Aesir Pantheon
The Aesir worship a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, and some of the more well-known ones are listed below. It should be noted that the Aesir have a fairly laid-back approach to religion. Their relationship with their gods is more one of cameraderie than devout fanaticism. They call upon their gods frequently, for luck or aid, but they have few qualms about cursing their ill fortune if the gods prove capricious. They approach religion with the same pragmatism as anything else; what will be, will be, and they do not waste time with ceremony or sacrifices. They might praise Othin in one breath and curse him the next, but it will change little, for their "orlog," or fate, has already been predetermined.
Othin: The All-Father (Val-father), or chief of the gods. He is a god of victory, knowledge, magic, and the afterlife. It is said that he gave up one eye in the pursuit of knowledge, for all things come with a price. His
symbols are the raven and a rune-carved spear. It is said that he can change his shape, most commonly into a raven, and so such birds are considered sacred by the Aesir; men and women born with dark wings are thought to be blessed by Othin. (Other names: Bolverk, Grimnir, Odhinn, Odin, Sigtyr, Wodan)
Thunor: The thunder god; primarily a god of war but also of the sky, storms, sea journeys, and an administrator of justice. He is described as a massive, red-bearded champion wearing iron gloves and wielding a great hammer called Mjollnir, that creates lightning when struck against stone. He possesses
a great appetite for food, drink, and merry-making, and is therefore a favorite among the Aesir. (Other names: Thor)
Logi: The trickster-god. His alliances are always suspect, and he seems truly loyal to no one but himself. He can be mischievous, manipulative, humorous, capricious, and sometimes sinister. He is cunning and crafty, and his wits have saved the gods on more than one occasion -- but he has also put the gods in danger through his tricks and plotting. He can change shape, and is an accomplished thief. His name means "fire." (Other names: Loki)
Frigg: The consort of Othin and "queen of heaven" among the Aesir. She presides over fertility, childbirth, midwifery, and protection of the household.
Freyja: The goddess of love, fertility, and marriage among the Aesir; twin sister of Freyr. She is said to be able to take the shape of a falcon and fly great distances, and is also associated with a form of witchcraft, "seidr," involving scrying and divination. Her symbol is a cat. (Other names: Syr, Skialf)
Freyr: A god of fertility, prosperity, and peace; the twin brother of Freyja. His symbol is the boar. (Other names: Frodi, Ing, Lytir)
Njord: The god of the sea and winds among the Aesir. He is the protector of seafarers and fishermen, and brings the wealth of the sea to mankind (the Aesir's version of the Najadan "Vodyanoi," although with a less sinister aspect). He is the father to Freyr and Freyja, and his consort is the goddess, Skadi.
Skadi: The consort of the sea-god, Njord. She lives apart from her husband, preferring the mountains to the coast, and is described as a huntress who wields a great bow -- similar to Cytherea in the Empyrean mythology. She is also considered a goddess of winter.
Idunn: Among the Aesir, there is a myth that their gods retain their youth and vitality through magical golden apples, of which Idunn is the guardian. She is thus a goddess of youth, immortality, and eternal springtime.
Vidar: A son of Othin and a god of war, like his father and Thunor. He is described as "the silent one," and is called upon only in times of desperation or great need. He is an avenger -- a god of retribution. To invoke his name is a risky undertaking, and carries all the weight of a curse upon one's enemies. For he will not rest until blood is spilled.
Norns: Similar to the Empyreal Graiae, these three supernatural women determine the fates of each man and woman. Their names are: Urd (fate), Skuld (necessity), and Verdandi (being). They spin out the threads of every person's life; even those of the gods themselves.
Aesir Terms
Althing:
An assembly of free men during which laws are made, disputes are settled, and justice is meted out. It is presided over by a law-speaker, who is elected by the assembly. Decisions are made by casting lots.
Fimbulwinter:
the monstrous winter that precedes Ragnarok -- three winters rolled into one, with no summer in between. It is said that the wolf, Fenrir, will swallow the sun.
Freyja:
The goddess of love, fertility, and marriage among the Aesir; twin sister of Freyr.
Freyr:
A god of fertility, prosperity, and peace; the twin brother of Freyja.
Frigg:
The consort of Othin and "queen of heaven" among the Aesir.
futhark:
The runic alphabet of the Aesir.
godar:
(pl. godi) A priest of the Aesir.
hnefatafl:
a board game between two players, requiring skill, similar to chess. Called "tafl" for short.
Idunn:
The guardian of the golden apples, which grant the gods youth and immortality.
jarl:
A title for the lesser nobility among the Aesir.
Logi:
The trickster-god, whose alliances are suspect and who shows loyalty to none but himself. He can change shape at will, and is an accomplished thief.
Njord:
The god of the sea and winds among the Aesir, and the protector of seafarers and fishermen.
orlog:
fate or destiny -- that which has already been decided for each man or woman by the Norns.
Othin:
The All-Father (Val-father), or chief of the gods. He is a god of victory, knowledge, magic, and the afterlife.
Ragnarok:
The "Twilight of the Gods"; the final day when the gods will clash in a mighty battle, and the earth will be destroyed.
seidr:
a form of witchcraft or divination, practiced by clairvoyants. Freyja is the goddess invoked for such undertakings.
Skadi:
The goddess of the hunt and the consort of the sea-god, Njord.
Skald:
A bard or poet.
tafl:
See hnefatafl.
Thunor:
The thunder god; primarily a god of war but also of the sky, storms, sea journeys, and an administrator of justice.
Valholl:
The home of the All-Father, Othin, the chief god of the Aesir. It is here that slain warriors go, to drink and make merry until the time comes for Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods, when they will be called upon once more to fight.
Vidar:
"The Silent One," a god of war and a son of Othin. He is an avenger, and his name is only invoked in times of great need.
Vikingr:
sea-borne raider or pirate.
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