Norse Gods and Goddesses

"I find no comfort in the shade, Under the branch of the Great Ash.
I remember the mist of our ancient past.
As I speak to you in the present, My ancient eyes see the terrible future.
Do you not see what I see? Do you not hear death approaching?
The mournful cry of Giallr-horn shall shatter the peace, And shake the foundation of heaven."
- Doom of Odin

The Norse religion was followed in many European countries before Christianity became popular. Anglo-Saxon myths and Indo-European myths were considered to be a part of Norse mythology.

Germanic tribes of north Europe practiced this religion. The beliefs, rituals, and traditions are known as Norse paganism. Norse gods and goddesses were mortals, and they had a heavenly abode separated from that of human beings.

Norse gods are classified into two main groups, known as Aesir and Vanir. Historians believe Vanir Norse gods were worshiped until the Indo-Europeans conquered north Europe. Norse gods of the Indo-Europeans were known as Aesir.

He is known as the Father of all Gods. Odin is the Norse God of Knowledge and Wisdom. Later, he was also known as the God of War. It is believed that Odin could travel to any realm of the Nordic world. Wednesday is the day of the week that is favored by Odin.

Many believe him to be the son of Odin, while some argue that he is the god most favored by Odin. Thor is the protector of Midgard, and he protects the lesser mortals from the giants and evil. The day that is sacred to him is Thursday.

He is a god feared by the mortals and the Norse gods. Loki is neither an Aesir nor a Vanir. He is known as the Norse God of Fire. It is believed that he is both, a friend and a foe of mankind. Norse myths describe him as a trickster, as he challenges the other Norse gods.

The Norse Goddess of Love and Beauty is Freya. She is worshiped for her wisdom, and also for her war skills. Freya belongs to the Vanir classification of the Norse Gods. Her sacred animal is the cat, and Friday is her sacred day.

She is also worshiped as the Goddess of Justice and Righteous Anger. It is believed that she had punished Loki, and sent him to the underworld for all his crimes.

Fricka, also known as Frigga, is the mother of all Norse Gods and the mortals. It is believed that she knows the future of all human beings. She is the wife of Odin.

Norse myths differ from other mythology. The reason is, Norse gods are mortals and they renounce their life during the war against the evil. Norse mythology is a collection of myths of the Scandinavian nations, like Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland. Philosophers and historians opine that the origin of Norse mythology was during the Indo-European period.

According to Norse myths, the Universe was divided into three levels, and nine different worlds resided in these levels. Various Norse gods and goddess resided in these worlds.