Ótr (pronounced OH-ter, with a rolled r) appears in tales such as the Völsunga saga and Skáldskaparmál. Ótr, meaning “otter” in Old Norse, was a dwarf known for his unique […]
Ótr (Otr, Otter): A Symbol of Greed, Justice, and Fate Read Post »
Trolls (pronounced trohlz) appear in many stories across Scandinavia. The Old Norse word troll refers to creatures with supernatural strength. Trolls are known for their connection to wild nature and
Trolls: Guardians of the Wild Read Post »
Shieldmaidens (pronounced SHEELD-may-dens) were women who took up arms and fought alongside male warriors in ancient Scandinavian societies. The Old Norse term for shieldmaiden is skjaldmær (pronounced SKYALD-mair), which combines
Shieldmaidens (skjaldmær): The Women Warriors of the North Read Post »
Surtr (pronounced “SOOR-ter”) is a powerful fire giant (Jötunn) known for his role in shaping and ending worlds. His name appears in some texts as “Surt” or “Surtrinn.” The word
Surtr (Surt, Surtur): The Fire Giant of Múspellsheimr Read Post »
Sessrúmnir (pronounced SESS-roo-mnir, where mnir is said as a single syllable) is a grand hall associated with Freyja. Its name means “seat-room” or “room with many seats,” hinting at its
Sessrúmnir (Sessrumnir, Sesrúmnir): Freyja’s Magnificent Hall Read Post »
Fólkvangr (FOHLK-vahng-er), meaning “Field of the Host” or “Field of the Army,” is the realm of the goddess Freyja. This place is described in the Prose Edda, written by Snorri
Fólkvangr (Folkvang, Folkvangar): The Field of the Fallen Read Post »
Huginn (HOO-gin) and Muninn (MOO-nin), meaning “Thought” and “Memory,” are Odin’s two ravens. They act as his eyes and ears, flying across the world to gather information. Every day, these
Huginn and Muninn: Odin’s Ravens of Thought and Memory Read Post »
The Völvas (VUR-lvahs), sometimes spelled Volvas, were powerful seeresses and practitioners of magic. These women played an essential role in guiding communities through prophecy and ritual. The term völva translates
Völva in Norse Culture Read Post »
Hreiðmarr (HRAYTH-mar), sometimes spelled Hreidmar or Hræiðmarr, was a powerful figure renowned for his immense wealth and cunning nature. He appears in the Völsunga Saga and other ancient sources as
Hreiðmarr (Hreidmar, Hreidmarr): The Cunning Ruler Read Post »
