Female protective spirits tied to kin and fertility.
The dísir were a group of female supernatural beings in Old Norse belief who protected families and kin-groups. They were closely connected to the ancestors and could manifest as omens of coming events, good or ill.
Dísablót was the foremost sacrifice to the dísir, held during the dark season to secure fertility and protection. In early Icelandic history this blót was a public event and a central occasion in religious life.
Attestations
- Dísaþing, Ynglinga saga 29
- Mentions the dísablót and the assembly held in the dísir's name.