Viking Cosmology and Myth

Overview

The Vikings believed that the way they lived their lives was up to them and by the choices they made. "Örlog" (Fate) could be changed to some degree rather than a predestined "Fate" or "Karma". From this is comes a sense of nobility, courage, curiosity, firm loyalties/love/compassion among friends and kin, individualism and self reliance. Lives writ large and demanding by both gods and humans as we glimpse from the stories that have come down to us. Life was harsh in Scandinavia, travel dangerous and long. Often a hard day's ride separated one isolated farm from another as suggested in "Theft of Iðun's Apples" or "Thor's Journey to Utgard". A person was more likely to meet animals than another human. Traveling bad roads, over fells, around glaciers with the chance of a sudden storms in a land where daylight lasts for just a few hours for half a year. A family had to be self-reliant and rallied to one another's support during troubled times ("Loki's Flyting"). Most feuds between families were settled peacefully when possible, but if not, it was brought before a court and settled that way with compensation, ordeal or punishment. The War of the Vanir and Aesir ended with peace and sealed by exchanging "hostages" that quickly became "family" (Elder and Prose Edda). The story of "The Marriage of Njord and Skadi" is a tale of compensation after Thor killed Skaði's father, Thiazi, the giant who stole Iðun and her Apples of Youth from Asgard. (Prose Edda).

Both within the family and in the eyes of Norse law, a man and a woman had equal rights. The outspoken woman who is more determined than many of the men around her is a striking and familar charactor in the sagas. The woman is also prominent as the "volva" (seeress or shamaness) able to go into a trance (Seiðr), send her spirit on journey to find secret knowledge to bring back and answer questions. The Goddess Freyja in her role as shamaness teaches the Aesir and especially to Oðin, Seiðr "Shamanism" in his never ending search for knowledge. Some men and a few women practiced a form of Runecraft called "Galdr" that involved chants and words to control events. Rune masters of both sexes were called "Vitki". There were also natural psychics acting like clairvoyants. "Goði/Gythja" were individual men and women who acted as both secular and religious leaders who held communial rites and sacrifices on small farms, larger estates or regional centers like villages and towns. But there was no established Priesthood to withhold power for themselves.

In the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturlesson, King Gylfing is told by Oðin: "No less powerful are the Goddesses than the Gods". In many ways, Viking Religion and Myth reflected the Vikings as the way they saw themselves and lived. "Örlog" ("Wyrd") could be changed by the choices they made. The Norns wove the tapestry of both Gods and human lives with a design in mind but the colors used were by choice rather than "predestined". "What Was" (Urðr) became "What is Now" (Verðandi) however "What Should Become" (Skuld) was not always the case. They stood with their Gods and the Gods stood within them.

Runes

The word "RUNE" means "mystery", "to whisper", "secret". They were used as sacred, magical "keys" or "doorways" through which various powers are directed to do the will of the Vitki or Galdramenn for divination, to bind spells, to make talismans, to chant and work magick of all kinds. It was through the Will of the user the powers flowed through. The actual physical sign seems to have little power on its own but in combination with the will of a trained person that any results can be expected. In "Egil Skallagrimsson's Saga", a young man miscarves a series of love runes which the result his intended fell ill. Egil Skallagrimsson was not only a great Viking Warrior/Poet but also a well known Rune master. Egil took the stave, seeing the young man's mistake, corrected it and the beloved was well again. Special Runes were carved, engraved or inlaid on weapons, war gear and even on one's self for added protection. It is the inner form rather than the outer one that was most important.

They were also used as an alphabet for secular writing such as on memorial "Runestones" set up for a fallen comrade, a family member or even to commemorate a bridge building or other worthwhile subject. Carved on wooden tallies by a merchant, pieces of jewelry or other object to show ownership. Some Icelandic manuscripts and sagas were written in Runic as this was what the language was understood in before Latinate letters were used and even after. A young Jarl or chieftain's son, like Ragnar, would have been expected to read and carve/write runes as well as have, perhaps, a working knowledge of how they would have been used both secular and magickal.

Learn the Runes (compiled by Reginlief Wise)

From a Rune Vitki of 20 years experience, here is a page showing the Elder Futhark and a brief explanation of each Rune. Later a more expanded page will be offered with her help.

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The Creation Myth

The Viking Religion is a rich and intricately structured cosmology that starts from the very beginning. Ice from Niflheim in the North and Fire from Muspellheim in the South meet in the vast "Yawning Void, Nonbeing" of Ginnungagap and their fusion creates Ymir the Chaotic frost giant who would not let life continue further while he lived and Audhmunla, who holds the premordal seeds of life within, who feeds Ymir with her milk. But Life is tenacious and struggles to awake. As he sleeps, other giants, dwarves are born and emerge from him. The symbol of Fertility, Audhumla awaken the gods who will kill Ymir to set Life's Vibrations in motion. Ymir is killed and from his body the Sunna or Sól (Sun), Mani (Moon), stars and the Nine Worlds are formed. In constrast to usual Western Magickal tradition, "Sunna" and "Mani" are Female and Male, respectively, in Indo European tradition. Both are considered a very benefical dieties in lands where the warm, lifegiving Sun shines for just a few hours half the year. To hold the Nine Worlds up and form a ladder connecting them is, Yggdrasil, the World Tree whose three main roots are fed from three springs or wells in the major three tiers of Asgard, Jotunheim and Niflheim. The World Tree's central trunk pierces through Midgard the home of humans. Viking cosmology is is rooted in Indo European Shamanic traditions, and the World Tree is found in many shamanistic religions where such a "road" would be used to travel between worlds.

The Nine Worlds

Asgard: The home of the Aesir and Asynjur, the Sky gods and goddesses of Norse Lore as well as some of the Earth deities, the Vanir like Freyja, her brother Freyr and Njord. A place of great beauty surrounded by a huge wall where each of the Dieties have their Halls. In one part is Oðin's Hall called Valaskjálf where from his High Seat, Hliðskjálf,both he and his wife, Frigga see and watche over everything. Valhöll, also Valhalla, stands next to a vast plain called Vigrið where the Einherjer practice.

Midgard: The home of Humans and means "Middle Earth" or "Middle Garden". Bifröst, the Rainbow Bridge, connects both Asgard and Midgard together for the Gods/Goddesses to ride or walk down to be among the humans.

Niflheim: The "Misty, Cold Realms" ruled by the Goddess Hel/Hela. All pass through her realm before going to their respective places. One is shod with "Helshoes" to cross the brambles and cold. The good wear stout "Helshoes" to cross over the brambles of and the not so good, wear thin ones. They cross over the "Trembling Bridge" to the gate guarded by Garm. From there, some go to grey, dull halls but some go to more cheerful places. Baldr awaits in one such magnificent place until Ragnarok. In one part of this realm is called "Nastrond" where the worst of whom the Vikings called "evil" went. Oathbreakers, Cowards and others went to this hall to wade through steams of burning poison, dripped from the serpents that form the walls and ceiling of the hall before going to Niðstag to be crushed into nothingness. "Corpsestrandi" is another where the bones are ground by an ever roiling sea.

Vanaheim: The home of the Vanir before the war and bordered Asgard.

Ljósálfheim: Land of the Light Elves and also called "Alfheim". As tall as humans, the Light Elves are generally friendly but not all and ruled by the Vanic God, Freyr. There are rites to keep them happy and on your side with an "Álfar Blót".

Jötunheim: Home of the Jötunns, usually translated as "Giants" but not all Giants were Jötunns. Also called "Etins", the Jötunns were beings of great strength and longevity, some being friendly and some hostile. Jötuns had the ability to change their size and there were several different kinds of them. "Risi" was the Norse word for "Giant" and these were very tall, goodlooking and longlived. Thurs (pl.Thursar) was a kind of supernatural being that also lived in Jötunheim and were strong, surly and stupid. These were very hostile to Gods and humans alike. In Muspelheim, they were known as Fire Giants and in Niflhiem, as Frost Giants. Jötunheim was considered a land of great danger to travel in. Jötunheim is seperated from Asgard by a great river, Iving, that never freezes over and is close by Midgard. Mimir's Well is there next to one of Yggdrasil's roots. It is ruled by Thrym, lord of the Frost Jötuns from Utgard. Another Jötun stronghold is Ut.

Muspellheim: Land of Fire, Destruction. The fire Jotuns/Giants, sons of Muspel, live here, ruled by Surt.

Svartálfheim: Home of the Dark Elves. Thought to be somehow "underground" in caves and tunnels under the Earth. The Svartálfar are great crafters and made wonderful weapons and tools. Some were friendly and others were hostile, but in general had a reputation of being "difficult" and grumpy. Mistakenly called "Dwarves" but are not.

Nidavellir: The Underground home of the Dwarves. Ugly, misshapen, representing greed. They do nothing that is not in their own interests. Master-smiths and magicians, quick to show malice, they lust after fair women, after power, and above all, Gold.

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Gods

Oðin

Odin, also known in by the Teutonic peoples as "Wotan/Woden", was the leader of the Norse Gods. He was a sky god, god of wisdom, of poetry but also of conflicts and the dead. He has great supernatural powers and is constantly searching for Wisdom/Knowledge in far places and from other beings. As the Norse Great Shaman, he went through a Shamanic "death and transfiguration" to get the Rune knowledge. To drink from Mimir's Well of Wisdom, he gave one of his eyes. He carries Gungnir the Spear and Draupnir the ring that drops nine more each Nine days. From his high seat Hliðskjálf, he sees all and from his two ravens Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory), who are sent out each dawn come back at dusk with all they have seen and heard. Sometimes they are sent as messengers by the Valfaðir. Ravens in general were very respected birds noted for their wisdom and were sacred to Oðin. At his feet, lie the two wolves, Geri and Freki. As beasts of the battlefield, Wolves, like the Raven, were sacred to Oðin and respected for their cunning and strength.

Odin had a special hall called Valhöll/Valhalla where he welcomed the chosen warrior slain who would become part of his battle host, the Einherjar. After practice and fighting each day on "Vigrið's Plain", the warriors would recover from all thier injuries and go to feast in the great Hall carefully attended by Odin's warrior maidens, the Valkyries. They would drink great quantities of Mead provided by the goat, Heidrun, who browsed the top branches of the World Tree,Yggdrasil. For meat, they would feast on the roast boar, Saehrimnir, that was killed each day by the cook, Andhrimnir who prepared the flesh in the great cauldron, Eldhrimnir.

As leader of the Aesir and one of the creators of Humans, Odin would sometimes travel amongst them dressed in a grey robe and blue robe. Wearing a hood or broad brimmed hat, carefully tilted to cover his scarred face while using Gungnir as a staff, answering questions or giving advice. He was always interested in what was going on in Midgard. As leader of the "Wild Hunt", he would travel across the stormy skies leading his host riding on Sleipnir, his eight-legged steed, who was faster than the wind. His symbol was the Spear and some have been found as amulets. His wife is Frigga, who would listen to his tales of travel and offer advice. Their relationship was an equal and loving one. (Unlike the bickering Greek gods, Zeus and Hera.)

Thor

Thor was the tall, red-haired, muscular god of Thunder. After Odin, his father, Thor was considered the mightiest of all the gods in Asgard. Even as a child, he was known for his great strength and size. There is a tale where Frigga found him happily lifting and tossing ten huge bales of bearskins in the air. At first alarmed, Frigga saw it was just a game with him and would not come to any harm.

He was usually a happy and good natured child but would sometimes fly into fierce rages and would be hard to control. In one story, Thor was fostered to another couple, Vingnir and Hlora, who soon had got him to control his rages. In grateful recognition, Thor is sometimes called Vingthor or Hlorrdi in thier honor. When he finally grew to manhood, Thor returned to Asgard and took his place in at one of the twelve places in the judgement hall. He was the god of the ordinary folk of Midgard. He has a cart pulled by two goats called "Tanngniostir" (Toothcracker) and "Tanngrisnir" (Toothgnasher). Sparks would fly from their hooves and teeth. As he travelled across the sky, the deep rumblings of thunder from his iron-rimmed cart wheels would be heard. rumblings of the cart wheels would sound like thunder as he rode by. His symbol is the short handled hammer, Mjöllnir,and worn as amulets. In the Sky the Norse called the constellation, we know as the "Big Dipper", "Thor's Wain".

Mjölnir "Crusher" was his weapon of choice. No matter how hard he threw it, it would always come back to his waiting grip. Sometimes, it would be red hot and so he would wear his iron gauntlet, "Jarngriepir". A third wonderous possession is his magical belt, "Megingiord", which doubles the strength of the wearer. With these, Thor guards/protects the halls of Asgard and those on Midgard against the intrusions of the envious/hostile Jotuns or other hostile enemies. Small Thor's Hammers were worn as amulets then and now by followers of the Northern Way.

Loki

Loki is one of the nicest persons you could wish to meet. He is the only god one might wish to go out to have a drink with. In the worldly sense, he is sophisticated and witty, however he has no real knowledge, no real experience and no moral backbone. One who was guaranteed to drop everyone and everything if trouble comes. Always devious and a great trickster, he could be useful when it suited him as the Eddic tales of his travels with Thor and others show. Fathered by Frost Giants, he was still allowed to live in Asgard as he and Odin were "bloodbrothers". Eventually, his irresponsible, destructive path led to the death of Baldr and subsequent punishment.

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Baldr

Baldr represents everything that is beautiful and perfect, as judged by human standards. A skilled warrior but would rather be a peacegiver instead. Brother to Thor (according to some Eddic stories), son of Odin and Frigga, Baldr was the gentle god who would never cause harm or destruction of any kind. He had the gift of premonition and in one dream, saw his death. All things living and not living promised Frigga they would not harm Baldr. However the lowly, sickly looking mistletoe was overlooked during Frigga's travels. Later Loki, in disguise, found out about the mistletoe and carved a small branch into a dart Out of malice, Loki gave it to Hödur (Baldr's blind Brother) to throw during a game the gods were having with Baldr of throwing anything at him, knowing nothing would harm him. Baldr dies and is given a ship funeral along with his wife, Nanna, who had died of grief.

Baldr is greeted by Hel, the goddess of the Underworld, and is given a great hall festooned with garlands and bright lights to stay in until Ragnarok. Odin sends a messenger (some think it was himself under an assumed name) to ask if Baldr could come back to Asgard alive. She greets him with a return message that all things living and not living had to weep for Baldr first. Only Loki, disguised as the hardhearted giantess "Thokk" did not and so Baldr will stay as a guest in Hel's realm until after Ragnarok. Then he will return after all has happened to live in Asgard with the other gods/goddesses when the new world emerges. When Christianity first came to Northern Lands, the monks tried to compare Baldr with Jesus (for converts) but the story of Baldr's life, death and rebirth is far older dating back to the early beginnings in Indo European lore.

Heimdall

Heimdall is the "Watchman of the Gods" because he guards the Rainbow Bridge, Bifröst, that leads to Asgard from the Frost Jötuns. He owns the "Gjallarhorn"-- which he sounds to warn of danger and can be heard everywhere. He is strongly opposed to any and all forms of evil. His beginnings are shrouded in mystery, he is said to be the son of Nine mothers but this might mean he died and was reborn Nine times. In another story, his mothers were the wave daughters of the Norse seagod, Aegir. He is the brightest and highest minded of the gods and called "The White God". Although considered one of the Aesir, he also has the Vanic wisdom of foresight. Heimdall needs less sleep than a bird and that his hearing is so keen he can hear everything happens throughout the Nine World. One of his ears, like Odin's eye, is being kept in Mimir's Well as a sacrifice for this gift.

Heimdall is Freya's friend and fought for her to get back her treasured Brisingamen when it was stolen by Loki in one story. In another he gave advice when the jotun, Thrym, wanted to marry her. He is the ceaseless enemy of Loki and at Ragnarok they will fight to the death.

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Aegir and Ran

The Norse God and Goddess of the Sea. Aegir was the personification of the sea and it's strength. Seamen would offer blóts for a safe journey before setting sail. Dead sailors would feast with Aegir and Ran in thier halls beneath the waves. Ran was said to trap seafarers in her net, and if they had gold in their possession when they drowned, they were sure of a good welcome in her hall. The waves were called "Aegir's Daughters" and there were water jötuns who lived in the seas as the Underwater realm was seen as an extension of what was on land. Aegir's and Ran's realm was recognized both a power of destruction but also as a source of inspiration and life. When the land rises again after Ragnarok, it would be purified by its emergence from the sea.

Tyr

Sometimes called the "One-Handed God" because he willingly sacrificed his right hand to the Fenris Wolf to protect the Community. He brought Fenris/Fenrir to Asgard thinking to change its savage nature (Fenrir was the offspring of Loki and a giantess, Angrboða) and found he could not. When Fenrir was being bound, he asked for one of the gods to place his hand in the beast's mouth as a pledge of faith the beast would not be harmed. Tyr took the challenge and knew he was the only one who could do so as he was the one responsible for Fenrir being in Asgard in the first place. Tyr is the God of Order and Stabilty, and associated with the virtues of Courage, Honor, Loyalty and Truthfulness. The God of Justice and the lawful "Thing", the assembly. A War God as well and his Rune "Tiwaz" is carved on weapons and his name called by those going into battle.

Ullr

The God of the Bow and Archery. A Winter god who gave humans the art of making skiis, snowshoes and skates to cross the ice and snow with. He delighted in the chase and hunting in the snow bound Northern Forests with Skaði, the Norse hunting goddess. Although not much is known about his worship, there are many placenames in Sweden and Southern Norway showing Uller being very important in those regions. As a winter-god, Ullr was said to usurp Odin's place while away during the winter months and said even to take possession of Frigga then leave as soon as Odin came back.

Bragi

The greatest of all Skalds (poets) and was companion/husband to Idun, who held the Golden Apples of Youth.

Freyr

The twin brother of Freyja and the Vanic God of the harvests,peace, prosperity, love, and fertility in general. The farmers would offer Blótar (religious ceremonies) to insure good harvests and fertility with the animals. He had a magical ship called "Skíðblaðnir" made by some Svartalfar and could be so large as to carry all the gods and yet could be folded up into a small packet when not in use. One of his animals and symbols was "Gullinbursti", (Golden-Bristled) the magically made boar whose hide glowed with its own light while carrying Freyr through the forests. The Stag was another animal of Freyr's as well as the Horse. His wife was the Giantess, "Gerd", whom he fell in love with when he saw her one day while sitting in Odin's High Seat, "Hliðskjálf". In Old Uppsala, the Svear (Swedes) favored Ingi Freyr above all else and the temple there had Freyr's statue in a prominant place along side the ones of Odin and Thor.

Hödur

The blind brother of Baldr, who was manipulated into killing him by Loki. Far from being completely tragic, Hödur is one of the few gods left alive after Ragnarok and is reunited with his brother.

Völundr

Also called "Wayland" or "Weland". He is the Wonderworker Smith God of the Norse. He was said to live amongst the Alfar as a prince and make finely crafted, magickal weapons which no blow could break. Beautiful objects of precious metals as well. Völundr and his two brothers captured the swans cloaks of three Swan Maidens or Valkyries who were resting in a lake. The maidens had to remain on earth and become their wives for nine years then afterwards left. The two brothers went off looking for their Swan Maidens but Völund knew better and had a ring as a love token from his wife, Alvit. King Nidud of Sweden surprised and captured Völundr in his sleep and took his personal magickal sword and the love ring, whom the king later gave to his daughter, Bodvild. As for Völund, he was left on an isolated island and forced to make his wonders for the king and was later hamstrung when Völund tried to escape. He did so enticing the king's sons to visit his smithy and killed them and made their skulls into drinking cups set with jewels for their parents. They not knowing what happened, accepted the gifts, and thought the boys had gone a'venturing. Bodvild came to the smithy with the ring and was given a potion that put her to sleep and then into his power. Revenge compleat, he flew away in his Swan's wings. It is said he found his love in Alfheim and is contented to stay there making his weapons and other things. Many heroes were said to have magickal swords made by Völundr.

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Goddesses

Freyja/Freya

She is the most widely worshiped of the Norse Goddesses. The twin sister of Freyr and daughter of Njord (Vanic god of safe harbors,fishing, sea winds and the sea in general). Originally, she came from Vanaheim with her brother and father as hostages after the War between the Aesir/Vanir. She is the Norse Goddess of pleasurable Love, Beauty, Prosperity and more. She is the Goddess of the Wild Forests and animals as well as prosperity and fertility. The Great Vanadis, who taught Odin the secrets of Seiðr (Shamanism) and who leads Odin's Valkyries down to the battlefields to chose the slain riding in her cart drawn by "Hildsvini" (Battle Boar). She takes half of the chosen to feast in her hall called Sessrúmnir ("Many Seated") in her place called "Fólkvangr" (Plain of the Folk) in Asgard and to be with loved ones/wives. The spirits of faithful wives and unmarried women are said to go to her hall as well as lovers. She was pleased by love songs and listened to the requests of lovers and help them whenever she could. She is known by many names such as "Gullveig", "Horn"(Flax), "Mardoll" (Sea-Bright), "Gefn" (Giver), and "Syr"(Sow) during her travels across the Northern Lands in search of her husband, Oðr, who had wandered off after loosing his memory. The tears she wept, during her search, turned to gold when they fell to Earth and became Amber when into the sea. She finally found him, waiting with his memory returned, under a Myrtle Tree. As "Gefjon", she had four oxen-sons by a giant to plow a chunk of Sweden to form the island of Zealand.

Brisingamen is her necklace and represents the prosperity/fertility of the earth. She also has a special cloak of falcon feathers and is able to travel the Nine Worlds. Her other sacred animals are the European Wild boar/sow as well as cats and has a cart drawn by a pair. She does have a daughter named "Hnoss" (Jewel). She and Odin are interwined in their search for knowledge and wisdom. At Jól, pledges and Oaths are sworn upon the Roast boar in both Freyja's and Freyr's name for the coming year, the origin of present New Year's "Resolutions". As mirrored by Norse Culture, the goddess represents the strength, mystery and power of all women.

Frigga

She is the loving wife of Odin and confidant. The mother of Baldr and some say, of Thor as well. She is represented as wearing soft white garments that changed with the moods of the atmosphere or clouds. Sometimes snow white, grey or dark according to her varible moods as she sits spinning the clouds in her hall called "Fensalir". She sits upon the High Seat, "Hlidskjalf", to look over the world and said to possess knowledge of the future. Mothers call upon her to spin good destinies for their babies much like the Norns. She is the goddess of the hearth/homelife and is always seen as spinning which was an important task to learn. In one story, Frigga taught the art of spinning flax into linen to humans as well as ploughing and other tasks associated with the home/farm. Childless wives call upon her, marriages are sacred to her and to her hall, faithful husbands and wives are welcomed. She is the goddess of conjugal and motherly love.

A gracious, tender goddess but who was also known for her wit and wisdom rivaling Odin's. There is a story of how the Lombards got their name from a ruse Frigga used to outwit Odin. The Vandals and the Winnilers were preparing for war and both called up the Gods for help. The Vandals to Odin and the Winnilers to Frigga. She turned to Odin asking whom did he favor to win the next day, but he evaded the question by saying he would decide the next morning since it was time for bed. Odin shrewdly knew his bed faced towards the Vandals and he intended looking out from there rather than going to the High Seat. But as he slept, Frigga turned the bed and told the Winnilers to send their women out in armour at dawn with their carefully combed hair over their faces and breasts. When Odin awoke, he immediately saw this strange battle array and in surprise, exclaimed: "What Longbeards are those?". Upon hearing this, Frigga immediately cried out in triumph that Allfather had given the Winnilers a new name and was honor bound to give a baptismal gift. By so doing, the Winnilers were given the victory over the Vandals. Odin seeing how cleverly he was outwitted went further and gave them lands in the Sunny South now known as Lombardy.

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Skaði

She was the daughter of a Jötunn who became the wife of the Vanir God, Njordr, and became a Goddess in her own right. She is famous as a hunter and a skier. Her father was Thjázi, who killed by Thor because of his involvement in the theft of Idun's Apples. Skadi went to Asgard to demand Wergeld in payment for the act and wanted Baldr (as she had fallen in love with him from afar.). Instead, she married Njordr but as she preferred the mountains rather than the seashore (and he vice versa) they parted as friends and she became a companion to the winter-god, Ullr.

Eir

The Norse Goddess of Healing.

Idun

Also known as "Idunna". The Goddess of Youth who is the keeper of the "Gullepli", the Golden Apples of Endless Youth. She is the companion/wife of Bragi.

Hel

First, her name means "Concealer" and as Ruler of the Underworld that takes in a lot of territory, both mystical and mythical. In the Icelandic "Prose Edda" of Snorri Sturleson, his depictions of Hel as a monsterous "half rotting corpse/ half beauty" ruling over a gloomy realm is the most familar to all. But in another depiction by Saxo in his "History of the Danes", he paints her in a gentler light having the goddess leading the Danish Sea King, Hadding, into her hall where other noble figures reside. In the "Helgi Hundingsbana Lay" (Elder Edda), a Goddess receives Helgi in his burial mound as a loving bride... to sleep with for one night before leaving for Odin's hall. She laments his not being able to return pointing to an older tradition of a King resting in the place of his ancestors.

Hel is the patroness of sybils called "Völvas". The Völva Odin calls forth in the "Völuspa" came from Hel's realm. Hyndla, who knew the secrets of ancestory and was the sister "who lived in a cave" (Underworld) whom the Goddess Freyja called upon to help her worshipper, Ottar, with a memory problem. This pointed to a strong connection of the Goddess of the Dead with the cult of dead ancestors whose enduring presense within the mounds, benefited the people.

Basically, her hall where those who did not follow a particular God or Goddess went. Wearing sturdy or shabby "Hel-shoes" (depending on how they lived their lives) they would walk through the vast realm. There to live in wonderous or dismal places before they returned, as the Norse did have a concept of reencarnation of a sort (though that would sound dull to some). The truly evil would further travel to Nastrond or Corpse Strandi, where the roiling seas would ground the shades or be trapped in a hall made of writhing, poisonious serpents. The dragon, Niðhogg, loved to savage the shades as well. At the bottom was Niflheim...the Realm of "Nothingness".

There was a darker, destructive side of the Goddess to be sure. As Goddess of Decay and Slaughter, the horrors of war and the grave were well known. Just as the dignified Norse Valkyries were known earlier Migration Period times the fierce spirits of battle who devoured the slain. In one early sage, these spirits made a loom of stretched entrails as the warp, crossed by a crimson weft and hung in place by human skulls. Memories of a destructive being can be found in other areas of Northern lore, turned stories, as in Baba Yaga and Grendel's mother in the early 8th century Anglo-Saxon poem "Beowulf". In Northwestern Europe, it is Hel/Holda who leads the "Wild Host" as much as by "Wotan/Odin". She roamed the moonlit nights followed by barking dogs and restless shades who would stay quiet in their mounds. In others, as Holda, she would be followed by a train of dead children whom she takes care of until they are reborn again...splashing flowers and plants with dewdrops. Hel/Holda has the power over evil spirits and is invoked as protection against them.

Far from being wrapped up in one aspect of life, she was the goddess of thesholds, dominiate at the various points of life when change of direction was nescessary, a break with the past and Death was the final rite of passage. In her role, Hel was by no means wholly a women's diety; she possessed power over birth, healing and death making no distinction between the sexes. Studying the multiple roles of the Norse Goddesses, like Hel, brings a realization of thier complexity and richness.

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Laurie "the Deep Minded"