Gods and beings
A Old Norse mythology knows two families of gods, Æsir and Vanir, who, after a war described in Völuspá 21-24, live at peace through mutual hostages (Njörðr and his children among the Æsir; Mímir and Hœnir among the Vanir, per Ynglinga saga 4). Alongside them stand the jötnar (giants), dwarves, light- and dark-elves, and mythic beings including the norns, valkyries, Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel. The taxonomy follows chiefly Snorri's Gylfaginning.
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Æsir
19 entries
The foremost gods in Old Norse mythology, led by Odin. The Æsir dwell in Ásgarðr.
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Ásynjur
19 entries
The female deities among the Æsir. Snorri lists sixteen Ásynjur in Gylfaginning 35.
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Vanir
5 entries
The second family of gods, associated with fertility, wealth, and seiðr.
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Between gods and giants
2 entries
Figures whose nature crosses the boundary between gods and giants.
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Jötnar
28 entries
The cosmic adversaries, older than the gods. From Ymir's body the world was shaped.
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Dwarves
9 entries
Master smiths who forged the gods' mightiest treasures: Mjölnir, Gungnir, Draupnir.
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Mythic animals and beings
18 entries
Sleipnir, Níðhöggr, Ratatoskr, and the other creatures inhabiting the world tree and the realm of the gods.
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Norns and valkyries
7 entries
The fate-goddesses at Urðr's well and the choosers of the slain who bring warriors to Valhöll.
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Humans and heroes
15 entries
Sigurðr Fáfnisbani, Guðrún, Völundr, and the other heroes of Eddic poetry.
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Collective beings
8 entries
Groups and kindreds: giants as a people, dwarves as a lineage, elves, norns as a collective.