Who Were Vanir Gods in Norse Mythology?
In the previous blog post, we learn that there were two Norse god tribes in the Nine Worlds. One was the Aesir and the other was the Vanir. Yet, Norse mythology revolved around the Aesir tribe more than the Vanir, as the famous gods we know are usually from the Aesir tribe, for example, Odin the Allfather, Thor God of Thunder and Storm, or Baldur the God of Shining.
The Vanir tribe, however, was not common. Yet, they were necessary characters in Norse mythology.
WHO WERE THE VANIR?
Vanir was one of the two god tribes in Norse mythology. Instead of using weapons like the Aesir, the Vanir would use magic and power to defend themselves and their beloved. Compared with the Aesir, the Vanir was more nature-orientated and ecological fertility.
Their appearance in Norse mythology remains a debate. Because the scholars found no evidence pointing that Vanir existed until the Edda book by Snorri Sturluson a Christian writer.
The Vanir gods lived in Vanaheim the land of the Vanir. The place located somewhere on the top branches of Yggdrasil Tree of Life. Yet, no source mentioned its direct location.
Freyr was riding on his golden boar Gullinbursti and holding his antler - his weapon. Freya his twin sister was with her cats as the constant companions.
In Norse mythology, the Vanir gods included three major characters:
- Njord: The King of Vanaheim and the god of seafaring activities
- Freya: Princess of Vanaheim and goddess of war, beauty, and sex
- Freyr: Prince of Vanaheim, twin brother of Freya, god of fertility and summer, and the ruler of Alfheim land of the elves.
When the war between two god tribes Vanir and Aesir finally came to an end, the gods started to exchange hostage to seal their peace treaty. Njord, Freya, and Freyr came to Asgard while only Hoenir and Mimir went to Vanaheim.
