Norse Gods Scandinavian Mythology With Two Clans Aesir And Vanir

Norse Gods are part of Scandinavian mythology, which includes indigenous beliefs, religion, and legends of the northern Germanic tribes before the advent of Christianity. Poems based on the exploits of the gods and goddesses formed the means of oral transmission of the mythology. Some elements of Norse mythology survive today as part of Scandinavian folklore.

There were two main clans of Norse gods; the Aesir and the Vanir. The former group included major figures of Norse pantheon like Odin, Thor, Frigg, Baldyr and Tyr who were primarily associated with power and war. The Aesir were mortals but could stay forever young by eating the golden apples of Iounn. The primary source of the exploits of these gods is the Eddas and the Heimskringla compiled by Snorri Sturluson.

Among the members of the Aesir clan, the most significant god was Odin who was the god of war as well as wisdom. His brothers are Ve and Vili who gave men speech and thought. There are other Aesir gods like Heimdall, Ullr and goddesses like Nanna, Gefjon, Idun and Sif. The origin of many Aesir figures is shadowy and in the Eddas the term refers to the Norse gods in general.

The other group of Norse gods, the Vanir were mainly associated with cultivation and fertility. Primary members of this clan of gods included the Njord and his children Freyr and Freyja. While Njord was the god of seamanship and sailing, both his children were symbols of fertility and prosperity. Freyja especially was the goddess of fertility, love, beauty, magic and death.

The interaction between the two clans of Norse gods and goddesses form an interesting aspect of Norse mythology. Unlike other warring groups like the Titans and Olympians, the Aesir and Vanir were contemporaries. After warring for a long period, Aesir and Vanir gods concluded treaties and exchanged hostages. According to some sources they even intermarried and reigned together.

Scandinavian mythology includes many other supernatural beings like the Jotnar, Alfar and Dvergar who are not counted among Norse gods; nevertheless they play significant roles in the Norse cosmology. The Jotnar are the giants and one of their chief figures is Loki, a trickster god. The Dvergar are the dwarves and the Alfar refer to the elves. Other than these, there are the residents of Hel or the underworld. Some other notable supernatural beings include Fenrir, the huge wolf and Jormungandr, the sea serpent. Norse mythology