However, it must be stated that these ancient human remains have not been adequately investigated, and scientists have not officially confirmed Ynglings were buried at Gamla Uppsala. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you don't have a specific, written tradition, then how do you know which gods to call upon? The gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt were a complex group of beings and ideas. Suite 800 That is what sacrifice means in the original Latin: "Sacra" (Holy, Sacred) "Facere" (to make, do). The second group of Norse deities, Vanir, is more closely associated with fertility, sexuality and seeing into the future. It is important to note that the pantheon of Norse gods was not a fixed and unchanging entity, and different sources may list different deities or group them differently. So while Norse Paganism almost disappeared, parts of it lived on. Pigs were sacred to her, and she rode a boar with golden bristles. Hospitality is one of our core values, so hosting a feast after a Blot is both a great responsibility and a great honor (as anyone who has ever hosted a family Thanksgiving already knows). Your email address will not be published. It is not just the Medieval Christian that shifted the perspective of the witch from medicine woman and soothsayer to evil, hexing hag, though. [3] In any case, the string relates to the "threads of fate", that the Nornir spin, measure, and cut. Traditionally, the Feast would be the responsibility of the host. He was often depicted as a fierce warrior and was said to have fought against giants, monsters, and other threats to the gods and mortals. It's a special kind of giving where the gift itself is made holy or sacred. Feasting and Symble aren't necessarily "religious" in nature, strictly speaking. Strength and courage are traditionally manly qualities that were highly valued in Old Norse societies. Yngve-Frej, the father of the Ynglings. It's there to build you up. He gathers his portion of the slain warriors in Valhalla. Different types of deities seem to respond best to Different Kinds of Offerings. Hon hafi ftum klfskinnsska lona ok vengi langa ok tinknappar miklir endunum. She was known for her wisdom and her ability to see into the future and was sometimes depicted as a seer or prophetess. N.S. Loki is a deity in Norse mythology and is best known as the trickster god, known for his mischievous and sometimes malicious behavior. According to Professor Hedeager, myths about Germanic peoples' sacred descent are recorded from the time of Tacitus to the High Middle Ages. He was a complex figure in Norse mythology and played a significant role in the pantheon of Norse gods. Contact us! Chances are good that someone is listening. Aside from runestones, like the ones you can see in museums across the region, there arent any written texts from pre-Christian Scandinavia. He was known for his great strength and was often depicted as a powerful, muscular man with red hair and a beard. It is simply the concept that one should take the time to do thingsincluding worship and offeringsin a way that is conducive to the demands and needs of the god or goddess in question. You can certainly get by just by being a part of the community and learning some basics, but ultimately the "homework" is there to make you confident in building your own practices. Interestingly, men were frequently ostracized for practicing Seidr, as it was thought to solely be a female practice. Warrior, Monk, Shaman, and Druid. Hon kenndi fyrst me sum sei, sem Vnum var ttt. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/gods-and-goddesses-in-norse-mythology-120007. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get the Routes North newsletter delivered once a month. Neil Gaimans Norse Mythology, meanwhile, reinterprets old tales in a lively way, making the whole subject feel much more accessible. Read more about the different Types of Pagan Deities, so you can figure out which ones you'd like to try working with, depending on your personality and your magical goals. Her father was Njrd, the sea god. Elli - Goddess of old age. 04 The host would provide everything from the meal to the entertainment, and this was considered to be an incredible honor. He was the principal cause of the death of the god Balder. Required fields are marked *. Odin on Sleipnir the 8-legged Horse, from the Historiska Museet, Stockholm. The gods of Norse paganism can be grouped into two main pantheons. Here is a collection of some of the best known gods and goddesses of modern Paganism, as well as some tips on how to make offerings to them and interact with them. Still others are connected to different phases of the agricultural cycle, the moon, and the sun. Harald Sund / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images, Kris Ubach and Quim Roser /Collection Mix / Getty Images. Ynglinga Saga And The Arrival Of The Norse Gods In Scandinavia. For the Norse and Germanic societies, much like many other ancient cultures, the deities were a part of daily life, not merely something to be chatted with in times of need. He played a significant role in the pantheon of Norse gods and was often invoked in times of war or conflict. MimirMimir is the wise one and Odin's uncle. In giving your gift to the Gods, you elevate it to Them. Tyr and Fenrir, 18th century Icelandic manuscript "NKS 1867 4to". Image credit: Hugo Hamilton (18021871). And we wrote another blog on how to perform a Heathen sacrifice here. Wigington, Patti. In the Ynglinga saga (c.1225), written by Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson, it is stated that seir had originally been a practice among the Vanir, but that Freyja, who was herself a member of the Vanir, had introduced it to the sir when she joined them.[16]. Frigg was often depicted as a kind and nurturing figure, and was revered for her ability to provide comfort and support to those in need. [26] According to Blain, seir is an intrinsic part of spiritual practice connecting practitioners to the wider cosmology in British Germanic Neopaganism.[27]. There are different theories about where the word came from. In Old Norse, seir (sometimes anglicized as seidhr, seidh, seidr, seithr, seith, or seid) was a type of magic which was practised in Norse society during the Late Scandinavian Iron Age. Freyja is sometimes called a witch in the Eddic poems and was much maligned for this by later Christians. ostre - Goddess of spring. Wondering about some of the major deities of the ancient Celtic world? The Norse culture honored a wide variety of gods, and many are still worshipped today by Asatruar and Heathens. It isnt only scholars and historians who are interested in Norse Paganism. According to some accounts, there were as many as 12 main gods in the Norse pantheon, while others list as many as 60 or more deities. The Ynglings were later followed by the House of Muns, a Swedish dynasty whose first ruler was thelegendary and famous Viking Bjorn (Bjrn) Ironside. For the Greeks, much like many other ancient cultures, the deities were a part of daily life, not merely something to be chatted with in times of need. Norse Paganism isnt an organised religion, so its hard to know how many followers there are around the world. In other versions, it is Loki who eventually rescues Idun and brings her back to Asgard. Only some of them could really be classified as good or evil which is typical of the moral complexity and honesty that has made Norse lore so poignant and enduring. What is Scandinavian folk art, and where can you see it? Now that's out of the way, let's give you a basic structure to work from for prayer. So theres no bible or specific religious text in Norse Paganism, and no list of commandments, either. One tell-tale sign of a witchs grave is an iron staff. The Valkyrie symbol: what is it, and what does it mean? On her neck she had glass beads. In Lokasenna, according to the Poetic Edda, Loki accuses inn of practising seir, condemning it as an unmanly art (ergi). This is important because it gets at the heart of what giving a gift to the Gods really means. Thereafter, Tyr is left-handed. These gods and goddesses are often associated with 'social' concepts such as war and marriage. Proper Christian practices did eventually take hold in every corner of Scandinavia including the far north, where the Sami people remained unconverted until the 1700s. Strange Tale Of Mysterious Thousand-Year-Old Underground Network Of Caves And Encounters With Subterranean Dwellers, Unexplained Mystery Of The Glowing Woman Who Baffled Scientists, Most Detailed Geological Model Reveals Earths Past 100 Million Years, Ecological Improvement Of Freshwater Ecosystems Benefits Fish And People, Shiitake Mushrooms And Its Evolution A New Study, Scientists Use Satellites To Track Earth Greening Amid Climate Change, Augmented Reality Headset Enables Users To See Hidden Objects. Hon var bltgyja. Freya is a deity in Norse mythology and is best known as the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. It's transforming something of ordinary value into something holy or sacred. Followers of Norse Paganism believe that life is centred on a vast sacred tree called the Yggdrasil, which has different realms extending out from it. Odin, also known as the Allfather, is the ruler of the gods and the god of war, wisdom, and magic. He was also associated with the concept of oaths and was sometimes invoked when making promises or agreements. He was also associated with the concept of baugi, a term that refers to the balance between order and chaos in the universe. However, the wolf was so strong that only Tyr was brave enough to approach him and place the chain around his neck. Eostre - Spring Goddess or NeoPagan Fancy. Indeed, sacrifice (blt) is believed to have been a very important part of Norse rituals. But a good basic structure that we like to follow is this one: That's as simple as it gets! Prayer is a very personal thing. [15] The interrelationship between the vlva in this account and the Norns, the fates of Norse lore, is strong and striking. She also had a twin brother. [13], British archaeologist Neil Price noted that "the realm of sorcery" was present in inn's many aspects.[14]. A Norse witch is also called a Seidkona, which more specifically seems to relate to a female who prophesizes. The Yngling Ingjald slaying his kinsmen. It happened. There are literally thousands of different deities out there in the Universe, and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. Written byEllen Lloyd AncientPages.com, Copyright AncientPages.comAll rights reserved. Odin has a spear, Grungir, that never misses. As well as celebrating Norse mythology, the group promotes values like fairness, tolerance and acceptance. This is a list of Norse gods and goddesses that are in Norse mythology. Many Norse Pagans believe that the dead go to another realm (such as Valhalla, where its said that half of those killed in combat would be taken to meet Odin). [3] However, it is not clear how this derivation relates to the practice of seir. Our ancestors prayed to their gods, long ago. Hann var binn me messingu ok settr steinum ofan um knappinn. One passage referring to this is in theHavamal: I know a tenth spellIf I see witchesat play in the airI can cast this spellSo that they get lostSo they cant find their skinsSo they cant find their minds, If the Viking Age, witches used their iron rod as a means of traveling across levels of consciousness, it is easy to see how later Medieval Christians would say that witches flew through the air riding on brooms.. Philadelphia, PA 19106, How to Practice Norse Paganism | The Troth, In-Reach Book Donation Request (Chaplains Only), Heathenry Essential Study Chat and Social First Saturday (Public), Heathenry Essential Study Chat and Social Third Saturday (Public). Tyr is a deity in Norse mythology and is best known as the god of war and justice. The way we give our gifts to the Gods is through Sacrifice or "Blot.". He was also associated with the hammer Mjolnir, which he used to control the elements and to defend the gods and their realms. It isn't giving something casually. But dig a little deeper beyond the mythological creatures and youll find Norse Paganism is actually pretty complex. He was also believed to be the ruler of Valhalla, the hall of the slain, where he welcomed those who died bravely in battle. He was the one who gave them the name. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/gods-and-goddesses-in-norse-mythology-120007. Often celebrated around the Beltane sabbat, Cernunnos is associated with the forest, the greening of the earth, and wild stags. Tyr was a significant figure in Norse mythology and was revered for his bravery, courage, and sense of justice. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In our article aboutAsgard The Ancient Powerful Kingdom Of The Norse Gods, we briefly discussed the relationship between two main groups of Norse gods. She is often portrayed as a symbol of youth, beauty, and rejuvenation, and is revered as a goddess of fertility and abundance. If youve seen shows like Vikings, you might be forgiven for wondering if Norse Pagans still make sacrifices. A woman practicing seir would sometimes be called vlva, meaning seeress. Related words in Old High German (see German Saite, used both in string instruments and in bows) and Old English refer to 'cord, string,' or 'snare, cord, halter' and there is a line in verse 15 of the skaldic poem Ragnarsdrpa that uses seir in that sense. Freya is a Vanir goddess of sex, fertility, war, and wealth, daughter of Njord. [4] Among the Old English words for practitioners of magic are wicca (m.) or wicce (f.), the etymons of Modern English 'witch'. Another tale tells of how he sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for a drink from the well of wisdom. Despite his mischievous and sometimes malicious behavior, Loki was also known for his ability to solve problems and bring about resolution. The Norse gods are divided into two major groups, the Aesir and Vanir, in addition to the giants who came first. Image credit: Skandinaviens ldre Historia. Their pleas and offerings are documented in the hieroglyphs that adorn the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, in the carvings and inscriptions left for us to read by the philosophers and teachers of ancient Greece and Rome. It's not a payment for services rendered or a bribe. Routes North was started to help people discover all of the amazing stuff that Scandinavia has to offer, regardless of their travel budget. 5 out of 5 stars (1,624) Sale Price $86.70 $ 86.70 $ 102.00 Original Price $102.00 . Despite her minor role in the Norse pantheon, Idun continues to be a beloved and enduring figure in Norse mythology. Freyja is the most well-known goddess in Norse mythology and in many ways rivals Odin in power. Join Vikidia: create your account now and improve it! Gill, N.S. Others believe that it comes from same root as the verb "to bless." Our faith is in the gift cycle. She wore hairy calf-skin shoes on her feet, with long and strong-looking thongs to them, and great knobs of latten at the ends. She was said to have a chariot that was drawn by cats, and she was sometimes depicted as a warrior goddess. While excavating the Royal Mounds at this ancient sacred site, scientists discovered human remains that, according to Swedish archaeologist Birger Nerman were the bones belonging to Aun, Egil och Adils, three men who were Ynglings. Regardless, at some point, you're going to have to sit and sort them all out. Hon hafi um sik hnjskulinda, ok var ar skjupungr mikill, ok varveitti hon ar tfr sn, au er hon urfti til frleiks at hafa. to those I ought not Slowly abandoned when Christianity spread throughout Scandinavia, and then forgotten about for centuries, Norse Paganism is making a bit of a comeback. See also:Norse gods, giants and goddessesThe Valkyrie symbol: what is it, and what does it mean?Norse names and their meanings. Christianisation was a slow process that took hundreds of years, and modern archaeological digs have revealed that many people across Scandinavia still clung to indigenous beliefs long after Christianity had arrived. It is the heart of Asatru, Norse Paganism and Heathenry. He is often depicted as a watchful and vigilant figure, guarding the entrance to Asgard and protecting the gods from their enemies. However, these two groups of gods fought a long and bloody war, ultimately leading to only a few of the Vanir living in Asgard. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He was also said to possess the horn Gjallarhorn, which he would blow to warn the gods of danger or to call them to battle. Things are definitely not as clean cut as with Christianity, which sees good people in heaven and bad people in hell. Various other groups of beings, including elves, dwarves and jtnar were probably minor gods, and might have had small cults and sacred places devoted to them. So what we can tell you is how some people have done them in the past and how some people do them now. This is a physical representation of our forging our connections and a sort of re-enactment of the sharing of mead between the Aesir and the Vanir at the conclusion of the war between them. Let's talk about the concept of Appropriate Worship. A staff she had in her hand, with a knob thereon; it was ornamented with brass, and inlaid with gems round about the knob. Some of the most well-known Norse gods include: Odin, also known as Woden or Wotan, is a deity in Norse mythology and the chief god of the pantheon. Consort: Ger. It was replaced by Christianity and forgotten during the Christianisation of Scandinavia. He was often depicted as a clever and resourceful figure, but he was also prone to mischief and deceit. Freyja traveled in a chariot drawn by black or gray cats. In the Viking Age, the practice of seir by men had connotations of unmanliness or effeminacy, known as ergi, as its manipulative aspects ran counter to masculine ideal of forthright, open behavior. They knelt. milked cow as a woman, Some of the most well-known gods include Odin, Thor, Freya, Loki, Baldr, Tyr, Heimdall, and Frigg. In theory you could try to worship all of them, but in practice most Heathens worship about 8 and only 3 or 4 with any regularity. Sort of like weights, isn't it? On Sale Now! Son of Bor and the giantess (jtunn) Bestla, Odin is the chief of the sir and the king of Asgard. She made all things in the world swear not to harm Baldr, with the exception of the mistletoe plant, which she considered too small and insignificant to pose a threat. However, Loki, the trickster god, learned of this vulnerability and used it to his advantage. Adopted brother of Odin, Loki is bound to a rock until Ragnarok. Many of us believe in the existence of the Gods identified by the names they were called by the different Germanic peoples. Or there's a Seidmenn, which is a man who practiced this form of Norse magic. Certain archaeological excavations atGamla Uppsalaprovide little evidence of the Ynglings. The . However, it was prophesized that Baldr would eventually return to life and rule the world with his brother, Hodr, who had been tricked into killing him. Here are some of the Deities Honored by the Celts. Original Handmade Design by The Old Crone Viking Aesir God Loki (Trickster) Pagan Prayer Beads, Devotional Beads, Ritual Beads 26 Inches in Length Loki, in Norse mythology, a cunning trickster who had the ability to change his shape and sex. Ynglings claimed descent from the god Freyr. In the first Book of Samuel, King Saul of Israel got in some trouble when he sought assistance from the witch and asked her to predict the future. The Norns are the fates in Norse mythology. Major Gods and Goddesses in Norse Mythology. He is the guardian of the gods, and when the world ends at Ragnarok, Heimdall will sound a magical horn to alert everyone. Baldr was a significant figure in Norse mythology and was revered for his beauty, wisdom, and goodness. Heimdall was a significant figure in Norse mythology and played a key role in the pantheon of Norse gods. 10 prominent goddess in Norse mythology are: Freyja, Frigg, Skadi, Sif, Jord, Ran, Idun, Saga, Eir, and Hel. Many Pagan deities are associated with various aspects of the human experience, such aslove, death, marriage, fertility, healing, war, and so forth. The pantheon of Norse Wicca includes a wide range of deities, each with its own unique characteristics and attributes. Unlike the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam), Norse Paganism is a polytheistic religion in other words, followers believe in multiple gods and goddesses. Tyr was also associated with justice and fair play. The closer word to "sacrifice" is "blessing" so that's the theory we are going with. In addition to these major deities, there were also many other gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings associated with the Norse pantheon, such as giants, dwarves, and monsters. The worst of the evil witches were sometimes referred to as Troll Wives and were Jtnar rather than human. About Our Annuals . With that said, it could have been used for great good or destructive evil, as well as for daily guidance. These gods exhibit what we might recognise as human traits. Gill, N.S. It was Freyja's privilege to choose one-half of the heroes . Stockholm: Gjthstrm & Magnusson. She was responsible for keeping the golden apples, which were said to have the power to restore youth and vitality to those who ate them. The remains of a 1,200-year-old pagan temple to the Old Norse gods such as Thor and Odin have been discovered in Norway a rare relic of the Viking religion built a few centuries before . In recent years, there has been renewed interest in actually following the religion, with many modern-day pagans delving deep into oaths, learning Norse runes, and welcoming patron or matron deities into their lives. Connected to the Old Norse religion, its origins are largely unknown, and the practice of it gradually declined after the Christianization of Scandinavia. We wrote more about this in our blog on how to become Asatru. Some religious groups do require oaths, others do not. According to Saxo Grammaticus, Hod (Hother) did it on his own; others blame Loki. The other realms are home to multiple gods and goddesses, as well as other beings like giants, dwarves and elves. A more general term for a male spiritual practitioner was, Last edited on 25 February 2023, at 20:54, "Heimskringla Ynglinga Saga, p. 2, sec. The legendary Ynglings remain a fascinating subject, and stories about these people are a mixture of myths, legends, and historical facts. So the question arises, then, of what to offer them? Baldr is a deity in Norse mythology and is best known as the god of light and innocence. The Norse pantheon consisted of a large number of deities, but the exact number of gods is difficult to determine as different sources list varying numbers of gods. Cristian Baitg / Image Bank / Getty Images. There were also accounts of male practitioners, who were known as seimenn or seimaur in the singular. Her father was their leader, Njord. Contemporary Paganism, also referred to as Neo-Paganism, is an umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of new religious movements, particularly those influenced by the various pagan beliefs of premodern Europe. After Baldr's death, the gods attempted to bring him back to life, but they were unsuccessful. One page from the Heimskringla tells the story of the Ynglings. There is no specific ritual for converting to Norse Paganism, Heathenry or Asatru. She is the mother of Balder. Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - Norse legends tell the legendary Ynglings were descendants of the Norse gods and the oldest known Scandinavian King dynasty. Few subscribe to this theory today. "Pagan Gods and Goddesses." 7", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seir&oldid=1141591664, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 20:54. Norwegians consider the Ynglings real historical figures, but in Sweden, the Ynglings have remained mythological. He is the father of Freya and Frey. Odin is the Norse god of war, poetry, wisdom, and death. The first question someone usually has after finding out about a religion is to find out how to do it. It's not a negotiation of power like you might see in witchcraft where a witch uses their skills to "work with" a power beyond themselves to accomplish a goal or learn something. Image credit: Henri Osti. As they are described in a number of other Scandinavian sagas, Saga of Erik the Red in particular, the practitioners connected with the spiritual realm through chanting and prayer. So while you may have heard about dwarves, elves and gods such as Odin and Thor, there are many more layers of the religion to uncover. [19] Because seir was viewed as a feminine practice, any man who engaged in it (seimar)[20] was associated with a concept called ergi, the designation of a man in Norse society who was unmanly, feminine and possibly homosexual.[19]. Often considered the dark side of Norse Paganism, followers of Rkkatru focus on a third pantheon of deities the underworld gods. It is not a ritual for the Gods. If you found this article useful and want to donate to support the educational work that we do, please consider making a contribution to our general funding or support our mission by joining The Troth today. Viking texts suggest that the seir ritual was used in times of inherent crisis, as a tool for seeing into the future, and for cursing and hexing one's enemies. Son of Odin and husband of Idun. And while Norse mythology and the Viking look portrayed by modern media are undoubtedly intertwined, there is no specific requirement for followers to dress like Vikings, for example, or get a Viking-style haircut. Viking lore is replete with frightening or wicked witches. You can do it out loud or silently, in a church or backyard or forest or at a kitchen table. He is also the son of Odin, the chief god, and the goddess Frigg. It was believed that if the gods lost access to the apples, they would begin to age and eventually die. Print Collector / Getty Images / Getty Images. Stockholm: Gjthstrm & Magnusson. Another noted mythological practitioner of seir was Gra, who attempted to assist Thor, and who in the Svipdagsml in a poem entitled Grgaldr "Gra's spell" is summoned from beyond the grave. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. "Major Gods and Goddesses in Norse Mythology." They prostrated. You don't have to debate about it. Norse women honored Frigga as a goddess of marriage. Oh, a little bit of this, a little bit of that. In modern times, Idun has become a popular figure in Norse mythology and has been featured in various media, including literature, television, and film. HodHod is a son of Odin. Hon hafi hndum sr kattskinnsglfa, ok vru hvtir innan ok lonir. Hel (Norse) This goddess is the ruler of the underworld in Norse mythology. According to Norse mythology, seeing this act, Odin was desperate to learn the secrets of the runes. Not every holiday has to have a Blot attached to it, though most of them do. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A gift cycle is a relationship which deepens through shared giving. LokiLoki is a giant in Norse mythology. In the 13th century Saga of Erik the Red, there was a seikona or vlva in Greenland named rbjrg ('protected by Thor'). The problem with the Age of Migration or the Dark Ages is very few primary sources exist for the tribes who were migrating around Europe, and it's difficult to trace these ancient people's routes and settlements. In some accounts she is Odin's wife, making her foremost among the Aesir goddesses. Around her she wore a girdle of soft hair (or belt of touch wood[7]), and therein was a large skin-bag, in which she kept the talismans needful to her in her wisdom. Our travel guides are all researched on the ground by writers who know the areainside-outand speak the local lingo. Thor was a popular deity in Norse mythology and was revered for his strength, bravery, and protective nature. Thor is the Norse thunder god, the main enemy of the giants, and the son of Odin. She presided over the sacrifice. Here are some of the best-known Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. On her head she had a black hood of lambskin, lined with ermine. The stick is used to strike a man three times on his left cheek to make him forget and three times on his right cheek to make him remember. It was she who first acquainted the sir with seir, which was customary among the Vanir. Cernunnos is the horned god found in many traditions of modern Paganism and Wicca.He is an archetype found predominantly in Celtic regions, and symbolizes fertility and masculine energy. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. Idun, also known as Idunn or Iduna, was a Norse goddess who was associated with youth and rejuvenation. The first pantheon of Norse deities, sir, includes gods such as Odin, Thor and Baldr. [3] However, if seir involved "spinning charms", that would explain the distaff, a tool used in spinning flax or sometimes wool, that appears to be associated with seir practice. Gods and goddesses in Norse Paganism The gods of Norse paganism can be grouped into two main pantheons. A gift is something you give to someone without expecting anything in return. Their existence is still a subject shrouded in mystery. She was the keeper of the golden apples of youth, which were believed to keep the gods youthful and immortal. It's not transactional. Pagan Gods and Goddesses. He is said to have acquired his wisdom and magical abilities through self-sacrifice and extreme acts of self-denial. Sometimes you'll find Heathens who worship only one of the Gods while acknowledging all the others exist. Some schools of thought think it comes for Old Norse word for "Blood" which would be consistent with how many of these sacrifices involved the ritual slaughter of livestock.