Scandinavian mythical creatures. Scandinavian mythology. List of Scandinavian gods and their meaning. Illustrations to the history and mythology of the Vikings

The ancient Scandinavians and Vikings were a northern and harsh people. Therefore, in their myths, they have a lot of creatures to match them: huge, bloodthirsty, seeking to kill or at least greatly harm people. This compilation contains 10 of the strangest and creepiest creatures of those that even the fearless Vikings were afraid of.

kraken

There are a huge number of theories and conjectures about the most famous sea monster. Some of them claim that the kraken lives off the coast of Norway and Iceland and is so huge that sailors often confuse it with a small island. Others say that a huge kraken settled in the Bermuda Triangle and all the mysterious disappearances are equal - it's his tentacles. It is only known for certain that the first mention of this monster appeared among Icelandic sailors. Its name also came from their own language.
Rumor has it that the Kraken is so huge and strong that it is able to grab with its tentacles and drag even the largest warship to the bottom. But even more dangerous is the whirlpool that occurs when the Kraken quickly sinks. Sailors said that the Kraken can digest swallowed food for up to three months. And all the while he is excreting so much excrement that he is always followed by huge schools of fish. There was even a saying that if a fisherman had a very rich catch, they said that he “caught the Kraken”. At the end of the 1770s, Captain Robert Jameson said that he and the sailors saw a huge body up to 2.5 kilometers long and almost 10 meters high, which appeared, then appeared from the water, then plunged back. They followed him and caught so many fish that they filled the whole ship with it. This testimony was given by the captain in court under oath.

Nekki

Nekki are scary evil creatures from Norwegian folklore. Something between mermaids and mermen. During life they were sad, lonely people, and after death they could not go to heaven. As a result, the Nekki stayed near the water to lure people and animals into it. They were especially dangerous for unbaptized babies and pregnant women. Like the Greek Sirens, the Nekki could use song or music to enchant their victims and subsequently drown them in pools of water. There are stories in which the Nekki taught people the art of playing the violin in exchange for a sacrifice or something else. There is no single idea of ​​what Nekki looked like. Someone described them as ugly demons, someone as beautiful maidens, turning into monsters, and someone even in the form of four-legged animal-like creatures.

Draugr

In Old Norse, draugr means ghost. But if you believe the legends, this creature was much more terrible than an ordinary ghost. Lore has it that a Draugr's body can swell to enormous proportions, becoming considerably heavier and sometimes remaining undecomposed for many years. This makes him related to such creatures as zombies and vampires. Draugr's appearance depended on how they died: water was constantly dripping from the drowned, there were bleeding wounds on the body of the fallen warrior, the hanged appeared with a rope around their neck. It was believed that Draugr may be the guardians of grave mounds that protect graves and temples. In other legends, draugr left their graves at night only to jump on the roofs of houses and scare people. In medieval Scandinavia, the fear of these living dead was so strong that people wore special protective amulets, put special inscriptions on the graves that would not allow the deceased to rise from it. And thanks to the draugr in Iceland, a custom appeared at night to knock on the door three times. It was believed that the dead always knock only once.

Pesta

She is the Plague. The Black Death in the Middle Ages was a real tragedy for Scandinavia, as well as for the rest of Europe. Denmark lost a third of its entire population, and Norway lost half of its people. There was so much death and destruction that soon people began to personalize the plague, turning it into some kind of terrible mystical fear. The legends said that this old woman went from farm to farm, spreading the plague. In her hand, she can carry either a rake, which is a sign that one of the inhabitants will survive, or a broom, which indicates that everyone from this house will soon die from the plague.

Troll

The word "troll" itself is translated from Swedish as witchcraft. In the folk tales of Scandinavia, where the legends about these creatures originated, there are as many images of trolls as there are stories about them. Someone said that trolls live in castles and underground palaces, frightening the locals with their size and sorcery. Others claimed that the rocks in the mountains are the trolls caught in the sunlight. It was believed that trolls could be giants, the size of ogres, or they could be as small as gnomes. Most of the legends described the trolls as extremely ugly creatures, from three to eight meters in height. Almost always, the main attribute of almost any troll is a big nose. It was believed that trolls are of the nature of stone, that is, they are born from rocks and cannot stand sunlight at all, turning back into rocks as soon as it hits them. Many legends have indicated that trolls eat human flesh and are very fond of devouring people whole.

Mara

In Scandinavian mythology, Mara is an evil spirit, a demon that sits on a person’s chest at night and causes bad dreams. Sometimes, under the weight of a demon, a person could even suffocate in his sleep. It is with his name that the Russian term "nightmare" and the English term "nightmare" are associated. Mara was feared not only in Scandinavia, there is a similar character in Slavic mythology, similar to our kikimora. Sometimes Mara was described as an incorporeal spirit, but more often she was thought to take on a female form with long flowing hair that she liked to comb. According to other legends, Mara was a black, shaggy and very scary creature, but also female. She can frighten people by appearing at night in courtyards or in front of windows, and can also harm a person's health if she breathes on him.

Garm

In Norse mythology, Garm is a huge, vicious, four-eyed dog that guards the entrance to the world of the dead. It was believed that Garm was conceived by the giantess Angrboda from the god Loki himself. Garm is a guard tied to a rock in the Gnipa cave, which, according to legend, is covered with blood from the inside. In addition, it is the largest and most powerful of the dogs. His howl, according to legend, will be one of the signs of the beginning of Ragnarok. An almost complete analogue of Garm in ancient mythology is the guardian of the underworld of the dead, Cerberus.

Margyug

Margyug is a huge sea creature that appears before a storm and alerts sailors of impending danger. The earliest mention of Margyug is found in the work “Royal Mirror”, created in the middle of the 13th century. If you believe the legend, then Margyug is a half-man, half-fish, something akin to mermaids or sirens. Like them, the upper part of the body of the creature looks like a woman, with the only difference that the fingers on Margyug's hands are not separated, but are connected together by membranes. The lower part of the body is like a fish - with scales, tail and fins. Margyug usually dives into the water and appears above the waves with a fish in his hands. At the same time, if the creature starts to swim towards the ship, playing with the fish and throwing it towards the ship, then the sailors are afraid for their lives. This is an omen that most of the team will soon die in a storm. If Margyug eats fish or throws it away from the ship, this means that even despite the severe storm, the sailors will be able to save their lives.

Huldra

Huldras look like young attractive girls with long blond hair. Often they are so beautiful and charming that a person falls in love with her at first sight. The only thing that distinguishes a huldra from a human girl is a long, cow-like tail, which she carefully hides. The Huldrs live richly - they have many horses, cows and sheep, a lot of food and rich clothes. Many stories are known when young unmarried men, fascinated by the beauty of the huldrs, stayed with them. At the same time, if a man is kind to her, loves her and does not contradict her, then they can live together happily ever after. But otherwise, if a person has fallen out of love with his huldra wife, then he will not be able to return back to the people. Then the huldra will appear before him in the form of an extremely ugly woman and do harm in every possible way until she dies.

Khafguf

In world folklore, there are a lot of images of huge sea monsters: Tiamat, Leviathan, Behemoth, Aspidochelon, Yaskontiy, China-fish, Ao, Saratan, Lingbakr. But Khafgufa was considered the mother of all other sea monsters. As the sailors described it: "Lingbakr is the greatest of all whales in the world, but Khafgufa is the largest monster created in the sea." It was believed that it is so huge that just by opening its mouth it can completely swallow people, ships, huge whales, and in general everything that it comes across.

Alvis - ("know-it-all"), in Scandinavian mythology, a wise zwerg (dwarf), wooing Trud, daughter of Thor; Thor, pretending to test his wisdom, forces Alvis. wait for the disastrous dawn for the tsvergs, turning them into stone. ("Elder Edda", "Speech of Alvis").

Alva - in Scandinavian mythology, the lowest natural spirits (initially, perhaps, souls of the dead) related to fertility.
A special cult was dedicated to them. In the "Elder Edda" Alvas are opposed to the highest gods - ases (the formula "aces and alves" is often repeated), sometimes they are mixed on the one hand with the tsvergs, and on the other with the vans. The "Younger Edda" speaks of the division of the Alves into dark (living in the earth) and light (white). In the heroic "Song of Völund" ("Elder Edda"), the wonderful blacksmith Völund is called the Prince of Alvov.

Angrboda (other-Isl. promising grief) (sometimes - Angbroda) - in Scandinavian mythology, a giantess who gave birth to three chthonic monsters from Loki in the Jarnvid forest: the wolf Fenrir, the serpent Jormungand and the mistress of the kingdom of the dead - Hel.

Andvari ("caution"), in Scandinavian mythology, a dwarf, the owner of fatal gold. Loki catches Andvari, who swims in the form of a pike in the water, and takes his golden treasure to pay a ransom to Hreidmar for his murdered son.

Asgard - ("fence of Ases"), a heavenly fortress where Ases live.

Ask and Embla ("ash-tree" and "willow"), in Scandinavian mythology, the first people, whom the gods found on the seashore in the form of tree prototypes, lifeless and "devoid of fate" (in the "Elder Edda" - in the song "Divination of the Volva "- these are three asas - Odin, Lodur, Hoenir, and in the "Younger Edda" - "sons of Bor", i.e. Odin, Vili and Be). The gods revived them (completed them as people).

Ases, Ases (Old Icelandic aesir) - in scand. mythology, the main group of gods, headed by Odin (the father of most aces), sometimes the designation of gods in general. Ases are opposed to vans, a small group of fertility gods, giants (jotuns), dwarfs (zwerg) and lower female deities - dises, norns, valkyries; in the "Elder Edda" the formula "Ases and Alves" is often found, as a contrast to the Ases - the higher gods of a lower category - to the spirits (Alvas). Ases live in the heavenly village of Asgard. The "Younger Edda" lists 12 aces: Odin, Thor, Njord, Tyr, Bragi (god of poetry), Heimdall (heavenly guardian of the gods), Hod, Vidar (god of the forests), Ali (or Vali), Ull (god of hunting), Forseti (keeper of truth), Loki. In addition to them, Baldr and Freyr are called as the sons of Odin and Njord, but the sons of Thor Magni and Modi are not mentioned, Hoenir is omitted, who in the Elder Edda is invariably present in the wandering trinity of Ases (Odin - Loki - Hoenir). The presence in this list of Njord and Freyr, who are Vanir by origin, and the absence of Hoenir is possibly explained by the fact that, according to the myth of the war between the Aesir and the Vanir, Njord and Freyr were taken hostage to the Aesir after peace was made, and Hoenir went to Vanam as a hostage from the Ases. "Younger Edda" also lists 14 goddesses ("asin"): Frigg, Saga (goddess of legends), Eir, Gefion, Fulla, Freya, Sjovn, Lovn, Var, Ver, Syun, Hlin, Snotra, Gna, and then also mentions Sol and Bil, and in conclusion also ranks Erd and Rind among the goddesses. Frigga and Freya appear in the myths mainly, Gefion and Fulla are very rare. But, in addition, among the wives of the Ases, Siv is often mentioned - the wife of Thor and Idunn (the goddess of youth) - the wife of Braga, as well as Skadi (the daughter of a giant) - the wife of Njord, who entered the community of Ases after the death of her father. After the war of the Æsir and the Vanir (see about it in the article of Vani), the Æsir assimilate the Vanir.
The inclusion of the word "As" in the proper names of various Germanic tribes and Jordan's mention of the cult of Ases among the Goths testifies to the general German spread of the concept of Ases before the adoption of Christianity by the Germans.
In a number of medieval sources (in the "Prologue" to the "Younger Edda", in the "Saga of the Ynglings"), the origin of the Ases from Asia is told. The etymology of the word "Asy" goes back, apparently, to mythological ideas about some kind of spirits or souls in the body (especially at the moment of unconsciousness and death) and about the souls of the dead. The indicated etymology is most suitable for the characterization of Odin, who is indeed regarded as the main ace.

Audumla - in Scandinavian mythology, a cow that originated from the hoarfrost that filled the abyss of the world, and fed with its milk the first anthropomorphic creature - the giant Ymir. She herself ate by licking salty stones hidden by hoarfrost. From these stones, licked by Audhumla, the ancestor of the Storm gods arose.

Balder ("lord"), in Scandinavian mythology, the young god of the Ases. Balder is the beloved son of Odin and Frigg, brother of Hermod, husband of Nanna, father of Forseti. Balder is beautiful, bright, blessed; his eyelashes are compared to snow-white plants. He lives in Asgard, in the hall of Breidablik, where evil deeds are not allowed. Balder is called wise and courageous, but in fact he is a passive, suffering deity, apparently a cult victim.
According to myths ("Elder Edda" - "Velva's Divination" and "Baldr's Dreams"), the young Balder began to have ominous dreams that foreshadowed a threat to his life. Upon learning of this, the gods gather for advice and decide to protect Baldr from all sorts of dangers. One goes to hel (the realm of the dead) to find out the fate of Baldr from the völva (seer); The völva awakened by Odin from the sleep of death predicts that Baldr will die at the hands of the blind god Höd. Frigga took an oath from all things I beings - from fire and water, iron and other metals, stones, earth, trees, diseases, animals, birds, snake venom - that they would not harm Balder; she did not take an oath only from an insignificant shoot of mistletoe. Once, when the gods were amused by shooting at Baldr, who had become invulnerable, the insidious Loki (having found out from Frigga by cunning that the mistletoe did not take an oath) slips a mistletoe rod to the blind god Hod, and he kills Baldr ("Younger Edda"). The gods raise the body of Balder, carry it to the sea and put it on a boat called Hrznghorni (only the giantess Hyurrokkin manages to push it into the water); Balder is burned in the boat. Nanna dies of grief, and she is placed in Baldr's funeral pyre, as are Baldr's horse and Odin's golden ring Draupnir. Vali ("one-day" son of Odin and Rind) takes revenge on Hod for the murder of Baldr, and Hermod, brother of Baldr, goes on Odin's horse Sleipnira to the kingdom of the dead in order to free Baldr ("Younger Edda"). Mistress Hel agrees to let Balder go, on the condition that everything living and dead in the world will mourn him. Everyone is crying, except for the giantess Tekk, whose appearance was assumed by the same Loki, and Baldr remains in Hel. The gods punish Loki, the culprit in the death of Baldur.
The myth of Baldr's death is a kind of introduction to the Scandinavian eschatological cycle - his death serves as a harbinger of the death of the gods and the whole world (see Ragnarök). In the renewed world that will arise after the death of the old one, Balder, who has returned to life, reconciles with his murderer Hod, who also came to life.
A peculiar echo of the myth of Balder in the form of a heroic tale is found in the "Acts of the Danes" by Saxo the Grammar. He has Baldr - a demigod. Seeing while bathing Nanna, Höd's half-sister, Balder falls in love with her. Hod himself loves Nanna and marries her, but Baldr pursues him. To kill Baldr, Hod takes out the Mimming sword and, on the advice of the forest maiden, miraculous food from snake venom and a belt that gives victory. Hod mortally wounds Baldur; he is buried in the hill. The soothsayer Finn prophesies to Odin that the son of the goddess Rind, whom she will give birth to from Odin, will avenge Baldr; the prophecy is coming true.

Bivrest, Bilrest ("shaking road"), in Scandinavian mythology, a rainbow-bridge connecting earth and sky. Near Bivrest is Himinbjorg - the dwelling of Heimdall, the son of Odin. Before the end of the world (see Ragnarok), the sons of Muspell cross this bridge to fight the gods, and at the same time it collapses.

Bor ("born"), in Scandinavian mythology, the son of Buri, the father of the god Odin and his brothers - Vili and Be, born to him with Bestla, the daughter of the giant Bolthorn. In the "Elder Edda" the "sons of Bor" are mentioned as the organizers of the earth (they killed the giant Ymir and created the world from his body).

Brisingamyon ("Brising's necklace"), in Scandinavian mythology, a wonderful necklace made, like other treasures of aces, by Brisings (dwarfs, tsvergs); one of the main attributes of the goddess Freya. Brisingamyon is also called the “Brising belt”, which, apparently, corresponds to the original function - assistance in childbirth, hence the name Freya disoy vans (“Younger Edda”), and the most important function of dis is associated with this. Loki reproaches Freya for paying the tsvergs for Brisinghamen with her love. At the initiative of Odin, Loki kidnaps Brisingamyon, and then returns on certain conditions. Loki and Heimdall, who have taken the form of seals, are fighting for Brisingamyon at the Singastein stone. Brisingamön is also mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf.

Buri (lit. "parent"), in Scandinavian mythology, the ancestor of the gods, the father of Bor and the grandfather of Odin. Buri arose from salty stones licked by the cow Audumla

Vali, in Norse mythology the son of Odin and Rind (stepson of Frigg); an avenging child who, at the age of one day, took revenge on Höd for killing Baldur. After the death of the world and the gods (see Ragnarok), Vali, along with other representatives of the "younger generation" of the gods, will live in a renewed world.

Valhalla - "the chambers of Odin, where heroes fallen in battle enter." - Roots of Yggdrasil. M., Terra, 1997.

Valkyries - literally "choosers of the dead" - in other german. mythology, warrior maidens, priestesses of Odin, who selected warriors destined for death and on magical flying horses carried away the souls of the fallen to Odin's heavenly chamber - Valhalla.

Vanir (Old Icelandic vanir) - in Scand. mythology group of gods of fertility, moisture, navigation. Among the Vanirs are Ch. arr. Njord (god of the sea) and his children - Freyr and Freya, endowed with magic. prophetic for nothing. There is reason to believe that the cult of the Vanir entered Scandinavia from Germany and initially met local resistance. aces cult. Hence the myth of the war between the Aesir and the Vanir, which ended in their unification.

Volva is a soothsayer, sorceress, prophetess, at the request of Odin, she predicted Ragnarok and many other equally interesting events. "Divination of the Volva" is the most famous of the songs of the Elder Edda. It contains a picture of the history of the world from creation and the "golden age" to its tragic end - the so-called "day of the fate of the gods" - and the second birth. - Elder Edda. M., Fiction, 1975.

Vidar son of Odin. In the völva's divination, it was foretold that he would slay the wolf Fenrir on the day of the Last Battle.

Vidur is one of the thousand names of Odin.

Willy and Ve are Odin's brothers, children of Bor.

Visa is a kind of literary work, this genre was mastered to perfection by medieval Scandinavians. Vis is characterized by an unnatural word order, complex meter, the indispensable presence of alliterations and internal rhymes - in a word, it is so complicated that even the best translations can give only a very faint idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat a real visa is. - Max Fry, My Ragnarok, S.-P., ABC, 1998.

Wotan is one of the names of Odin.

Garm - Literally: "greedy". A monstrous dog who, according to the prophecy of the völva, must "devour the sun."

Gauth is one of the names of Odin.

Jörmugandr - literally "giant staff", in Scandinavian mythology the world serpent, one of the three monsters generated by the giantess Angrboda from Loki. Yormugand lives in the World Ocean surrounding the inhabited earth. "When ... the gods found out from the prophetess that they should expect great troubles from those children ... the All-Father sent the gods to take those children and bring them to him. And ... he threw that Serpent into the deep sea surrounding the whole earth, and so a serpent has grown up that lies in the middle of the sea, girded the whole earth and bites its tail ... "- Younger Edda. L., Nauka, 1970.

Ygg is one of Odin's names.

Yggdrasil - in Scandinavian mythology, the world tree, a giant ash tree. "Its branches are spread over the whole world and put a limit on it in space." - Elder Edda. M., Fiction, 1975. - Once Odin sacrificed himself on this tree and hung there for nine days, as a result of which he gained access to some kind of "secret knowledge", thus he discovered the runes.

Kenning is a conditional poetic figure characteristic of skaldic poetry, consisting of two or more nouns. Kenning serves to not call a spade a spade and at the same time to designate them somehow. Typical examples: "dragon's feather bed" - gold, "floe of the palm" - silver, "quarrel of the fires of Odin" - battle, "crow comforter" - a warrior, etc.

"Blood of Kvasir" - the so-called "honey of poetry". Kvasir - in Scandinavian mythology, a small wise man made from the saliva of the gods. In the "Younger Edda" it is said that "the honey of poetry" was made from the blood of Kvasir, who was killed by dwarfs. - Myths of the peoples of the world. M., Soviet Encyclopedia, 1991.

Lodur is one of Loki's names.

Loki - in Scandinavian mythology, a god from among the aces, sometimes helping the gods, sometimes harming and mocking them ("Elder Edda", "Loki's Quarrel"). According to the "Younger Edda", during the last battle of the gods, Loki will take the side of the chthonic forces and take part in the destruction of the world.

Naglfar is a ship that must be built before the "day of the fate of the gods" from the nails of the dead. It is curious that in Iceland it is still widely believed that the nails of the dead must be cut off so that evil forces do not use them. - Elder Edda. M., Fiction, 1975.

Odin is the supreme deity of the Skands. mythology, head of the Ases, husband Frigga, father of Baldor, Thor and many others. other gods. One is the creator of the Universe and the first people, the god of wind and storms, later the god of war, the patron of the military squad, trade and navigation. He lives in the palace of Valhalla (ancient Scandinavian Valholl - the chamber of the dead), where the Valkyries transfer the souls of heroes who fell in battle and where the latter continue their former heroic. a life. At the continent. Germans Odin corresponded to Wodan (Wotan).

Oskopnir - in Scandinavian mythology, one of the versions of the name of the place of the Last Battle of the Gods (in the speeches of Vaftrundir, for example, this place is called Vigrid).

Ragnarok is the fate (death) of the gods, the apocalypse of Scandinavian mythology, predicted in detail by the völva.

Sleipnir is Odin's eight-legged horse in Norse mythology. - Myths of the peoples of the world. M., Soviet Encyclopedia, 1991.

Surt is a fiery giant in Scandinavian mythology. In the "Divination of the Volva" it is said that he will come from the south before the end of the world and will burn the world (according to some versions - the sun) with his fiery sword. - Myths of the peoples of the world. M., Soviet Encyclopedia, 1991; Elder Edda, M., Fiction, 1975.

Tweggy is one of Odin's names.

Thor - in scand. mythology - the god of thunder, storm and fertility, the son of Odin and the goddess of the earth Yord, one of the chap. aces. Depicted as a red-bearded man, armed with the thunder hammer Mjollnir, which constantly hit the target and returned by itself, a belt of power and iron gloves. Thor - Ch. protector of gods and people from giants and monsters. At the continent. The Germans corresponded to the Thor with Donar, among the Anglo-Saxons - Tumor (Tonar).

Turses or Jotuns are giants in Scandinavian mythology, they are usually hostile to both gods and people.

Utgard - in Scandinavian mythology, the outskirts of the earth, where demons and giants live. There are many disputes about the identity of Utgard-Loki, the mysterious ruler of Utgard: some experts believe that he has nothing to do with Loki, who quarreled with the aces, others believe that this is one and the same person.

Fenrir is a monstrous wolf in Scandinavian mythology, one of the offspring of Loki and Angrboda. According to the prediction of the völva, he was supposed to swallow Odin on the day of the Last Battle.

Freyr - in scand. mythology - the god of fertility, marriage, abundance and peace from among the Vanir, the son of Njord, the brother of Freya. After the war of the Vans with the Ases, he came to the Ases as a hostage, took root and became one of them. According to the prediction of the völva, he was to die in battle with the giant Surt. The cult of Freyr was especially widespread in Sweden.

Freya - in scand. mythology - the goddess of fertility, love and beauty, the daughter of the god of the sea Njord, the sister of Freyr, the wife of the wind god Oda who left her, whom she is looking for all over the earth, dropping golden tears (bread grains).

Frigg (Old Scandinavian frigg, other Gothic Frija - beloved, mistress) - in Scand. mythology - the wife of Odin, the mother of Balder, the goddess of marriage, love, family hearth. The fusion of the cults of the Aesir and the Vanir contributed to the fusion of the images of Frigg and Freya, to which the attributes of Frigg were transferred.

Heimdall - in Scandinavian mythology, a god from among the Ases, considered the son of Odin. Heimdall is the guardian of the gods, he is accompanied by the epithet "the brightest of the aces." According to the prophecy of the völva, in the Last Battle he was supposed to fight Loki, according to some sources, the two kill each other.

Hel - in Scandinavian mythology: 1) the underworld, the kingdom of the dead, where the souls of those who did not die in battle and are not worthy of Valhalla - the halls of Odin go. 2) the goddess-mistress of the underworld, the offspring of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, the personification of the kingdom of the dead.
In scand. mythology Hel is considered an analogue of the Christian underworld (Sturulson Snorri in the "Younger Edda" says that this place is intended for "bad people") and is opposed to Valhalla - the heavenly chamber for the elect. According to the prediction of the völva, in the Last Battle the dead from Hel are on the side of the chthonic "evil" forces, and the inhabitants of Valhalla are on the side of the aces.

Khryum is the name of a giant who, according to some sources, was supposed to rule the ship Naglfar (according to other versions, Loki himself was supposed to rule this ship).

Hroft is one of Odin's names.

"Edda" - two monuments of Icelandic literature under this name are known: "Younger Edda", to the creation of which Snorri Sturulson had a hand, and "Elder Edda", or "Edda Samund the Wise", parchments with texts of which were found in 1643 by the Icelandic bishop Brinjolf Sveinsson. However, later it turned out that Samund the Wise had nothing to do with these parchments.

Einherii - this is the name in Valhalla of the heroes who died in battle living there.

Beowulf

Beowulf ("bee wolf", i.e. "bear"), the hero of the northern and Anglo-Saxon epic, who defeated two terrible monsters. A young warrior from the people of the Gauts, Beowulf went across the sea, to Denmark, to save the king of the Danes Hrodgar from the misfortune that befell him: for many years, the ferocious monster Grendel sneaks into the royal castle of Heorot at night and devours the warriors.
In a nocturnal combat, Beowulf squeezed Grendel with such force that he, escaping, lost his arm and crawled into his lair, where he bled to death and expired. Grendel's mother, an even more vile creature, tried to avenge the murder of her son, and Beowulf, chasing the monster, descended into her crystal underwater cave. After an hour of fighting, Beowulf lost his trusty sword. Like King Arthur in his time, he found another magical blade and dealt with the terrible mother of Grendel. In the kingdom of Hrothgar, peace and tranquility were restored, and Beowulf, generously rewarded by King Hrothgar, returned Chris to his homeland, to South Sweden, and became the king of the Gauts. At the end of his long and wise reign, a dragon appeared in the kingdom. Having opposed him with twelve comrades, Beowulf soon found himself alone - his comrades-in-arms left the battlefield in fear, but the hero slew the dragon, although it cost him his life.

Valkyrie Brunhild

Brunhild, Brunhilde ("duel"), the heroine of Scandinavian-Germanic mythology, the most militant and most beautiful Valkyrie, who challenged Odin: she granted victory in the battle to the wrong person to whom he intended.
As punishment, the god put her to sleep and sent her to earth, where Brunhild was supposed to lie on the top of the Hindarfjall hill, surrounded by a wall of fire. Only Sigurd (German, Siegfried) could break through the raging flames, famous hero who slew the dragon Fafnir. He awakened the warlike beauty Brunhild and, promising to marry, left the ring of the dwarf Andvari as a pledge, unaware of the curse hanging over the ring. The witch Grimhild gave Sigurd a drink of oblivion, and Sigurd, forgetting about his bride, married the daughter of the sorceress, the beautiful Gudrun (German, Kriemhild). When the memory returned to him, the heart of the hero was filled with suffering, shame and sadness.

Only after the death of Brunhild and Sigurd did they finally find peace in love, previously destroyed by vile intrigues.
And the curse of the dwarf Andvari, along with the inherited ring, passed on to Högni and Gunnar. Both of them later died a painful death, but did not reveal the secrets of the fatal treasure of the Nibelungs.

Väinämöinen

Väinämöinen (Veinämöinen), son of the demiurge goddess Luonnotar, main character Karelian-Finnish epic. This wise old man, magician and sorcerer, who spent at least thirty years in his mother's womb, was gifted with supernatural powers. He was less fortunate in love. He tried to choose a bride among the women of the country of the North, Pohjola, and in exchange for a wonderful sampo mill, a source of abundance, he was promised one of the daughters of the mistress of the North, Louhi. At his request, the blacksmith Ilmarinen forged a mill "from swan fluff, from a piece of spindle, and from cow's milk, and grains of barley". True, then he deceived Väinämöinen and married Louha's daughter himself. But the bride was killed and the sampo was stolen. Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen and Lemminkäinen set off in search of the sampo and after many adventures found it. Louhi rushed after them in pursuit, raised a storm on the sea and, turning into a griffin, attacked the ship of heroes.
Only the quick reaction of Väinämöinen allowed everyone to escape, however, during a severe storm, the sampo crashed. Väinämöinen managed to collect the fragments of the mill and partially restore its wonderful properties. According to myths, he got fire from the belly of a fiery fish, making the first fishing net; built the first boat; traveled to Tuonella, the realm of the dead, and returned from there alive. When his mission on earth was completed, Väinämöinen built a new ship and set off on a journey without end.

Kriemhild

Krimhilda, the heroine of the German epic "The Nibelungenlied", the wife of Siegfried, after the death of the hero, became the wife of the Hunnic king Attila (Norwegian, Atli). Known for its extraordinary beauty, which prompted feats and doomed many valiant warriors to death. Kriemhild, a Burgundian princess by birth, was the sister of the Burgundian king Gunther (Norwegian, Gunnar). In Scandinavian mythology, she corresponds to Gudrun, the sister of the Burgundian king Gunnar and the wife of Sigurd.
The witch Grimhild (according to legend, the mother of Krimhild) gave Siegfried a drink of oblivion, and Siegfried, forgetting about his bride Brunhilde, married the daughter of the sorceress, the beautiful Krimhild (Norwegian, Gudrun). From Siegfried Kriemhild gave birth to a son, who was named after his uncle Günther. After Siegfried's death, Kriemhild married King Attila of the Huns in order to use her position as queen to exact revenge on Siegfried's murderers Hagen and Gunther.
Kriemhild lured them into a trap and ordered their execution. Gunnar was thrown into a ditch with reptiles teeming there and then his head was cut off, and the heart of Hagen (Norwegian, Högni), who was still alive, was cut out. According to other sources, Kriemhild took revenge on the murderers of Siegfried Hagen and her brother Gunther ten years after the death of the hero. Kriemhild cut off their heads with Siegfried's sword, luring Gunther and Hagen to Attila's castle for a grand jousting tournament arranged by her.
Subsequently, Hildebrand, enraged by the cruel execution of Gunther and Hagen, avenged the death of the ruler of Tronier by cutting Kriemhild in half.

Nibelungen

The Nibelungs, in German-Scandinavian mythology and epic, are the owners of the golden treasure (treasures and the magic ring of power) of the dwarf dwarf Andvari, who had previously stolen gold from the Rhine maidens.
The original owners of the Andvari treasure were the sorcerer Hreydmar, the giants Fasolt and Fafnir, who turned into a dragon to guard the treasure. The treasure was eventually taken over by the hero Siegfried (Sigurd) - the Nibelung, the king of the "country of the Nibelungs", his sons Shilbunk and Nibelung, their warriors. After the villainous murder of Siegfried, the Burgundian kings Gibihungs, the brothers Gunnar and Hogni, named the Nibelungs after the treasure passed into their hands, became the owners of the treasure. Thus, the word "Nibelungs" is associated with the owners of the golden treasure, cursed by the dwarf Andvari, known from other mythological sources as Albrich. Interestingly, in the Germanic and Scandinavian traditions, the treasures of the Nibelungs are the material embodiment of the power, power, happiness and good luck of their owner. This cursed treasure also included a magical golden ring, which was able not only to increase wealth, but also brought death to its owner.
It visited Hreidmar, Fafnir, Regin and, finally, Sigurd, all of whom the possession of the ring cost their lives. The Nibelungen brothers Gunnar and Hegni, who killed Sigurd while hunting for a wild boar, also died. His widow Kriemhilda lured them to her and ordered them to be executed: Gunnar was thrown into a ditch with reptiles teeming there and then his head was cut off, and the still-living Högni had his heart cut out. The Nibelungs met death with dignity and did not reveal the secret of the golden treasure they had hidden, bringing misfortune and death to everyone.

"Song of the Nibelungs"

The most ancient monument of the German heroic epic. Its content is divided into two parts. The first 10 songs describe Siegfried's heroic deeds, his love for Brunhilde, Siegfried's marriage to Kriemhild, the sister of King Gunther (Gunnar), Gunther's matchmaking with the warrior maiden Brunhilde, and Siegfried's villainous murder.
The next 10 songs tell about Kriemhild's revenge for the death of her husband, the painful death of Günther (Gunnar) and Hagen (Högni) and the decline of the Burgundian kingdom.
The historical basis of the "Song of the Nibelungs" is the events of the era of the Great Migration of Nations - the capture of Europe by the Huns under the leadership of Attila in the 5th century BC. e. However, life, etiquette, class relations described in it represent Germany in the 12th century of the era of feudalism.
The Nibelungenlied was probably written between 1200 and 1210. in Austria as a court poet influenced by Christianity. It absorbed several cycles of more ancient epic tales, and subsequently became the subject of numerous revisions, a source of poetic themes and motifs. The peculiar rhythmic pattern and very dynamic stanza of this poem was perceived by many medieval poets and was called the "Nibelungen stanza". German poets of the 19th century also turned to her.

Sigurd

Sigurd, Siegfried ("victory"), in Scandinavian-Germanic mythology and epic, a hero, the son of Sigmund and Sieglind, a pupil of the sorcerer-blacksmith Regin, brother of the dragon Fafnir, guarding the cursed golden treasure of the dwarf Andvari. It was Regin who forged the sword Gram for the hero, with which Sigurd cut his anvil. The blacksmith incited the young man to kill the dragon, because he himself sought to take possession of treasures, fatal wealth that brings misfortune to its owner.
Sigurd defeated the dragon, but when Fafnir's blood got on Sigurd's tongue, he began to understand the language of birds and learned about the blacksmith's plan to kill him. After killing his adoptive father and stealing Fafnir's treasure, the hero ended up on the top of the Hindarfjall hill, where the Valkyrie Brunhild, surrounded by fire shields, rested, lulled by Odin for granting victory in the battle to someone not intended by God. After awakening the Valkyrie, Sigurd received wise advice from her and became engaged to her. But the curse of the dwarf-dwarf Andvari still continued to bring misfortune to the owners of the ravine treasures, and, having met with the witch Grimhild, Sigurd succumbed to her charms. The witch Grimhild gave Sigurd a drink of oblivion, and Sigurd, forgetting about his bride, married the daughter of the sorceress, the beautiful Gudrun (German, Kriemhild). When the memory returned to him, the heart of the hero was filled with suffering, shame and sadness.
In the meantime, brother Gudrun, King Gunnar of the Burgundians (German, Gunther) wooed Brunhild. But the Valkyrie took an oath to marry only the one who overcomes the fire surrounding her, and only Sigurd could do such a thing. Sigurd agreed to help Gunnar, for the duration of the marriage test, the hero changed form with Gunnar and went through the fire instead of him. Brunhild was forced to marry Gunnar, but later, when the deceit was revealed, the angry Brunhild demanded that her husband kill Sigurd. Incited by his wife, who wanted to restore his honor, and also, wanting to take possession of the magic ring of power, Gunnar and his brother Högni mortally wounded Sigurd while hunting. On his deathbed, dying, Sigurd called to him his beloved Brunhild. Unable to bear the remorse of her conscience, Brunhild committed suicide in order to be close to her beloved at least in the grave.

starkad

Starkad is a hero of Scandinavian mythology, a ruthless and cruel Viking warrior, whose name is associated with a huge number of feats. The hero was a subject of the Danish king Froto. He was an ugly man of enormous stature, with fangs protruding from his mouth, and with six arms.
Once, a fight took place between Starkad and Thor, in which the giant lost four arms and became two-armed.
Starkad considered Odin his teacher and patron. One dark night they went to the island together.
There, in a forest clearing, the hero saw twelve thrones. Eleven of them were seated by people, and the twelfth was occupied by Odin. The teacher rewarded Starkad with three lives for his loyalty, granted him the possession of a poetic style and wealth, and promised the respect of the nobility. In gratitude for this, Starkad intended to carry out a symbolic sacrifice by putting a noose around the neck of the Norwegian king Vikar, and leaning a stalk of reeds against his body. But instantly the noose tightened the neck, and the reed became a sharp spear and pierced the body of the victim. Thor predicted the atrocities in each of the three lives and the hatred of the common people to Starkad, and predicted that there would be no satisfaction for the hero in any of the lives.
In order to get to Valhalla to Odin, Starkad had to die from the sword. Being already a deep old man, weakened and almost blind, he decided to find death by the sword. Taking a bag of gold, he looked for someone who would be tempted by money and kill him. The hero accepted his death at the hands of Hater and ended up in hell.

Hadding

Hadding, hero of Scandinavian mythology.
Hadding was the son of the Danish King Gram. The hero was brought up in Sweden among the giants, where he was taught the art of magic. Hadding was patronized by the god Odin, who appeared to the hero in the guise of a one-eyed giant.
The hero accomplished many feats, including revenge for the murder of his father.
Once he killed a certain creature, who turned out to be the god of abundance, as a result he had to experience quite a few adversities.
But Hadding was able to make amends by making sacrifices to Freyr and thus starting the tradition of annual sacrifices to this god.
Hadding killed the Black Giant, who was harassing the daughter of the Norwegian king, and took the girl as his wife.
Odin predicted Hadding's death by his own hand. King Hunding of Sweden, a friend of the hero, having heard the false news of his death, arranged a memorial feast and drowned in a barrel of beer. Hadding, learning of this, hanged himself.
The exploits of Hadding are described in the "Acts of the Danes" by Saxo Grammaticus, created on the basis of ancient Scandinavian legends.

Högni

Hogni, hero of Norse mythology.
According to the Velsunga saga and Eddic songs, Hogni was the brother of the Burgundian king Gunnar, in the Tidrek saga he was considered the half-brother of the Burgundian kings, in the German "Nibelungenlied" Hogni was the senior vassal of King Gunnar (Günther).
The Eddic songs depict Högni as a flawless hero who tried to dissuade Gunnar from killing Sigurd. When the hero was captured by the Hunnic king Atli (Attila) at the instigation of his wife Krimhilda, he courageously met death, laughing at the moment when his heart was cut out.
In the Tidrek saga and in the Nibelungenlied, Högni takes on negative traits. He treacherously killed the great Siegfried (Sigurd), and then hid the golden treasure of Siegfried (treasures of the Nibelungs, cursed by the dwarf dwarf Andvari) at the bottom of the river.
Hogni led the fight between the Burgundians and the Huns, which ended in the death of both the Burgundians and himself. When Hogni and Gunnar were captured by Atli, and the king of the Huns demanded the release of the Nibelungen treasure, Gunnar, according to the Eddic "Song of Atli", agreed on the condition that Hogni be killed. In the Nibelungenlied, Hogni himself set such a condition, and when Kriemhild (Gudrun) brought him the severed head of Gunner, he laughed at her, after which he was killed.

Helgi

Helgi, hero of Scandinavian mythology. Helga's name can be translated from Old Norse as "dedicated" or "sacred". According to legend, from the marriage of Helga with her own daughter, the legendary king from the Skjoldung dynasty, Hrolva Kraki, was born. This brings the image of this character closer to the mythical type of the ancestor.
In myths, you can find a description of the military exploits of Helga. His actions are most often caused either by blood feuds or have love motives, such as getting a bride. Helga was patronized by warrior maidens, who were called Valkyries. To one of the virgins, the hero experienced a strong attraction. Love broke out between the Valkyrie Svava (according to other sources Sigrun) and the hero. Helgi died in battle, slain by the spear of Dag, the son of Hogn, and soon Svava also died.
In search of the ritual origins of the legends about Helgi, some scholars assumed that the name of the hero was cult. It symbolized the name of the victim, and Svava is the priestess who leads the sacrifice ceremony.
The murder of the hero symbolizes the change of royal power, figuratively displayed in the ritual of sacrifice. In two songs about Helgi and his beloved Svava, at the end there is a mention of the rebirth of lovers to life, which may have its roots in the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwarriors who fell in battles, whom the Valkyries revive to participate in new battles.


Mythology of the ancient world, - M.: Belfax, 2002
Myths of ancient Scandinavia, - M .: AST 2001

yut common ancestors. Many centuries ago they were called Vikings or Varangians. They were known as talented sailors and skilled shipbuilders. The Vikings discovered the largest island of Greenland, the first to sail to the coast of North America. But they became famous most of all as the most warlike people of Europe. The Vikings conquered almost all of Europe. There are many legends and tales about the Vikings, which are reflected in Scandinavian myths.

Asgard is the world of the gods.

How did our world come about?

According to Scandinavian myths, a huge tree Yggdrasil grows in the center of our world. It has three levels: in its roots, underground is the world of the dead, near the trunk is the kingdom of the people of Midgard, and the gods live on top of it.


Yggdrasil tree.

Giants and gods.


Giant Ymir.

According to the legends, the first living creatures on earth were the giant Ymir and the cow Audumna, who emerged from the ancient ice. One day the cow Audumna wanted to lick a piece of eternal ice. From her warm breath, the ice melted and the mighty Bor emerged from it. When Bor got tired of living on his own, he married one of the daughters of the giant Ymir. They had children endowed with divine power. So in the world of Scandinavian mythology, the first gods appeared - Odin, Vili and Ve.

Where did the first people come from?

According to Scandinavian myths, once, when the children of Bor, the first gods of the Scandinavians, were playing on the ocean, they saw two trees. And they decided to demonstrate their strength to each other. Odin breathed life and soul into the trees, Vili endowed them with the ability to move and think, and Ve made people out of trees, giving them beauty, hearing, sight, and the gift of communication. They received the names Ash and Willow. They became the ancestors of all people.

Division of the world.



At the beginning of time, the whole earth was covered with a boundless ocean and there was not a single piece of land. But one day the gods got tired of observing the deserted sea surface from day to day, and they raised land from the depths of the ocean, which later became the kingdom of people Midgard. On it the gods settled the first people. The Scandinavian gods surrounded the borders of this kingdom with a wall from the centuries of the first of the giants of the mighty Ymir, they protected the kingdom of people from witchcraft and hostile creatures. There were other kingdoms in the neighborhood of Mitgard. Jotunheim In this kingdom lived giants who hated both people and gods. There were also two divine kingdoms Asgard and Vanaheim, in the first of them lived the light gods Asa, and in the second dark Vans.

First wars.

But the gods could not live in peace with the giants, and soon a war broke out between them. It lasted for many hundreds of years until the Scandinavian gods still defeated the giants, but it was a Pyrrhic victory, so they made a truce and exchanged hostages. When all the battles of the very first war subsided, the defeated giant Ymir remained on earth. He was very exhausted and exhausted by this war, and the gods of the Scandinavians decided to cast a spell on the giant Ymir, and his body turned into mountains, and his hair into forests.

One.


The supreme god of the Vikings and the ruler of the Scandinavian gods was Odin. He is often depicted as a mighty grey-bearded warrior with one eye, he gave the other eye in order to drink water from the source of wisdom. He was armed with the merciless magical spear Gungnir, wore a horned helmet on his head, and wore a belt with a magic buckle on top of his armor. This buckle was a silver amulet on which powerful runes were inscribed, this buckle during the battle increased its strength tenfold.


According to the legends, Odin did not eat anything, but only drank the divine nectar called the honey of poetry. Thanks to this, he earned the fame of a speaker who knows how to express his thoughts in verse. He gave the Vikings runes to get them, he sacrificed himself to himself, nailing himself with his own spear to the world tree Yggdrasil, so he hung for nine days, and on the tenth day the cherished knowledge was revealed to him. Scandinavian runes symbolized knowledge and were the most powerful amulets. The Vikings used magical runes in their magic to write magical spells.


Odin is always accompanied by two wolves or two ravens, his face is hidden by a hood, in this form he wanders the world on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir. Being a master of changing his appearance, he appeared unrecognized among people, helping them resolve difficult disputes, and in battles he always supports the most worthy. Therefore, he is considered the god of wisdom and war.


But besides the desire for the knowledge of wisdom and the thirst for battles, he was distinguished from many gods by love. Being one of the most beautiful of the gods, he was a huge success with women. Odin often fell in love with different goddesses and daughters of Ymir, despite the fact that he was married to the most beautiful of the goddesses - the goddess of marriage bonds Frigga.

Helpers of Odin.


One was aware of all the events that took place in the world. But being even the most powerful of the gods, Odin could not be in different places at the same time. For this, he had two raven assistants, whose names were Munin (Remembering) and Hulig (Thinking). They flew around the world and noticed everything, and in the evening they appeared to Odin, sat on his shoulder and whispered to him about everything that was happening in the world. Also, Odin was always accompanied by two white wolves.


The army of Odin consisted of the greatest Viking warriors who died in battles in the heavenly chamber of Valhalla. After the battle, they are collected on the battlefield by the Valkyries sent by Odin.

Valhalla.

According to ancient Viking lore, Val Halla is a large hall with a roof made up of shields of gold supported by spears tipped with silver. Valhalla has 540 doors, from each of them during the last battle of Ragnarok, at the call of the god Heimdal, 800 warriors will come out. Vikings in Valhalla are called Encherii. Every morning they put on battle armor and fight to the death with each other, and in the evening, being resurrected by the Valkyries, they sit down to feast.

Thunder God Thor.


Thor is one of the most famous gods of Scandinavian mythology, his father was Odin, and his mother was the goddess of the earth. He was the god of thunder and harvest. The Scandinavians portrayed him as a mighty warrior of enormous size with a fiery red beard. Thor's main weapon was the magic hammer Mjollnir, which did not know a miss, with which he could kill the largest giant. According to legend, this weapon was forged for him by one of the most skillful blacksmiths, the dwarfs Brock and Sindri. Thor's hammer always hit the target, after which it returned to the owner. But not only the hammer Mjollnir had destructive power, there are many Scandinavian myths and legends in which, thanks to him, Thor healed and resurrected the wounded and fallen soldiers in battle. Despite all his menacingness, he treated ordinary people well, especially women and children. The Vikings considered Thor the main protector of all people living on earth. Buy Hammer of Thor.


Thor had magical equipment that helped him cope with such powerful weapons as the hammer Mjolnir. It included iron gauntlets, thanks to which he could hold Thor's red-hot hammer without fear of getting burned, and a belt that doubled his strength. Thanks to these magical artifacts, Thor was practically invincible. According to the legend of the last battle of Ragnarok, Thor was destined to fight Jörmungandr.

Thor traveled the world in a wagon drawn by two goats named Tangniostr and Tangrisnir. If Thor was hungry, he ate them, after which he resurrected them with the help of Mjollnir. The Scandinavians have a legend that Thor carries a lot of silver and copper teapots in his wagon, and when lightning strikes, the teapots rattle in the wagon and this causes the thunder that we hear during a thunderstorm.


Loki is the god of deceit.


That is what this god was called. Loki was the god of deceit and fire and had an evil and envious personality. He was portrayed as two-faced because, on the one hand, he was a close relative of Odin and helped him, and on the other, he only dreamed of how to take his place.

Loki could turn into any creature, and thanks to his winged boots, he could move to any place. More than anything in the world, Loki loved various meanness to quarrel people, gods or giants.

Loki's tricks.


Once when Loki and Odin were walking together near the waterfall, Loki saw an otter in the water and threw a stone at it and killed it. But it soon became clear that this was not an otter, but a dwarf Otr, who turned into an otter in order to catch a fish for himself.

The angry father of Otra demanded a ransom for the blood of his son, the magic staff of Odin and the winged boots of Loki. It was possible to return these things only by giving them a lot of gold. For gold, Odin sent Loki to the country of black elves.

When Loki reached the country of the black elves, he noticed a pike in the river, the scales of which shone like gold. Loki, without wasting time thinking, threw the net into the river and caught a fish with scales of gold and already wanted to eat it, but it turned out that it was not a fish, but the dwarf blacksmith Andvari, who was resting in a cool river.

The cunning Loki quickly figured out how to benefit from this situation and offered Andvari to exchange his life for gold. The dwarf blacksmith agreed with Loki's proposal. He gave all his gold to Loki, hiding only a unique amulet in the form of a ring capable of doubling wealth. But you can’t fool the god of deceit, and he will deceive anyone he wants, so when Andvari left, Loki stole the amulet in the form of a ring.

When Andvari discovered it was missing, he placed a powerful spell on the ring that harmed anyone who used the ring-like amulet. But Loki got out this time too, he gave the amulet in the form of a ring along with gold for ransom, for which the dwarfs returned his winged shoes to him, and Odin his staff. And in the family of the dwarf Otra, the Andvari spell began to act.

Goddess of beauty and love Freya.


As we already know, Freya came to the light aces as a result of an exchange of hostages. Her father was the god of the seas, Njord, and her mother was the goddess of the earth, Skadi. But unlike the other hostages, she never regretted it.

Freya took care of women in childbirth - with her help, childbirth was always easy and safe, and children were born healthy. But the main occupation of the goddess of love was to help lovers. She was so carried away by this that the Scandinavian gods had to give her a separate corner in the realm of the dead. The souls of young boys and girls fell into this miniature realm of the dead. And so that Freya could arrange for them a romantic and love-filled existence after death, the Scandinavians buried unmarried young girls in wedding dresses so that they could marry in the afterlife.

There was no such god among the aces who would not like Freya, and to please her, they gave her amazing jewelry made of gold and silver. But most of all, the beautiful goddess Freya liked the god of thunder, Thor.

Gods of the sea and earth.


Sea god Njord.

The god of the seas among the Scandinavians was Njord. He commanded storms and storms, and all the inhabitants of the sea kingdom obeyed him. The wife of the god of the seas was the goddess of the earth Skadi. It so happened that they got married by accident. The fact is that after the war of Ases and Vanes, the goddess of the earth, whose father died in this war, wished that the gods would find her a husband as a sign of compensation. The gods agreed, but set the condition that she could choose her future husband by her legs. The goddess found fault for a long time and, in the end, stopped on her legs, which seemed to her the most beautiful. She thought that they belonged to the son of Odin, the most beautiful of the Ases, the god of spring. How surprised and disappointed she was when it turned out that the most beautiful legs belong to the old and ugly god of the seas.


Goddess of the earth Skadi.

Who knows how many years there was a dispute between them about where to live. Njord was afraid of wolves and therefore did not want to settle on land near the mountains, but it was there that Skadi wanted to live. The goddess of the earth, in turn, refused to live in the sea, because the cry of seagulls annoyed her, and the waves rocked her.

Their dispute was not resolved by anything, so they decided to live separately, and when they meet, they constantly quarrel and swear.

Northern beauty Gerd.

Gerda.

In the northern kingdom, in the palace of the giant Gyumir, the most beautiful maiden of the north, Gerd (Gerda), lived. Her face shone with light, illuminating the darkest corners of the soul.

Once when the son of the sea god Freyr sat on a magical throne and watched what was happening in the world, he saw Gerda and fell in love with her. But Freyr understood that she was the daughter of a giant and an enemy of the gods and could hardly agree to become his wife. But he nevertheless took a chance and decided to send his friend Skirnir to ask for the hand of the beautiful Gerda.


Freyr.

As Freyr expected, Gerda refused to marry him. Even the death that Skirnir threatened her did not frighten her. But the gods always tried to come to the aid of each other. Skirnir had a magic sword on which magical runes were inscribed. He cast a love spell on Gerda and each of the nine runes on his sword each day increased Gerda's love for Freyr.


The son of a god and the daughter of a giant got married, but the love caused by magic could not melt the cold heart of the northern beauty Gerda.

God of Spring.

The goddess of marriage Frigga and the wise Odin had three children, Hermod, Hed, and Balder. The most beautiful of them was Baldr, the god of spring. When he was just born, his mother took a promise from all living things that they would not harm her son, she only forgot to take a promise from the mistletoe, which was very small at that time and simply was not noticed. Balder had a good heart, he never clashed with anyone, everyone loved him.

When bored, the gods often shot arrows at the undying Baldur to dispel boredom, because weapons could not harm him. The vile Loki was very jealous of Baldr, so once he turned into a woman, he came to his mother Frigga and found out from her the secret about Baldr's weak spot. Then he put an arrow of mistletoe into the hand of the blind Head.

Frigga mourned her son for a long time, trying by any means to bring him back to life from the realm of the dead. And in the end, she decided to go down to the realm of the dead in order to persuade the goddess Hel to let her son go. Hel agreed to let her go, but made the condition that all life on earth should mourn Baldur.

But Baldr was not destined to return, and the fault was Loki, who turned into a giantess and rejoiced at the death of Baldr.

Loki's punishment.

Once, when the giant Aegir had a feast, the gods began to admire the skill of his servants Fimafeng and Eldir. The art of both aroused admiration in everyone, and therefore all the Ases praised them incessantly. All this caused an attack of anger and envy in Loki, and he provoked a quarrel with Fimagen and killed him with a sword. All the gods rebelled and Odin expelled him. But he came back and started insulting everyone. But this seemed not enough to him, and therefore, wanting to hurt Odin more painfully, he confessed that he was to blame for the death of his beloved son Baldr. Having said this, he rushed to run, but the gods caught up with him and decided to punish him. They chained him to a rock, and Frigga, in revenge for the death of her son, hung a poisonous snake over him, from whose mouth poison dripped. The faithful wife of Loki Signi, day and night, holds a large bowl over him, into which poison drips, but as soon as she moves away to pour out the overflowing bowl, drops of poison fall on the face of the god of fire, and then he writhes in terrible torment. From this, the whole Mitgard shudders and earthquakes occur.

Ragnarok sunset of the gods.


In ancient times, the Scandinavian gods were predicted that after three long winters, the fetters holding back from Loki would fall, and he would go to war against the bright gods of Asgard, giants and other ancient enemies of the gods would go over to his side and the last battle of Ragnarok would begin. Odin will be defeated by the huge wolf Fenrir, Thor will fight the sea serpent Jörmungandr and hit him with his Mjollnir, but will die from the poison of Jörmungandr. All the old gods of the Vikings will die in this last battle, but their children who are destined to revive the world after Ragnarok will survive.


Alva. In German-Scandinavian mythology, the lowest natural spirits. Essentially the same word "elves", only in the pronunciation of some German-Scandinavian languages. Initially, the elves personified the souls of the dead, but gradually their role in the hierarchy of divine beings has changed. In early Scandinavian-Germanic mythology, alves are an ageless, magical, beautiful race that lives like people, either on Earth or in the world of alves (elves), which was also described as existing quite realistically. This idea of ​​alves, partially preserved, reached the times of the Middle Ages, remaining forever in the languages, names, culture and genealogy of European countries. In later myths, elves, on the eve of Christianity, are presented as spirits of the earth and fertility. There was a special ritual of honoring these spirits. The word "alf" (elf) during this period began to generalize, in fact, completely different creatures - in fact, alves and dwarves. The elves began to have some similarities with both the dwarfs and the vans. In the "Elder Edda" there are references to the wonderful blacksmith Velund, who was called the prince of the elves. In the "Elder Edda" they are opposed to the highest gods - aces. The "Younger Edda" mentions the division into dark (living underground) and light elves (elves) (living in the heavenly chamber). In the late German-Scandinavian sagas about the creation of the world, it is said that the elves were created by the first aces (Odin, Vili and Ve) from worms that appeared in the meat of Ymir. The dark (or underground) elves were given the kingdom of Svartalfaheim, and the light alves (elves) - Ljesalfaheim. The "lower" elves are the prototype of another mythological people, the gnomes. Seeds of the Celts

Andhrimnir. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. The Einherjah cook prepares Sehrimnir's boar meat.

Aces. (Norwegian; sir) - in the German-Scandinavian mythology, the highest gods. Ases, in Scandinavian mythology, the main group of gods led by Odin, the father of most of the ases, who loved, fought and died, because, like people, they did not possess immortality. These gods are opposed to vans (gods of fertility), giants (etuns), dwarfs (zwergs), as well as female deities - dises, norns and valkyries. They lived in the heavenly fortress Asgard, which was connected to the land of people, Midgard, the rainbow bridge Bifrost. Ases - warrior gods were worshiped by heroes and kings. Asami, besides Odin, there were twenty-seven warrior gods and twenty-two goddesses. In myths, Baldr, Borr, Bragi, Storms, Vidar, Vali, Ve, Vili, Dagr, Dellin, Loki, Magni, Njord, Thor, Tyr, Forseti, Freyr, Head, Heimdall, as well as the goddesses Air, Idunn, Nanna , Nott, Saga, Siv, Siginn, Sol, Frigg, Freya. Actually, in Scandinavian mythology, there are two groups of gods - ases and vans. Ases were constantly at enmity with Jotuns (giants). At one time, the Ases were at enmity with the Vanir (gods of fertility). Rune Ansuz is associated with Ases. Wikipedia mentions 41 divine aces.

Baldr. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Son of Odin and Frigga, god of spring; with his death, Ragnarok will begin - the end of the world. Maybe Boldyr.

Belobog. Heimdal. Germano-Slavic mythology. One of the few reliable references to Belobog is the information from Mater Verborum. What can be asserted with a high degree of certainty for the White God is his eternal opposition to Chernobog and his connection with blessings. Obviously, most of the properties of Belobog are directly opposite to the features of his opponent, Chernobog. The opponent of Chernobog is Bel-god. Since Heimdall is the main opponent of Loki, Heimdall can be called Bel-god. The White God is the rival of the Black God, possessing the attributes of whiteness or Light. The White God, like the Black God, belongs to the gods of the older generation. The white god opposes the world of the dead and death. The White God, to the same extent as the Black God, is associated with the birth of a new life and destiny. The white god participates in the creation of the World, or prevents the corruption of the world. Benefits in the world from Belobog. The white god is an enlightener, he obtains and gives knowledge to people and other gods. The white god comes to our world from his own world to improve it. In competition with the Black God, the White God acquires integrity and removes his own inferiority. Sometimes the White God is associated with youth, and the Black God with old age, but these images are of the same antiquity. Sometimes the White God has an emphatically bright (sharp) look, and the Black God is completely or partially “blind”.

Bur. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Son of Storm, father of Odin and his brothers. Maybe Bor, Borey.

Bor. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, his sons, according to the Younger Edda, people were created by the First Triglav - the sons of Bor. The system of nine worlds was created by the sons of Bor - Odin, Vili, Ve.

Bragi. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. God of poetry and eloquence, skald, husband of the goddess Idun. Bragi, in Scandinavian mythology, the skald god, the son of Odin and the giantess Gunnhold, the husband of Idunn, the keeper of rejuvenating apples. Bragi was born in a stalactite cave where his mother Gunnhold kept the mead of poetry. The miniscule dwarfs presented the divine child with a magical harp and set sail on one of their wonderful ships. On the way, Bragi sang the touching "Song of Life", which was heard in heaven and the gods invited him to their abode Asgard. When Loki, with his characteristic dexterity, organized the murder of Balder and returned to Asgard, Bragi demanded that the vile instigator leave, since his presence was undesirable to the gods. Loki called Bragi a braggart, and he threatened to turn Loki's head off. Despite Odin's attempts to calm the gathering, Braga's words infuriated Loki. Having predicted the death of the gods at parting, he left Asgard. Perhaps Bragi, the god of poetry and eloquence, is a god of a later origin, which is associated with the deification of poetic inspiration, because skalds in the Scandinavian royal courts were revered in almost the same way as rulers. Bragi was usually depicted as a bearded old man with a harp, and solemn oaths pronounced over the so-called Cup of Braga were sealed with his name. According to some scholars, a connection between the skald god and the historical Bragi Boddason (9th century) is possible here. Maybe Braga, Kvasura.

Storms. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Ancestor of the Ases, grandfather of Odin. Maybe Bor, Borey.

Wali. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. The son of Odin, who grew up and turned into a hero in a day. According to the myth, he avenged the murder of Baldur at the age of one day. He is destined to survive Ragnarok.

Vans. In Norse mythology, a small group of gods associated with fertility were at one time at enmity with the Ases. They lived in Vanaheim, far from Asgard, the abode of the aesir gods. The Vanirs possessed the gift of foresight, prophecy, and also mastered the art of witchcraft. In addition, they were credited with incestuous relationships between siblings. Njord and his offspring - Freyer and Freil were attributed to the Vans. Ancient legends told of the war that ended the golden age. The reason for the first war was the act of the evil sorceress Heida, who came to the settlement of the Ases, who beat the sorceress with spears and tried to burn her at the stake three times, but the villain again rose from the ashes. The beginning of the war was initiated by the leader of the Ases, Odin, who threw his spear in the direction of the Vanir. The gods of fertility went on the offensive against the heavenly settlement of the Ases, but the Ases turned out to be stronger, and the struggle ended in an exchange of hostages. According to legend, the Vanirs were considered the keepers of sacred honey. The Vanir sent to Asgard the god of the sea Njord and his children, the twins Freyr and Freya, and with them Kvasir, a wise man created from the saliva of the gods, who spat into a jug as a sign of reconciliation between the Ases and the Vanir. The Ases also sent hostages to Vanaheim: Hoenir, the brother of the god Odin, who gave the first people feelings, and the wise Mimir. At first Hoenir and Mimir were warmly received by the Vans, but they soon came to the conclusion that they had lost in the exchange with the Aesir. The indecisive Hoenir could not say a word if Mimir was not around. The Vanir decided that Mimir was not only Hoenir's voice, but also his mind. Enraged, they cut off Mimir's head and sent it to the Æsir. One embalmed the head of the unfortunate man, then cast a spell over it that returned the gift of speech. Subsequently, Odin instructed the head of Mimir to guard the magical source under the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil. Desiring some of Mimir's knowledge, Odin gave him one eye for permission to drink from the source of wisdom. Before the last battle of gods and monsters, Ragnarok, Odin must go to the source and there seek advice from the head of Mimir.

Var. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. The goddess of truth, listens and writes down the oaths of people, takes revenge on the violators of oaths and promises. Var certifies oaths and private contracts - "varar", especially those between men and women, and punishes those who break them. Her name may also have something to do with the term "varda", which is a legal term meaning a guarantee, guarantee or liability, akin to the English "ward" and more extended to "vardlokkur", "ward-song" being a defensive song. Her functions are similar to those of the Greek Hestia, who lived in the fireplace and heard all the oaths. Defense Var - morality, preserving the integrity of the spirit. Its power lies in the words we use to make oaths or express our intentions precisely. With the help of Var, the word-desire acquires an independent life. Her radiance sparkles in the fire of the hearth, which is the heart of the house, and she especially cares about those agreements that are not advertised in society, the unwritten obligations made by relatives in relation to family members. Her symbol, therefore, may be a hearth or an oathring, and she may be presented with a ring woven of herbs and ribbons inscribed with oaths, which may then be burned, or passed around with the horn. Maybe Varvara Krasa Long Braid.

Ve. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Son of Bor, brother of Odin or his hypostasis. "Ve" is the sanctity of a place or spiritual center, and "Vili" is the desire that governs by remaining with the goddess in Asgard, while the ecstatic "Water" wanders through the worlds.

Volva. In Norse mythology, the Prophetess of Hel.

Ver. Thief. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Goddess of omniscience. She is very wise and nothing can hide from her insight and intuition. Maybe Loyalty, Faith. Truth.

Vidar. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. The son of Odin, the god of silence, during Ragnarok, he will have to kill the wolf Fenrir. Maybe Vedun. That is why he is silent, because he knows everything.

Vili. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Son of Bor, brother of Odin or his ipstas. "Ve" is the sanctity of a place or spiritual center, and "Vili" is the desire that governs by remaining with the goddess in Asgard, while the ecstatic "Water" wanders through the worlds. Maybe Wil, Pitchfork, Samovil

Water In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Bor's son, Odin's brother or his hypostasis. "Ve" is the sanctity of a place or spiritual center, and "Vili" is a desire that rules, remaining with the goddess in Asgard, while the ecstatic "Water" wanders through the worlds.

Thief. Ver. In Norse mythology, she is "a wise and insightful Goddess, so nothing can be hidden from her. There is a saying that a woman begins to understand something (vor) when she finds something." Her name means awareness, the ability to learn and understand. The thief is thus the power of intuition, the power of knowing and remaining silent. In the outside world, she acts like the famous "female intuition," the ability to interpret subtle, subtle thoughts to understand what's next, especially those things that men would like to hide or don't know how to put into words. On the inner plane, she expands insight, she is our guide to the realm of the unconscious, where we hold everything that we have forgotten, or repressed, or are afraid to see. She reveals what is hidden and teaches us how to interpret the symbolic language of our dreams. She is represented in dark long robes, and her symbol is a dark veil. The work corresponding to The Thief is the development of intuition through the interpretation of dreams, seidh, or reflection.

Second Triglav. In German-Scandinavian mythology, according to the Younger Edda, people were created by the First Triglav - the sons of Bor, according to the Elder Edda, this was done by the Second Triglav. (Song of Riga).

Gevjun. In Norse mythology, she is a virgin, and who welcomes all who die unmarried. Her name means "giver", which is also an epithet for Freya. In Heimskringla, she appears as an independent Danish goddess. In the history of the Ynglings, Snorri tells us that Odin "... sent Gefion to the northeast to look for land; she then came to Gylvi, who gave her fertile lands. Then she went to the giant's house and gave birth to four sons from him. She formed from them a team of oxen, harnessed them to a plow and plowed the land in the west of the sea opposite Odense, the land was called Zeeland, and there she dwelt afterwards. from the bottom of the sea, working with the elements (with the elementals of the elements. With her help, an empty field becomes a tribal home, and the god of sheaves gives a bountiful harvest. Like Freya, she trades her charms for a sacred necklace. Some say that her lover was Heimdal, who saved Brisingamen's necklace from Loki. In old English "geofon" is used in poetry as an epithet of the sea. But Odin attributes to her the same profound knowledge as Frigg has. Gefyon is the path where Freya and Frigg meet. But in Hall F rigg Gefion gives gifts as a mother gives gifts. Through its power, you achieve limitless wealth and never feel in need. We call on her to fulfill at least part of our needs. Her symbol is a basket or cornucopia. The ritual dedicated to Gefion includes an exchange of gifts: let each participant bless her gift, put all the gifts in a cornucopia and place on the altar.

Gefyon. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Goddess of virtue. Known as "benevolent" or "giving". As a gift from her, you can receive bodily or spiritual talent. Having received as a reward from Gylfi a plot of land that four bulls could plow in a day, she, with the help of her four bull sons, dug through the Öresund Strait, forming the island of Zeeland.

Clay. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Goddess who protects people from physical danger. Companion Frigga. Maybe Gloss.

Gna. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Goddess of transformation. Raises awareness to dizzying heights. Frigga's companion or messenger. Gna travels across the sky and sea on a horse named Hoof-flourisher/Hofvarpnir, carrying Frigga's words throughout all the worlds. Snorri says that her name means soaring or tower, but it may also be related to the word for the neighing of a horse. Gna - Frigga's ability to soar over the worlds and overcome limits; Hofvarpnir carries her, just as Sleipnir carries Odin. She is freedom, the ability to soar without restraint. She carries the thought of the goddess to other worlds and returns with information. Through Gn we contact the goddess and hear her answers. It could also be seen as the power of astral travel. She appears radiant and energetic, and her symbol is a figurine of a horse. Since Gna is Frigga's link to the world, to honor her, we should also take the goddess with us from home to the street to the workplace. Frigga proper may remain in her secret place, but through Gn she goes with us when we go out into the world. Russian has many endings in Gna. Might be Gnat.

Yord. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Goddess of the earth, mother of Thor, the Russian God. It can be Hard, Smerd, Dirt.

Jotuns. In Norse mythology, giants are most often humanoid. The descendants of Bergelmir are the inhabitants of Jotunheim. Jotuns, turses, in the later Scandinavian tradition - trolls, in Scandinavian mythology giants. They are presented in two ways. On the one hand, these are the ancient giants - the first inhabitants of the world, preceding the gods and people in time. These are Ymir and his direct descendants (the so-called frost giants - hrimturs), including Bergelmir, according to the Younger Edda, who escaped in the ark when the gods killed Ymir, and drowned all the frost giants in his blood. The concept of frost giants includes their great wisdom. Such are Bolthorn - the father of Odin's mother, who gives him magical runes, and Vaftrudnir - Odin competes with him in wisdom ("Vaftrudnir's speeches" in the "Elder Edda"). Apparently, the owner of the honey source of wisdom, Mimir, is also a giant, with whose head Odin consults. To some extent, the giant, the builder of the heavenly village of the gods, Asgard, belongs to the same category. E. are opposed to gods - aces not only in time, but also in space - as inhabitants of a cold rocky country on the northern and eastern outskirts of the earth (Etunheim, Utgard), as representatives of elemental, demonic natural forces. They are the enemies of the Ases, hungry to take away their last wives - the goddesses Freya, Idunn and wonderful treasures - the attributes of the gods, such as the hammer of Thor, the rejuvenating apples of Idunn. Thor is always fighting Y., protecting Asgard and the world of people - Midgard from them. These are the giants: Thrym, from whom Thor and Loki steal the hammer of Thor stolen by him by cunning; Humir, from whom Thor obtains a cauldron for beer after fabulous trials; Thiazzi kidnapping Idunn and her apples, but eventually defeated by the Æsir; Geirrod, who wanted Thor to appear unarmed in Jotunheim, but still defeated by him; Hrungnir, defeated by Thor and his companions despite having a heart of stone; finally, Skrymir, who tried to create the illusion of failure in the trials that the giants subjected Thor and his companions (Tjalvi and Loki) in Utgard (for more details, see the article Thor and Loki). Loki voluntarily or involuntarily acts as an intermediary in relations between aces and giants (the builder of Asgard, Hold, Tyazzi, Geirrod). Odin, having outwitted the giants Suttunga and Baugi, extracts the honey of poetry, guarded by Suttunga's daughter, Gunnlöd. Along with the ugly old giantesses (like the sister of Thrym or Angrboda - the mother of the chthonic monsters Ermungand and Fenrir), Scandinavian mythology knows the beautiful daughters of giants; love affairs and even marriages with them are not uncommon among aces. Such, for example, is Skadi, the daughter of Thjazzi, whom Njord marries, or Gerd, the daughter of Gymir, whom Freyr is wooing.

Idun. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Goddess of eternal youth, keeper of "rejuvenating apples", wife of the god Braga. Idunn (renewing), in Scandinavian mythology, the guardian goddess of wonderful rejuvenating apples. Her husband was the son of Odin, the god of eloquence Braga. The magical apple tree was cherished and guarded by three wise norns. Only the goddess of spring, Idunn, they allowed to collect wonderful fruits. From her inexhaustible casket, Idunn distributed golden apples, thanks to which the gods kept eternal youth. These precious gifts were stolen by the giants, who wanted to deprive the gods of their strength and youth. One day, the fire god Loki was captured by the giant Tyazzi, and in exchange for freedom he promised to steal golden apples from Idunn. Returning to Asgard, Loki told Idunn about the apples, supposedly having even more miraculous properties, and found by him nearby; the trusting goddess went with him into the forest, where Thiazzi was waiting for her in the guise of an eagle. With clawed paws he seized Idunn and her apples and took them to Jotunheim, the land of the giants. The loss of apples immediately aged the gods, their eyes clouded, their skin became flabby, their minds weakened. Asgard is threatened with death. In the end, Odin gathered the rest of his strength and found Loki. Threatening him with death, he ordered the traitor to immediately return Idunn and the wonderful apples. Loki, turning into a falcon, flew to the domain of Thiazzi, turned Idunn into a nut and returned home with her. A giant in the guise of an eagle set off after them and tried to overtake the fugitives, but, flying over the high walls of Asgard, burned out in the flames of fires built on the walls and turned into a handful of ashes. Loki restored Idunn to her true form, and she distributed apples to the sick gods. Legends about golden apples, a symbol of youth and fertility, are known in Greek mythology (apples of the Hesperides). Maybe the Witch.

Kva;sir. Kva;zir (Old.-Isl. Kvasir) - in the German-Scandinavian mythology, a creature that arose from the saliva of Ases and Vanir, who performed a ritual mixing of saliva in a bowl at the conclusion of peace. Perhaps, he originally personified an intoxicating drink (braga or beer). Kvasir was so wise that he could answer any question. Having reconciled the Aesir and the Vanir, he went to teach people wisdom, but they listened little to the words of the little sage. Then Kvasir went to Svartalfaheim. There he met two zwerg brothers - Fyalar and Galar. They killed Kvasir and made a drink from his blood. Everyone who tried it at least once became a skilled poet, for which the drink was nicknamed "the honey of poetry." Asov brothers convinced that Kvasir died from his own wisdom, which no questions could diminish in him.

Lefn. Lofn. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Consecrates marriages between people. Maybe Slaven, Alaf (Nart epic)

Logs. In Norse mythology, the spirit of the flame. Loki competes with him during the famous trip to Utgarda-Loki.

Lodur. Loki. Loki's other names are Lodur, Loft. May be Sly, Loafer, Dodgy (Loft-Luft).

Lodur. In German-Slavic mythology, the insidious Loki could be light Lodur and dark Loft at the same time.

Loki. Loki, Loke. God of fire in Norse mythology. Agni in Vedic myths. Fire - in Russian-Slavic mythology. Not an ace, but lives in Asgard. Mentioned as giving people "warmth and blush to their faces." He comes from a family of jotuns, but the aces allowed him to live with them in Asgard for his extraordinary mind and cunning. Loki's other names are Lodur, Loft. Son of giant Farbauti and giantess Laufey. Before the giants started the war with Asami, Loki spent three years in Jotunheim with the giantess Angrboda. During this time, she bore him three children: a daughter - half red, half blue Hel (goddess of the kingdom of the dead), a giant snake Jörmungand and a wolf cub Fenrir. In addition, he existed for about a year in the form of a mare and gave birth to an eight-legged foal Sleipnir, which Odin subsequently rode. He also has two children from Sigyn: Nari and Vali (in other versions: Nari and Narvi, Vali and Tsarvi). Loki's traits are characteristic of tricksters: duplicity, resourcefulness, cunning, deceit. Often Loki is considered false, but this is not entirely true: the concepts of "false" and "truth" for Loki are simply absent. He caused many troubles to other aces, in particular, led to the death of the god Baldur. On the other hand, the aces often resorted to his services in those cases when it was necessary to show cunning. Loki had the ability to change his appearance. So, in the form of a mare, he lured a horse (Svadilfari) from the jotun-mason who built Asgard, thereby saving the aces from the need to give one of the goddesses as a wife to the latter. Enraged by the machinations of Loki, the aces caught him and his two children, Nari was turned into a wolf and he tore his brother apart. With the intestines of Vali Loki, they chained him to a rock, to three stones. Skadi, avenging her father, hung a snake over his head, the poison of which continuously drips onto Loki's face. But the faithful wife of the god Sigyn holds a bowl over him, into which the poison is collected. When the bowl overflows, Sigyn goes to empty it, and at this time the poison drips onto Loki's face, and he beats in agony. According to myths, this is what causes earthquakes. May be Sly, Loafer, Dodgy (Loft-Luft). Loki - the Black God - is a chthonic character, but in addition to blackness under the earth, blackness on earth and blackness in the sky is subordinate to him. The chained Loki remains underground as punishment for his antics. Poison from the snake's mouth drips onto Loki's face, and his convulsive movements cause earthquakes. Loki's daughter, Hel, owns the Lower World. If Midgard is considered the earth, Loki is represented there in the form of the World (Midgard) Serpent. If Asgard is considered to be the sky, then he, of course, is a black among the aces, like Loft is a "sower of discord." Loki is one of the oldest gods from the older generation. His Vedic predecessor is Agni. Under the name of Lodur, Loki enters one of the Eddic Triglavs. Loki Associated with death and the world of the dead. The goddess of death Hel is the daughter of Loki. As Lodur, Loki is involved in the creation of the first people. He is "the culprit of strife. Loki influences the fate of the world, acting as the initiator and executor (distributor) of various deeds. His connection with destinies, as a trickster, is justified by A. Platov. For example, Loki initiates the creation of magical things, the construction of a wall around Asgard and the culprit of violating this asami of the oath. He is also the mastermind behind the murder of Baldr. Ases more than once got into trouble because of him, but often he rescued them with his resourcefulness. Loki-Chernobog is associated with underground fire. There is a hint that Loki is generally a relative of Surt ( Black). It is Loki who successfully competes with Logi - the spirit of the flame (their names are not accidentally consonant, remember Agni) during the famous campaign to Utgarda-Loki. The wolf Fenrir is the son of Loki. After the capture of Loki, one of his sons Narvi turned into a wolf Loki is the vodka of the Ship of the Dead - Naglfar according to the Elder Edda. "Loki is followed by the companions of Hel" during the battle on the field of Vigrid according to the Younger Edda. Finally, Loki is the progenitor of all witches. Serpent Jormungandr (Midga rdsky Serpent) is the son of Loki. The system of nine worlds was created by the sons of Bor - Odin, Vili, Ve. Loki, according to Loki's Quarrel, is Odin's blood brother. In addition, “his brothers Büleist and Helblindi”, and Helbdindi (Blindly-Hel) is Odin’s hati from the famous enumeration in Grimnir’s Speeches. This suggests the comparability of the triads Odin-Lodur-Khenir and Helblindi-Loki-Buleist. Loki, as A. Platov writes, is a crooked reflection of Odin. (The latter, by the way, does not prevent the insidious Loki from being a light Lodur and a dark Loft at the same time). Loki, in turn, spoils the world created by Odin, Vili and Ve (and acts here as the dark hypostasis of Odin). Loki - "evil ace", "sower of discord", "enemy of the gods", "slanderer and deceiver of the gods", "blacksmith of troubles". "He is malicious in disposition and very changeable, he surpassed all people with that wisdom that is called deceit." Loki is the Black God. The opponent of Chernobog is Bel-god. Since Heimdall is the main opponent of Loki, Heimdall can be called Bel-god.

Lofn. Sjöfn accompanies Lofn, who is "... so kind that she prays to the Allfather or Frigga to create a union between a woman and a man, even if they were previously denied it. Therefore, it is from her name that the meaning of the word "lof," (permission / permission ), as well as lofat - a strong praise of something by people." Today, Lofn can be addressed by gays and lesbians. But the concept of "permission" is no less important outside the realm of love. Lofn can help us afford all those things that keep us from fulfilling our complexes or public opinion. She is the door to freedom and access to joy. Her symbol is a golden key. Maybe Slaven, Alaf (Nart epic)

Loft. In German-Slavic mythology, God is the sower of discord. The evil Loki could be light Lodur and dark Loft at the same time.

Magni. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. The son of Thor and the giantess Yarnsaksa, grew up in three days and saved his father, who was crushed by a defeated enemy. Maybe Mighty.

Mimir. In Norse mythology. Uncle Odin. As a sign of reconciliation with the Vanir, the Ases sent hostages to Vanaheim: Hoenir, the brother of the god Odin, who gave the first people feelings, and the wise Mimir. At first Hoenir and Mimir were warmly received by the Vans, but they soon came to the conclusion that they had lost in the exchange with the Aesir. The indecisive Hoenir could not say a word if Mimir was not around. The Vanir decided that Mimir was not only Hoenir's voice, but also his mind. Enraged, they cut off Mimir's head and sent it to the Æsir. One embalmed the head of the unfortunate man, then cast a spell over it that returned the gift of speech. Subsequently, Odin instructed the head of Mimir to guard the magical source under the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil. Desiring some of Mimir's knowledge, Odin gave him one eye for permission to drink from the source of wisdom. Before the last battle of gods and monsters, Ragnarok, Odin must go to the source and there seek advice from the head of Mimir.

Nanna. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Wife of Baldur. The Hyperboeans had the God of Heaven Anu, they also had the goddess Inanna, the foremother of the good land and the steppe, the Hyperboreans also had the seven-headed goddess Nan-from the abyss, the wife of Anu.

Norns. Norns, in the German-Scandinavian mythology, the goddess of fate. The first norn was the wise old Urd ("fate"), reading a scroll of the past. The second was called Verdandi ("becoming"); she symbolized the present. The third, Skuld ("duty"), kept a scroll of the future. The Norns lived at the spring of Urd at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil, which they daily sprayed with moisture from the spring. There was a belief that the Norns only determined the fate of the gods, giants, dwarfs and people, but could not control it, although it happened that they foreshadowed misfortune. For example, Urd told the supreme god Odin that he was destined to die in the jaws of the terrible wolf Fenrir on the day of the battle of Ragnarok. There is a clear parallel between the norns, the Greek moirae and the Roman parks. It is probable that originally the norns were also spinners. However, if the Greeks and Romans believed that the goddesses spin the threads of fate of a certain length for each mortal, then in Norse mythology such an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdestiny is absent.

One. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Wotan (Godan) is his Germanic name. His name was also Svafnir. The father of the Ases and the wisest of them, the inventor of poetry and magic, the god of thunder and lightning, the supreme god, the king of the Ases, the master of Valhalla.

Odr. In Norse mythology, Odr. The Slavs and Russians have a God called Oderyshek (his day is March 22, when he gets to his back). Odradek - The creature resembles a flat toothed spool of thread. It lives in the attic or on the stairs, in the corridors in the hallway. The tribes of the Odrys-Ruses are well known among the Thracians, who settled from the Danube to Central Anatolia in Turkey. The Troad region and the city of Troy are known in the era of the decline of Ararat in the 3rd millennium BC. Odr - bed - foot - pard. Obviously, the word "Rus" meant the totem of the leopard-lynx, the image of which accompanied the "lynxes" from the bas-reliefs of Chattal-Guyuk to temple frescoes Kievan Rus. The king of the Balkan Russ (Odryses) Teres in the 5th century. BC. creates an independent state on the territory of modern Bulgaria, which existed until the beginning of the new era. (G. Klimov)

Ollerus. Ull. Saxo Grammatik in the "Acts of the Danes" mentions Ollerus, who allegedly reigned in Byzantium after the expulsion of Odin from there. Maybe Oleg, Volga.

First Triglav. In Norse mythology, the sons of Bor. According to the Younger Edda, people were created by the First Triglav - the sons of Bor, according to the Elder Edda, this was done by the Second Triglav. "Song of Riga".

Rig. Scand. Rig. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Father of people. Might be Rizza. Rzhanitsa. Rigach. Rizhnik. The Slavs have the Spirit living on the strips of rye. “The Song of Rig” tells about him as an educator (“Rig knew how to give them advice;”) and the initiator in the literal and figurative sense of the three castes. People since then, according to the "Song of Riga" are already born thrals, karls and jarls, i.e. the direction of their fate is determined by this caste (and the corresponding physiology, which is most perfect among the Jarls). At the same time, Rig-Heimdall teaches his third son, Jarl, that one cannot simply pass on through heredity, as happens with ordinary occupations.

Saga. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Serves Frigga and carries out her orders. Saga (Old Norse Saga) is a goddess of Scandinavian mythology, about which little is known. According to the Icelandic Dictionary, the name Saga is akin to "segja" (to say), and "saga" which means story, tale, legend, story. The word itself owes its origin to the fact that the first historical writings were based only on tradition, the stories passed down to be written down as sagas or legends. The recorded stories were not new, they were already familiar to many generations. Storytelling was one of the entertainments at public meetings in Iceland, at feasts, weddings, etc., traces of such entertainments are mentioned even at the meetings of the Icelandic Althing. The narrator of sagas is called s;gu-madhr ("husband of the saga") or s;gu-kona ("woman of the saga"). (Cleasby and Vigfusson, Icelandic Dictionary). Competitions were held: who will drink the most beer and tell stories. The saga, which is also synonymous with the word history, knows the names of the ancestors and all the stories of the family. She is probably the one who gives advice to diss and speaks through every old grandmother who keeps a box of family photos and remembers old stories. Its symbol seems to me to be a manuscript or a golden bowl. The saga may be invoked to aid in the telling or writing of stories, legends, and the like. It helps us remember and understand the past. She is interested in individuals, families, cultural history and oral tradition. To get in touch with her, collect your family history and write them down. The ritual in honor of the Saga could be the storytelling in a circle. Light a fire in the fireplace and pass around the bowl or horn. According to the Grimnism;l Edda, Saga dwells on Sökkvabekk and drinks there daily with Odin from a golden vessel. Apparently, Saga is just another name for Frigga, the wife of Odin. Mullengoff sees in Cage the personification of the reflection of the sun in the water. In Tibet and among the Mongols there is a mythological Character Tsagaan Gertu Khan, "White Yurt Khan". Genghis Khan had among his especially revered banners Tsagan Sulde - a white banner.

Siv (Sif). In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Goddess of fertility, wife of Thor. Sif in Scandinavian mythology is the goddess, the wife of Thor. From her first marriage she had a son Uu, the god of archers and skiers. Siv was famous for her wonderful golden hair (probably a symbol of fertility). There is a myth about how Loki cut off her hair, and then, at the request of Thor, forced the Zwerg to forge a magical wig for Siv from golden threads, which looked wonderful: even the weakest breeze fluttered thick golden strands, and, in addition, the hair itself grew on her head . Deciding to please the gods and leave them in their debt, the dwarfs used the remaining heat in the forge to make the folding ship Skidbladnir for the fertility god Freyr and the magic spear Gungnir for Odin. Returning from the forge to the abode of the gods Asgard with a wig, a ship and a spear, Loki met the dwarf brothers Brokk and Eitri. They appreciated the craftsmanship with which these wonderful things were made. Loki suggested that they forge something better and even bet on his head that they would not be able to surpass the tsvergs. Touched to the core, the brothers made for Thor the magic hammer Mjollnir, a thunderstorm of giants. The suffering of the beautiful Siv, who lost her thick hair due to the evil whim of Loki, was identified by the Scandinavians with winter, when stubble remains instead of a golden field in the fields. Sofia, Sofia, Sif, Sev, Sever, Savir, Sybir, Siberia.

Syn. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Protects their human homes from thieves. Sin is the one who guards our borders. In Thesalir, she guards the doors of the hall and locks the entrance for those who do not intend to enter there. At meetings, she prepares a rebuff to those questions that she wants to refute. "Syn" equals rebuttal, saying no. Sin is the one who guards the doors we want to keep locked, whether they are physical doors or gates to our inner world. She is the power that allows us to understand what is true and what is not, and gives us the power to "say no" to things that can humiliate or hurt us. She can be called upon to protect a home or sacred place, or to create a shield that can withstand physical or mental attack. In our meditations, she appears at the door of Frigga's hall dressed in gray and holding a shield. Her symbol is a birch broom, which is hung on the door to ward off evil. In the rite of her veneration, we made our own sacred broom by tying straw on a birch stick. Each woman, tying her bundle of straw, named the qualities that she wanted to give to this object.

Sif. Siv. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Goddess of fertility, wife of Thor. Sofia, Sofia, Sif, Sev, Sever, Savir, Sybir, Siberia.

Snotra. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Goddess of reason, wisdom and courtesy. She is smart and reserved, and wise women and reserved men are named after her. Snotra is given in the collection "Vision of Gulvi" "Younger Edda". At first glance, Snotra to some extent duplicates the functions of the wise Braga, but a closer look reveals enough important function: mental balance, equanimity, which is one of the characteristic features"the nature of the Nordic, solid" and representing a high value in the system of personality assessment inherent in Asatru. Diana Paxton, in connection with goddess Frigg there is a capacious characteristic of Snotra: "Snotra is wise, courteous, with meek manners." In the old Norman "Snot" - a word meaning bride or mistress. Snotra helps to acquire those qualities, social skills and morals that are necessary for a group of people to endure the long northern winter in each other's company. Snotra's knowledge goes beyond mere etiquette. She is the Great Lady, in her we find qualities that allow us to overcome physical and social disasters. She always knows how to do the right thing and has a deep understanding of human nature and social relationships. She not only knows the rules of behavior, but also the reasons that give rise to them. In her character we find courage without bravado, nobility - a specific kind of courage that allows people of strong character and excellent education to set a good example. Her symbol is a linen handkerchief.

Surtr. Surtur. In Norse mythology, the fiery giant, the lord of Muspelheim. Surtr rules over the fire giants. His name means Black (Swarty). In the "Divination of the Völva" ("Elder Edda") it is said that before the end of the world (Ragnarok). Surt comes from the south and his chthonic hordes, like the south wind, moving to the north, in the last battle will fight with the gods Asami. In this battle of Surt, he kills the god Freyr and then burns the world. According to legend, his sword will cut down the world tree Yggdrasil and this will be the beginning of the death of the whole world. Only the forest of Hoddmimir will remain, as this is the only place where his flaming sword loses its power. Loki is probably related to Loki. Apparently, Surt sat on the edge of the Earth, Muspell, where he sat on the edge of this land of fire back in those days when there was neither Asgard nor Midgard (only Muspelheim and Niflheim). Chernobog (Loki Surt, Head). In Chuvash mythology, the spirit is the patron of the home and family of Hert-Surt. This is a character of non-Turkic origin of the Finnish-speaking population of Eastern Europe.

Sons of Bor. In German-Scandinavian mythology, according to the Younger Edda, people were created by the First Triglav - the sons of Bor, according to the Elder Edda, this was done by the Second Triglav (Song of Riga). The system of nine worlds was created by the sons of Bor - Odin, Vili, Ve.

Sjöfn. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Goddess of love and friendship. The one that inclines hearts to love, both women and men. It is to her name that the meaning of the word "siafni", meaning affection, goes back. They call on her when they want to attract the attention of a loved one or a loved one. Her power extends far beyond passion or romantic love. When one reflects on her functions, it becomes clear that she governs the whole complex of tender relationships in which women keep the family together, including the love for siblings, parents and children, and the affection that grows between those who work together. Her symbol is a pink stone heart on a gold chain. Sjöfn collects and mixes hearts.

Tivaz. Tür.

Tyr. Tür.

Tiu. Tür.

Thor. (;;rr, Thor, Thunar, Donar). Thunderbolt. Donar is a Germanic given name. The god of thunder, who with his hammer plunges the giants - the enemies of aces and other monsters, the patron of blacksmiths, the defender of Midgard. Maybe Khor-Tor, Don among the Russians. In German-Scandinavian mythology, one of the aces, the god of thunder, lightning, storms and fertility. The eldest son of Odin and the earth goddess Yord or Fjorgyn. The name of the war hammer of the god, Mjollnir, could once mean the word "lightning", forged for the god by the dwarf brothers (zwerg), a symbol of creative and destructive forces, a source of fertility and good luck, had a massive striker, a short handle and always hit the target. Thor, the worst enemy of the giants, had much in common with them. The red-bearded hero was very energetic and had an incredible appetite - he ate a bull in one sitting. Thor liked to measure his strength with everyone. His huge bronze chariot was dragged across the sky by two goats called Tangniostr ("grinding teeth") and Tangrisnir ("grinding teeth"). With a red-hot hammer and a belt of strength, Thor was invincible. True, he was unable to prevent Ragnarök, the day of universal destruction, but he was able to rid the world of the serpent Jörmungandr. Thor was constantly accompanied by the god of fire Loki, who usually held on to the belt of a thunderbolt. In some cases, Loki's resourcefulness and dexterity made the giants on their guard. Thor's war hammer, Mjollnir, served the gods as protection from giants and had many magical properties: it influenced fertility and death, could bring animals back to life, and blessed marriages. On the day of Ragnarök, Thor died from the offspring of Loki, the serpent Jörmungandr. Thunderbolt blew off the monster's ugly head and, moving only nine steps away from it, drowned in a stream of poison belching from the open mouth of the dead creature.

Triglav II. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, the Second Triglav.

Triglav First. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, the First Triglav.

Tridi (Third). In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. One of the three Ases, who talked with King Gylfi. Maybe one of the Triglavs.

Tours. (thurs). In Norse mythology, giants are most often humanoid. The rune Turisaz is associated with turses. Trolls among the Scandinavians. Correspond to the titans in ancient mythology. Tours (giants) are divided into several genera, according to the place of residence. Frost giants are the first living creatures (Ymir and his children) that appeared in the world even before gods and people. Their direct continuation is the ice giants - the inhabitants of Niflheim. Jotuns, turses, in the later Scandinavian tradition - trolls, in Scandinavian mythology giants. They are presented in two ways. On the one hand, these are the ancient giants - the first inhabitants of the world, preceding the gods and people in time. These are Ymir and his direct descendants (the so-called frost giants - hrimturs), including Bergelmir, according to the Younger Edda, who escaped in the ark when the gods killed Ymir, and drowned all the frost giants in his blood. The concept of frost giants includes their great wisdom. Such are Bolthorn - the father of Odin's mother, who gives him magical runes, and Vaftrudnir - Odin competes with him in wisdom ("Vaftrudnir's speeches" in the "Elder Edda"). Apparently, the owner of the honey source of wisdom, Mimir, is also a giant, with whose head Odin consults. To some extent, the giant, the builder of the heavenly village of the gods, Asgard, belongs to the same category. E. are opposed to gods - aces not only in time, but also in space - as inhabitants of a cold rocky country on the northern and eastern outskirts of the earth (Etunheim, Utgard), as representatives of elemental, demonic natural forces. They are the enemies of the Ases, hungry to take away their last wives - the goddesses Freya, Idunn and wonderful treasures - the attributes of the gods, such as the hammer of Thor, the rejuvenating apples of Idunn. Thor is always fighting Y., protecting Asgard and the world of people - Midgard from them. These are the giants: Thrym, from whom Thor and Loki steal the hammer of Thor stolen by him by cunning; Humir, from whom Thor obtains a cauldron for beer after fabulous trials; Thiazzi kidnapping Idunn and her apples, but eventually defeated by the Æsir; Geirrod, who wanted Thor to appear unarmed in Jotunheim, but still defeated by him; Hrungnir, defeated by Thor and his companions despite having a heart of stone; finally, Skrymir, who tried to create the illusion of failure in the trials that the giants subjected Thor and his companions (Tjalvi and Loki) in Utgard (for more details, see the article Thor and Loki). Loki voluntarily or involuntarily acts as an intermediary in relations between aces and giants (the builder of Asgard, Hold, Tyazzi, Geirrod). Odin, having outwitted the giants Suttunga and Baugi, extracts the honey of poetry, guarded by Suttunga's daughter, Gunnlöd. Along with the ugly old giantesses (like the sister of Thrym or Angrboda - the mother of the chthonic monsters Ermungand and Fenrir), Scandinavian mythology knows the beautiful daughters of giants; love affairs and even marriages with them are not uncommon among aces. Such, for example, is Skadi, the daughter of Thjazzi, whom Njord marries, or Gerd, the daughter of Gymir, whom Freyr is wooing.

Tür. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. God of war, guardian of military traditions, patron of military meetings and fights, son of Odin; he has only his left hand, for he sacrificed his right to bind the wolf Fenrir. Tyr, Tyr, Tiu, Tiwaz, in the German-Scandinavian mythology "the god of battle", the son of Odin and his wife Frigg. His cult was closely associated with the cult of Odin, and both were sacrificed by the hanged. Tyr was probably originally the god of the sky, whose powers later passed to Odin and Thor. Odin's magic spear, Gungnir, which always hits the target, could once have belonged to Tyr, as evidenced by the Viking custom of throwing spears behind opponents before hand-to-hand combat, as well as the latest archaeological finds of magnificently ornamented spears dedicated to the "wisest and most courageous god" Tyur. One of the myths about Tyr is associated with Fenrir. This monstrous wolf grew so strong that the gods decided to put him on a chain. Ordinary chains did not hold the beast, and in order for Fenrir to agree to put on magical chains, Tyr had to put his right hand in his mouth as a sign of trust. When the wolf realized that he was unable to break the bonds, he bit off his hand, and the gods laughed for a long time at Tyr's suffering. The demotion of Tyr in the hierarchy of the gods may be due precisely to the injury. A similar incident occurred with the Celtic god Nuadu, who lost his arm in the first battle of Moitura and therefore ceased to lead the Tribes of the goddess Danu. In the last battle before the end of the world, Tyr fought the demon dog Garm, and they killed each other. In Roman mythology, Mars corresponds to the early image of Tyr. Maybe Khor-Tor, Tur.

Ull. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Not much is known about this ancient deity, but adherents of the Asatru religion find many attractive features in him. In kennings (poetic parables), he appears as "as-archer", "as-skier", "as-shield" (the shield is called "ash tree" or "Ull's ship"). As a skier-god, Ull was repeatedly compared and approached Skadi. Ull does not have its own myth, but traces of the cult of Ull have been found in Sweden and Norway. Ull, the god of winter, was the son of Siv and the stepson of Thor (son of Siv from his first marriage to the star hero Orvandil). Thus, Ull belongs to the Vanir class. Ull Like Orvandil, Ull seems to be much older than the Aesir and even the Vanir. Some researchers identify him with the archaic god of death, revered in Norway, where many settlements are named after him. The name "Ull" means "brilliant". In Scandinavia, it is associated with the Northern Lights. Apparently, at some time Ull played no less important role than Odin, and it was believed that he rules Asgard in winter months. Ull is the skier god, the patron of winter. His weapon is a bow. His wife Skadi, whose name means "shadow", was also once the local archaic goddess of death. According to other sources, Ull had a twin sister named Ullin. In all likelihood, Ullin is the Scandinavian counterpart of Holda, the goddess of snow. This hypothesis fits well into the general system of twin deities, which stands out within the framework of northern mythology. When calling on Ull, one should face north. Its main rune is Eyvaz, the additional one is Vunyo. Both of them will help to gain the favor of this deity, but it is best to call on Ull with the help of a linked rune consisting of these two runes. Ull was approached with requests to grant victory in a duel, and also called him to witness the oath. Therefore, one of Ull's attributes is the oath ring, which was placed on his altar. The Anglo-Saxons honored him under the name "Vuldor", meaning "brilliance" or "glory". Saxo Grammatik in the "Acts of the Danes" mentions Ollerus, who allegedly reigned in Byzantium after the expulsion of Odin from there. Maybe Oleg, Volga.

Undines. Undines ("waves"), in the mythology of the peoples of Western Europe women's perfume water, inhabitants of streams, rivers and lakes. People believed that these beautiful girls, sometimes with fish tails, come out of the water and comb their loose hair on the shore. With sweet-sounding singing and beauty, they lured travelers into their kingdom, destroyed them or made them lovers. It was believed that the undines could acquire a human soul by falling in love and giving birth to a child on earth. Among medieval alchemists, undines are spirits that control the water element, just as salamanders are fire spirits, sylphs are air spirits, gnomes are spirits of the underworld. In Greek mythology, they correspond to nymphs, in Slavic - mermaids.

Forseti. In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. Chairman. Son of Baldr and Nanna. Forseti is the god of justice and fairness, arbitration and reconciliation. resolving disputes and returning consent to the disputants. Forseti - chairman of the Thing, resolving disputes of aces. Forseti was one of the wisest and most eloquent aces. Forseti ruled in Glitnir (Old. Icelandic Glitnir - shining, so named because of the brightest radiance of silver and gold from which it was made). Sitting in front of everyone. Court.

Fjergun. German Goddess. This name is often compared with the name Perkun, which is preserved to some extent in the name of the mother deity of German-Scandinian mythology - the mother of the Thunderer Thor is called Fjergun. At first glance, far from the original "Perk-un", but, according to scientists, descended from him.

Frigg (she is often confused with Freya). In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Odin's wife, protector of people. The image of Frigg, whose name can be translated as "love" (frigu - love of St. English), which has come down to us from ancient times, is quite complex and versatile. Not only does she seem to take no offense at Odin's dealings with other women, she herself is said to live with his brothers while he travels, and without objection from him. Indeed, the relationship between them is mutually respectful and their only known quarrels are political in nature. In fact, the accusations made by Loki against most of the goddesses at Aegir's feast suggest sexual freedom. So Njord says about Freya: "It is not a crime if a woman has a husband and a lover..."

Fulla. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Frigga's faithful servant. She always helps the goddesses cope with difficult work. Fulla is a virgin, with flowing hair tied with a golden ribbon. She carries Frigga's box, takes care of her shoes, and shares her secrets. Nanna sent her a ring from Hel. She may be the same Volla, named Frigga's sister, Grimm suggests her to be a female counterpart of Foul, who may be Baldur's hypostasis (in this case, she was Frigga's daughter, not sister). Frigga sends her to mislead Geirrod. Fulla is the guardian of the Northern Women's Mysteries. She is a threshold figure who holds the visible symbol of secrets. She is the one who can open Frigga's box and give the women access to the treasure, keeping it in a place where no man can see it. Her symbols are a golden ribbon and a casket she carries. She appeared as icy as the moon, with long blond hair. To understand Fulla's powers, we must consider the treasures she guards. One way is to draw a box and write inside it the names of our own resources and abilities. Or you can take a real box and gradually fill it with items that symbolize the things we value.

Har (High). In the German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the higher Gods. One of the three Ases who spoke with King Gylfi. Presumably One. Maybe Horus, Hor-Tor.

Hod. In German-Scandinavian mythology, As is one of the Highest Gods. Son of Odin, blind ace, god of winter. Son of Odin and Frigga. Known for killing Baldr with an arrow placed in his hands by the fire god Loki. For which he was killed by ace Vali before he managed to say about his innocence. On giving on the day of Ragnarok, he will return to the world of the living and will be among the new gods who will survive the last battle. May be Thin (sick, blind).

Heimdall. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. The son of Odin, "the brightest of the Aesir", the guardian god of the rainbow bridge connecting heaven and earth. Heimdall is the guardian of the gods, who lives at the edge of the world and guards the Bifrost rainbow bridge from the jotun giants. He sees both day and night at a distance of a hundred miles and hears the grass growing in the field and the wool on the sheep. His teeth are pure gold, and at his belt hangs the golden horn Gjallarhorn, the sound of which will be heard in all corners of the world. The sound of his horn will herald the beginning of Ragnarok.

Hoenir. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Mentioned as having breathed soul into people. Companion and interlocutor of Odin. Together with Odin and Loki, he participates in the revival of the tree prototypes of the first people. According to the "Divination of the Völva", he will live in the revived world after Ragnarok, along with Baldr and Hod. The crater Hoenir on Jupiter's moon Callisto is named after this god.

Hermod. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. The son of Odin and the brother of Balder, for whom he traveled to the realm of the dead on Sleipnir. Hermod ("courageous"), in Scandinavian mythology, the son of Odin and the brother of Baldr, who acted as a messenger and messenger of the gods. In addition, Hermod, apparently, was related to the underworld, since it was he who was instructed to go to Hel to ask for the rescue of the deceased Balder. The brave god rode there on Odin's horse, the eight-legged Sleipnir. Arriving in Hel, Hermod learned that his brother had managed to occupy a high position in the realm of the dead. The messenger of the gods told Hel about the purpose of his visit, and she agreed to let Balder go if all the creatures and things in the world began to mourn him, and also allowed Hermod to return to Asgard the wonderful ring of Odin, which he put on the finger of his dead son in a fit of despair. Once Hermod almost died on the way to Midgard, the land of people. Worried about predictions about his future, Odin sent him to foreign lands to the Finnish sage Rosstjof for advice. With the help of magic, Hermod was saved and hurried back to Asgard to calm his father. In Greek mythology, to some extent, the herald of the gods Hermes corresponds to him.

Hurt Surt. In Chuvash mythology, the spirit is the patron of the home and family. The image of Khert-Surt is of non-Turkic origin and is apparently associated with the mythology of the Finnish-speaking population of Eastern Europe. (The spirits identical to Khert-Surt in function with similar names were revered by the Finnic-speaking peoples of the Volga region, for example, the patroness of the court Kardaz-ava among the Mordovians.) The word “surt” in the name Khert-Surt is possibly related to the Russian “devil”. It was believed that Hert-Surt is usually invisible, and when shown to people, it takes the form of a woman or a girl in white. Hert-Surt lives on the stove (according to some myths, Hert-Surt's mother, Hert-Surt amashe, lives on the stove, and Hert-Surt herself lives in the stable). At night, Hert-Surt spins yarn and sifts flour (you can detect the presence of spirit by the noise that occurs at the same time), braids braids in the manes of his favorite horses at the stable, and looks after the cattle. Anticipating trouble, Hert-Surt groans or knocks. Hert-Surt does not like quarrels and abuse in the family; if Hert-Surt leaves the unloved owner, there will be no more happiness in his house. Moving to new house, the hosts invited Hert-Surt with them. Once a year or several years, a holiday was celebrated in honor of Hert-Surt, at which small sacrifices were made to her: after prayer and dinner, the hostess of the house put Hert-Surt on the stove with a dish of porridge and cakes. In the morning, the porridge was warmed up and eaten by the whole family. Young women, visiting their parental home soon after the wedding, brought gifts to Hert-Surt so that they would be happy in their married life. Khert-Surt in the mythologies of other Turkic-speaking peoples corresponds to the Tatars. iyase, yort iyase, bashk. yort eyyape, karachaevsk, yu iyesi. Wed also brownies in the mythologies of the Finno-speaking peoples of the Volga region and the Eastern Slavs.

Khlin. In Norse mythology, she protects those whom Frigga wants to save, she is a refuge for those who are in danger. "From this comes the saying that he who flees finds refuge (hleinir)." She takes the place of Frigga in the following passage "Another woe is experienced by Hlin: when Odin goes forward to fight the Wolf" ("Volusp;": 52). Scholars generally agree that her first grief was the death of Baldr. Apparently Frigga is identified with Hlin here because in that case she would be unable to protect the one she loved, Baldr, and she would also be unable to help Odin when Ragnarok happened. Khlin provides personal protection and saves the persecuted from danger; she is the refuge of a fugitive. If Sin's defense is protective, then Hlin's defense is more active, she fights for her charges and hides them from danger. She is the passionate fury of a mother protecting her young. It protects against those who want to take advantage of a woman's vulnerability, as well as physical weakness in general. She is the shield of the Thief. Her symbols are a blade or a shield.

Chernobog. In the Germanic-Sandinavian mythology, Loki. Loki, as A. Platov writes, is a crooked reflection of Odin. (The latter, by the way, does not prevent the insidious Loki from being a light Lodur and a dark Loft at the same time). When creating a new World, Odin acts as Chernobog, he kills Ymir and violates the Order that was under Ymir, i.e. destroys the world that existed before Odin and consisted only of Muspelheim, Niflheim and the World Abyss. Loki, in turn, spoils the world created by Odin, Vili and Ve (and acts here as the dark hypostasis of Odin). Black Gods are dark characters associated with the lower world, the world of dead matter, they either come from the beyond world or live outside our world and the hero comes to them; Their opponent turns out to be a hero, correlated with the White Light both literally (Lley - Balor's opponent has solar features) and figuratively; All of them lead the force that opposes the Light - the world of the hero; Each of the opponents of the “wielding character” is flawed in some way. Meeting with the Dark Enemy removes this "inferiority".

Einherja. In German-Scandinavian mythology, "valiantly fallen" warriors, constantly living in the heavenly Valhalla after their heroic death and making up the squad of the god Odin. Carried away from the battlefield by the Valkyries, they spent their days in battles, and their nights in feasts, and the wounds received by them in the daytime battle were miraculously healed by evening. On the day of the death of the world of Ragnarok, the Einherjars will have to take part in the last battle of the gods with giants and monsters.

Air. In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. Ac. Goddess of healing. An extremely good doctor. " In "Svipsdagmal" Air is the wife of Mengloth, Living on Lufya, the Mountain of Healing, regarding which it is said: "Lufya mountain is high, the road to the top is not easy, A halt can help the sick. A healthy one can overcome her, although she seems helpless who is subject to her height. ". Her name is also seen among the "servants of Odin", the Valkyries. Air is a healer of the gods, her origin is mysterious and is associated with her skills in shaping fates. she goes where her services are needed, acting as a family doctor, apparently she practices all kinds of traditional medicine, typical for women, based both on the knowledge of herbs and the rules of healthy eating, and on incantations, in our work with her she seems strict , but compassionate, her symbols are mortar and pestle.The ritual dedicated to Eir may represent the making of amulets with medicinal herbs (angelica).

Elves. German elf - from alb - white. In Norse mythology, the fairy people in Norse and Celtic folklore. They are also known under the names of Alva (Swedish), Sides (Irl.). In German-Scandinavian mythology, the lowest natural spirits. Essentially the same word "flvy", only in the pronunciation of some German-Scandinavian languages. Elves were represented as anthropomorphic creatures of small stature, dexterous and agile, with long arms and short legs. Their occupations were determined primarily by their habitat. The elves living in the mountains were considered excellent weaponsmiths and blacksmiths; and the elves who settled by the water were excellent musicians. In general, all these creatures were very fond of music and dancing. According to legend, the elves were a whole mythical people, divided into rich and poor. They could be good and evil. Like people, they were of different sexes and could give birth to children. There are tales of marriages between elves and humans. Like any spirits, elves were considered endowed with considerable supernatural abilities. List of elves in the "Younger Edda": Light elves (elves) are skilled blacksmiths, wizards and musicians. Völund is the lord of the elves, an excellent blacksmith. Beila, Biggvir, Dökkalfar, Svartalfar. Dark elves (dwarves) are also skilled blacksmiths and sorcerers. Khreidmar is a sorcerer who, as a ransom for the murder of his son, was given the treasures of the Nibelungs, cursed by Andvari, as a ransom for the murder of his son. Sons of Hreidmar - Otr, Regin, Fafnir. Gandalf is a mage and sorcerer. Vidfin is a dwarf who sent his sons to extract honey from the honey source of Mimir's wisdom. Widfin's sons - Beal, Huki. Descriptions of elves in different mythologies vary, but, as a rule, they are beautiful, bright creatures, spirits of the forest, friendly to humans. Many myths and writers make no distinction between elves and fairies. In fantasy literature, elves are, along with dwarves, goblins and trolls, one of the "standard" races. In the Germanic languages ​​there is a group of words similar to "elf": the Danish name "elv", the Anglo-Saxon "aelf", the Swedish "alv", the Norwegian "alv" and the Icelandic "alf-ur", which indicates a single root, and therefore - about the former unity of ideas about elves among the ancestors of all modern Germanic peoples. The very origin of the German word "elf" is much more difficult to understand, and hardly possible at all. Some researchers associate this word with the Roman root "alb" - "white", there is also an opinion that it comes from the Welsh or Scottish "ellyl" / "aillil" - "shining", going back to the Sumerian "ellu" - also "shining" (The elves of early legends were distinguished by their radiance, for an example, see Anglo-Saxon word "shelf-science").

Yafnhar (Equally high). In the German-Scandinavian mythology of the higher gods. One of the three Ases, who talked with King Gylfi. Presumably Loki.

Gylfi In German-Scandinavian mythology, the legendary Swedish king, originally a sea giant, who heard Gifeon's stories about aces and went in search of them; after long wanderings, as a reward for his zeal, he got the opportunity to talk with three aces (High, Equal High and Third), who answered his questions about the origin, structure and fate of the universe.