A Brief Look at Some of the People, Places, Creatures and Things From Norse Mythology
The Vikings of Bjornstad
Norse Mythology
 Image source: Jack Garrett |
| People, Places, Things | Meaning |
| Aegir |
The god of the sea. Sometimes confused in the sagas with Njord, who seemingly supplanted him in the sagas as the lord of the sea. Gained a huge mead cauldron from the giant Hymir when Thor impressed the giant with his strength. Gave a ship named Ellida to the hero named Viking, grandson of a Norwegian king named Haloga. His wife-sister was Ran, who cast her net to snatch sailors from the decks of their ships. Aegir himself swooped over the tops of the waves to capsize ships and seize their crews. |
| Aesir |
The name of the principal Norse gods who lived in Ásgard. At the beginning of time, the Aesir fought a war with the Vanir; the eventual truce led to the incorporation of both into a single unified group of gods. In Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson has Gangleri ask Hárr who the Aesir are. In the subsequent chapters Hárr enumerates the twelve male Aesir: Odin, the highest and the eldest, Thor, Baldr, Njörðr, Freyr, Týr, Bragi, Heimdallr, Höðr, Víðarr, Váli, Ullr, Forseti, and Loki. The latter, though not a deity, is often listed among the Aesir, and is equally at home among them and their enemies, the Jötnar. In Skáldskaparmál Snorri adds Hœnir among those of the Aesir present at the banquet held for Aegir. However, there are many other gods assumed to also be Aesir. |
| Alfheim |
Home of the Light-elves. In Grimnismal, where the residences of the gods are noted, Alfheim is mentioned as a property of Frey. |
| Angrboda |
Mate of Loki and mother of monsters. A giantess from Jotunheimar. Mother of three monsters: Fenrir the wolf, Jormungand the Midgard Serpent, and Hel the ruler of the underworld. |
| Asgard |
Home of the Aesir. Enclosed with a great wall intended to be so secure that giants could not get through it. The noun –gard “yard” is used in the names of the domains in the mythology (Midgard, Útgarðar). |
| Ask & Embla |
First male and female humans. Mentioned in the Norse creation story. In Voluspa they were found on a beach by Odin, Hoenir, and Loðurr who granted them qualities they needed to live. Odin gave them breath, Hoenir gave them mental faculties, and Loðurr gave them blood and vital warmth. In another creation myth by Snorri, Odin, Vili and Ve are the creation gods who found two pieces of wood, and fashioned them into humans. One of the gods grants spirit and life, another mind and movement, and the third provides appearance, speech, hearing, and vision. |
| Baldur/Baldr |
God of beauty and wisdom. His name means 'bold'. He is the second son of Odin and Frigg after Thor. He is fair of face and so bright that he seems to shine. He is the husband of Nanna, and the father of Forseti. The wisest and most eloquent of the Aesir. He lives in Breidablik where there is nothing impure. Other kennings link Baldr’s name with weapons and war, and suggests that Baldr was an active fighter. Baldr is noteworthy as his death started a series of events which ultimately led to Ragnarok. Baldr had dreams of injury and death. Therefore, his mother Frigg obtained an oath from all living things to not hurt him. However, Loki found that the one thing that Frigg did not secure an oath from was mistletoe. Loki then fashioned a spear from mistletoe and gave it to Baldr’s blind half-brother Hod who cast it at Baldr and killed him. A significant amount of text in poems (Voluspa, Gylfaginning) then goes on to describe his funeral and the failed attempts to retrieve him from Hel and revive him, and then seek revenge upon Loki. After Ragnarok, Baldr and Hod are among the few gods who return to the world. |
| Bestla |
Odin’s mother. Daughter of the giant Bolthorn, married to Bor. She had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve. |
| Bifrost |
A bridge running between Asgard, the realm of the gods, and Midgard, home of the humans. It was a rainbow blazing with flame. It was a line of defense against the giants and was over two raging rivers, Kormt and Ormt. |
| Bragi |
God of Poetry. Wise and known for his speaking abilities. Best of the poets. |
| Bur & Buri |
Buri – One of the first creatures, licked from salt blocks by the primeval cow Audhumla. Described as being fair, large, and powerful. He had a son called Bor/Bur. Bor/Bur – Son of Buri. With the giantess Bestla, he fathered Odin, Vili, and Ve. |
| Draupnir |
A magic ring forged by the dwarves Sindri and Brock to prove their skills to Loki. Every ninth night, Draupnir would produce eight other rings identical to itself. The dwarves also created Gullinbursti the golden boar and Mjolnir the hammer during this same contest, winning the wager with Loki. In time, the ring would become the property of Odin. |
| Einherjar |
The warriors who have died in battle, chosen by Valkyries and brought to Valholl. |
| Fenrir |
Wolf creature - sired by Loki and the giantess Angrboda. The Aesir feared him as he grew in size and ferocity. The Aesir eventually decided to trick the beast by taunting him that he couldn't escape from (magical) chains of their design. Two of the fetters failed. He agreed to a third test but demanded that Tyr place his hand in Fenrir’s jaws while the Aesir placed their magical noose, created by dwarves, on Fenrir. When Fenrir couldn't escape, he maimed Tyr by biting off his hand. Fenrir kills Odin at Ragnarok and is later killed by Odin’s son Vidar. |
| Forseti |
Son of Baldr and Nana. Resides in Glitnir and is said to settle all lawsuits. It is described as the best place for settlement of conflict by discussion and for fair judgment of gods and men. He spoke so eloquently that most issues were settled; if the foes didn't settle, Forseti would strike them dead. |
| Frey/Freyr |
Son of Njord – God of Fertility and Love. The name means 'lord'. Brother to Freyja. Most noble of the Aesir; rules over rain and sunshine, and things that grow from the earth. In the Gylfaginning Snorri said that he should be called upon for prosperity and peace, and that he rules over the wealth of the world. Was one of the gods exchanged after the war between the Aesir and Vanir. The gods gave Alfheim to Frey. Frey has two magical artifacts, the ship Skidbladnir and the boar Gullinbursti which pulled his cart. Was killed in Ragnarok in a battle with Surt. Is said to have been the source of wealth in Uppsala. |
| Freya/Freyja |
Daughter of Njord – Associated with Love, Beauty, Fertility/Agriculture, and Sexuality. The name itself means 'lady'. Described by Snorri as attractive and powerful. Lives in Folkvang and chooses half the dead from Odin to reside in her hall. Rides a chariot pulled by cats. Is married to Od, and Od is thought to be another name for Odin. In the sagas is an object of lust for giants. She is also a witch and associated with the magic called seiðr. Is also thought to be known by the name Gullveig in sagas. Freya is presented as being distinct from Frigg, They may not be two distinct goddesses, but the similarities between them run deep. The word for “Friday” in Germanic languages (including English) is named after Frija the Proto-Germanic goddess who is the foremother of Freya and Frigg. |
| Frigg |
Wife of Odin. Her name is associated with love. Foremost of goddesses, dwells in Fensalir and knows the fate of all people. In sagas she sometimes warns Odin, then wishes him well, quarrels with him, and sorrows at his death in Ragnarok. She extracted an oath from everything living not to harm Baldr, and then later dispatched Hermod to Hel to try and retrieve Baldr. In Ynglinga saga, when Odin had been away from a long time, Vili and Ve divided his inheritance and possessed Frigg until Odin returned. Some argue that Frigg and Freya are identical. |
| Giants |
See Jötunn/Jötnarr |
| Ginnungagap |
A void that existed before the creation of the cosmos. The place that the sons of Bor placed Ymir to make the cosmos. |
| Gullinbursti |
Frey’s boar. The boar had golden bristles that glowed as Frey rode through the sky on its back. The boar was made by the dwarves Sindri and Brock as a result of a wager with Loki. The magic ring Draupnir and the mighty hammer Mjolnir were also created by the dwarves as their evidence of their skills. Loki lost the bet and suffered having his lips sewn together as a consequence. |
| Heimdall/Heimdallr |
Guardian of the gods. His name means 'home' + 'shining', or 'tree'. Is also called the white-god, is large and holy. Nine maiden sisters gave birth to him. He sits at the end of heaven to guard the Bifrost bridge from giants. He can see hundreds of leagues away, and can hear grass grow. He has a trumpet called Gjallarhorn that can be heard in all the worlds and that will be sounded at the start of Ragnarok. At Ragnarok he will fight Loki and they will kill each other. |
| Hel |
Ruler of the world of the dead in Niflheim. She is half dark blue and half flesh-colored (alive and dead looking). The ruler Hel was the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Hel rules over vast mansions with many servants in her underworld realm. The word Hel is also used to describe a place (the noun Hel perhaps referred to the grave). Hel is located under one of the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil. It is described as having one or more halls all surrounded by an imposing gate. Though there is not a systemic view of the afterlife, Hel may be the place where some of the dead end up by default or perhaps those who die of old age (vs Valholl or elsewhere). |
| Hermod |
Son or servant of Odin. In Old Norse name may translate to “war-spirit”. Thought of as a messenger of the gods. Journeyed to Hel to try and have Baldr restored to the living. |
| Hod/Höd |
Baldr’s killer, the blind son of Odin. The name Hod means “battle”. Frigg secures an oath from all living things not to harm Baldr, except not from Mistletoe. Loki learns of this and tricks Hod into throwing a mistletoe spear at Baldr which kills him. He will survive after Ragnarok. Some sagas say that vengeance was visited on Hod, and that he was victim of Loki’s trickery in killing Baldr. |
| Hrungnir |
A giant who entered a horse race with Odin. Invited into Asgard, he paid too much attention to Sif, Thor's wife. Thor challenged him to a duel and dispatched him with a mighty blow from Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, but the giant's club of flint shattered . One shard of flint was embedded in Thor's forehead, there to remain. |
| Idun/Idunn |
Guardian of the apples of the gods which gives them immortality. Her name means “ever-young”. Wife of Bragi. Kidnapped by the giant Thiassi and returned to Asgard by Loki. |
| Jord/Jörð |
Goddess of earth. Perhaps a giantess, consort of Odin and mother of Thor. She is the daughter of Annarr and Nott (Night). |
| Jörmungandr |
Midgard serpent in the sea who circles the earth. Son of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Odin had Jormungandr thrown into the sea when he saw the danger it posed. The serpent grew to the point he circled the earth and was able to bite his own tail. Thor once caught the serpent while fishing. Jormungand and Thor are destined to battle at Ragnarok where the serpent will kill Thor. |
| Jötunn/Jötnar |
Giants. The Jötnar (singular Jötunn) are not necessarily a different or dissimilar species of creatures from the Norse gods, but are more of a different family of creatures. They usually have similar sizes and appearances. The Old Norse word Jötunn itself means eater or consumer. Most importantly, Odin and the Aesir gods mate frequently with the Jötunn. Odin himself is at least one half Jötunn and Thor is three quarters Jötunn. Loki is half Jötunn on his father's side (which is the more important lineage in Norse culture). The Old Norse word þurs (plural þursar) was used interchangeably with Jötunn/Jötnar. The Jötnar were the first race to emerge in the Norse creation stories, further complicating the lineage of all those who came after. |
| Jötunheim/Jötunheimr |
One of the nine worlds and a place inhabited by giants. However, giants also lived in multiple parts of the world. A place of deep, dark forests, mountain peaks where winter never ceases. |
| Loki |
Trickster god. His name means, for some undocumented reason, 'lock'. Lived amongst the gods and for a time is allied with the Aesir, but will fight on the side of the giants at Ragnarok. He is numbered as one of the Aesir but his father Farbáuti is a giant. His mother is Laufey, an Aesir. He is the father of three monsters: the Midgard serpent, the wolf Fenrir, and Hel by the giant or ogress Angrboda, so he has a sexual ambiguity similar to Odin. He gave birth to the eight-legged horse named Sleipnir by the stallion Svaldilfari. Loki’s actions often set off the complications of a story in motion. On the other hand he is also willing to sometimes fix things and causes six precious items to be made (e.g. Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, Odin’s spear Gungnir). He also rescued the Aesir goddess Idun when she was kidnapped by the giant Thiassi. He arranged for the death of Baldr and in so doing put a series of events into motion that leads to Ragnarok. In the end he pilots a ship full of Muspell’s people who will ride over the rainbow bridge and do battle with the Aesir. Is killed by Heimdallr. The trickster god has two brothers, Byleistr and Helblindi. Byleistr is identified as the son of Loki's parents, Fárbauti, a Jötunn, and Laufey, an Aesir. Byleistr's name means either calming lightning or walking among bees. Helblindi is also mentioned as being the son of Laufey, but not always as the son of Fárbauti. His name means all-blind or, death defier. Interestingly enough, this name is sometimes given to Odin--which might mean they're related. |
| Magni |
Son of Thor, god of strength. Son of Thor and the giantess Jarnsaxa. After Thor’s battle with the giant Hrungnir, Thor was pinned under his leg and couldn’t move. Magni came and lifted the leg while he was just three days old. Magni and his brother Moði will possess the hammer Mjolnir and will bring about a cessation of killing after Ragnarok. |
| Midgard |
The realm of humans. Created by the sons of Bur and protected by Thor. It was said to be disk-shaped, surrounded by a sea, and enclosed by wall made by Ymir’s eyebrows. Sometimes identified as Manaheim. |
| Mimir |
God of Wisdom. Mimir tends the well at the center of the cosmos called Mimisbrunn which is at the root of Yggdrasil and contains wisdom and knowledge. Mimir drinks from this well every day and is very wise. Odin at one point removed and sacrificed his eye and placed it in Mimisbrunn in order to gain wisdom. Mimir was beheaded by the Vanir and the head was sent to Odin who preserved it and listended to the hidden things it had to say to him. |
| Mjolnir |
Thor’s hammer. It breaks anything it touches. When you throw it, and it returns, it shrinks to the size of an amulet. Made by the dwarves along with other gifts as a result of bets with Loki. It is a short handled hammer which Thor often used to kill giants. A blow from the hammer was strong enough to create valleys. It was also used to deliver blessings. |
| Moði |
Son of Thor. Survives Ragnarok and inherits the hammer Mjolnir along with his brother Magni. |
| Muspelheim |
A realm of heat and fire. Its ruler is Surt. A fiery region, sparks and embers that are hot and bright emerge from Muspelheim. Its location is unclear, but it is probably south of Niflheim. |
| Muspell |
Likely a giant. He has the ship Naglfar that will be cast off at Ragnarok and piloted by Loki. The name is sometimes used for the location Muspelheim (a realm of heat and fire, out of which things hot and bright came...and perhaps demons). Sometimes the name is used in terms of a giant whose sons were evil beings that will invade the world at Ragnarok. |
| Nidavellir |
One of the Nine Worlds. A realm of dwarfs or one of black elves. Described also as perhaps the plains of the underworld and the site of a splendid hall. |
| Niflheim |
Realm of the dead. A land of mist and darkness. Hel's domain is within Niflheim. It existed before the world was created. Not all dead reside here, but it is the final destination for those who die of illness or old age. Evil men will go to Hel. |
| Nine worlds |
Nine worlds are connected to Yggdrasil, each the realm of different beings:
|
| Njord |
God of the sea, wind, and fire, and wealth. His name comes from the root name for man. Is married to the giantess Skadi but the marriage failed and they live separately, he by the sea and she in the mountains. A poem also mentions that when Skadi chose a husband from among the gods she was only allowed to look at their feet and so picked Njord by the appearance of his feet. Father of Frey and Freyja. |
| Norns |
Three maidens called Urd (the past), Verdandi (becoming – the present), and Skuld (is to be – the future) who established laws and determined the fate of humans. There are also other Norns who come to children when they are born to shape their lives from the gods, the elves, and the dwarves. Good lives and bad destinies are caused by the Norns. |
| Odin/Óðinn |
God of poetry, wisdom, magic, war, frenzy, and the dead. His name is referred to as 'the mad one' (as in crazy or angry). The name “Odin” translates to "furor poeticus" (poetic or manic qualities). He has over 200 names, one of which is Alfodr (All-father). He is not literally the father of all but is the head of many of the Norse gods. Is referenced in Woden’s Day (Wednesday). He has the magical spear Gungnir which always hits its target. Travels the world constantly in search of knowledge. Son of Bur and grandson of Buri, who was the first Aesir. Mother was Bestla, a giantess. Father of many children including Thor, Vali, Vidar, Baldr, Hod, Heimdallr, Bragi and Tyr. Odin and his brothers Vili and Ve created the cosmos out of the body of the proto-giant Ymir. Odin gave his eye for wisdom. Runes were said to have come to Odin in a trance after hanging from the world tree for nine nights. He has animal familiars. He rides the eight-legged horse Sleipnir, has wolves Geri and Freki and the ravens Huginn and Muninn (thought & memory). Resides in Valholl (hall of the dead) where the chosen warriors battle, die, arise, and feast each day. At Ragnarok is killed by Fenrir. Odin’s name was most common and popular in eastern Scandinavia. There are no place-names derived from Odin in Iceland and he is not known to visit Iceland in Icelandic sagas. |
| Ragnarok |
Twilight of the gods. Ragnarok has two parts: the destruction of the gods, giants and humans, and the rebirth of the earth. The coming of Ragnarok was triggered when Loki arranged for the death of Baldr and in so doing put a series of events into motion that will lead to Ragnarok. Heimdall sounds the horn Gjallarhorn signaling the start of Ragnarok. In the end, all giants, humans, and most gods are killed. Odin is killed by Fenris and Thor is killed by Jormungandr. Loki pilots a ship full of Muspell’s people who will ride over Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, and do battle with the Aesir. The sun will turn black and the earth will sink into the sea. A handful of gods will survive Ragnarok. Magni and his brother Moði will possess the hammer Mjolnir and will bring about a cessation of killing after Ragnarok. Humans will survive in the new world through Lif and Lifthrasir. |
| Ratatoskr |
Squirrel who lives on Yggdrasil. Carries words of hostility back and forth from an eagle down the ash tree to the dragon Nidhogg below. |
| Sif | Thor’s wife. Her name means 'peace'. Mother of Magni and Moði. After Loki cut Sif’s hair, Thor forced Loki to make amends which resulted in the dwarves making five precious objects for the gods including Mjolnir and Sif’s golden headpiece. Sif is mentioned twice and accused of being unfaithful but this is not proven. |
| Skadi | A female giant. Her name means 'injury' or 'damage'. Her father Thiassi was killed by Loki when Thiassi adopted a disguise as an eagle and kidnapped Idun. Skadi went to Asgard seeking vengeance, but was placated by Loki and his lewd humor. She was married for a time to Njord. She was the giant who hung a snake over Loki causing venom to drip into his face until Ragnarok. |
| Skidbladnir |
Frey’s magic ship. One of the six precious magical objects created by the dwarves. The best of all ships, large enough for all the Aesir to be aboard. It has a fair wind as soon as a sail is hoisted. When not used it can be folded up and kept in one’s wallet. |
| Sleipnir |
Sleipnir was an eight-legged horse, which Loki gave as a gift to Odin. Sleipnir was the fastest of all horses, could breach any obstacle and run as easily on water as on land. The horse was the child of Loki, who had disguised himself as a mare to lure away the magnificent and powerful horse named Svaldilfari, owned by a giant the sagas do not name. That giant had bet he could build a wall around Asgard in a year and a half (three Norse seasons), before the first day of summer. Unable to work as quickly without his missing horse, the Giant lost his bet. When another of Loki's tricks resulted in the death of the beloved Baldr, Odin's son Hermod rode Sleipnir to Hel in an attempt to retrieve Baldr, but failed. |
| Surt/Surtr |
A fire giant who guarded the realm of Muspelheim with a flaming sword. At Ragnarok, he will join Loki's army, slay Frey and set the world aflame. |
| Svaldilfari |
A stallion belonging to a giant who built the walls around Asgard. The builder stated that he could build a wall in a year and half - with the help of his horse Svaldilfari. His payment would be Freyja, the sun, and the moon. When it appeared that the wall would be completed in time, Loki transformed into a mare to lure away Svaldilfari. As a result of that union, Loki gave birth to the eight-legged Sleipnir. |
| Svartalfheim |
World of the dark elves. Other references also call the home of the dwarves either Nidavellir or Svartalfheim. |
| Thiassi |
A giant who requently adopted the form of an eagle. He stole the goddess Idun. Loki killed Thiassi and rescued her, returning her to Asgard. His daughter Skadi went to Asgard for revenge. |
| Thor/Þórr |
Often referred to as the god of thunder and lightning. His name is thought to mean 'thunder'. He is the son of Odin and Jord. Married to Sif and has three children Moði, Magni, and Thrud. He is often depicted in sagas as the killer of giants. He often travels with a human assistant named Thjalfi. He has a close relationship with humans and was likely seen as a protector of humans, and Thor’s blessing was often called down during weddings. Thor possessed these magical items: Mjolnir (his hammer), Megingjörð (the belt that doubled his strength), and a special pair of iron gloves to lift the hammer. Hundreds of Thor amulets have been found in Scandinavia, England, and Northwest Germany indicating the wide-ranging belief in Thor. The amulets were also made of a variety of materials including: iron, bronze, silver, gold, sheet metal, amber, lead and even sandstone, indicating that the believers in Thor could likely be found in different social classes. The influence of Thor can be seen in numerous place names and languages. The word "Thursday" in English derives from "Thor's Day." Or "Donnerstag" in German. At Ragnarok is killed by the Midgard serpent. |
| Thrud |
Daughter of Thor and Sif. There is a brief reference to the giant Hrungnir as the thief of Thrud, suggesting a kidnapping but there are no further references to that myth and story. |
| Tyr |
Son of Odin. Tyr is known for his bravery. After the mostrous wolf Fenrir broke through two fetters, the gods created a third made of cat noise, and woman’s beard, mountain roots, bear sinews, fish breath, and bird spittle. Fenrir stipulated that someone had to place their hand into his mouth, which Tyr did. The more Fenrir struggled, the more the fetter hardened, until Fenrir bit off Tyr’s right hand when he realized the gods had successfully bound him. Tyr also accompanied Thor to secure a cauldron a league deep to brew beer from his father Hymir a giant. This conflicts with a poem that references Tyr’s mother as either being a giant who has 900 heads or as one all in gold and described as a beautiful concubine. Tyr will fight with Garm at Ragnarok. Tyr’s name is found in the weekday name Tuesday. |
| Ullr |
God of Skis, Bows, Hunting, and Shields. Ullr or Ul is the son of Sif and stepson of Thor. Is mentioned as being unbeatable in archery and skiing and is a warrior, and a cunning magician. Temporarily replaced Odin when he was exiled. Ull is seen frequently in place names in Norway and Sweden which indicates that he must have been an important god in the past. |
| Utgard/Útgarðar | Translates to Outyards. One place where giants live. Is referenced in Thor’s visit to Utgarda-Loki. However, unlike other races, giants not only lived in Útgarðar but were also spread out across the world. The gods gave them land along the beaches or the circular cosmos to live in. |
| Valholl/Valhalla |
Odin’s hall in Asgard. Translates to hall of the dead or carrion hall. Half of those who die in combat and chosen by Valkyries and taken travel to Valhalla (the Einherjar). The other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr. Described as gold and bright, it has 540 doors, eight hundred einherjar can go out of each door at once when they will go to fight the wolf, the roof is made of shields of gold, the rafters made of spears, the Valkyries serve there. It has endless mead, and the Einherjar feast and drink every day after doing battle, and rise again. |
| Vali |
Son of Odin and Rind. Avenges Baldr on Hod. Kills at the age of just one night. Is bold in battle. Survives Ragnarok along with his broth Vidar as neither flame nor sea can harm them. |
| Valkyrie |
Choosers of the Slain, Odin’s maidens. Choose the best slain warriors from battle fields to take to Valholl. Later writings depict Valkyries as beautiful winged creatures but they may have more resembled demons of carnage. 52 names of Valkyries have been documented and the names are associated with things like battle and war, victory, destruction, weapons, the noise and chaos of combat, |
| Vanaheim |
Home of the Vanir. |
| Vanir |
Initially a separate group of gods at odds with the Aesir. Gods of the earth and fertility. Included in the Vanir were Njord, Frey, Freyja, and possibly Heimdall. |
| Ve |
Son of Bur and brother to Odin and Vili. All three brothers created the earth and Midgard and created the first humans. |
| Vidar |
Son of Odin and the giantess Grid. Is known as the silent god and is associated with vengeance. He is second in might only to Thor. He has a thick iron shoe which he uses to kill Fenrir by placing his iron shoe on the lower jaw of the wolf and with on hand takes hold of his upper jaw and tears apart his gullet. |
| Vili |
Son of Bur and brother to Odin and Ve. All three brothers created the earth and Midgard and created the first humans. |
| Yggdrasil |
The world tree. Its name means 'Odin's horse'. It is a large Ash tree located at the center of the universe, connecting all of its nine worlds. The Aesir go to the tree every day to judge. Bifrost, the rainbow bridge, connects Midgard to Asgard. Its three great roots lie in Asgard, Jotunheim and Niflheim. Numerous mythical creatures live on the tree, each with its own specific role, and the worm (dragon) Nidhogg lives below it. |
| Ymir |
A giant and the first creature to come into being. He was described in Old Norse as hrímþurs, which literally means "frost giant". Born when fire from Muspelheim and ice from Niflheim met in the abyss of Ginnungagap. Ymir was suckled by the cow Audhumla for his nourishment. Other giants emerged from his body. Audhumla ate from a salt lick, and a god emerged from the salt named Buri. Buri had a son Borr who mated with Bestla. Their children were Odin, Vili and Ve. |
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