Norse Pantheon

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My purpose with these pages is to chronicle the pantheon, places, animals, objects and other important figures in Norse mythology. Wherever possible, I list the quotes from the Eddas that describe the characters. You will notice I list the sex and parents of each character as my eventual goal is creating a genealogical "family tree" of how they are all related. As of 2006, I am part-way through adding characters from the Prose Edda.

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Ægir

"A certain man was named Ægir, or Hlér. He dwelt on the island which is now called Hlér's Isle, and was deeply versed in black magic." -Prose Edda

Ægir was an ancient jotun, lord and ruler of the stormy seas. He personified the ocean, and could cause storms or fair winds. A euphemism for a shipwreck was that it went into "Ægir's wide jaws". Early Saxons may have made human sacrifices in connection to Ægir. Ægir also brewed ale for the gods, which may be connected in some way to ocean foam.

The gods feasted in Ægir's hall and drank ale Ægir brewed for them out of magically refilling cups. Gold on the floor provided light instead of the fire, so gold was called "Ægir's fire". He had two servants in the hall, Fimafeng and Eldir. The gods feasted in Ægir's hall after Baldur's death when Loki appeared and insulted everyone, but no violence was permitted in a sanctuary.

In the Prose Edda, Ægir was called by the name "Hler" and described as a man skilled in magic who lived on the island Hlesey and visited the gods in Asgard.

He was the son of Mistarblindi and brother of Loki and Kari. With his wife Ran they had nine daughters with poetic names that represent the waves.

Agnar

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Prince Agnar was the son of King Hraudung and older brother of Geirrod. They were also foster sons of Odin and Frigg. He was favored by Frigg while Odin favored Geirrod. Agnar was pushed in a boat out to sea by his brother and never returned. Geirrod later became king, but was eventually killed by Odin.

Alfrothful

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Alfrodul

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Alfrodul is the daughter of Sol who rides the sun's chariot after Ragnarok in her mother's place.

Alvig

"There was a king named Hálfdan the Old, who was most famous of all kings...Then he took in marriage that woman named Alvig the Wise, daughter of King Eymundr of Hólmgardr ("Russia"): they had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth." -Prose Edda

Alvig was the wife of Hálfdan the Old. She was the daughter of King Eymundr of Hólmgardr and gave birth to 18 sons with her husband.

Alvis

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Alvis was a dwarf who convinced the gods to let him marry Thor's daughter Thrud during Thor's absence. Thor intercepted Alvis and tricked him into staying above ground at daybreak which turned him into a stone. One would think someone named "All-Wise" would've seen that coming...

Andhrimnir

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Angantyr

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Annarr

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

Annarr had a daughter Jörd with the giantess Night. He was Night's second husband.

Angrboda

"Angrboda was the name of a certain giantess in Jötunheim, with whom Loki gat three children: one was Fenris-Wolf, the second Jörmungandr--that is the Midgard Serpent,--the third is Hel." -Prose Edda

She was a giantess and Loki's wife in Jotunheim. With Loki she had three monstrous children; Hel, Fenris and the Midgard serpent.

Askr

"When the sons of Borr were walking along the sea-strand, they found two trees, and took up the trees and shaped men of them: the first gave them spirit and life; the second, wit and feeling; the third, form, speech, hearing, and sight. They gave them clothing and names: the male was called Askr, and the female Embla, and of them was mankind begotten, which received a dwelling-place under Midgard." -Prose Edda

The first man, Askr, was created from an ash tree found along a seashore by Odin, Vili and Ve. All humans descend from him and Embla.

Áslaug

"A daughter named Áslaug lived after young Sigurdr; she was reared with Heimir in Hlymdalir, and great houses are sprung from her." -Prose Edda

Atli

"King Atli, Budli's son, and brother of Brynhildr, then wedded Gudrún, whom Sigurdr had had to wife; and they had children." -Prose Edda

Atli was the brother of Brynhildr. He was the second husband of his wife Gudrún.

Audumla

"Straightway after the rime dripped, there sprang from it the cow called Audumla; four streams of milk ran from her udders, and she nourished Ymir." Then asked Gangleri: "Wherewithal was the cow nourished?" And Hárr made answer: She licked the ice-blocks, which were salty; and the first day that she licked the blocks, there came forth from the blocks in the evening a man's hair; the second day, a man's head; the third day the whole man was there." -Prose Edda

Audumla was an ancient cow who was the first form of life. She fed the giant Ymir and his brood with her milk, and she made the God Búri out of a block of ice by licking it into shape. Her udders provide four nourishing udders of milk. She is sometimes described as "hornless".

Audi

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Audi, from whom the Ödlungs are come...of the house of Ödlings, Kjárr" -Prose Edda

He was one of the eighteen sons of King Hálfdan the Old and Alvig the Wise. King Hálfdan struck a bargain with the gods that his descendants would be of "great repute". 9 of his brothers were nonuplets that died in battle before having children. Audi founded the house of Ödlings.

Audr

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

Audr is the son of the giantess Night (daughter of the giant Nörfi) and the human Naglfari.

Aurboda

"A certain man was called Gýmir, and his wife Aurboda: she was of the stock of the Hill-Giants; their daughter was Gerdr, who was fairest of all women." -Prose Edda

Aurnir

"Hardy was Hrungnir, And his father; Yet was Thjazi Than they more mighty: Idi and Aurnir Of us twain are kinsmen,-- Brothers of Hill-Giants, Of them were we born." -Prose Edda

Atli

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Budli, from whom the Budlungs are come (from the house of the Budlungs Atli and Brynhildr descended)" -Prose Edda

"Thereafter Sigurdr and the sons of Gjúki went unto Atli, Budli's son, to sue for the hand of Brynhildr his sister in marriage to Gunnarr." -Prose Edda

Aurvandil (The Valiant)

"Thor went home to Thrúdvangar, and the hone remained sticking in his head. Then came the wise woman who was called Gróa, wife of Aurvandill the Valiant: she sang her spells over Thor until the hone was loosened." -Prose Edda

"Thor...told her these things: that he had waded from the north over Icy Stream and had borne Aurvandill in a basket on his back from the north out of Jötunheim. And he added for a token, that one of Aurvandill's toes had stuck out of the basket, and became frozen; wherefore Thor broke it off and cast it up into the heavens, and made thereof the star called Aurvandill's Toe." -Prose Edda

He is called "Aurvandil the Bold". He was mentioned in the Prose Edda but not the Poetic Edda. A story about him told that Thor carried him out of Jotunheim and across the Elivigar in a basket on his back. Aurvandil's toe froze while crossing the freezing river. Thor broke it off and tossed it into the sky to create the star called "Aurvandil's Toe". The stars from his toes may have been Alcor in the big dipper and Rigel in Orion. Interestingly, an old Christian poem mentions Aurvandill/Earendel as a star or planet and may be Tolkien's inspiration for the elf star Earendil.

He appears as the hero "Horwendil" in a story of Danish history. He was the son of Gerwendil, brother of Feng and became king of Jutland. He killed the king of Norway by hacking off his foot, then married Gerutha (daughter of Rorik the Danish king). Their child was Amleth, or "Hamlet" from the Shakespearean story.

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Baldr

"How should one periphrase Baldr? By calling him Son of Odin and Frigg, Husband of Nanna, Father of Forseti, Possessor of Hringhorni and Draupnir, Adversary of Hödr, Companion of Hel, God of Tears." -Prose Edda

"The second son of Odin is Baldr, and good things are to be said of him. He is best, and all praise him; he is so fair of feature, and so bright, that light shines from him...He is the wisest of the Æsir, and the fairest-spoken and most gracious; and that quality attends him, that none may gainsay his judgments." -Prose Edda

He was the god of light, peace, love and beauty. Best-loved of all the gods, he was handsome, kind, gentle and wise. He was the son of Odin and Frigg and fraternal twin of Hod. Baldur and his wife Nanna had a son Forseti, and they lived in Breidablik in Asgard. His mother Frigg asked all things in existence to promise not to harm Baldur, but overlooked asking the mistletoe. While the gods were playing a game of throwing things at Baldur, Loki tricked Baldur's blind twin Hod to throw a dart of mistletoe at him. It struck his heart and killed him. Hermod entered Hel's realm and convinced her to agree to resurrect Baldur if all living things would weep for him - unfortunately Loki disguised as a giantess named Thokk refused to weep and Baldur stayed dead. Baldur's wife Nanna died of heartache and they burned together in a funeral boat with his horse. Thor also kicked a dwarf into the boat before it sailed. Baldur is supposed to come back to life after Ragnarok. It is thought not many people worshipped Baldur because his name rarely occurs in names of places, so he may have originally been an ancient hero.

Bára

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda" -Prose Edda

Bára was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Blódughadda, Bylgja, Dúfa, Himinglæva, Hefring, Hrönn, Kölga and Udr.

Baugi

"Odin sought a night's lodging with the giant who is called Baugi, Suttungr's brother" -Prose Edda

Beimuni

"They who followed King Beimuni were called Beimar." -Prose Edda

Beli

"A certain man was called Gýmir, and his wife Aurboda: she was of the stock of the Hill-Giants; their daughter was Gerdr, who was fairest of all women...Then Freyr answered and said that he had seen a fair woman; and for her sake he was so full of grief that he would not live long if he were not to obtain her. 'And now thou shalt go and woo her on my behalf and have her hither, whether her father will or no. I will reward thee well for it.' Then Skírnir answered thus: he would go on his errand, but Freyr should give him his own sword--which is so good that it fights of itself;--and Freyr did not refuse, but gave him the sword...This was to blame for Freyr's being so weaponless, when he fought with Beli, and slew him with the horn of a hart." Then said Gangleri: "'T is much to be wondered at, that such a great chief as Freyr is would give away his sword, not having another equally good. It was a great privation to him, when he fought with him called Beli; by my faith, he must have rued that gift." Then answered Hárr: "There was small matter in that, when he and Beli met; Freyr could have killed him with his hand. It shall come to pass that Freyr will think a worse thing has come upon him, when he misses his sword on that day that the Sons of Múspell go a-harrying." -Prose Edda

Beli was a giant killed by Freyr with horn of a hart, because Freyr had given his special sword to Skírnir.

Bergelmir

"The sons of Borr slew Ymir the giant; lo, where he fell there gushed forth so much blood out of his wounds that with it they drowned all the race of the Rime-Giants, save that one, whom giants call Bergelmir, escaped with his household; he went upon his ship, and his wife with him, and they were safe there." -Prose Edda

Bergelmir and his wife were the only Rime-Giants that weren't killed by the flood of Ymir's blood.

Bestla

"He begat a son called Borr, who wedded the woman named Bestla, daughter of Bölthorn the giant; and they had three sons: one was Odin, the second Vili, the third Vé." -Prose Edda

Bestla is the daughter of the giant Bölthorn. With Borr she was the mother of Odin, Vili and Vé.

Beyla

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Bikki

"But Earl Bikki said that it was a better thing for Randvér to wed Svandhildr, since he and she were both young, whereas Jörmunrekkr was old. This counsel pleased the young folk well. Thereupon Bikki reported the matter to the king." -Prose Edda

Earl Bikki was the counselor of King Jörmunrekkr. The king was interested in marrying Svanhildr, but Bikki encouraged the king's son Randvér run off with Svanhildr instead. It eventually ended in tragedy after King Jörmunrekkr killed both his son and Svanhildr.

Bil

He took from the earth-two children, called Bil and Hjúki, they that went from the well called Byrgir, bearing on their shoulders the cask called Sægr, and the pole Simul. Their father is named Vidfinnr. These children follow Moon, as may be seen from the earth." -Prose Edda

"Sól and Bil are reckoned among the Ásynjur, but their nature has been told before." -Prose Edda

Bil and her sibling Hjúki were coming back from a well with a pail on a pole and were then taken from earth by the moon. Reportedly spots in the moon show two people carrying a big bucket on a pole. Bil is also described as a goddess of weaving from a story referring to Bil weaving destiny. Vidfinn is the father of both children.

Bjárr

"And Bjárr rode Kertr" -Prose Edda

Blódughadda

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga" -Prose Edda

Blódughadda was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bára, Bylgja, Dúfa, Himinglæva, Hefring, Hrönn, Kölga and Udr.

Bölthorn

"He is named Búri: he was fair of feature, great and mighty. He begat a son called Borr, who wedded the woman named Bestla, daughter of Bölthorn the giant; and they had three sons: one was Odin, the second Vili, the third Vé." -Prose Edda

Borr

"He is named Búri: he was fair of feature, great and mighty. He begat a son called Borr, who wedded the woman named Bestla, daughter of Bölthorn the giant; and they had three sons: one was Odin, the second Vili, the third Vé." -Prose Edda

Bothvar

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Bragi (God)

"How should one paraphrase Bragi? By calling him Husband of Idunn, First Maker of Poetry, and the Long-bearded God (after his name, a man who has a great beard is called Beard-Bragi) and Son of Odin." -Prose Edda

"One is called Bragi: he is renowned for wisdom, and most of all for fluency of speech and skill with words. He knows most of skaldship, and after him skaldship is called bragr, and from his name that one is called bragr-man or -woman, who possesses eloquence surpassing others, of women or of men." -Prose Edda

He was the god of "poesy", poetry, eloquence and song. His songs recorded the deeds of warriors in battles. He was the son of the god Odin and the giantess Gunnlöd. He was married to Idunn.

Bragi (Man)

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Bragi, from whom the Bragnings are sprung (that is the race of Hálfdan the Munificent)" -Prose Edda

Brokk

"Then Loki wagered his head with the dwarf called Brokkr that Brokkr's brother Sindri could not make three other precious things equal in virtue to these." -Prose Edda

Brokk was a hunchbacked gnome, the son of Ívaldi. He wagered with Loki - his brother Sindri's skill as a smith against his own head.

Búseyra

Thor "Didst spill the blood of Búseyra" -Prose Edda

Brynhildr

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Budli, from whom the Budlungs are come (from the house of the Budlungs Atli and Brynhildr descended)" -Prose Edda

Then Sigurdr rode on till he found a house on the mountain, wherein a woman in helm and birnie lay sleeping. He drew his sword and cut the birnie from her: she awoke then, and gave her name as Hildr: she is called Brynhildr, and was a Valkyr.

Brynhildr was descended from the house of Budlungs, founded by Budli. After a conspiracy between Gunnarr and his brother-in-law Sigurdr, Brynhildr was tricked into marrying Gunnarr. Later, she quarreled with her sister-in-law Gudrún (who was also Sigurdr's wife). Brynhildr conspired with her husband's brothers, causing her brother-in-law Gotthormr to kill their brother-in-law Sigurdr and Sigurdr's three year old son Sigmundr. During the struggle, Sigurdr managed to fight back and kill Gotthormr as well. Afterwards, Brynhildr killed herself with a sword and her body was burned with Sigurdr's.

Budli

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Budli, from whom the Budlungs are come (from the house of the Budlungs Atli and Brynhildr descended)" -Prose Edda

Búi

"Thus sang Einarr Tinkling-Scale: Helm-folded strife-bold Búi,-- Who from the south went forth Into Gunn's Crash" -Prose Edda

Búri

"He is named Búri: he was fair of feature, great and mighty." -Prose Edda

Búri was the first god, licked from the ice by Audhumla the ancient snow cow. He was the father of Borr and grandfather of Odin, Ve and Vili.

Byggvir

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Býleistr

"He is named Loki or Loptr, son of Fárbauti the giant; his mother was Laufey or Nál; his brothers are Býleistr and Helblindi." -Prose Edda

Bylgja

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda

Bylgja was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bára, Blódughadda, Dúfa, Himinglæva, Hefring, Hrönn, Kölga and Udr.

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Dagr

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Dagr, from whom come the Döglings" -Prose Edda

Day

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

"The horse that Day has is called Sheen-Mane, and he illumines all the air and the earth from his mane." -Prose Edda

Day is the son of the giantess Night and the Æsir Dayspring. He rides the horse Sheen-Mane.

Dayspring

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

Dúfa

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda

Dúfa was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bára, Blódughadda, Bylgja, Himinglæva, Hefring, Hrönn, Kölga and Udr.

Dwarf

Dwarves In The Prose Edda
Althjófr	Fidr	Lovarr	Rekkr
Andvari	Fíli	Mjödvitnir	Sindri
Austri	Fjalarr	Módsognir	Skáfidr
BÁFURR	Frosti	Náinn	Skirfir
Bifurr	Fundinn	Nár	Sudri
Brokkr	GALARR	Nidi	Svíarr
Bömburr	Gandálfr	Nípingr	Thekkr
Dáinn	Ginnarr	Nordri	Thorinn
Dólgthvari	Glóinn	Nóri	Thróinn
Dóri	Hárr	North	Thrór
Draupnir	Heptifíli	Nýi	Váli
Dúfr	Hledjólfr	Nýr	Vestri
Durinn	Hugstari	Nýrádr	Viggr
Dvalinn	Hörr	Óinn	Vindálfr
East	Ívaldi	Ónarr	Virfir
Eikinskjaldi	Kíli	Óri	Vitr
Falr	Litr	Rádsvidr	Yngvi

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Egil

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Eir

Eiríkr (1)

Eiríkr (Wise In Speech)

"...of the house of the Ylfings was Eiríkr the Wise in Speech" -Prose Edda

Eldir

Not mentioned in the Prose Edda?

Embla

"When the sons of Borr were walking along the sea-strand, they found two trees, and took up the trees and shaped men of them: the first gave them spirit and life; the second, wit and feeling; the third, form, speech, hearing, and sight. They gave them clothing and names: the male was called Askr, and the female Embla, and of them was mankind begotten, which received a dwelling-place under Midgard." -Prose Edda

Odin, Vili and Ve created the first man (Askr) and woman (Embla) from an alder tree.

Erpr

"After that she [Gudrún] went to the shore and leaped into the sea, desiring to make an end of herself; but she was tossed by the billows over the firth, and was borne to King Jónakr's land. And when he saw her, he took her to him and wedded her, and they had three sons, called Sörli, Hamdir, and Erpr: they were all raven-black of hair, like Gunnarr and Högni and the other Niflungs." -Prose Edda

Erpr was the son of his mother Gudrún and father Jónakr. He was his mother's favorite and for that reason was killed by his brothers Sörli and Hamdir.

Eylimi

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...the eighth was Lofdi, who was a great war-king (that host who were called Lofdar followed him; his kindred are called Lofdungs, whence sprang Eylimi, Sigurdr Fáfnisbani's mother's sire)" -Prose Edda

Eylimi descended from the house of Lofdar and Lofdungs and was the maternal grandfather of Sigurdr.

Eymundr

"There was a king named Hálfdan the Old, who was most famous of all kings...Then he took in marriage that woman named Alvig the Wise, daughter of King Eymundr of Hólmgardr" -Prose Edda

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Fáfnir

"Now the husbandman who dwelt there was named Hreidmarr: he was a man of much substance, and very skilled in black magic. The Æsir asked him for a night's lodging, saying that they had sufficient food with them, and showed him their catch. But when Hreidmarr saw the otter, straight way he called to him his sons, Fáfnir and Reginn, and told them that the otter their brother was slain, and who had done that deed. It Now father and sons went up to the Æsir, seized them, bound them, and told them about the otter, how he was Hreidmarr's son." -Prose Edda

Fáfnir was the son of the black magician Hreidmarr and brother of Reginn and Otter. After Loki killed their brother Otter, Fáfnir and Reginn imprisoned Odin, Loki and Hœnir until they agreed to pay restitution by filling the otter skin with red gold. The gods included a cursed ring with the ransom money and gave it to the father Hreidmarr. In fulfillment of the curse, the brothers Fáfnir and Reginn killed their father after he refused to share the gold, then the brothers quarreled over the gold's distribution. Fáfnir took the gold and turned into a serpent to protect it. Reginn became the smith for King Hjálprekr and created the sword Gramr. After convincing the hero Sigurdr to kill his brother Fáfnir with Gramr, Reginn inexplicably demanded restitution from Sigurdr for killing his brother and was promptly killed by Sigurdr as well.

Farbauti

Fárbauti

Fenja

"King Fródi went to a feast in Sweden at the court of the king who was called Fjölnir, and there he bought two maid-servants, Fenja and Menja: they were huge and strong." -Prose Edda

Fenja was a giantess. She turned the stones of the mill Grotti for King Fródi with the help of another Menja.

Fenris

"From The Swamp". Fenris was a wolf so huge that all the gods were terrified of him. The Æsir had the dwarves create a rope to bind him with and confined him to an isolated island. The god Tyr lost his right hand putting the rope on Fenris. He was the son of Angrboda and Loki, and the brother of Hel and the Midgard serpent.

Fjörgvinn

"His wife was called Frigg daughter of Fjörgvinn" -Prose Edda

Fimafeng

Fir

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The third is Fir: she is the best physician." -Prose Edda

Fjölnir

"King Fródi went to a feast in Sweden at the court of the king who was called Fjölnir, and there he bought two maid-servants, Fenja and Menja: they were huge and strong." -Prose Edda

King Fjölnir of Sweden hosted a fest where King Fródi bought the two giantesses Fenja and Menja as servants.

Fornjótr

"How should the wind be periphrased? Thus: call it Son of Fornjótr, Brother of the Sea and of Fire, Scathe or Ruin or Hound or Wolf of the Wood or of the Sail or of the Rigging. Thus spake Sveinn in the Nordrsetu-drápa: First began to fly Fornjótr's sons ill-shapen." -Prose Edda

Forseti

"He who sits in the front seat." Forseti was the god of justice and the chief judge of the Æsir. He plays an important role in Ragnarok, the end of the world. He was the son of Baldr and Nanna.

Freyr

"Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir; he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; and it is good to call on him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men." -Prose Edda

"How should one paraphrase Freyr? Thus: by calling him Son of Njördr, Brother of Freyja, and also God of Vanir, and Kinsman of the Vanir, and Wane, and God of the Fertile Season, and God of Wealth-Gifts." -Prose Edda

Frey was the god of sunshine, rain, peace, fertility and earth. He was also the lord of the light-elves, the friendly fertility spirits. On his golden boar he plowed the earth and made it green. He sends rain and sunshine to the earth. He was the son of the Vanir God Njord and Skadi and described as "fair of face and mighty". He was first married to his twin sister Freya, but later married the Jotun maiden Gerd. They lived in Alfheim.

Freyja

When she goes forth, she drives her cats and sits in a chariot; she is most conformable to man's prayers, and from her name comes the name of honor, Frú, by which noblewomen are called. Songs of love are well-pleasing to her; it is good to call on her for furtherance in love." -Prose Edda

"How should one paraphrase Freyja? Thus: by calling her Daughter of Njördr, Sister of Freyr, Wife of Ódr, Mother of Hnoss, Possessor of the Slain, of Sessrúmnir, of the Gib-Cats, and of Brísinga-men; Goddess of the Vanir, Lady of the Vanir, Goddess Beautiful in Tears, Goddess of Love." -Prose Edda

"And here Einarr has further periphrased Freyja so as to call her Mother of Hnoss, or Wife of Ódr" -Prose Edda

"Which are the Ásynjur?...Freyja is most gently born (together with Frigg): she is wedded to the man named Ódr. Their daughter is Hnoss: she is so fair, that those things which are fair and precious are called hnossir. Ódr went away on long journeys, and Freyja weeps for him, and her tears are red gold. Freyja has many names, and this is the cause thereof: that she gave herself sundry names, when she went out among unknown peoples seeking Ódr: she is called Mardöll and Hörn, Gefn, Sýr. Freyja had the necklace Brísinga-men. She is also called Lady of the Vanir." -Prose Edda

Freya was the Vanir goddess of beauty, love and magic. She loves music and spring and is particularly fond of the elves and giving relationship advice. Her home in Asgard was called the "Field of Men" and her necklace Brisingamen was said to be the Milky Way. When she left to go hunting she rode a chariot and would keep one-half of her kill and give the other half to Odin. She was the daughter of the Vanir God Njördr and Skadi, and twin sister of Frey (who she may have married). She had a daughter Hnoss with her husband Od who later vanished. Later, she married Odin.

Fridleifr

One of Odin's sons, named Skjöldr,--from whom the Skjöldungs are come,--had his abode and ruled in the realm which now is called Denmark, but then was known as Gotland. Skjöldr's son, who ruled the land after him, was named Fridleifr. Fridleifr's son was Fródi: he succeeded to the kingdom after his father, in the time when Augustus Caesar imposed peace on all the world; at that time Christ was born." -Prose Edda

Fridleifr is the son of Skjöldr (son of Odin) and ruler of Denmark, and had a son named Fródi.

Frigg

"How should one periphrase Frigg? Call her Daughter of Fjörgynn, Wife of Odin, Mother of Baldr, Co-Wife of Jörd and Rindr and Gunnlöd and Grídr, Mother-in-law of Nanna, Lady of the Æsir and Asynjur, Mistress of Fulla and of the Hawk-Plumage and of Fensalir." -Prose Edda

"His wife was called Frigg daughter of Fjörgvinn; and of their blood is come that kindred which we call the races of the Æsir, that have peopled the Elder Ásgard, and those kingdoms which pertain to it; and that is a divine race." -Prose Edda

"Lady, mistress." She was the goddess of childbirth, marriage and looked after homes. As she was Odin's wife and Baldur's mother she was highest in the rank of goddesses and called "Mother of The Gods". Highest in rank of the goddesses. Stars known as the belt of Orion were said to be her distaff, and she is described as always spinning yarn.

Fródi

One of Odin's sons, named Skjöldr,--from whom the Skjöldungs are come,--had his abode and ruled in the realm which now is called Denmark, but then was known as Gotland. Skjöldr's son, who ruled the land after him, was named Fridleifr. Fridleifr's son was Fródi: he succeeded to the kingdom after his father, in the time when Augustus Caesar imposed peace on all the world; at that time Christ was born." -Prose Edda

Fródi is the son of Fridleifr (son of Skjöldr, son of Odin) and ruler of Denmark.

Fulla

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The fifth is Fulla: she also is a maid, and goes with loose tresses and a golden band about her head; she bears the ashen coffer of Frigg, and has charge over her footgear, and knows her secret counsel." -Prose Edda

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Gangr

"It seems to me that Thjazi was a mighty man: now of what family was he?" Bragi answered: "His father was called Ölvaldi, and if I tell thee of him, thou wilt think these things wonders. He was very rich in gold; but when he died and his sons came to divide the inheritance, they determined upon this measure for the gold which they divided: each should take as much as his mouth would hold, and all the same number of mouthfuls. One of them was Thjazi, the second Idi, the third Gangr." -Prose Edda

Garm

Gefjun

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The fourth is Gefjun: she is a virgin, and they that die maidens attend her." -Prose Edda

Geirrödr

"When Thor came up over against Geirrödr, then Geirrödr took up a glowing bar of iron with the tongs and cast it at Thor. Thor caught it with his iron gloves and raised the bar in the air, but Geirrödr leapt behind an iron pillar to save himself. Thor lifted up the bar and threw it, and it passed through the pillar and through Geirrödr and through the wall, and so on out, even into the earth." -Prose Edda

Geirrödr was a giant who tried to outwit Thor by tricking him to visiting Jotunheim unarmed. Geirrödr threw a bar of heated iron towards Thor, who caught it with his iron gloves and threw it back at him, killing him.

??Geirrod

Prince and later a king, the brother of Agnar and foster son of Odin and Frigg. He was favored by Odin while Frigg favored Agnar. Geirrod (at the direction Odin) pushed Agnar in a boat out to sea and he never returned. Frigg's interference eventually caused Geirrod's death; she slandered Geirrod to Odin while also warning Geirrod against a mysterious magician. When Odin arrived at Geirrod's disguise, he was tortured and thrown into a fire. Geirrod died by falling on his sword while trying to remove Odin from the fire. His son Agnar (named after his brother) succeeded him on the throne.

Gerdr

Her name means "Fence enclosing tilled land". She is the daughter of the giant Gýmir. Her marriage to Frey explains spring flowing from winter - she is the frozen seed brought to life by Frey's gentle rain and warm sun.

Gillingr

"Then these dwarves invited the giant who is called Gillingr to visit them, and his wife with him. Next the dwarves invited Gillingr to row upon the sea with them; but when they had gone out from the land, the dwarves rowed into the breakers and capsized the boat. Gillingr was unable to swim, and he perished; but the dwarves righted their boat and rowed to land. They reported this accident to his wife, but she took it grievously and wept aloud. Then Fjalar asked her whether it would ease her heart if she should look out upon the sea at the spot where he had perished; and she desired it. Then he spoke softly to Galarr his brother, bidding him go up over the doorway, when she should go out, and let a mill-stone fall on her head, saying that her weeping grew wearisome to him; and even so he did." -Prose Edda

Gillingr was a giant who was murdered by the dwarves Fjalar and Galarr. He was later avenged by his son Suttungr.

Gjálp

"Under the chair had been Geirrödr's daughters, Gjálp and Greip; and he had broken both their backs." -Prose Edda

Gjálp was a giantess. She was the daughter of the giant Geirrödr and sister of the giantess Greip. Thor broke both sister's backs and kill their father.

Gjúki

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Nefir, from whom the Niflungs sprang...Of the Niflung's house was Gjúki" -Prose Edda

Gjúki was descended from the house of Niflung. He was married to Grímhildr and together they had a son Gunnarr, son Högni, daughter Gudrún and Gudný. His descendants were called Gjúkungs.

Glenr

"A certain man was named Mundilfari, who had two children; they were so fair and comely that he called his son Moon, and his daughter Sun, and wedded her to the man called Glenr." -Prose Edda

Glenr was the husband of Sun, who was taken into the sky to drive the chariots of the sun.

Gná

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The fourteenth is Gná: her Frigg sends into divers lands on her errands; she has that horse which runs over sky and sea and is called Hoof-Tosser. Once when she was riding, certain of the Vanir saw her course in the air; then one spake: What flieth there? | What fareth there, Or glideth in the air? She made answer: I fly not, | though I fare And in the air glide On Hoof-Tosser, | him that Hamskerpir Gat with Gardrofa. From Gná's name that which soars high is said to gnæfa." -Prose Edda

Goti

"The Goths are named after that king who was called Goti, from whom Gotland is named: he was so called after Odin's name, derived from the name Gautr." -Prose Edda

Goti was the legendary king named after Odin's name Gautr. Gotland was named after this king.

Gotthormr

"Sigurdr rode away and came to the king who was named Gjúki, whose wife was Grímhildr; their children were Gunnarr, Högni, Gudrún, Gudný; Gotthormr was Gjúki's stepson." -Prose Edda

Gotthormr was the son of his mother Grímhildr and an unknown father, though it is known his step-father was Gjúki. He killed Sigurdr, who was married to his half-sister.

Gramr

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

He was one of the eighteen sons of King Hálfdan the Old and Alvig the Wise. King Hálfdan had struck a bargain with the gods that his descendants would be of "great repute". He and eight of his brothers were born from a single birth, and all 9 died famously in battle without any children. Their names were later used as titles or rank, meaning "Prince" or "King".

Greip

"Under the chair had been Geirrödr's daughters, Gjálp and Greip; and he had broken both their backs." -Prose Edda

Greip was a giantess. She was the daughter of the giant Geirrödr and the sister of Gjálp. Thor broke the sister's backs and killed their father.

Grídr

"Thor came to spend the night with that giantess who was called Grídr, mother of Vídarr the Silent. She told Thor the truth concerning Geirrödr, that he was a crafty giant and ill to deal with; and she lent him the Girdle of Might and iron gloves which she possessed, and her staff also, which was called Grídr's Rod." -Prose Edda

A giantess who loaned Thor weapons when he visited Geirrödr in Jotunheim unarmed. She was the mother of Vídarr with Odin.

Grímhildr

Grímhildr was married to Gjúki and together they had a son Gunnarr, son Högni, daughter Gudrún and Gudný. She also had a son Gotthormr with another man.

Gróa

"Then came the wise woman who was called Gróa, wife of Aurvandill the Valiant: she sang her spells over Thor until the hone was loosened. But when Thor knew that, and thought that there was hope that the hone might be removed, he desired to reward Gróa for her leech-craft and make her glad." -Prose Edda

Gróa was a sorceress helped remove a whetstone from Thor's forehead. She was married to Aurvandill.

Gudný

"Sigurdr rode away and came to the king who was named Gjúki, whose wife was Grímhildr; their children were Gunnarr, Högni, Gudrún, Gudný; Gotthormr was Gjúki's stepson." -Prose Edda

Gudrún

"Sigurdr rode away and came to the king who was named Gjúki, whose wife was Grímhildr; their children were Gunnarr, Högni, Gudrún, Gudný; Gotthormr was Gjúki's stepson." -Prose Edda

Gudrún was the daughter of her father Gjúki and mother Grímhildr. Her first husband was Sigurdr, and with him she had a son Sigmundr, and two daughters; Svanhildr and Aslaug. After a quarrel with her brother Gunnarr's wife Brynhildr, Brynhildr arranged for the death of both Sigurdr and three-year old Sigmundr. Later Brynhildr killed herself. After that, Gudrún married Brynhildr's brother, King Atli. Atli arranged for the death of Gudrún's brothers Gunnarr (incidentally married to Brynhildr), and

After an argument between Brynhildr and Gudrún, Brynhildr conspired with her husband and his brothers to kill Sigurdr. Gotthormr stabbed his brother-in-law Sigurdr and killed Sigurdr's three year old son Sigmundr, but during the struggle Sigurdr managed to kill Gotthormr as well. Afterwards, Brynhildr committed suicide with a sword and she was burned with Sigurdr. After this, Gunnar and Hogni ruled the lands. King Atli (son of Budli, brother of Brynhildr) then married Sigurdr's widow, Gudrún. Atli invited Gunnarr and Hogni to visit but instead he enslaved them. Atli cut out Hogni's heart and cast Gunnar into a pit of snakes until he died. Later Gudrún killed her two sons and made flagons of their skulls. She made mead with the blood of the boys and roasted their hearts and served it to the king Atli. Along with Hogni's son she killed the King Atli (her husband), set the hall on fire and burned everyone there. Then she tried to kill herself by throwing herself into the sea, but the sea floated her to King Jónakr's land and made her his wife. They had three sons, Sörli, Hamdir, and Erpr. Gudrún raised her daughter (with Sigurdr) there, named Svanhildr. King Jörmunrekkr sent his son Randvér to woo her on his father's behalf. But instead Randvér ran off with Svanhildr. King Jörmunrekkr chased after them and when he found Svanhildr he trod upon her to death under his horses feet. Gudrún, when she learned of her daughter's death, urged her sons (King Jónakr) to take vengeance. After the three brothers set out, two of them (Sorli and Hamdir) were mad at their mother so instead decided to kill their brother Erpr because she loved him the best. The two brothers went on and cut off King Jörmunrekkr's hands and feet, but his guards overpowered them and killed the brothers with stones. Thus ended the house of Gjúki.

Gulveig

She was a witch from Vanaheim who came to Asgard looking for gold. The visit resulted in a war between the Æsir and Vanir. After Loki ate her heart, he became evil.

Gunnarr

"Sigurdr rode away and came to the king who was named Gjúki, whose wife was Grímhildr; their children were Gunnarr, Högni, Gudrún, Gudný; Gotthormr was Gjúki's stepson." -Prose Edda

"Thereafter Sigurdr and the sons of Gjúki went unto Atli, Budli's son, to sue for the hand of Brynhildr his sister in marriage to Gunnarr." -Prose Edda

Gunnlöd

Gylfi

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Gýmir

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Hákon

Hálfdan (The Old)

"There was a king named Hálfdan the Old, who was most famous of all kings...Then he took in marriage that woman named Alvig the Wise, daughter of King Eymundr of Hólmgardr ("Russia"): they had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth." -Prose Edda

Hálfdan the Old was the husband of Alvig the Wise (daughter of Eymundr) with whom he had 18 sons. He asked the gods to live 300 years, but they decided that while he would live a normal lifespan all his descendants for at least 300 years would be great.

Hálfdan (The Munificent)

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also;...Bragi, from whom the Bragnings are sprung (that is the race of Hálfdan the Munificent)" -Prose Edda

Hálfdan (The Swarthy)

"From the race of Hildings sprang Haraldr the Red-Bearded, mother's father of Hálfdan the Swarthy." -Prose Edda

Hálfr

Hamdir

"...they had three sons, called Sörli, Hamdir, and Erpr: they were all raven-black of hair, like Gunnarr and Högni and the other Niflungs." -Prose Edda

Hamdir was the son of Jónakr and Gudrún, with two full brothers Erpr and Sörli and a half-sister Svanhildr (who had been fathered by their mother's first husband, Sigurdr). After King Jörmunrekkr the Mighty killed Svanhildr, their mother commanded the three brothers kill the king in vengeance. The brothers resented their mothers orders, so Sörli and Hamdir made the really stupid decision to kill their brother Erpr because he was their mother's favorite. The two remaining brothers failed in their attempt to assassinate the king and were themselves killed.

Hárekr

"Thórálfr sang this: The Mighty One of Hlidskjálf Spake his mind unto them Where the hosts of fearless Hárekr were slaughtered." -Prose Edda

Haraldr (the Red-Bearded)

"From the race of Hildings sprang Haraldr the Red-Bearded, mother's father of Hálfdan the Swarthy." -Prose Edda

Haraldr Gormsson

Haraldr Gormsson is described as the King of Denmark and friend of Hákon the Mighty.

Harri

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

He was one of the eighteen sons of King Hálfdan the Old and Alvig the Wise. King Hálfdan struck a bargain with the gods that his descendants would be of "great repute". He and eight of his brothers were born from a single birth, and all 9 died famously in battle without any children. Their names were later used as titles or rank, meaning "Prince" or "King".

Hedinn

"....Högni had a daughter named Hildr: her King Hedinn, son of Hjarrandi, took as the spoils of war" -Prose Edda

"When the stern Lords of Sword-Din Sought Hedinn with stern weapons, Rather than receive The necklet-rings of Hildr." -Prose Edda

King Hedinn was the son of Hjarrandi. He took Hildr (daughter of King Högni) as a spoil of war and married her. King Högni rejected Hedinn's offers to leave them in peace and went to war to regain his daughter. The two kings fought in the battle called "Hjadnings' Strife" and each day after fighting Hildr magically healed those who had been killed. The battle is said to continue "unto the Weird of the Gods".

Hefring

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda" -Prose Edda

Hefring was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bara, Blódughadda, Bylgja, Dröfn, Himinglaeva, Hronn, Kölga and Unn.

Heimdallr

"How should one paraphrase Heimdallr? By calling him Son of Nine Mothers, or Watchman of the Gods, as already has been written; or White God, Foe of Loki, Seeker of Freyja's Necklace. A sword is called Heimdallr's Head: for it is said that he was pierced by a man's head. The tale thereof is told in Heimdalar-galdr; and ever since a head is called Heimdallr's Measure; a sword is called Man's Measure. Heimdallr is the Possessor of Gulltoppr; he is also Frequenter of Vágasker and Singasteinn, where he contended with Loki for the Necklace Brísinga-men, he is also called Vindlér. Úlfr Uggason composed a long passage in the Húsdrápa on that legend, and there it is written that they were in the form of seals. Heimdallr also is son of Odin." -Prose Edda

"Rainbow". Heimdall was the watchmen of the gods, placed at the borders of heaven to prevent intruders from crossing the rainbow bridge Bifrost. He requires less sleep than a board and can see night and day for 100 miles around him. He can hear grass growing and the hair on a sheep's back. His horn Gjallarhorn sounds the alarm that Ragnarok has come and can be heard by the whole world. He was the son of Odin and 9 sisters. He is also called "Rig".

Heimir

There Sörli and Hamdir fell, and now all the house and offspring of Gjúki were dead. A daughter named Áslaug lived after young Sigurdr; she was reared with Heimir in Hlymdalir, and great houses are sprung from her." -Prose Edda

Heimir was raised with Áslaug (Sigurdr's daughter) in Hlymdalir. He may have been the foster-father of Brynhild.

Hel

"But evil men go to Hel and thence down to the Misty Hel; and that is down in the ninth world." -Prose Edda

"Yet more children had Loki. Angrboda was the name of a certain giantess in Jötunheim, with whom Loki gat three children: one was Fenris-Wolf, the second Jörmungandr--that is the Midgard Serpent,--the third is Hel...Hel he cast into Niflheim, and gave to her power over nine worlds, to apportion all abodes among those that were sent to her: that is, men dead of sickness or of old age. She has great possessions there; her walls are exceeding high and her gates great. Her hall is called Sleet-Cold; her dish, Hunger; Famine is her knife; Idler, her thrall; Sloven, her maidservant; Pit of Stumbling, her threshold, by which one enters; Disease, her bed; Gleaming Bale, her bed-hangings. She is half blue-black and half flesh-color (by which she is easily recognized), and very lowering and fierce." -Prose Edda

"Concealer". She was the goddess of the underworld. She rules the dead who do not die in battle. Her realm was also called Hel and looks similar to Valhalla except for the gruesome décor. She is the daughter of her father Loki and mother Angrboda, plus sister to Fenris and the Midgard serpent.

Helblindi

"He is named Loki or Loptr, son of Fárbauti the giant; his mother was Laufey or Nál; his brothers are Býleistr and Helblindi." -Prose Edda

Hengikjöptr

"In that time two mill-stones were found in Denmark, so great that no one was so strong that he could turn them: the nature of the mill was such that whatsoever he who turned asked for, was ground out by the mill-stones. This mill was called Grótti. He who gave King Fródi the mill was named Hengikjöptr." -Prose Edda

Hengikjöptr was the one who gave King Fródi the mill called Grótti. It may also be another name for Odin.

Hengjankjapta

"Thor...Didst hold back Hengjankjapta" -Prose Edda

Heremód

"Their son was Lóridi, who resembled his father; his son was Einridi, his son Vingethor, his son Vingener, his son Móda, his son Magi, his son Seskef, his son Bedvig, his son Athra (whom we call Annarr), his son Ítermann, his son Heremód, his son Skjaldun (whom we call Skjöld), his son Bjáf (whom we call Bjárr), his son Ját, his son Gudólfr, his son Finn, his son Fríallaf (whom we call Fridleifr); his son was he who is named Vóden, whom we call Odin" -Prose Edda

Heremód is mentioned in the confusing Prose Edda prologue that describes Thor and Odin as descendants of the Greek King Priam.

Hermódr (The Bold)

"Now when the gods had come to themselves, Frigg spake, and asked who there might be among the Æsir who would fain have for his own all her love and favor: let him ride the road to Hel, and seek if he may find Baldr, and offer Hel a ransom if she will let Baldr come home to Ásgard. And he is named Hermódr the Bold, Odin's son, who undertook that embassy. Then Sleipnir was taken, Odin's steed, and led forward; and Hermódr mounted on that horse and galloped off." -Prose Edda

Hermódr the Bold was the son of Odin who rode Sleipnir into Hel to try negotiating Baldr's release.

Hermundr

"And as Arnórr Earls'-Skald sang: Help, dear King of Heaven, The Day's Plain, help my Hermundr." -Prose Edda

Hildr

"....Högni had a daughter named Hildr: her King Hedinn, son of Hjarrandi, took as the spoils of war" -Prose Edda

"When the stern Lords of Sword-Din Sought Hedinn with stern weapons, Rather than receive The necklet-rings of Hildr." -Prose Edda

Hildr was the daughter of King Högni. Her father followed her after she was taken as a spoil of war by King Hedinn, and started the battle called "Hjadnings' Strife". After fighting ended each day, Hildr magically healed those who had been killed. The battle is said to continue "unto the Weird of the Gods".

Hilmir

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Himinglæva

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda" -Prose Edda

Himinglaeva was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bara, Blódughadda, Bylgja, Dröfn, Hefring, Hronn, Kölga and Unn.

Hjarrandi

"....Högni had a daughter named Hildr: her King Hedinn, son of Hjarrandi, took as the spoils of war" -Prose Edda

Hjördís

Hladir

Hnoss

"Which are the Ásynjur?...Freyja is most gently born (together with Frigg): she is wedded to the man named Ódr. Their daughter is Hnoss: she is so fair, that those things which are fair and precious are called hnossir." -Prose Edda

Hnoss was the beautiful daughter of Freyja and Ódr. "Hnossir" refers to things that are "fair and precious" in her honor.

Hœnir

"How should Hœnir be periphrased? By calling him Bench-Mate or Companion or Friend of Odin, the Swift of God, the Long-Footed, and' King of Clay." -Prose Edda

Högni

"Sigurdr rode away and came to the king who was named Gjúki, whose wife was Grímhildr; their children were Gunnarr, Högni, Gudrún, Gudný; Gotthormr was Gjúki's stepson." -Prose Edda

Hrönn

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda" -Prose Edda

Hrönn was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bára, Bylgja, Blódughadda, Dúfa, Himinglæva, Hefring, Kölga and Udr.

Hermod

Courage in battle. He was a son of Odin and one of the war gods. He entered Hel's realm to convince her to resurrect Baldur.

Hjúki

Hjuki and sibling Bil were coming back from a well with a pail on a pole and were then taken from earth by the moon. Reportedly spots in the moon show two people carrying a big bucket on a pole. They are the children of Vidfinn.

Hlín

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The twelfth is Hlín: she is established as keeper over those men whom Frigg desires to preserve from any danger; thence comes the saying, that he who escapes 'leans.'" -Prose Edda

Hödr

"How should one paraphrase Hödr? Thus: by calling him the Blind God, Baldr's Slayer, Thrower of the Mistletoe, Son of Odin, Companion of Hel, Foe of Váli." -Prose Edda

He was a blind war god. Through Loki he accidentally killed his half-brother Baldur with mistletoe. Also, he was a rival for the hand of Baldur's wife Nanna. He was the son of Odin.

Hræsvelgr

"Then said Gangleri: "Whence comes the wind? It is strong, so that it stirs great seas, and it swells fire; but, strong as it is, none may see it, for it is wonderfully shapen." Then said Hárr: "That I am well able to tell thee. At the northward end of heaven sits the giant called Hræsvelgr: he has the plumes of an eagle, and when he stretches his wings for flight, then the wind rises from under his wings, as is here said: Hræsvelgr hight he | who sits at heaven's ending, Giant in eagle's coat; From his wings, they say, | the wind cometh All men-folk over." -Prose Edda

Hreidmarr

"Now the husbandman who dwelt there was named Hreidmarr: he was a man of much substance, and very skilled in black magic. The Æsir asked him for a night's lodging, saying that they had sufficient food with them, and showed him their catch. But when Hreidmarr saw the otter, straight way he called to him his sons, Fáfnir and Reginn, and told them that the otter their brother was slain, and who had done that deed. It Now father and sons went up to the Æsir, seized them, bound them, and told them about the otter, how he was Hreidmarr's son." -Prose Edda

Hreidmarr was a black magician. After Loki killed his son Otter, his other sons Fáfnir and Reginn imprisoned Odin, Loki and Hœnir until they agreed to pay restitution by filling the otter skin with red gold. The gods included a cursed ring with the ransom money and gave it to Hreidmarr. In fulfillment of the curse, Fáfnir and Reginn killed him after he refused to share the gold. Later the brother quarreled and after Fáfnir made off with the gold, Reginn convinced the hero Sigurdr to kill Fáfnir and later Sigurdr killed Reginn as well.

Hrungnir

Hymir

"He [Thor] went out over Midgard in the guise of a young lad, and came one evening at twilight to a certain giant's, who was called Hymir." -Prose Edda

He was the giant lord of the winter sea. Thor went to him to get a cauldron for Ægir's feast. He was Tyr's grandfather.

Hrymr

"Then that too shall happen, that Naglfar shall be loosened, the ship which is so named. (It is made of dead men's nails; wherefore a warning is desirable, that if a man die with unshorn nails, that man adds much material to the ship Naglfar, which gods and men were fain to have finished late.) Yet in this sea-flood Naglfar shall float. Hrymr is the name of the giant who steers Naglfar...then Loki and Hrymr shall come there also, and with him all the Rime-Giants." -Prose Edda

Hyndla

Hyrrokkin

"Hringhorni is the name of Baldr's ship: it was greatest of all ships; the gods would have launched it and made Baldr's pyre thereon, but the ship stirred not forward. Then word was sent to Jötunheim after that giantess who is called Hyrrokkin. When she had come, riding a wolf and having a viper for bridle, then she leaped off the steed; and Odin called to four berserks to tend the steed; but they were not able to hold it until they had felled it. Then Hyrrokkin went to the prow of the boat and thrust it out at the first push, so that fire burst from the rollers, and all lands trembled. Thor became angry and clutched his hammer, and would straightway have broken her head, had not the gods prayed for peace for her." -Prose Edda

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Idi

Idunn

"How should Idunn be paraphrased? Thus: by calling her Wife of Bragi, and Keeper of the Apples; and the apples should be called Age-Elixir of the Æsir. Idunn is also called Spoil of the Giant Thjazi, according to the tale that has been told before, how he took her away from the Æsir." -Prose Edda

His wife is Idunn: she guards in her chest of ash those apples which the gods must taste whensoever they grow old; and then they all become young, and so it shall be even unto the Weird of the Gods." -Prose Edda

"Rejuvenation". Goddess of youth. She keeps the golden apples that the Gods eat to retain their youth and immortality. She was once kidnapped by the storm giant Tjasse. She is the wife of Bragi.

Ívaldi

Father of the dwarves Brokkr and Sindri. He created Sif's golden hair, Odin's spear and the ship Skidbladnir. His sons created Gungnir.

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Járnsaxa

"Magni came up, son of Thor and Járnsaxa" -Prose Edda

Jöfurr

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Jónakr

"After that she went to the shore and leaped into the sea, desiring to make an end of herself; but she was tossed by the billows over the firth, and was borne to King Jónakr's land. And when he saw her, he took her to him and wedded her, and they had three sons, called Sörli, Hamdir, and Erpr: they were all raven-black of hair, like Gunnarr and Högni and the other Niflungs." -Prose Edda

Jörd

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

"Jörd, the mother of Thor, and Rindr, Váli's mother, are reckoned among the Ásynjur." -Prose Edda

Jörd is the daughter of the giantess Night and Annarr. She was an earth goddess. She is the mother of Thor with Odin.

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Kari

Kölga

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda

Kölga was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bára, Blódughadda, Bylgja, Dúfa, Himinglæva, Hefring, Hrönn and Udr.

Kvasir

"The gods had a dispute with the folk which are called Vanir, and they appointed a peace-meeting between them and established peace in this way: they each went to a vat and spat their spittle therein. Then at parting the gods took that peace-token and would not let it perish, but shaped thereof a man. This man is called Kvasir, and he was so wise that none could question him concerning anything but that he knew the solution. He went up and down the earth to give instruction to men; and when he came upon invitation to the abode of certain dwarves, Fjalar and Galarr, they called him into privy converse with them, and killed him, letting his blood run into two vats and a kettle. The kettle is named Ódrerir, and the vats Són and Bodn; they blended honey with the blood, and the outcome was that mead by the virtue of which he who drinks becomes a skald or scholar. The dwarves reported to the Æsir that Kvasir had choked on his own shrewdness, since there was none so wise there as to be able to question his wisdom." -Prose Edda

Kvasir was the wisest dwarf who could answer all questions. To make peace after a war between the gods, all the gods spat into a vase. Kvasir came out of this vase. He was later killed by two dwarves Fjalar and Galarr.

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Lif

Human girl who survives Ragnarok along with Lithrasir. Between them they repopulate the new world.

Lithrasir

Human man who survives Ragnarok along with Lif. Between them they repopulate the new world.

Laufey

Lofdi

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...the eighth was Lofdi, who was a great war-king (that host who were called Lofdar followed him; his kindred are called Lofdungs, whence sprang Eylimi, Sigurdr Fáfnisbani's mother's sire)" -Prose Edda

Lofn

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The eighth is Lofn: she is so gracious and kindly to those that call upon her, that she wins Allfather's or Frigg's permission for the coming together of mankind in marriage, of women and of men, though it were forbidden before, or seem flatly denied; from her name such permission is called 'leave,' and thus also she is much 'loved' of men." -Prose Edda

Logi

"Wild Fire". He was a giant who had an eating contest with Loki at Utgardsloki's hall.

Loki

"How should one paraphrase Loki? Thus: call him Son of Fárbauti and Laufey, or of Nil, Brother of Býleistr and of Helblindi, Father of the Monster of Ván (that is, Fenris-Wolf), and of the Vast Monster (that is, the Midgard Serpent), and of Hel, and Nari, and Áli; Kinsman and Uncle, Evil Companion and Bench-Mate of Odin and the Æsir, Visitor and Chest-Trapping of Geirrödr, Thief of the Giants, of the Goat, of Brísinga-men, and of Idunn's Apples, Kinsman of Sleipnir, Husband of Sigyn, Foe of the Gods, Harmer of Sif's Hair, Forger of Evil, the Sly God, Slanderer and Cheat of the Gods, Contriver of Baldr's Death, the Bound God, Wrangling Foe of Heimdallr and of Skadi." -Prose Edda

He was the jotun son of the mortal Laufey and giant Fárbauti but joined the gods after becoming blood brothers with Odin. He was the god of mischief and fraud. He personifies the two aspects of fire - destruction and helpful warming. He could either help the gods or harm them, and often enjoys tricking them. He is associated with evil, deceit and trickery. He was responsible for Baldur's death. With his wife Angerboda in Jotunheim he fathered Fenris, Hel and the Midgard serpent. He also had a wife, Sigun, in Asgard but they had no children. He also fathered Sleipnir.

Lórá

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Magni

"Magni came up, son of Thor and Járnsaxa" -Prose Edda

He was the very strong son of Thor who alone managed to rescue his father from the jotun Rugnir. He was one of the seven Æsir to survive Ragnarok.

Manna-Thengill

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Menja

"King Fródi went to a feast in Sweden at the court of the king who was called Fjölnir, and there he bought two maid-servants, Fenja and Menja: they were huge and strong." -Prose Edda

Midgard Serpent

A tremendous serpent, offspring of Loki and Angrboda. He lies at the bottom of the ocean encircling the earth.

Mimir

A jotun guardian of the spring of wisdom. He shared his wisdom with Odin in return for one of Odin's eyes. After he was beheaded by the Vanir, Odin kept his head and embalmed it so it could continue to advise the Æsir.

Mistarblindi

Mistarblindi is cited as the father of Ægir, and may also be the father of Kari and Loki.

Modi

"Courageous". He was one of the seven Æsir to survive Ragnarok. He was the son of Sif and Thor.

Moon

"Moon steers the course of the moon, and determines its waxing and waning." -Prose Edda

Moon was a son so handsome his father Mundilfari named him "Moon". This insolence angered the gods and they took him and his sister Sun. Moon drives the moon in a chariot and determines the waxing and waning of the moon. He is chased by a wolf called Hati Hródvitnisson. He took the human children Bil and Hjúki to accompany him on his journey.

Mundilfari

"A certain man was named Mundilfari, who had two children; they were so fair and comely that he called his son Moon, and his daughter Sun, and wedded her to the man called Glenr." -Prose Edda

Mundilfari was so proud of his beautiful children that he named his son "Moon" and his daughter "Sun". He married Sun to a man named Glenr. The choice in names angered the gods at his insolence, and took the brother and sister to the sky to drive horses and chariots of the sun and moon.

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Naglfari

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

Nanna

She was called "mother of the brave one" and described as the goddess of the moon. She was married to Baldur and joined him after his death. Their son was Forseti.

Narfi

"His wife was called Sigyn, their son Nari or Narfi." -Prose Edda

While some sources say Loki didn't have any children with his Asgard wife Sigyn, the Prose Edda says Loki and Sigyn had a son name Narfi.

Nefir

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Nefir, from whom the Niflungs sprang...Of the Niflung's house was Gjúki" -Prose Edda

Nidhogg

"Hateful". A dragon/serpent that lays in Niflheim gnawing at the world tree Yggdrasil's roots. Nidhogg rises to the surface after Ragnarok.

Night

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

Night is the daughter of the giant Nörfi. She had a son Audr with Naglfari, a daughter Jörd with Annarr, and son Day with Dayspring.

Njördr

"How should one periphrase Njördr? By calling him God of the Vanir, or Kinsman of the Vanir, or Wane, Father of Freyr and Freyja, God of Wealth-Bestowal." -Prose Edda

"He rules the course of the wind, and stills sea and fire; on him shall men call for voyages and for hunting." -Prose Edda

Chief of the Vanir, and god of the winds and sea and lived by the celestial sea. He was born in the Vanir lands, but given to the Æsir as a hostage while Hœnir was given to the Vanir. He was married to Skadi and with her fathered Frey and Freya. He and Skadi argued over where to live, and tried a compromise where they lived 9 nights in her father's mountainous lands and then 9 nights near the sea but this made both unhappy.

Nörfi

"Nörfi or Narfi is the name of a giant that dwelt in Jötunheim: he had a daughter called Night; she was swarthy and dark, as befitted her race. She was given to the man named Naglfari; their son was Audr. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annarr; Jörd was their daughter. Last of all Dayspring had her, and he was of the race of the Æsir; their son was Day: he was radiant and fair after his father." -Prose Edda

Noss

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Ódr

"Which are the Ásynjur?...Freyja is most gently born (together with Frigg): she is wedded to the man named Ódr. Their daughter is Hnoss: she is so fair, that those things which are fair and precious are called hnossir. Ódr went away on long journeys, and Freyja weeps for him, and her tears are red gold." -Prose Edda

Odin

"Spirit, Ecstasy". He was the chief of the Æsir and with his brothers Ve and Vili helped to create the world. He was the god of battle, death, magic, inspiration and wisdom and hanged men. He was the lord of the sky and father of the gods. The two ravens Hugin (Though) and Munin (Memory) perch on his shoulders - they could fly to the ends of creation to bring him knowledge. He gave one of his eyes to the jotun Mimir in exchange for a drink of water from the well of knowledge, and the loss of the eye gave him inner sight. He was married to Frigg.

Ottar

He was one of Freya's lovers. Ottar made a bet with Angantyr that his ancestry was more regal. Freyja turned him into the shape of a boar and road him to see the giantess Hyndla to learn his genealogy.

Ovendrill

Ölvaldi

"It seems to me that Thjazi was a mighty man: now of what family was he?" Bragi answered: "His father was called Ölvaldi, and if I tell thee of him, thou wilt think these things wonders. He was very rich in gold; but when he died and his sons came to divide the inheritance, they determined upon this measure for the gold which they divided: each should take as much as his mouth would hold, and all the same number of mouthfuls. One of them was Thjazi, the second Idi, the third Gangr." -Prose Edda

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Ræsir

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Ran

She was an ogress who ransacked sunken ships. Her husband was Ægir the sea lord and together they had 9 daughters.

Reginn

"Now the husbandman who dwelt there was named Hreidmarr: he was a man of much substance, and very skilled in black magic. The Æsir asked him for a night's lodging, saying that they had sufficient food with them, and showed him their catch. But when Hreidmarr saw the otter, straight way he called to him his sons, Fáfnir and Reginn, and told them that the otter their brother was slain, and who had done that deed. It Now father and sons went up to the Æsir, seized them, bound them, and told them about the otter, how he was Hreidmarr's son." -Prose Edda

Reginn was the son of the black magician Hreidmarr and brother of Fáfnir and Otter. After Loki killed their brother Otter, Fáfnir and Reginn imprisoned Odin, Loki and Hœnir until they agreed to pay restitution by filling the otter skin with red gold. The gods included a cursed ring with the ransom money and gave it to the father Hreidmarr. In fulfillment of the curse, the brothers Fáfnir and Reginn killed their father after he refused to share the gold, then the brothers quarreled over the gold's distribution. Fáfnir took the gold and turned into a serpent to protect it. Reginn became the smith for King Hjálprekr and created the sword Gramr. After convincing the hero Sigurdr to kill his brother Fáfnir with Gramr, Reginn inexplicably demanded restitution from Sigurdr for killing his brother and was promptly killed by Sigurdr as well.

Rungnir

A jotun who challenged Thor to a duel. He may have been a stone-age thunder demon who was displaced by Thor.

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Sága

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The second is Sága: she dwells at Søkkvabekkr, and that is a great abode." -Prose Edda

Sif

"How should Sif be periphrased? By calling her Wife of Thor, Mother of Ullr, Fair-Haired Goddess, Co-Wife of Járnsaxa, Mother of Thrúdr." -Prose Edda

"Kinship". She was the goddess of household, family ties and crops. Her golden hair represented golden fields of grain. Loki once cut off her hair (a horrible crime) who later replaced it with pure gold. She was married to Thor.

Sigarr

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...the ninth, Sigarr, whence come the Siklings: that is the house of Siggeirr, who was son-in-law of Völsungr,--and the house of Sigarr, who hanged Hagbardr." -Prose Edda

Sigurdr Fáfnisbani

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...the eighth was Lofdi, who was a great war-king (that host who were called Lofdar followed him; his kindred are called Lofdungs, whence sprang Eylimi, Sigurdr Fáfnisbani's mother's sire)" -Prose Edda

"Sigurdr was most illustrious of all Host-Kings in race, in prowess, and in mind." -Prose Edda

"Sigurdr and Gudrún had two children, Sigmundr and Svanhildr." -Prose Edda

Sigurdr Fáfnisbani was the famous son of Sigmundr and Hjördís. After drinking blood from the heart of Fáfnir he could understand the speech of birds. With his wife Gudrún he had two children, Sigmundr and Svanhildr.

Sigmundr(1)

"It is said that Sigmundr, Völsungr's son, was so strong that he could drink venom and receive no hurt; and Sinfjötli his son and Sigurdr were so hard-skinned that no venom from without could harm them." -Prose Edda

Sigmundr was said to be so strong he could drink venom. He had his famous son Sigurdr with Hjördís.

Sigmundr(2)

Sigyn

"His wife was called Sigyn, their son Nari or Narfi." -Prose Edda

Sigyn was Loki's wife in Asgard. Some sources say they had no children together while others say they had a son named Narfi.

Sindri

He was a gnome who created Odin's armring, the Draupnir, Frey's golden boar and Thor's hammer Mjolnir. His gnome-brother Brokk wagered on Sindri's skills as a smith. The stakes involved were Brokk's own head. Both were the sons of Ívaldi.

Sjöfn

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The seventh is Sjöfn: she is most diligent in turning the thoughts of men to love, both of women and of men; and from her name love-longing is called sjafni." -Prose Edda

Sjöfn was one of the Ásynjur. The word "sjafni" comes from her name and means "love-longing".

Skadi

"Njördr has to wife the woman called Skadi, daughter of Thjazi the giant." -Prose Edda

Skadi was the daughter of the giant Thjazi, wife of Njördr and mother of the twins Frey and Freya. She was the goddess of skiers and would roam the lands of her father with snowshoes, bow and arrow to hunt. She went to avenge her father's death after he was killed by the gods. The gods let her choose herself a husband from the gods by looking at their feet - she thought she was choosing Baldur but actually chose Njördr. She argued with her husband about where to live and tried a compromise where they spent 9 nights in the mountainous lands of her father (Thrymheimr) and then 9 nights by the sea but both were unhappy with this arrangement.

Skirnir

Frey's servant who helped him woo his wife Gerd in return for Frey's sword. Unfortunately this left Frey unarmed at Ragnarok.

Skjöldr

One of Odin's sons, named Skjöldr,--from whom the Skjöldungs are come,--had his abode and ruled in the realm which now is called Denmark, but then was known as Gotland. Skjöldr's son, who ruled the land after him, was named Fridleifr. Fridleifr's son was Fródi: he succeeded to the kingdom after his father, in the time when Augustus Caesar imposed peace on all the world; at that time Christ was born." -Prose Edda

Skoll

"It is no marvel that she hastens furiously: close cometh he that seeks her, and she has no escape save to run away." Then said Gangleri: "Who is he that causes her this disquiet?" Hárr replied: "It is two wolves; and he that runs after her is called Skoll; she fears him, and he shall take her." -Prose Edda

Skrýmir

Skuld

She was one of the three Norns who helped water the world tree Yggdrasil and spun the threads of life for mortals. She was known as "necessity".

Skrymir

Skyli

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Snotra

"Which are the Ásynjur?...Snotra is thirteenth: she is prudent and of gentle bearing; from her name a woman or a man who is moderate is called snotr." -Prose Edda

Sól

"Sól and Bil are reckoned among the Ásynjur, but their nature has been told before." -Prose Edda

Sun

"But the gods were incensed at that insolence, and took the brother and sister, and set them up in the heavens; they caused Sun to drive those horses that drew the chariot of the sun" -Prose Edda

Sun was a daughter so beautiful her father Mundilfari named her "Sun" and married her to a man named Glenr. This insolence angered the gods and they took her. She is chased by a wolf named Skoll and forced to drive a chariot of the sun.

Suttungr

"Now when the giant Suttungr, Gillingr's son, learned of this, he went over and took the dwarves and carried them out to sea, and set them on a reef which was covered at high tide. They besought Suttungr to grant them respite of their lives, and as the price of reconciliation offered him the precious mead in satisfaction of his father's death. And that became a means of reconciliation between them. Suttungr carried the mead home and concealed it in the place called Hnitbjörg, placing his daughter Gunnlöd there to watch over it." -Prose Edda

Suttungr is a giant, the son of Gillingr and the brother of Baugi. He is the father of Gunnlöd. His father was killed by dwarves, so Suttungr got revenge by taking the dwarves mead that had been made from the killed body of the wise dwarf Kvasir.

Svanhildr

"There Svanhildr, daughter of the youth Sigurdr, was reared, and of all women she was fairest." -Prose Edda

"Then King Jörmunrekkr, riding out of the wood where he had been hunting, beheld Svanhildr as she sat washing her hair: they rode upon her and trod her to death under their horses' feet." -Prose Edda

Svanhildr was the daughter of her father Sigurdr and mother Gudrún. After her father was killed, her mother married King Jónakr and she was raised in his court with her half-brothers. She grew up to be legendary beauty, and was to be courted by King Jörmunrekkr the Mighty. The "mighty king" made the mistake of sending his grown son Randvér to woo her on his behalf. Randvér instead decided that he wanted her, and was killed at the gallows on his father's orders for disobedience. While Svanhildr was washing her hair, King Jörmunrekkr came upon her and trampled her to death with his horses.

Syn

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The eleventh is Syn: she keeps the door in the hall, and locks it before those who should not go in; she is also set at trials as a defence against such suits as she wishes to refute: thence is the expression, that syn is set forward, when a man denies." -Prose Edda

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Thjazi

"Thrymheimr tis called, where Thjazi dwelt, He the hideous giant" -Prose Edda

"It seems to me that Thjazi was a mighty man: now of what family was he?" Bragi answered: "His father was called Ölvaldi, and if I tell thee of him, thou wilt think these things wonders. He was very rich in gold; but when he died and his sons came to divide the inheritance, they determined upon this measure for the gold which they divided: each should take as much as his mouth would hold, and all the same number of mouthfuls. One of them was Thjazi, the second Idi, the third Gangr." -Prose Edda

"It is so said, that Odin did this by way of atonement to Skadi: he took Thjazi's eyes and cast them up into the heavens, and made of them two stars." -Prose Edda

Thjazi was the giant son of Ölvaldi and brother of Idi and Gangr. He lived in the mountains in a place called Thrymheimr. Thjazi threatened Loki into helping him steal Idunn and her Apples, later when Loki helped to bring Idunn back to Asgard, Thjazi gave chase and was killed in the pursuit. His daughter Skadi lived in his lands and went to Asgard for revenge.

Thökk

The old crone who refused to weep Baldur out of Hel who was really Loki in disguise.

Thor

"Thor is the foremost of them, he that is called Thor of the Æsir, or Öku-Thor; he is strongest of all the gods and men." -Prose Edda

"What figures should be employed to paraphrase the name of Thor? Thus: one should call him Son of Odin and of Jörd, Father of Magni and Módi and Thrúdr, Husband of Sif, Stepfather of Ullr, Wielder and Possessor of Mjöllnir and of the Girdle of Strength, and of Bilskirnir; Defender of Ásgard and of Midgard, Adversary and Slaver of Giants and Troll-Women, Smiter of Hrungnir, of Geirrödr and of Thrívaldi, Master of Thjálfi and Röskva, Foe of the Midgard Serpent. Foster-father of Vingnir and Hlóra." -Prose Edda

Thor was the strongest of the Æsir and god of thunder, law, and order. He symbolized the union of heaven and earth. He lived in Thrúdvangar in Asgard. He had three powerful items:His hammer, Mjöllnir, kept evil at bay and blessed weddings (making "Thor's Day" popular for weddings). His belt or "girdle of might" doubles his strength and his iron gloves helps him use his hammer. He drives a chariot pulled by two he-goats named Tooth-Gnasher and Tooth-Gritter. He was the son of Odin and Jörd.

"But no one is so wise that he can tell all his mighty works; yet I can tell thee so much tidings of him that the hours would be spent before all that I know were told." -Prose Edda

Thrívaldi

Thrud

Thrud was the daughter of Thor. The dwarf Alvis wanted to marry her, but turned into stone after being outwitted by her father.

Thrym

Thrym was the jotun who stole Thor's hammer and demanded Freya's hand in marriage before he would return it.

Tyggi

"They had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth. These were their names: the first, Thengill, who was called Manna-Thengill; the second, Ræsir; the third, Gramr; the fourth, Gylfi; the fifth, Hilmir; the sixth, Jöfurr; the seventh, Tyggi; the eighth, Skyli or Skúli; the ninth, Harri or Herra. These nine brothers became so famous in foraying that, in all records since, their names are used as titles of rank, even as the name of King or that of Earl. They had no children, and all fell in battle." -Prose Edda

Týr

"How should one paraphrase Týr? By calling him the One-handed God, and Fosterer of the Wolf, God of Battles, Son of Odin." -Prose Edda

"Shining". He was the god of the sword and dueling. He lost his right hand after breaking his word to Fenris. Fenris had caused the gods much trouble yet could break the strongest chains so the gods plotted to chain him up. They sent a messenger to the mountain spirits that had created Gleipnir, which then made "viz" - a soft, smooth and silken string created from the noise of a cat's footfalls, the beard of a young woman, roots of stone, breath of fish, nerves of bears and spittle of birds. Fenris suspected a trap when the gods asked him to be bound in it, and he demanded a god put his hand in his mouth as a pledge that it would be removed. Tyr consented, and after binding Fenris he lost his hand. He was the son of Odin and a jotun maiden (the son of jotun Hymir).

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Udr

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda

Udr was one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Ran. She and her sisters represent the waves, along with Bára, Blódughadda, Bylgja, Dúfa, Himinglæva, Hefring, Hrönn and Kölga.

Ullr

"How should Ullr be periphrased? By calling him Son of Sif, Stepson of Thor, God of the Snowshoe, God of the Bow, Hunting-God, God of the Shield." -Prose Edda

"Shaggy One". God of hunt, thought to be important once but then nearly forgotten.

Urd

She is one of the three Norns, known as "fate". The Norns helped water the world tree Yggdrasil and spun the threads of life for mortals.

Utgardsloki

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Vár

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The ninth is Vár: she harkens to the oaths and compacts made between men and women; wherefore such covenants are called 'vows.' She also takes vengeance on those who perjure themselves." -Prose Edda

VAFTHRÚDNIR

Vé

He was one of the original Æsir gods who created the world with his brothers Odin and Vili. Odin gave humans life and soul, Vé gave them sense, expressive features and speech, and Vili gave them reason and motion. He is also called "Lodur".

Verdandi

She is one of the Norns, known as "being". The three Norns helped water the world tree Yggdrasil and spun the threads of life for mortals.

Vili

He was one of the original Æsir gods who created the world with his brothers Odin and Vé. Odin gave humans life and soul, Vé gave them sense, expressive features and speech, and Vili gave them reason and motion. He is also called "Hoenir".

Váli

"One is called Áli or Váli, son of Odin and Rindr: he is daring in fights, and a most fortunate marksman." -Prose Edda

"How should Váli be periphrased? Thus: by calling him Son of Odin and Rindr, Stepson of Frigg, Brother of the Æsir, Baldr's Avenger, Foe and Slayer of Hödr, Dweller in the Homesteads of the Fathers." -Prose Edda

One of the gods of war and Odin's youngest son with Rindr. He was one of the seven Æsir to survive Ragnarok.

Vídarr

"Vídarr is the name of one, the silent god...He is nearly as strong as Thor; in him the gods have great trust in all struggles." -Prose Edda

"How should one paraphrase Vídarr? He maybe called the Silent God, Possessor of the Iron Shoe, Foe and Slayer of Fenris-Wolf, Avenger of the Gods, Divine Dweller in the Homesteads of the Fathers, Son of Odin, and Brother of the Æsir." -Prose Edda

He was one of the gods of war and second in strength only to Thor. He was the son of Odin and the giantess Grid.

Vidblindi

"Vidblindi was a giant who drew whales out of the sea like fishes." -Prose Edda

Vidfinn

Vidfinn was the parent of Bil and Hjuki, who were taken by the moon after visiting a well.

Völsungr

"Sigurdr, son of Sigmundr, Völsungr's son" -Prose Edda

"These also are illustrious royal houses...from Völsungr in the land of Franks, those who are called Völsungs." -Prose Edda

Völsungr had the son Sigmundr. He founded the "illustrious royal house" of Völsungs.

Vör

"Which are the Ásynjur?...The tenth is Vör: she is wise and of searching spirit, so that none can conceal anything from her; it is a saying, that a woman becomes 'ware' of that of which she is informed." -Prose Edda

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Ymir

Ymir was the first living creature, a giant. He came from Ginungagap with Audhumla the ice cow. A god and goddess came to life from his armpit sweat and the dwarves came from his feet. After he was killed by the first Æsir gods (Odin, Vili and Ve), his blood became the sea, his skull made the sky, his brains the clouds, his hair the trees, his bones the hills, and his flesh the earth.

Yngvi

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Yngvi, from whom the Ynglings are descended...from Yngvi, the Ynglings are descended" -Prose Edda

Æsir & Vanir

Giants, Gods, Goddesses & Humans

By Molly Kalafut

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Ægir

"A certain man was named Ægir, or Hlér. He dwelt on the island which is now called Hlér's Isle, and was deeply versed in black magic." -Prose Edda

Agnar

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Alfrothful

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Alfrodul

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Alvig

"There was a king named Hálfdan the Old, who was most famous of all kings...Then he took in marriage that woman named Alvig the Wise, daughter of King Eymundr of Hólmgardr ("Russia"): they had eighteen sons, nine born at one birth." -Prose Edda

Alvis

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Andhrimnir

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Angantyr

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Annarr

Angrboda

"Angrboda was the name of a certain giantess in Jötunheim, with whom Loki gat three children: one was Fenris-Wolf, the second Jörmungandr--that is the Midgard Serpent,--the third is Hel." -Prose Edda

Askr

Áslaug

"A daughter named Áslaug lived after young Sigurdr; she was reared with Heimir in Hlymdalir, and great houses are sprung from her." -Prose Edda

Atli

"King Atli, Budli's son, and brother of Brynhildr, then wedded Gudrún, whom Sigurdr had had to wife; and they had children." -Prose Edda

Audumla

Audi

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Audi, from whom the Ödlungs are come...of the house of Ödlings, Kjárr" -Prose Edda

Audr

Aurboda

"A certain man was called Gýmir, and his wife Aurboda: she was of the stock of the Hill-Giants; their daughter was Gerdr, who was fairest of all women." -Prose Edda

Aurnir

"Hardy was Hrungnir, And his father; Yet was Thjazi Than they more mighty: Idi and Aurnir Of us twain are kinsmen,-- Brothers of Hill-Giants, Of them were we born." -Prose Edda

Atli

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Budli, from whom the Budlungs are come (from the house of the Budlungs Atli and Brynhildr descended)" -Prose Edda

"Thereafter Sigurdr and the sons of Gjúki went unto Atli, Budli's son, to sue for the hand of Brynhildr his sister in marriage to Gunnarr." -Prose Edda

Aurvandil (The Valiant)

"Thor went home to Thrúdvangar, and the hone remained sticking in his head. Then came the wise woman who was called Gróa, wife of Aurvandill the Valiant: she sang her spells over Thor until the hone was loosened." -Prose Edda

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Baldr

"How should one periphrase Baldr? By calling him Son of Odin and Frigg, Husband of Nanna, Father of Forseti, Possessor of Hringhorni and Draupnir, Adversary of Hödr, Companion of Hel, God of Tears." -Prose Edda

Bára

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga;" -Prose Edda" -Prose Edda

Baugi

"Odin sought a night's lodging with the giant who is called Baugi, Suttungr's brother" -Prose Edda

Beimuni

"They who followed King Beimuni were called Beimar." -Prose Edda

Beli

Bergelmir

Bestla

"He begat a son called Borr, who wedded the woman named Bestla, daughter of Bölthorn the giant; and they had three sons: one was Odin, the second Vili, the third Vé." -Prose Edda

Beyla

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Bikki

"But Earl Bikki said that it was a better thing for Randvér to wed Svandhildr, since he and she were both young, whereas Jörmunrekkr was old. This counsel pleased the young folk well. Thereupon Bikki reported the matter to the king." -Prose Edda

Bil

He took from the earth-two children, called Bil and Hjúki, they that went from the well called Byrgir, bearing on their shoulders the cask called Sægr, and the pole Simul. Their father is named Vidfinnr. These children follow Moon, as may be seen from the earth." -Prose Edda

"Sól and Bil are reckoned among the Ásynjur, but their nature has been told before." -Prose Edda

Bjárr

"And Bjárr rode Kertr" -Prose Edda

Blódughadda

"...Ægir's Daughters, of them who are called Himinglæva, Dúfa, Blódughadda, Hefring, Udr, Hrönn, Bylgja, Bára, Kölga" -Prose Edda

Bölthorn

"He is named Búri: he was fair of feature, great and mighty. He begat a son called Borr, who wedded the woman named Bestla, daughter of Bölthorn the giant; and they had three sons: one was Odin, the second Vili, the third Vé." -Prose Edda

Borr

"He is named Búri: he was fair of feature, great and mighty. He begat a son called Borr, who wedded the woman named Bestla, daughter of Bölthorn the giant; and they had three sons: one was Odin, the second Vili, the third Vé." -Prose Edda

Bothvar

Not mentioned in Prose Edda

Bragi (God)

"How should one paraphrase Bragi? By calling him Husband of Idunn, First Maker of Poetry, and the Long-bearded God (after his name, a man who has a great beard is called Beard-Bragi) and Son of Odin." -Prose Edda

Bragi (Man)

"Hálfdan and his wife had nine other sons also...Bragi, from whom the Bragnings are sprung (that is the race of Hálfdan the Munificent)" -Prose Edda

Brokk

"Then Loki wagered his head with the dwarf called Brokkr that Brokkr's brother Sindri could not make three other precious things equal in virtue to these." -Prose Edda

Búseyra

Thor "Didst spill the blood of Búseyra" -Prose Edda

Brynhildr