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Loki's lineage: The complex family of the trickster god
Maligned for centuries as a mere trickster, the Norse god Loki is more than just a playful prankster. Part of his multifaceted character is his complex lineage and family tree, which provide both destructive and friendly influences.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Víðarr, Odin's son: The god who survived Ragnarök
"The wise man must guard his tongue carefully; rarely is there regret for being too silent." Whilst this quote is attributed to Odin himself, it could easily describe his son, Víðarr. Let us examine this Norse god of silence and vengeance and peel back the mystery of this enigmatic deity.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Thrúd: The forgotten story of Thor's fierce daughter
Though she was born of Thunder and destined for greatness, time has not been kind to Thrúd, the daughter of Thor. Who is this overlooked Norse goddess living in the shadow of her famous father?2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Eir, goddess of healing, and her influence in Norse mythology
People in Viking societies lived in a dangerous era before the advent of widespread medical knowledge, hospitals, and doctors. Divine protection was needed in the form of the Norse goddess Eir to ensure health, healing, and safety.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Book review: Norse Mythology - A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs
Rather than writing a narrative account of Norse mythology, John Lindow, a distinguished scholar in Nordic studies, offers up an encyclopedia of Norse mythological deities and concepts. The result falls a little flat.2 years ago — Reviews -
The story of Logi, the Viking god of fire
Given the harsh climatic conditions of the Viking homeland, with long, dark winters, fire was essential for life and spirit. It's no surprise that followers of the Old Norse religion worshipped the personification of fire in Logi, whose origins highlight the fluidness of Norse deities.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Sif, the golden-haired goddess of harvest and beloved wife of Thor
Whilst everyone nowadays seems to know Thor, thanks in part to recent Hollywood depictions of the Norse God of Thunder, few know of his wife, Sif. This Norse goddess of fertility and the harvest was more than just a head of great hair; she played an important role as a homely guardian and protector.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Norse gods of war: A primer
At the heart of Viking society was a warrior culture forged in battles everywhere, from the British Isles to Baghdad. This culture was shaped by its relationship with the Old Norse religion, which blended a desire for glory and honor on the battlefield along with reverence for the Norse gods of war.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Jörð: Unearthing the legacy of the Norse earth goddess
In this era of unpredictable climate change, where a horrific bushfire or flood seems to occur daily, many people are rethinking their relationship with the environment. A philosophy of less harm, less abuse, and perhaps a little more worship of nature seems to be growing in popularity.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Frigg: The most powerful Norse goddess you have probably overlooked
Whilst the goddess Freyja has a chocolate bar named after her, no one can match the importance of Frigg, the most important goddess in the vast Norse pantheon whose name day is everyone's favorite day of the working week.2 years ago — Culture and religion
