One of the Vanir class of gods, deities of fertility, seiðr and prosperity.
The Vanir are a class of gods alongside the Æsir. They represent fertility, prosperity, the sea and seiðr. The principal Vanir are Njörðr, Freyr and Freyja. The Vanir and Æsir fought a primordial war that ended with a peace exchange of hostages.
The Vanir gods are older in character and tied to the needs of agricultural society. Freyja taught the Æsir seiðr and her cult was widespread along the Norwegian and Icelandic coasts.
Attestations
- Snorri Sturluson, Ynglinga saga, kap. 4
- Description of the Æsir-Vanir war and the peace exchange.