Norse mythology and its gods have been a source of inspiration for the creation of a large number of fictional stories, series, movies, novels, etc. The gods of this mythology have been talked about, but rarely about the Viking goddesses.
This mythology is set of religious stories and myths about the Vikings. They are based on well-known figures such as Odin, Thor and Loki, among others. Women were represented as magical beings with great power and ingenuity.
In this post, we will talk about the different most important viking goddesses in the Nordic culture and we will address the history behind each of them.
Gods in Norse mythology
This mythology can be called in different ways; Scandinavian, Nordic or German. It is the set of stories and myths, in which the Viking people are the protagonist. These legends spread through the word.
The stories about the Nordic people were told orally. Thanks to the Christians in the medieval stage, some texts about these legends can be found.
Within this mythology there is a clear differentiation of gods, since not all are the same. They are divided into two groups within the pantheon. On one side are the Aesir, and on the other the Vanir.
The Aesir were listed as the main group, where the main Norse gods were found. In this first group, Odin's family and the inhabitants of Asgard were located. On the other hand, there were the Vanir who were considered gods with a lesser importance. In this case, they were more peaceful gods who inhabited Vanaheim.
As we have just commented, the Aesir were the main gods of the Norse, this leads to the members of this group appearing in mythological stories in a more constant way, which gives them vital importance for the Vikings.
Viking goddesses in Norse mythology
La female figure in this mythology, was represented in the form of magical beings. These beings also possessed great strength, ingenuity. Not only men appeared in the different legends that were told, but women had a fundamental role in them.
Viking goddesses are linked to themes such as love, the sky, the sea, etc. among others. Not only this, but among these women were warrior goddesses with great power and respected like the elves for example.
As in the case of the gods, they were not all the same either and were divided into the same groups that we have commented on in the previous section; Aesir and Vanir.
Next we are going to talk about the main Viking goddesses and we will catalog them depending on the group to which they belonged according to their characteristics.
Viking Goddesses
Next, we are going to name some of the most important Viking goddesses who belonged to the two groups previously named, Aesir and Vanir.
Frigg
Source Wikipedia
Within the goddesses related to fertility, several names can be found. One of the most prominent goddesses is Frigg, wife of Odin.
It is mainly related to goddess of fertility, but she is also attributed goddess of the sky, of love and motherhood.
To receive help during childbirth, the Vikings invoked the goddess Frigg. In addition, a plant with a sedative effect called Frigg Herb was used for women after giving birth.
Frigg has the ability to prophesy, she is the only goddess apart from her husband Odin, to be able to see the nine worlds around her, he also possessed the gift of knowing the future but not being able to change it.
Sif
Is the goddess of fertility, is also related to fertility and the family. Wife of the god of thunder, Thor. Mother of Thrud goddess of storms and Ullr, god of winter.
Goddess with long golden hair. The symbol that represents her is the rowan tree, which is closely related to family, fertility and marriage.
Important figure in Norse mythology since, It is referred to several times in the legends of this town, as well as in poetry and literature from the Middle Ages.
Nott
Source Wikipedia
Goddess of the night to whom darkness and nocturnal deity were attributed. Thor's grandmother, she was dark and with brown hair.
According to Norse legends, this goddess she travels the world when it is night accompanied by her horse Hrímfaxi. Nott, she crossed the sky with his animal, and that the slimes that fell from Hrímfaxi, created the morning dew.
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This Norse goddess was related to healing and resurrection, he also had extensive knowledge about the properties of plants.
In Scandinavia, there was a belief that only women could have healing knowledge using natural means. One of the Viking goddesses responsible for this type of healing magic, it was Eira.
Valkyrie warrior, thanks to her gifts and power she was guarded in the Lyfjaberg Mountain. This goddess was related to the god Odin.
Yes
He is recognized as the goddess of agreements, contracts and marriages. In addition, he is credited with the ability to have patience to make and listen to oaths and promises of fidelity, made by women and men. Those who broke these oaths were punished.
Inhabitant of Asgard and related to the lineage of Odin. The The main function of this goddess was to bring strength to marriages, in addition to monitoring the fulfillment of promises and punishments.
Sigyn
Reach goddess level by conceiving marriage with the god of traps. She second wife of Loki, whom She is known as the goddess of mourning and compassion.
The quality of compassion is closely related to the story of her husband Loki, who was tortured by a snake and imprisoned. The goddess Sigyn became his main support, making Loki able to withstand such punishment.
Ran
Source Wikipedia
Goddess of the sea and fishing. The Vikings and the sea were closely related and made offerings to this goddess before leaving for the sea. Known for rescuing the drowned with her net and bringing them to safety in her abode.
This goddess does not always show her kindest face, since she has a ruthless side causing those drowned in the sea to be dragged by their nets to the bottom. Ran, is the representation of the sea goddesses and of all the horrible things that can happen to the fishermen in that place.
Accident
Considered goddess of winter and hunting, she was related to winter sports.either. This mythological figure travels on skis and defends himself with his bow.
Daughter of the giant Thiazi, killed while pursuing Loki. Hearing this news, the goddess Skade traveled to Asgard wanting revenge, but it was Odin who found a way to make up for the loss of her father.
Norse legends tell that Odin took the eyes of the father of this goddess and placed them as stars. Skade married Njöror, one of the sea gods.
Soil
Source Wikipedia
In this case we are talking about one of the best known goddesses. Linked with mother nature, goddess who personifies the earth. These two characteristics, she shares with other Viking goddesses.
As the protective goddess of nature and plant life, was worshiped by the inhabitants of the Germanic peoples. In the world of men, the gods created a sanctuary in the forest for Jord, where he could care for and protect the earth.
Jord is a giantess who visits her ardent followers with a calf-drawn carriage to attend to their pleas.
A son
We discussed the goddess of truth and vigilance. It is summoned when someone is accused in a trial.
She worked as a servant of the goddess Frigg and Odin. Under the power of the latter and belonging to Asgard, she was assigned to the defense of the threshold, monitoring and controlling the entry of beings that did not belong to that place.
Freya
Source Wikipedia
Is the goddess of fertility, love and beauty. She is one of the most adored in Viking mythology, she is also a stave of beauty never before known.
His passionate followers, the they invoked when the fertilization of the land was necessary. Also in other events such as births, to ensure that babies were born beautiful and healthy.
Also considered a Valkyrie goddess, she led the virgin warriors sent to protect and help wounded soldiers in battleThey were sent by Odin. Despite being a goddess related to love, her story is more closely tied to combat and war.
gullveig
Source Wikipedia
Associated with magic and evil, Gullveig is a giantess with a mysterious air.. They killed him and burned him in the center of Glaosheimr, since during his visits to Asgard, no one understood his unbridled desire for gold.
Gullveig is a goddess with extraordinary powers, and that death was useless, because these powers allowed her to resurrect in the midst of the flames. They continued this practice of killing and burning her, each time she was resurrected from her, which led to her becoming a malevolent goddess.
The legends give him all the responsibility for the war between the Aesir and the Vanir.
The figures of the Viking goddesses are enigmatic, they are wrapped in mystery, magic and power. They are divinities that are admired and projected beliefs. They contain within them different supernatural virtues that in many cases allow them to help their faithful.
We hope that this publication about the Viking goddesses with great power has pleased you and sparked an interest in Norse mythology.