Sleipnir (pronounced “SLAYP-nir”; Old Norse Sleipnir, “The Sliding One”) is the eight-legged horse of the god Odin. Sleipnir is one of Odin’s many shamanic helping spirits, ranks that also include the valkyries and Hugin and Munin, and he can probably be classified as a fylgja. Odin rides Sleipnir on his frequent journeys throughout the Nine … Continue reading Sleipnir
Hermod (pronounced “HAIR-mode”; from Old Norse Hermóðr) is a minor figure in Norse mythology. The meaning and etymology of his name aren’t entirely clear, but it seems likely that his name is either a variant of hermaðr, “warrior,” or means “fury of war” (from herr, “army,” and móðr, “excitement, wrath, passion”). Hermod is best known … Continue reading Hermod
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, one of the earliest and foremost histories of the Anglo-Saxons, who were descended from the same Germanic tribes as the Norse and broadly shared the same body of religious lore, records the following event as having happened in CE 1127: Let no one be surprised at what we are about to relate, … Continue reading The Wild Hunt
There are so many books on Norse mythology out there, especially at the beginner level, that if you were to make a pile with one copy of each it would probably reach all the way up to Asgard itself. Trying to decide where to start – or where to go next from your current position, … Continue reading The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books
Hrungnir (“The Brawler”[1]) was the mightiest of all of the giants, the spirits of darkness, winter, night, and the grave, who are often the enemies of the gods. One day Hrungnir was paid a visit in Jotunheim, the homeland of the giants, by Odin. Hrungnir didn’t recognize the god at first, and instead wondered aloud … Continue reading Thor’s Duel with Hrungnir
Asgard, the celestial stronghold of the Aesir tribe of gods and goddesses, is encircled by a high, protective wall. This wall (the -garðr element in the Old Norse name Ásgarðr) defends the Aesir from incursions by the giants and other beings who are often the enemies of the gods. But this wall wasn’t always there. … Continue reading The Fortification of Asgard
Baldur was one of the most beloved of all the gods. The son of Odin, the chief of the gods, and the benevolent sorceress goddess Frigg, Baldur was a generous, joyful, and courageous character who gladdened the hearts of all who spent time with him. When, therefore, he began to have ominous dreams of some … Continue reading The Death of Baldur
Totemism is a relationship of spiritual kinship between a human or group of humans and a particular species of animal or plant. The totem animal or plant is generally held to be an ancestor, guardian, and/or benefactor of the human or humans in question. The totem animal or plant is sometimes held to overlap with … Continue reading Totemism
What is shamanism, and to what extent was it present among the pre-Christian Norse and other Germanic peoples? “Shamanism,” like “love,” is a notoriously hard word to define. Any meaningful discussion of an idea, however, depends on the idea first being clearly defined so that everyone understands exactly what is being discussed. For our purposes … Continue reading Shamanism
Hel (Old Norse Hel, “Hidden;”[1] pronounced like the English word “Hell”) is the most general name for the underworld where many of the dead dwell. It’s presided over by a fearsome goddess whose name is also Hel. Occasionally, it’s also referred to as “Helheim,” “The Realm of Hel,” although this is much more common in … Continue reading Hel (The Underworld)