and Hrotti (Rotti) were magical swords that was part of the treasure of Fafnir, which Sigurd would possess. Refil In a version of the Nibelungen legend, the sword of Regin. Balmung Siegfried, Hagen The sword that the German hero Siegfried had won in the battle against the Nibelungs (not the Burgundians). Hagen had killed Siegfried and stolen the Balmung. In the end of the Nibelungenlied, Kriemhild used the Balmung to behead Hagen, for killing her first husband (Siegfried). Shield of Nuodung Nuodung, Rudiger, Hagen The shield belonged to Nuodung, which Rudiger of Pocharn would later give to Hagen, as a guest-gift. Dainsleif Hogni In the tale of Hjadningavig – the Battle of the Hjadnings – Dainsleif is a sword belonging to a Danish king named Hogni that must kill or taste blood when unsheathe before it can be re-sheathed again.

The sword was forged by a dwarf, possibly named Dain, since the sword's name means "Dain's heirloom". This is part of the story of Freyja's Brisingamen in the text known as the Sorla Thatter. Gram Gislher In the Thiðrek Saga, Roðingeir gives the sword to Gislher, his new son-in-law. Gislher was the brother of Grimhild, Gunnar and Hogni. Gislher used the sword to kill Roðingeir. Naglhring Grim, Thiðrek, Heimir In the Thiðrekssaga, the dwarf Alfrek stole the sword Naglhring from Grim, husband of Hild, and gave the sword to the boy Thiðrek. The sword was made by the dwarf Alfrek. Thiðrek later gave Naglhring to his companion Heimir, when he won another sword (Ekkisax) from Ekka. Ekkisax Ekka, Thiðrek The sword that Thiðrek had taken after killing Ekka. The Ekkisax was another sword made by the dwarf Alfrek.

In the Thiðrekssaga, the sword of Thiðrek, which he used to defeat Hagen. Hildigrim Thiðrek, Hildebrand In the Thiðrekssaga, the Hildigrim was the helmet of Thiðrek. According to the Thidrekssaga, Thidrek gave this helmet to Hildibrand (Hildebrand). Lagulf Hildebrand In the Thiðrekssaga, the sword of Hildebrand, which he used to mortally wounded Gernoz (Gernot) and kill Giselher. Blodgang Heimir In the Thiðrekssaga, the sword of Heimir. In the duel against the boy Thiðrek, Heimir broke the sword over the Hildigrim, the helmet of Thiðrek. Without a weapon, Heimir surrendered to Thiðrek, and they became long-life friends. Tarnkappe Alberich, Siegfried The Tarnkappe was also known as the "Cloak of Darkness" or "Cloak of Invisibility", had first belonged to the dwarf and treasurer, Alberich.

Siegfried won the Tarnkappe from Alberich, and used it several times against Brunhild. Mimung Wayland, Witga The sword that Wayland had forge for himself. Witga, wielded the sword after his father, Wayland. Nægling, Naegling The sword Beowulf used to slay the dragon. Hrunting Valhalla Valhalla by Micha F. Lindemans Valhalla, Hall of the Slain, in Norse mythology is the hall presided over by Odin . This vast hall has five hundred and forty doors. The rafters are spears, the hall is roofed with shields and breast-plates litter the benches. A wolf guards the western door and an eagle hovers over it. It is here that the Valkyries, Odin's messengers and spirits of war, bring half of the heroes that died on the battle fields (the rest go to Freya 's hall Folkvang). These heroes, the Einherjar , are prepared in Valhalla for the oncoming battle of Ragnarok . When the battle commences, eight hundred warriors will march shoulder to shoulder out of each door.

Old Norse: Valhöll Norse / Germanic Mythology: Valhalla - YouTube Norse / Germanic Mythology: Valhalla Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Jan 12, 2011 In Scandinavian mythology, Valhalla (anglicized from Old Norse Valhǫllr "hall of the slain"[1]) is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those that die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr. In Valhalla, the dead join the masses of those who have died in combat known as Einherjar, as well as various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök. Before the hall stands the golden tree Glasir, and the hall's ceiling is thatched with golden shields.

Various creatures live around Valhalla, such as the stag Eikþyrnir and the goat Heiðrún, both described as standing atop Valhalla and consuming the foliage of the tree Læraðr. Valhalla is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, in Heimskringla, also written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, and in stanzas of an anonymous 10th century poem commemorating the death of a Eric Bloodaxe known as Eiríksmál as compiled in Fagrskinna. Valhalla has inspired various works of art, publication titles, popular culture references, and has become a term synonymous with a martial (or otherwise) hall of the chosen dead. Category Freya Freya by Micha F. Lindemans In Norse mythology, Freya is a goddess of love and fertility, and the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses.

She is the patron goddess of crops and birth, the symbol of sensuality and was called upon in matters of love. She loves music, spring and flowers, and is particularly fond of the elves (fairies). Freya is one of the foremost goddesses of the Vanir . She is the daughter of the god Njord , and the sister of Freyr . Later she married the mysterious god Od (probably another form of Odin ), who disappeared. When she mourned for her lost husband, her tears changed into gold. Her attributes are the precious necklace of the Brisings, which she obtained by sleeping with four dwarfs, a cloak (or skin) of bird feathers, which allows its wearer to change into a falcon, and a chariot pulled by two cats. She owns Hildesvini ("battle boar") which is actually her human lover Ottar in disguise. Her chambermaid is Fulla. Freya lives in the beautiful palace Folkvang ("field of folk"), a place where love songs are always played, and her hall is Sessrumnir. She divides the slain warriors with Odin: one half goes to her palace, while the other half goes to Valhalla . Women also go to her hall.

Old Norse: Freyja, Friia Valhalla | Norse mythology | Britannica.com Norse mythology Aphrodite Valhalla, Old Norse Valhöll, in Norse mythology , the hall of slain warriors, who live there blissfully under the leadership of the god Odin . Valhalla is depicted as a splendid palace, roofed with shields, where the warriors feast on the flesh of a boar slaughtered daily and made whole again each evening. They drink liquor that flows from the udders of a goat, and their sport is to fight one another every day. Thus they will live until the Ragnarök (Doomsday), when they will march out the 540 doors of the palace to fight at the side of Odin against the giants. When heroes fall in battle it is said that Odin needs them to strengthen his forces for the Ragnarök. Learn More in these related articles: Odin (Norse deity) one of the principal gods in Norse mythology. His exact nature and role, however, are difficult to determine because of the complex picture of him given by the wealth of archaeological and literary sources. The Roman historian Tacitus stated that the Teutons worshiped Mercury; and because dies...

Ragnarök (Old Norse: “Doom of the Gods”), in Scandinavian mythology, the end of the world of gods and men. The Ragnarök is fully described only in the Icelandic poem Völuspá (“Sibyl’s Prophecy”), probably of the late 10th century, and in the... in Germanic religion and mythology: Odin (Óðinn) ...in the otherworld to join him in the final battle against the forces of destruction at the time of Ragnarök. Therefore, the fallen warriors on the battlefield are said to go to his castle Valhalla (Valhöll), the “Hall of the Slain,” where they live in bliss, training for the ultimate combat. He is also a necromancer and a powerful magician who can make hanged men... 5 References found in Britannica Articles Assorted References contrast with Hel (in Hel ) division of Asgard (in Asgard ) warriors’ transport (in Valkyrie (Norse mythology) ) External Links In Norse mythology, Valhalla was the banquet hall where the principal god, Odin, played host to the Einherjar, the souls of warriors who had died a courageous death in battle. Article History Corrections? Updates?

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Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: July 20, 1998 URL: Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share 4. The Interaction between Norse Mythology & Christianity The Merger of Old Testament and Norse Mythologies 4. The Interaction between Norse Mythology & Christianity Because of the great impact of the Northern tribes on European history, their beliefs and mythology bear an even closer looking at. Although the Scandinavian pantheon of Gods has faded into oblivion and did so quickly, just as the Greek gods did, their subliminal influence remains. In fact one of the primary thrusts of this work is to discover these subconscious links so that they can be rooted out. As long as the belief system is subliminal - as long as they are internal - there is no control. Their effect is automatic and unconscious. We are trying to bring these subconscious beliefs to the surface. Exposed to the light of day, they will eventually wither and die a natural death - for the good of all humanity. A set of subliminal constructs that informs our political behavior is associated with Norse mythology.

Indeed we shall attempt to establish that the aggressive Norse beliefs, founded around a warrior cult, are still at the foundation of our Anglo/European society. We will even go further to say that the world view presented by the Viking mythology is a more accurate reflection of prevalent standards than is the Biblical mythology, especially of the New Testament of Jesus. While the characters’ names have been changed their motives remain the same. Norse Warrior Mythology Originally there were the fertility gods, who were gods of harvest and peace. Then came the gods of war, the Aesir gods, ruled by mighty Odin, who were jealous of the knowledge of the fertility gods [i] . They battled to a standstill. The warrior gods tricked the fertility gods into an uneven exchange, which left the fertility gods crippled. Odin was the head god of the Vikings. Wotan was his Saxon name. The Germanic tribes and the Vikings shared a similar mythology, as we will demonstrate. Odin was the father of all the gods, but he was not a jealous god. He honored any cultural belief system. It wasn’t only through him that you reached heaven. As such the invading Norsemen were incredibly tolerant of the local tribes and customs.

In no way did Odin demand absolute loyalty. In fact there was a whole pantheon of gods to choose from. Indeed although Odin was respected, he was not the most popular god, maybe not even in the top 10. His son, the thunder god Thor, was quite popular but was not considered to be that smart. His strength and courage were what he was primarily known for. The Viking life was perilous, transitory, and short. Die in battle. Go directly to Valhalla, Odin’s great hall, (literally ‘Hall of the Slain’) where you get to battle all day, die, and then be reborn again at night ready for the big feast and excessive drinking. Thor was admired partially because he could consume such large quantities of food and wine. The ultimate jock and the roots of our alcoholic culture. Eventually through many adventures the violence of these warrior gods grows increasingly wild and ferocious – symbolized by the great wolf Fenrir. This energy inevitably turns upon itself destroying everyone and the 9 worlds. This is Ragnarok, the End of the World. Ygdrassil, the giant tree growing from the center of the Earth and the Ocean, survives to generate a new race of peaceful gods and men.

This illustrates another element of the Viking Gods. They were mortal, subject to the finality of Death, at Ragnarok, the end of the world. This reflects the Viking warrior mentality. Humans must die in battle to reach their warrior heaven. Similarly the gods, as a reflection of this worldview, must also die in battle at the end of the world to reach their heaven. Life is a battle for gods and humans alike. While humans battle for life, the gods battle for existence itself. Interestingly this implies another layer of gods or god who might be in charge of these divine battles. Both Balder and Jesus die and are reborn The tragic Balder was reputed to be the most popular of all the gods. When Loki tricked Balder’s blind brother into killing Balder with a mistletoe dart, the gods were so grieved that they attempted to rescue him from the Underworld by showing that everyone in the world loved him. Only jealous Loki, in disguise as a Frost Giantess, refused to say he loved Balder. This doomed Balder to the Underworld, which triggered Ragnarok, the End of the World, which inevitably led to Balder’s rebirth. This story links easily into the Jesus mythology of the Bible.

Just like Jesus, Balder dies and is reborn. Just as in Christianity there is an End of the World. Balder died and went to the underworld guarded by Hel. As mentioned the only way a Viking reached heaven, Valhalla, was by dying in battle. Those who died of sickness or old age went to the underworld, guarded by Hel, an old hag. Hel was the daughter of Loki and a frost Giantess, Angrboda. Loki, the trickster God, the son of two Fire-Giants, was warned about this mixed union, but he went ahead and had three unnatural children. These creatures were grotesque monsters. One, Jormungand, a great serpent biting its tail, encircled the seas causing great grief to sailors. The second Fenrir was a ferocious wolf that was to kill Odin, king of the gods, at the end of the world, Ragnarok. The third child was female and named Hel. She guarded the Underworld, a terrifying place of horrible fires and frigid ice. Not even the gods could always escape this horrifying place. From her name, we get our word, hell.

The similarity of the Viking and Christian concept of Hell made for an easy transition from Norse to Christian mythology. Interestingly the Norse drew their conception of Hell from real life. In Iceland, the land of ice and fire, there are great fissures into the center of the earth, due to the fact that it is located on the top of an ocean fault, which reflects the grinding of two tectonic plates. Indeed when the Europeans first started traveling to Iceland they thought they were actually seeing Hell below the surface in the middle of the Earth. From the above discussion it’s evident that there are three major congruences between the Viking mythology and Christianity. First there is the death and rebirth of a divinity. Second there is an end of the world. Third they both have a hell. Hell is Norse, not Biblical Note that the concept of hell is not based in the Bible. However Augustine, a popular and influential early Christian writer, wrote persuasively about sinners and the eternal damnation of hell from which there was no return. This is strikingly similar to the Norse concept of hell. However there is no real mention of Hell, as a place of damnation, in the Bible.

The Hebrew and Greek words (Gehenna) that are translated as hell in the Catholic Bible designate the common grave of dead humans. Instead of being an otherworldly location, hell was just a dump on the outskirts of the city where criminals and poor people were cremated and burned without gravestone or honor. Sulfur, fire and brimstone were used to cremate their bodies. In effect the Bible is saying: “If you lead a bad life you will end up in a common grave, without honor or respect, while if you follow the Law you will be honored and mourned for after you die.” By following the Biblical message the follower would be saved from this fiery ignominious fate. The main Biblical message about the after life is simply: “From dust we came. To dust we shall go.” There is no mention of afterlife. Instead it is just the opposite. The whole concept of heaven, hell, and mortal life is not Biblical, but pagan. Indeed the Jews, who base their religious beliefs around the Old Testament, don’t believe in an afterlife.

Syncretism of Christian Church for Survival While the Old Testament doesn’t support the idea of an after life, the Christian Church adopted the idea, somewhat because it was a common belief of the pagans it was trying to convert. The church in its syncretism - in its desire to convert as many people as possible to Christianity - in order to increase its wealth and prestige- absorbed many local beliefs. In so doing they became overwhelmed by the pagan religions they were trying to overcome. The Church would allow any pagan custom as long as these pagans would recognize the supremacy of Jesus Christ as the head god, with the Pope as his agent on earth. An example of this syncretism: in Christianity, as well as Judaism and Islam, there is only one God. The angels were only heavenly manifestations, while the saints were just human intermediaries to the one true god. To accommodate the local religions based in polytheism, the pagan gods became Christian saints. The local population was allowed to worship them as intermediaries to the Trinity of Jesus, Jehovah God, and the Holy Ghost, the Three in One: three parts to the same god. What’s the difference between polytheism paganism and monotheistic Christianity? Only words.

All gods, or saints, or angels, are just manifestations of the one true god, who has at least three acknowledged forms, in Christianity, at least. As we shall see the syncretism of the Christian Catholic Church became a point of contention with Islam as well as Protestantism. While it is easy for Biblical literalists, whether Jewish, Islam, or Protestant, to criticize the syncretism of Catholicism, it enabled Western European culture to survive and spread. A commonalty of beliefs constitutes a culture. This common belief system is much more important than are the sources of the beliefs. As we’ve seen Christianity has very little to do with the pacifism of Jesus and much more to do with creating a cultural identity. This differentiation creates the illusion of Us and Them that has proven to be so devastating for humankind. It was politically pragmatic to abandon the pacifism of Jesus when cultural survival was at stake. Cultural survival became more important than beliefs. Thus the beliefs that furthered survival and growth came to the fore. Those beliefs that were true to the founder of the religion were quickly abandoned when they were perceived to be counter-productive to survival.

As we shall see the aggressive belief system of the invaders from the North was quickly overlaid on the indigenous belief system of the European Christians. This cultural syncretism, while untrue to the beliefs of Jesus, allowed the culture to thrive and survive, while, as we shall see, those that held onto the pacifism of Jesus perished. The Fairy Tale is Over. Christian God, a powerful nation-building military god Another aspect that is important for the spread of a culture or religion is the notion of political power. This has nothing whatsoever to do with beliefs. It was obvious to the pagans that the Old Testament God was more powerful than their gods because he had allowed these conquerors, whether Romans, Muslims, Franks. Europeans, or Americans, to win the war. In primitive religion the god who grants his followers the greatest worldly power is the strongest god. And it was obvious that the Christians had a mean ass God. Look how Jehovah destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah - how he destroyed the walls of Jericho – and how he allowed his people to be persecuted when they turned away from him and started worshipping the graven images of the lands they had conquered with His assistance. In modern times we have a similar awe for success.

A subliminal thought that underlies our beliefs is: “The successful have a superior world view to the unsuccessful.” Since most people equate success with power and wealth, the next logical statement becomes: “The belief system of the powerful and wealthy is superior to those who are powerless and weak.” A related doctrine is the Gospel of Wealth, which holds that God is on the side of those who are wealthy. This American doctrine originated early in the 20th century to justify the exploitation of the poor, nationally and globally. Although explicit then, it is the implicit justification for the atrocities of neo-Colonialism perpetrated by the powerful countries of the first World. While a commonalty of beliefs holds a culture together, it is political power based upon military strength that allows for its spread and survival. Although many discuss belief systems interminably, they are secondary to the military technology, which includes the social system, in the determination of the strength of a culture. As such Christianity is a name applied to a culture which has very little to do with Jesus of the New Testament and much more to do with the militaristic nation building of the Old Testament.

Jehovah, as a powerful nationalistic monotheistic war god, inspired the Jews, the Roman Christians, the Moslems, the Franks, the European powers, and the United States to conquer the world through military strength, combined with the ideology that created it. The Merger of Old Testament and Norse Mythologies While Jehovah, the Old Testament God, promised land and a nation, he did not promise loot. However, this was part of the mythology of the northern raiders. The violence of the Norse gods was frequently directed towards taking from others by force of arms. This mentality has remained with our leaders even unto modern times. The wealthy have so much money that it makes the kings of old appear poverty stricken and yet they battle for more. Why? They say for Catholic, Christian, Moslem, or Jewish values; take your pick. However looting was not an excuse for war in the Old Testament. This raider mentality is instead reflected in the Nordic/Germanic mythology, which is at the root of Western Civilization. The astute leaders of the European/American military aristocracy, frequently with genetic ties to the Germanic/Nordic raiders, have employed the Old Testament concept of the Divine Nation as a means to increase their loot.

The kings, presidents, tsars, and prime ministers of the myriad political entities trick their subjects into war rather than lead them in just causes. Through the omnipresent propaganda the leaders successfully attempt to identify the emotions of their subjects with the good of the country. This is called patriotism and is considered a good emotion. Then the citizens are called upon to defend their country, which frequently means to attack another country. The leaders are not stirring up patriotism as a means of defense and cultural self-esteem, as much as they are goading their people on to acts of brutality against another culture. As we shall see this strategy was successful beyond expectations in the Crusades at the beginning of the 2nd Millennium, as well as in Iraqi Wars 1 and 2 led by the Bush Presidents at the beginning of the 3rd. As is evident our leaders have successfully employed this merger of the Divine militaristic nation building of the Old Testament with the Divine looting of the Scandinavian mythology to become rich beyond imagining and simultaneously attribute it to God’s Will. Another example of the human species amazing ability to rationalize disgusting behavior. [i] Fertility vs.

Warrior Gods The topic of the preceding fertility gods and the propaganda associated with this is tackled in the next section entitled Evolution of the Gods. Welcome to Kimbas Angels - Celtic and Norse Angels May God grant you always... A sunbeam to warm you, A moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you. ~~Irish Blessing Celtic Morrigan also known as Morrigu (the Great Queen or Phantom Queen), was a triplicity of Valkyries--Badb (Crow), Macha (Also Crow), and Nemain (Frenzy). Here again, as in Norse mythology, she [they] would have the right to choose of the slain warriors who would be escorted to the afterworld or otherworld. Those that were "unworthy" so to speak would become part of what is known as "Morrigans acorn crop" - which is the nice way of putting the Valkyries claiming their heads as trophies, or at least that is how the legend goes. She [they] are very diverse in all aspects, and have been closely associated with water, rivers in particular. Morgan Le Fey has a key role in the Arthurian cycle.

Described as a female human, who is educated in magick, she is always at odds with Arthur [she is his maternal-half-sister]. Though there is much debate on whether or not the two are both in the same. The reason why these two names (Morrigan and Morgan) may be linked together is that Morgan was written into the Arthurian stories as the plotter of his death and is associated as the "Goddess of Death." At this time, I cannot find any research actually basing or connecting Morgan Le Fey as a Valkyrie. "The costume of the ancient Irish bard consisted largely: of feathers the poet as bird/man, the poet as Angel, or direct disciple of the Angel, Muse, and White Goddess." Could this be related to an angel encounter? Irish Mythology � Nature Spirits In Irish Mythology, the fairies are the Tuatha de Danaan, the divine race who are children of the goddess Danu. The Tuatha De, or "people of the goddess," as they are called, came over the sea from the east in clouds and mist in the 15th century B.C.E. They were strong and beautiful people, skilled in the magical arts.

After taking control of Ireland, they retired into the hills and mounds (side or sidhe) and became underground dwellers who evolved into fairies. In some myths, Tuatha De also remained above ground, where they were renowned for their warrior skills, beauty, wizardry and magic. They were part mortal, part spirit and part god, and they intermarried with humans. Medieval romances portrayed human characters as fairies; up to the 13th century, having fairy blood was considered desirable. It is possible that these medieval fairies were descendants of small races, such as the Lapps, Picts and Ramano-British-Iberian peoples, who populated Britain, Europe and Scandinavia in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages and were pushed out by larger races such as the Celts. As they retreated more and more into the woodlands, successor races increasingly associated them with superstition." (Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, Guiley) Norse The Valkyries are beautiful young women, mounted upon winged horses and armed with helmets and spears. They ride the winds to battle fields in groups of seven, nine, or twelve.

Once there they are to choose the bravest and most courageous men from among the slain and return them to Valhalla [Valhalla is the banquet hall (in Norse Mythology) where the principal god, Odin, played host to the Einherjar, the souls of warriors who had died a courageous death in battle] there the men would drink both mead and ale from the skulls of those they had defeated. During their movement from this world to the next, the Valkyries crossed over a rainbow bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is said that when they rode upon the winds their armor would create strange flickering lights in the northern sky (Aurora Borealis). Before their role as carriers of the souls, the Valkyries of older Norse Mythology originally may have been Priestesses of Freyja, Queen of Heaven. "The Germanic Shield-Maiden Brynhilde is also said to be a Valkyrie; and the three maidens who loved Volund and his two brothers, Hladgud Svan-Hvit, Hervor the Wise, and Olrun were also Valkyries. Note a close parallel here with the Celtic Morrigan." Note: Brynhilde is also spelled Brunhilde.

Angelic Blessings

Question: In Norse mythology, what is the hall of the slain known as ?
Answer: VALHALLA