Ancient Nordic Goddesses
Norse mythology comprises the pantheon of gods and goddesses of the Norse people. It is a branch of Germanic mythology. Norse mythology includes stories about the creation and destruction of the world, as well as tales of heroic gods and goddesses.
For more on the Nordic Pantheon, check out the article on Norse Pantheon: List of Norse Gods.
Eir
Goddess of healing, Eir is often depicted as a beautiful woman with long blonde hair, dressed in white robes and accompanied by an eagle. She was viewed as able to cure any illness or injury, even if death seemed inevitable.
Eostre
Eostre is the Goddess of spring in Norse mythology. She represents new life, fertility, abundance and growth—especially on the agricultural front. Her symbol is a hare—making her associated with rabbits and eggs (symbols of fertility). Her name is the origin of the word “Easter” and many modern Easter traditions—such as decorating eggs, giving gifts and eating chocolate—can be traced back to Pagan celebrations of Eostre.
Elli
Goddess of old age, Elli, was believed to be the most powerful Goddess in Norse mythology. Her presence often signified that a battle or war was nearing its end, as she would appear to weaken and kill warriors. She was also thought to bring about natural disasters, as well as disease and death among mortals.
Freyja
Freyja is the Goddess of love, beauty, and war. We know her for being impetuous and wild, but also fiercely loyal to those she loves. Her twin brother Freyr was her protector in battle, while her faithful cats acted as warriors alongside her armies. Freyja’s husband was Óðr, but he often left her for other women, causing her much grief.
Frigg
Frigg is the Queen of Asgard and the Goddess of marriage, motherhood, love and fertility in Norse mythology. She is the wife of Odin, mother of Baldr, Hodr and Thor, as well as the stepmother to Tyr. She is a loving and compassionate goddess who knows the fate of all beings, but does not reveal what she knows. Wielding a magical distaff and spinning wheel, she can spin the clouds.
Fulla
Goddess of fertility, love and beauty, Fulla is the handmaid of Freyja and is often depicted as a young woman with long, golden hair. She kept the gardens of Asgard blooming and fruitful. She was also said to be a confidante of Freyja, and would carry her messages to other Goddess.
Gefjun
Gefjun is a Goddess of agriculture, fertility and abundance. She was called upon to bless couples who wished to have children, and helped protect virgins from unwanted attention to ensure that they remained pure until marriage. Her role in Norse mythology is supportive and maternal.
Hel
Hel is the Goddess of death, the underworld and disease within Nordic mythology. She rules over the realm of the dead, which is also known as Helheim. Those who die of old age or sickness go to her hall, while those who die in battle go to Valhalla. The dead are ferried across the river Gjoll by the boatman Charon.
Hlin
It often depicted that the Goddess of comfort and protection, Hlin, is a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and wearing a cloak made of feathers. She has the duty of protecting those who are dear to her.
Iðunn
Iðunn is the Goddess of youth and immortality. She is the wife of Bragi, and keeper of the apples of youth. Her responsibility is keeping the gods young and vigorous by giving them apples from her magical orchard. These apples must be eaten regularly, or the gods will age. As Goddess of immortality, Iðunn is also responsible for overseeing the resurrection of fallen heroes. She will gather their souls from Valhalla and bring them back to life from within her orchard.
Jörð
Jörð is the Goddess of the earth and nature in Norse mythology. She is the daughter of Nott and oversees all aspects of nature, which include plant life, animals and weather patterns. She has a special bond with the wild animals across Midgard, who often come to her to seek protection from hunters.
Lofn
Odin and Frigg created the Goddess of forbidden love and marriages by using the hair from their heads as her birthright. This Goddess was known as Lofn, who would often help couples who wish to marry despite being frowned upon by society, such as those from different social classes or people who are already married. She also assists young women who are looking for husbands, helping them find a suitable match within Asgard.
Magni and Modi
Magni and Modi are Goddesses of strength and power. They are the sons of Thor and Jarnsaxa, and grandsons of Odin. Magni and Modi represent the physical strength that comes with having Asgardian blood running through your veins. They are often depicted as young warriors who help their father fight against the enemies of Asgard, such as giants, trolls, dark elves, and other evil beings from Midgard.
Nanna
Goddess of joy and peace, Nanna is the daughter of Nepr and Gefjun, and the wife of Baldr. They often portrayed her as a beautiful Goddess who radiates warmth and compassion. She is said to embody all that is good about love—including passion, kindness, and intimacy.
Nótt
Nótt is the Norse Goddess of the night. She is the wife of Naglfari and the mother of Delling, Dagr, Jörð and Auð. She is the deity responsible for the darkness that comes with nightfall.
Ran
Ran is Goddess of the sea in Norse mythology. She is the daughter of Aegir and Rán, and the wife of Ægir. The storms and tides occur at sea are under Ran’s control. They often portrayed her as a tempestuous woman who can be both destructive and beneficial to sailor, depending on her mood.
Sága
Sága is the Nordic Goddess of history and storytelling. She is one of the nine daughters of Odin and Frigg, and her husband is Vidar. They often depicted Sága as sitting at a loom, weaving the tapestries of history.
As the goddess of history and storytelling, Sága knows all the events that have ever happened, and is able to recount them perfectly. She is also said to foresee future events, although she is not omniscient. Sága is a loving wife and mother, and is always ready to welcome guests into her home.
Sága is a popular figure in Norse mythology, and they often use her name as a poetic term for history or storytelling. She is also sometimes associated with the concept of fate, as she can see into the future.
Sif
Goddess of fertility and agriculture, Sif was the wife of Thor, the god of thunder. She was not a particularly well-known goddess, but she was an important figure in Norse mythology. This was because of her association with fertility and agriculture, two of the most important aspects of Nordic society.
She was known for her beautiful golden hair. This hair was said to represent the grain that grows in fields. Sif’s hair was so beautiful that another deity, Loki, coveted it. In order to get Sif’s hair, Loki cut it off while she was sleeping. This caused great distress to Sif and seek her revenge on Loki.
Sjöfn
Sjöfn is one of the Norse Goddesses with an association of love, beauty, and eroticism. They often depicted her as a beautiful woman or young girl. Sjöfn works her charms on both men and women, making them fall in love with each other. Sometimes she is also said to help people find their true love. Sjöfn is a goddess who helps Odin keep balance in the world. She is also one deity who can help people achieve their heart’s desire.
Skaði
Skaði is a Jötunn and Goddess associated with bow hunting, skiing, winter, and mountains in Norse mythology. They introduced her in a dialogue between the god Odin and someone else, who inquire about her father, her dwelling place, and why she is so gloomy. It was said that Odin took her as his wife and that the two had a son.
Snotra
Goddess of wisdom, Snorta, was known for her knowledge and insight and was one of the nine daughters of Heimdallr. She is often associated with the virtue of prudence and was said to teach people how to live their lives in a proper and virtuous way. She was also said to be a skilled healer, and was sometimes invoked in spells for healing.
Snotra is not as well-known as some of the other Norse gods and goddesses, but she played an important role in Norse mythology. She was a reminder that wisdom and insight are just as important as strength and courage.
Syn
Syn is the Goddess of the hearth and home. She is a minor Goddess, but her role is important. She brings families and friends together, making sure they have a warm place to gather. The Goddess of doorways are. She stands at the threshold of every home, making sure that only good comes in and keeping out anything that might harm those inside.
Sol
The daughter of Mundilfari and Mani’s sister (the moon god), Sol is the Norse Goddess of the sun who. Sol rode across the sky in a chariot pulled by two white horses named Godiva and Skinfaxi. At night, she returned to her home in the land of the dead, Hel.
Thruer
Goddess of strength, power and nature, Thruer is also associated with sexuality, and war. She, as a powerful goddess who represents nature at its most wild and untamed, is often seen as a Valkyrie – a beautiful woman who chooses who will live and die in battle.
Valkyrja
Valkyrja is the Norse Goddess of war, death, and destiny. She chooses which warriors will die in battle and which will live. They sometimes described Valkyrja as a valkyrie, which is a type of figure in Norse mythology who accompanies the god Odin in his search for worthy warriors to take to Valhalla. In some stories, Valkyrja is also said to be one of Odin’s daughters.
Vár
Vár is a Goddess of oaths and agreements in Norse mythology. It is said that when two people agree to something, Vár is there to hear and remember their oath. We also know her as the goddess of justice and fairness.
Vár is not one of the most well-known Norse deities, but she plays an important role in the mythology. She is a reminder that our words and promises have weight and meaning. She is also a symbol of justice, fairness, and truth.
Vör
Vör is a Norse Goddess of wisdom. We know little about her, but she seems to be a helpful deity who gives good advice. Either way, it’s clear that she is a goddess who looks out for her worshippers and helps them to avoid danger.
