(Image Source; http://www.viking-mythology.com/)
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Valkyries
The Valkyries were female virgin warriors who armed with helmets and spears rode upon horses. It was their decision who fell in battle, there would be six to thirteen Valkyries present at any single moment. They would take half the selected dead to Valhalla whilst the other half would go to Freya's afterlife in Folkvangr. Freya would choose the half she wished from the fallen Vikings. Odin would grant the Valkyries permission to enter Midgard in the form of a white swan, but should they be seen out of that form they would become mortal and would never be able to return to Valhalla. The most famous of the Valkyries was Brynhildr whose name means Bright Battle.
Nidavellir
The home of the Dwarves, the Dwarves were a race that lived in caves and underground. The King of the Dwarves was Hreidmar. They were known throughout the nine realms as masters of craftsmanship, with many of the Aesir receiving gifts from them. Thor's hammer Mjolnir was a gift along with Odin's spear Gungnir.
(Image source; http://www.goddessfreya.info/myths/nidavellir.htm)
Svartalfheim
The home of the Dark Elves. The dark elves detested the sun and as such lived in beneath the ground; they were hideous creatures who caused many problems for the humans of Midgard. The dark elves were known to cause trouble throughout the nine realms; causing nightmares in many of the inhabitants. In Norse Mythology dark elves were also known as Mare, they would rest upon the chest of a sleeping person and whisper nightmares into their ear in order to haunt their dreams.It was also believed that if a dark elf was touched by sunlight they would immediately turn into stones.
(Image Source; http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/norse-mythology/images/23500281/title/svartalfheim-photo)
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Jotunheim
The land of the Frost Giants or Jotunn. The Jotnar were the sworn enemies of the Aesir and were constantly at war with one another, however there were Jotnar who had love affairs with the Aesir, Thor and Odin both had a few Jotunn lovers according to mythology. Loki was in fact a Jotunn himself but was accepted into Asgard as Odin's son and Thor's brother (I should point out that in the sagas it has never been confirmed if Loki was adopted by Odin or simply included in the royal family as an extra.) Jotunheim was separated from Asgard by the river Iving which despite Jotunheim's sub-zero temperatures never froze over.
Jotunheim was believed to be a frozen tundra, consisting of rocks and dense forests. The Jotunns were forced to hunt animals from the forests and fish from the rivers due to the infertile land of Jotunheim. The world itself was believed to have been created from the Giant Ymir's head, who was as previously mentioned killed by Odin and his brothers.
Jotunheim was believed to be a frozen tundra, consisting of rocks and dense forests. The Jotunns were forced to hunt animals from the forests and fish from the rivers due to the infertile land of Jotunheim. The world itself was believed to have been created from the Giant Ymir's head, who was as previously mentioned killed by Odin and his brothers.
(Image sourced; http://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/the-nine-worlds/jotunheim/)
Midgard
Midgard-The 'Middle-Earth'. Connected to Asgard by the Bifrost, Midgard is the home of humans. Surrounded by a vast impassible ocean and it was in this ocean that the Midgard Serpent (Jormungandr) resided. The Midgardians (humans) were granted permission by Odin and his brothers Vili and Ve to live on Midgard after the creation of the first humans.
(Image sourced; http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Whiterun_(Skyrim))
(The image is Whiterun from Skyrim, it was the best representation I could think of)
Alfheim
Alfheim- The home of the Light Elves. Alfheim sat beside Asgard on the upper level of Yggdrasil. The light elves were beautiful creatures, considered the 'guardian angels' of the ancient Nordic world. They were minor gods in charge of nature and fertility who would influence humans with their magic. They were often considered the inspiration for all art and/or music.
(Image sourced; http://the-kundalini.com/alfheim-elfs-home-norse-myth/)
Vanaheim
Vanaheim- The home of the Vanir. The Vanir were ancient gods who were masters of sorcery and magic, throughout Norse mythology they are known for their ability to predict the future. No one knows of the exact location of Vanaheim or even what it looks like. There was a war between the Aesir and Vanir for many years but at the end of the war three Vanir went to Asgard; Njord and his children Freya and Freyr.
(As Vanaheim is the unknown realm there is no depiction of it, however many believed it to look similar to Alfheim)
(As Vanaheim is the unknown realm there is no depiction of it, however many believed it to look similar to Alfheim)
Asgard
Asgard- The home of the the Gods and Goddesses within Norse Mythology. Asgard is the first of the nine realms and rests upon the top level of Yggdrasil. The Gods were known as the Aesir while the Goddesses were known as the Asynjur. Odin was the King of the Asgard and the head Aesir, his wife Frigg was Asgard's Queen and head Asynjur. Valhalla sits within the gates of Asgard.
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is an ash tree and is known as The Tree of Life. The ash is depicted as one of the strongest trees as it is an evergreen, it was said that while the worlds survive the leaves of Yggdrasil would never fall. The branches spread across the worlds and the heaves, with a well beneath each of it's roots.
One of the roots is beneath Niflheim at the site of the main well Hvergelmir, it is from this well that the eleven rivers flow from. This location is a nightmare for all living things; the great hall is made from the bones of poisonous snakes and houses the most poisonous snake to ever exist Nidhogg. Throughout his existence Nidhogg chews at the roots of Yggdrasil in an attempt to destroy the tree.
The second of the great roots reaches out towards the land of the frost-giants. This well is called Mirmir's Well, it is this well that contains great knowledge, it is Mirmir himself who guards the well.
The third is in the heavens and the well located here is known as Urd's Well, the Gods travel to this well every day in order to hold the courts there. Only two swans live within the well the ancestors of the modern swans. To it's side stands a glorious hall in which the three maidens; Urd (Fate), Verdandi and Skuld reside. They are known to all as the Norns, Urd is from the past, Verdandi the present and Skuld is the future. They choose the destinies of man and weave them into the time stream, giving some longer and shorter lives, others good or bad lives.
Each day the Norns take water from the well and sprinkle it over the branches of the tree to provide it with nourishment to ensure it's survival. This sprinkling of water forms the due upon Midgard and the other eight realms. It is upon Yggdrasil that the nine realms reside.
One of the roots is beneath Niflheim at the site of the main well Hvergelmir, it is from this well that the eleven rivers flow from. This location is a nightmare for all living things; the great hall is made from the bones of poisonous snakes and houses the most poisonous snake to ever exist Nidhogg. Throughout his existence Nidhogg chews at the roots of Yggdrasil in an attempt to destroy the tree.
The second of the great roots reaches out towards the land of the frost-giants. This well is called Mirmir's Well, it is this well that contains great knowledge, it is Mirmir himself who guards the well.
The third is in the heavens and the well located here is known as Urd's Well, the Gods travel to this well every day in order to hold the courts there. Only two swans live within the well the ancestors of the modern swans. To it's side stands a glorious hall in which the three maidens; Urd (Fate), Verdandi and Skuld reside. They are known to all as the Norns, Urd is from the past, Verdandi the present and Skuld is the future. They choose the destinies of man and weave them into the time stream, giving some longer and shorter lives, others good or bad lives.
Each day the Norns take water from the well and sprinkle it over the branches of the tree to provide it with nourishment to ensure it's survival. This sprinkling of water forms the due upon Midgard and the other eight realms. It is upon Yggdrasil that the nine realms reside.
(Image sourced from; http://www.elfwood.com/~aolson/Yggdrasil-The-World-Tree-in-Norse-Mythology.2531682.html)
Valhalla
Here
Odin reined as
God of battle, yet it is from Thor’s name that the day Thursday
(Originally Thor’s day) originated. He was believed to welcome warriors who
died a heroic death on the battlefield. Every night they would feast upon pork
from a boar who’s flesh never diminished yet was eaten every night (For philosophers:
Is this possible? An infinite amount of meat when such things e.g. the infinite
library are used against it?) and where barrels upon barrels of the
finest mead were drunk. The day was passed by the deceased through fighting;
however every night those who had perished in the fighting were revived in
order to enjoy the feast.
Some
believed that the reason Odin was so hospitable to the dead warriors was
because he was creating a large army, one who would fight beside him during Ragnarok.
Special champions, the Einherjar, were said to lead the warriors on
that day against Loki and his monstrous
children.
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Loki
(Due to several emails from readers I've moved this further up my timeline! I was going to do it much later on by hey what the people ask for they get!)
Loki was considered the one Aesir who had committed the most evil (Although once I have further explained the fates of Loki's family you may reconsider that claim and think of someone much better suited for that title). Loki is the Norse God of mischief and lies. His mother is Laufey (Leaf-isle) and Loki's father is Farbauti (Dangerous striker). I should take this moment to point out that both Laufey and Farbauti are Frost Giants, and both described as males, yes males. An answer to this problem was suggested by a ancient Viking historian who believed that the Frost Giants had no specific gender, take it as you will. Laufey however was also described as the Frost Giant Nal, which was believed to be his female form.
Loki had the ability to shape-shift and could be anything from a grain of dust to the largest animal; some also claimed that it was possible for Loki to be the frown upon someone's face, rarely but occasionally Loki was known to ally himself with some humans who he deemed worthy.
His wife was the Goddess Sigyn and he had a frost-giant mistress named Angurboda. Loki's children are some of the most infamous in all of mythology; being inherently evil to suffering because of their father's tricks.
With Angurboda Loki fathered 3 children; Hel (The ruler of the realm of the dead), Jormungandr
otherwise known as The Midgard Serpent and Fenrir (The wolf). Loki mothered a son whilst in the form of a mare, the child's father was the stallion Svadilfari, their child was Sleipnir (Odin's eight legged horse). However Loki did have two children with Sigyn Vali and Narfi, both of whom suffered terribly due to a trick played by Loki. (I will explain more about Loki's children at a later date in great detail, unless I get many requests as I have done for this one)
Loki's children with Angurboda were said to bring about Ragnarok, the end of the world.
(Image sourced from: http://www.realmagick.com/god-of-mischief)
Loki was considered the one Aesir who had committed the most evil (Although once I have further explained the fates of Loki's family you may reconsider that claim and think of someone much better suited for that title). Loki is the Norse God of mischief and lies. His mother is Laufey (Leaf-isle) and Loki's father is Farbauti (Dangerous striker). I should take this moment to point out that both Laufey and Farbauti are Frost Giants, and both described as males, yes males. An answer to this problem was suggested by a ancient Viking historian who believed that the Frost Giants had no specific gender, take it as you will. Laufey however was also described as the Frost Giant Nal, which was believed to be his female form.
Loki had the ability to shape-shift and could be anything from a grain of dust to the largest animal; some also claimed that it was possible for Loki to be the frown upon someone's face, rarely but occasionally Loki was known to ally himself with some humans who he deemed worthy.
His wife was the Goddess Sigyn and he had a frost-giant mistress named Angurboda. Loki's children are some of the most infamous in all of mythology; being inherently evil to suffering because of their father's tricks.
With Angurboda Loki fathered 3 children; Hel (The ruler of the realm of the dead), Jormungandr
otherwise known as The Midgard Serpent and Fenrir (The wolf). Loki mothered a son whilst in the form of a mare, the child's father was the stallion Svadilfari, their child was Sleipnir (Odin's eight legged horse). However Loki did have two children with Sigyn Vali and Narfi, both of whom suffered terribly due to a trick played by Loki. (I will explain more about Loki's children at a later date in great detail, unless I get many requests as I have done for this one)
Loki's children with Angurboda were said to bring about Ragnarok, the end of the world.
The Building and Asgard and The First Humans
Whilst walking along the shore the three brothers; Odin, Vili and Ve came across two trees that had been washed up, taking these two trees the three created the first humans. The first god gave them life and breath, the second intelligence and movement, and it was from the third that humans gained a face, speech, hearing and their eyesight.
The humans were given clothing and permitted to live upon Midgard; the humans were called Ask (Ash) and Embla, it is from these two that all human races descend from.
In the middle of the world above the Earth the gods built their stronghold and named their home Asgard (Aesir-home). Odin, also known as Alfodr (All-father), established the many seats of power to which he assigned different men with the order to arrange a government.
In the middle of this stronghold there was a place named Idavellir (The field of action). The first action performed by the men was the building of a temple which they named Gladsheim (Bright home). Once the temple was completed they built another building; inside this building they they created a hearth and made themselves tools for craftsmanship. (Hammers, tongs, anvils etc, think Skyrim blacksmith if you play it). Using these tools they created metal, stone and wood, including the metal called gold. After this they built many other dwellings.
Once the stronghold was completed they established the heavenly seats and divided day and night. Thus Asgard came into existence.
The humans were given clothing and permitted to live upon Midgard; the humans were called Ask (Ash) and Embla, it is from these two that all human races descend from.
In the middle of the world above the Earth the gods built their stronghold and named their home Asgard (Aesir-home). Odin, also known as Alfodr (All-father), established the many seats of power to which he assigned different men with the order to arrange a government.
In the middle of this stronghold there was a place named Idavellir (The field of action). The first action performed by the men was the building of a temple which they named Gladsheim (Bright home). Once the temple was completed they built another building; inside this building they they created a hearth and made themselves tools for craftsmanship. (Hammers, tongs, anvils etc, think Skyrim blacksmith if you play it). Using these tools they created metal, stone and wood, including the metal called gold. After this they built many other dwellings.
Once the stronghold was completed they established the heavenly seats and divided day and night. Thus Asgard came into existence.
(Image sourced: http://www.comicvine.com/asgard/4020-40990/)
(Yes it's from Marvel it's the best image I could find, don't judge!)
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Odin
A shape-shifter Odin was said to be able to take the form of any God or creature he so desired. Odin is also known as the All-Father due to his infinite wisdom, which he just so happens to top up by drinking his 'mead of inspiration'.
Odin was the king of all the Norse gods; along with all of his descendants Odin was continuously involved in endless battles with the frost giants. Married to the goddess Frigg they had two sons, Balder (beautiful god) and the legendary Thor (God of thunder).
In his desperation to learn knowledge Odin hung himself upside down from the great tree Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life or the World Tree. After nine nights and days or pain he learnt all of the universe's mysteries which he then passed on to the Viking people.
Odin was the king of all the Norse gods; along with all of his descendants Odin was continuously involved in endless battles with the frost giants. Married to the goddess Frigg they had two sons, Balder (beautiful god) and the legendary Thor (God of thunder).
In his desperation to learn knowledge Odin hung himself upside down from the great tree Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life or the World Tree. After nine nights and days or pain he learnt all of the universe's mysteries which he then passed on to the Viking people.
(Image sourced from: http://fanzone50.com/Tales/Nordic-Anfang.html)
Bor and Bestla
Bor;
His name means 'Son', he is the son of Buri. Married to Bestla, and is the father of Odin, Vili and Ve.
Bestla;
Her name means 'Wife', she is the daughter of the giant Bolthorn. Married to Bor and is the mother of Odin, Vili and Ve.
Sorry couldn't get any images of them.
Ymir and Audhumla
Within the void the air was windless, yet from the north the frost blew in and from the south the sparks and cinders entered. The frost melted from the heat releasing water droplets, these droplets joined together in the form of a humanoid figure, Ymir (The large Frost-Giant). As Ymir slept sweat covered his body, from his left armpit a man and woman emerged followed by a son from his leg, these were the first Frost Giants. As the frost continued to melt the cow Audhumla was formed, Ymir fed from her udder while she fed from the ice blocks.
After she had fed on the first day the hair of a man appeared, after the second his head formed and the third his entire being. A large, strong man named Buri had been created; Buri then had a son Bor, with no explanation as to how he came to be. Bor then married a giant woman named Bestla, the daughter of Bolthorn (Evil-thorn), and it was from Bestla that Bor had three sons. Odin, Vili, Ve, they then became the first Gods.
The three brothers killed Ymir, who's blood flooded the land. All frost giants bar Bergelmir (Mountain-bellower) drowned, he climbed upon a log with his wife and together they lived to start new families of frost giants.
The brothers placed Ymir's body in the middle of the void (I refuse to try to spell it out again) and it was from his body that the earth was formed; his blood becoming the sea and lakes, his flesh the soil and his bones the rocks. They used the giants teeth and bone fragments to form stones and boulders. As the Earth was circular with the sea of blood they realised it would be difficult to cross.
Taking Ymir's head they formed the heaven's from it carefully placing it above the Earth with a dwarf under each corner, Austri (East), Vestri (West), Nordri (North) and Sudri (South). The clouds are formed from Ymir's brain.
They named the Earth Midgard (Middle Home).
(Image sourced from: http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118142/norsepan/creation.php)
After she had fed on the first day the hair of a man appeared, after the second his head formed and the third his entire being. A large, strong man named Buri had been created; Buri then had a son Bor, with no explanation as to how he came to be. Bor then married a giant woman named Bestla, the daughter of Bolthorn (Evil-thorn), and it was from Bestla that Bor had three sons. Odin, Vili, Ve, they then became the first Gods.
The three brothers killed Ymir, who's blood flooded the land. All frost giants bar Bergelmir (Mountain-bellower) drowned, he climbed upon a log with his wife and together they lived to start new families of frost giants.
The brothers placed Ymir's body in the middle of the void (I refuse to try to spell it out again) and it was from his body that the earth was formed; his blood becoming the sea and lakes, his flesh the soil and his bones the rocks. They used the giants teeth and bone fragments to form stones and boulders. As the Earth was circular with the sea of blood they realised it would be difficult to cross.
Taking Ymir's head they formed the heaven's from it carefully placing it above the Earth with a dwarf under each corner, Austri (East), Vestri (West), Nordri (North) and Sudri (South). The clouds are formed from Ymir's brain.
They named the Earth Midgard (Middle Home).
In The Beginning.
Ancient Norse Mythology states that before the Earth existed the world Muspell was present in the South. It was depicted as a flaming, burning region and was so hot that anything not from there was immediately destroyed; and that sparks danced within the eternal flames. It was believed that at the end of this world sat the giant named Surt who possessed a flaming sword; Surt was believed to be the one who would destroy the whole world with fire when the time arose.
Alongside Muspell there was the dark world Niflheim to the far North. This was the polar opposite of Muspell, a ice cold land in which the world was dark; within the middle of this barren land was the large well Hvergelmir (Which when translated means The Bubbling-Cauldron), it was out of Hvergelmir that eleven rivers filled with poisonous waters flowed. Together the rivers were called Elivogar.
And between these two worlds was the void; Ginnungagap. (Not the void from the Elder Scrolls that I know some will have thought of!)
(Image sourced from: http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/rage-of-the-norsemen/wikis/muspell)
Alongside Muspell there was the dark world Niflheim to the far North. This was the polar opposite of Muspell, a ice cold land in which the world was dark; within the middle of this barren land was the large well Hvergelmir (Which when translated means The Bubbling-Cauldron), it was out of Hvergelmir that eleven rivers filled with poisonous waters flowed. Together the rivers were called Elivogar.
(Image sourced from: norse-mythology.org)
(Image sourced from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eotiv/393733255/)
The Bifrost (Rainbow Bridge)
The Bifrost was the bridge of the Gods and would only be visible to man when the sun shines among the rain, hence the nickname the Rainbow Bridge. It is hard to find the beginning of the bridge which was believed to lead mortals to the realm of the Gods.
The bridge was believed to span not only the different realms but time itself; rarely being traveled by mortals as only the Gods had the power to locate the bridge and traverse the barriers separating our realms. It was believed that the God Heimdallr (A.K.A. Heimdall) was the keeper of the bridge and would not allow the unworthy to pass into Asgard (The realm of the Aesir)
The bridge was believed to span not only the different realms but time itself; rarely being traveled by mortals as only the Gods had the power to locate the bridge and traverse the barriers separating our realms. It was believed that the God Heimdallr (A.K.A. Heimdall) was the keeper of the bridge and would not allow the unworthy to pass into Asgard (The realm of the Aesir)
(Image painted by Angela Hall)
Norse Mythology
This is currently what I am studying therefore I will work my way through the world of the Vikings, from the Bifrost through to Ragnarok. I will aim to explain some of the more unusual myths and hopefully intrigue anyone who is interested. This blog will be updated at least 3 times a week until I finally run out of Norse Myths.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
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