Ancient Nordic Gods
The Norse pantheon is a popular choice for worship. The Gods of Norse mythology are some of the most powerful and well-known Deities. They include Odin, Thor, Loki, Freyja, and many others. Each God has their own story and role in the pantheon.
For more on the Nordic Pantheon, check out the article on Norse Pantheon: List of Norse Goddesses.
Baldr
Baldr (also spelled Baldur) is the God of light, beauty, innocence and purity in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, brother of Hodr and Helblindi, and half-brother of Thor. His wife is Nanna.
Baldr was loved by all – except Loki, who tricked Hodr into killing him with a spear of mistletoe. Upon Baldr’s death, Hel took him to her kingdom of the dead. With the help of Hermod, Odin rode to Hel’s realm and offered her a ransom for Baldr’s return: if everything in the world, dead or alive, would weep for Baldr then he could come back to life.
Borr
Borr is the father of Odin, Vili and Ve in Norse mythology. He is a Giant and his wife is Bestla, a daughter of Bolthorn. Borr’s sons killed Ymir (the first being) and created the world out of his body. Borr himself died peacefully in old age.
Bragi
Bragi is the God of poetry in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Gunnlod, and husband to Iðunn. As God of poetry, Bragi joined Odin on his journey through the underworld to bring back the Mead of Poetry from a Giant who guarded it. With this magical drink, Bragi gave his gift to mankind and helped inspire great works across many generations.
Buri
Buri is the first God in Norse mythology. He is the father of Borr and grandfather of Odin, Vili and Ve. Buri was born from the frosty breath of Niflheim. He fathered Borr with Bestla, a daughter of Bolthorn. Together they created the world out of Ymir’s body (the first being).
Delling
Delling is the God of dawn in Norse mythology. He is the son of Dagr and Nótt, and husband to Nanna. Delling’s role is to bring light to the world each morning He is often seen as a metaphor for hope and new beginnings.
Dagr
Dagr is the God of day in Norse mythology. He is the son of Delling, and husband to Nótt. Together they had a son, Hringr. Dagr and his wife were responsible for creating the day and night cycle that we experience today. Dagr would ride his horse across the sky, while Nótt followed close behind in her chariot.
Forseti
Forseti is the God of justice in Norse mythology. He is the son of Baldr and Nanna, and has a golden hammer as his symbol. His hall is located in Glitnir, one of the nine worlds in Norse mythology. He is said to be fair and impartial in his judgments, and even Loki himself was allowed a hearing with him when accused of crimes against the gods.
Freyr
Freyr is the God of fertility and prosperity in Norse mythology. He is the son of Njord and brother to Freyja, and rides a golden boar as his symbol.
Freyr was often called upon for help with agricultural or weather concerns, as he represented peace and plenty on both fronts. He was also associated with sexuality, marriage and abundance – making him a popular God for those seeking such things.
Heimdall
Heimdall is the God of light, dawn, justice and fairness in Norse mythology. He is the son of Nine Mothers and was fathered by Odin. Heimdall is the watchman of Asgard. He guards Bifrost, the rainbow bridge that leads to Asgard, and keeps an eye out for any intruders. He is also tasked with sounding the Gjallarhorn to announce Ragnarok – the end of the world.
Hermoor
Hermoor is the messenger of the gods, and is known as “war-spirit.” His father is Odin, and, Baldr’s brother.
Hodr
Hodr is a God of darkness and winter in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, brother of Baldr and Helblindi, and half-brother of Thor. Hodr is best known for being tricked by Loki into killing his own brother, Baldr, with a spear of mistletoe. For this crime he was banished to Hel.
Hœnir
Hœnir is a God of wisdom and silence in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, and husband of Mimir’s daughter. Hœnir is best known for his association with Mimir – the God of wisdom. Together they are said to have created the first man, Askr. Hœnir is also associated with runes, which he is said to have invented.
Kvasir
Kvasir was an early God of wisdom and inspiration in Norse mythology. He was created by two Vanir gods who combined their saliva with honey – hence his name “honey-wine”. He traveled around educating people on various subjects until he was murdered by dwarves who wanted to capture his wisdom. They later used his blood to create the magical mead of poetry, which is said to allow anyone who drinks it to become a great poet or storyteller.
Loki
Loki is the God of mischief, lies and deception in Norse mythology. He is the son of Farbauti and Laufey, and the foster-son of Odin. He is married to Sigyn, and has three children: Fenriswolf, Hel and Jormungandr.
Loki is a shape-shifter who can change his form at will. He is often portrayed as a sly trickster who causes trouble for the gods but also helps them in some way. He is responsible for the death of Baldr, and will play a key role in Ragnarok – the end of the world.
Mimir
Mimir is God of wisdom in Norse mythology. He is the son of Bestla and Bolthorn, husband of Vili and co-founder of Asgard with Odin and Hœnir.
As God of wisdom, Mimir is responsible for dispensing advice to the other gods on various subjects – including warfare and personal relationships. He often appears as a one-eyed old man accompanied by two ravens, Huginn (“thought”) and Muninn (“memory”).
Njörðr
Njörðr is God of the wind and seas, as well as wealth and abundance in Norse mythology. He was created by Odin from fire and sea – hence his name “fire-sea”. As God of the sea, Njörðr is responsible for bringing wealth and abundance to those who honor him. He is also associated with fertility, and is often invoked by couples who wish to conceive a child.
Odin
Odin is God of war, wisdom and magic in Norse mythology. He is the son of Bor and Bestla, husband of Frigg, and father of Thor, Baldr, Hodr and Helblindi.
As God of war, Odin is responsible for leading the gods into battle against their enemies – particularly the giants. He is also associated with wisdom, as he is said to have created the first man, Askr, from an ash tree. Furthermore, Odin is the God of death, overseeing the afterlife in Valhalla.
Thor
Thor is the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and the giantess Jörð. Thor is known for his strength, his hammer, and his ability to fly.
Thor is one of the most popular gods in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin, the king of the gods, and Jörð, the giantess. Thor is known for his strength, his hammer, and his ability to fly.
Thor is a major god in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin, the king of the gods, and Jörð, the giantess. Thor is known for his strength, his hammer, Mjölnir, and his ability to fly.
Thor is the god of thunder and lightning in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin, the king of gods, and Jörð, the giantess. Thor is known for his strength, his hammer Mjölnir, and his ability to fly.
Tyr
Tyr is the God of War and Justice. He is one-handed, having lost his right hand to the wolf Fenrir. Tyr sacrificed his hand so that the other Gods could bind Fenrir. He is a symbol of courage and self-sacrifice.
Tyr was once a popular God, worshipped by warriors. In Norse mythology, he is portrayed as a just and honorable God. Tyr is the son of Odin and Frigg. He is married to the giantess Hymir. Tyr is associated with the planet Mars as well as the day Tuesday.
Ull
Ull is God of winter games, hunting and archery in Norse mythology. He is associated with the bow, snowshoes, and skis. Ull’s father is Thor and his mother is Sif. He has a stepbrother named Modi. In some stories, such as the one told in The Poetic Edda, Ull is raised by Frigg after his mother dies in childbirth.
Vali
Vali was the son of Odin and Rindr. He was a God of vengeance and fury. He was often depicted as a strong and handsome man with golden hair. His symbol was the boar.
Vali was known for his great strength and skill in combat. He was able to kill the giant Hati with just one arrow. He was also known for his ability to turn into a giant eagle. He was sometimes seen as a God of justice and law. He was able to bring peace to Asgard after the death of Thor. He was also known for his love of music. He often played the harp and sang for the other Gods and Goddesses.
Ve
Ve is the God of creation. He is one of the three Norse Gods, along with his brothers Odin and Vili. He is depicted as a mighty warrior, wielding a great axe and wearing a great helm. He was the youngest of the three brothers. According to some accounts, their father was the giant Ymir.
Ve is associated with wisdom and knowledge. He is also a God of war and protection. Ve is known for his strength and power. He is a God who can help us achieve our goals.
Vidar
Vidar is the silent God of Revenge. When Ragnarok, the final battle between the Gods and Giants, comes Vidar will be the last God standing. He will avenge the death of Odin by slaying the wolf Fenrir.
Weland
Weland (Valand, Völundr) is a smith and metalworking god in Norse mythology. Weland is responsible for shaping metals into tools and weapons.
