Collective beings

Groups and kindreds: giants as a people, dwarves as a lineage, elves, norns as a collective.

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  • Jötnar (Jötnar)

    The primordial race preceding the gods. Dwell in Jötunheimr. Progenitors: Ymir (rime giants) and Bergelmir (after the primordial flood).

  • Dwarves (Dvergar)

    Shaped from the earth (or Ymir's flesh, depending on source). Smiths and craftsmen: they forge Mjöllnir, Gungnir, Skíðblaðnir, Brísingamen, Gleipnir.

  • Elves (Álfar)

    Light-elves dwell in Álfheimr; dark-elves (dwarves?) beneath the earth. The boundary between categories is unclear in the sources.

  • Norns (Nornir)

    Urðr, Verðandi, Skuld, powers of fate at the Well of Urd. They water Yggdrasil and carve out destinies.

  • Valkyries (Valkyrjur)

    Odin's battle-maidens who choose the slain and bear them to Valhöll.

  • Fenrir (Fenrisúlfr)

    Son of Loki by the giantess Angrboða. Bound with Gleipnir; breaks free at Ragnarok and swallows Odin.

  • Jörmungandr (Jörmungandr)

    The world-serpent encircling Midgard. Son of Loki. Thor's archenemy.

  • Hel (Hel)

    Daughter of Loki and Angrboða; ruler of the realm of Hel beneath one of Yggdrasil's roots.