Out of those, MO, the only one I'd say was a bit less known would be Mimir. Heimdall's gained some popularity because of his visibility in the Thor movies, and Tyr's pretty well known because of his being a chew toy to Fenrir and for being the boss before Odin took over.Originally Posted by MaskedOne
"The streams called Ice-waves, those which were so long come from the fountain-heads that the yeasty venom upon them had hardened like the slag that runs out of the fire, - these then became ice; and when the ice halted and ceased to run, then it froze over above. But the drizzling rain that rose from the venom congealed to rime, and the rime increased, frost over frost, each over the other, even into Ginnungagap, the Yawning Void. Ginnungagap, which faced toward the northern quarter, became filled with heaviness, and masses of ice and rime, and from within, drizzling rain and gusts; but the southern part of the Yawning Void was lighted by those sparks and glowing masses which flew out of Múspellheim. Just as cold arose out of Niflheim, and all terrible things, so also all that looked toward Múspellheim became hot and glowing; but Ginnungagap was as mild as windless air, and when the breath of heat met the rime, so that it melted and dripped, life was quickened from the yeast-drops, by the power of that which sent the heat, and became a man's form. And that man is named Ymir, but the Rime-Giants call him Aurgelimir" - The Gylfaginning
I came across a 'family tree' a while back that tried to plot in the most well known ones. That listed Heimdall as the son of All nine Undines, though where the information came from I don't know. I always assumed he was aesir.
You remind me of the babe
What babe?
The babe with the power
What power?
The Power of voodoo
Who do?
You do!
Do what?
Remind me of the babe!
Army of Darkness: Guardians of the Chat
Are we also playing upon the Elves as Vanir, or the theory that some of the Vanir are Alf? Frey being handed the position of ruler of Alfheim by Odin, some theories challenge that this was a move towards unionizing of people, for Frey is Alf himself. The few depictions of Alfheim tell us that it is a Land of Sun and Beauty, and Frey being the God of Sunlight, it would only make sense to give him rule over his own land and people. The depictions of the Alf's are of a beautiful people, unlike those ever seen before, but seeing as Freyja is the Goddess of beauty, would she be considered an Alf as well?
"In the shade now tall forms are advancing,
And their wan hands like snowflakes in the moonlight are gleaming;
They beckon, they whisper, 'Oh! strong armed in valor,
The pale guests await thee - mead foams in Valhalla.'"
- Finn's Saga
http://hoodednorseman.tumblr.com/
Both are considered and listed above as Vanir, and thus are of the other clan of the divine that come from the people of Vanaheim, which are the alfar. Though I would attest that Frey is much more than simply sunlight, as like many of the other gods his portfolio is much broader and more detailed than just a single realm of control, and the same would go for Freyja. If one is Vanir, the other would be as well, since they are, after all twins.
"The streams called Ice-waves, those which were so long come from the fountain-heads that the yeasty venom upon them had hardened like the slag that runs out of the fire, - these then became ice; and when the ice halted and ceased to run, then it froze over above. But the drizzling rain that rose from the venom congealed to rime, and the rime increased, frost over frost, each over the other, even into Ginnungagap, the Yawning Void. Ginnungagap, which faced toward the northern quarter, became filled with heaviness, and masses of ice and rime, and from within, drizzling rain and gusts; but the southern part of the Yawning Void was lighted by those sparks and glowing masses which flew out of Múspellheim. Just as cold arose out of Niflheim, and all terrible things, so also all that looked toward Múspellheim became hot and glowing; but Ginnungagap was as mild as windless air, and when the breath of heat met the rime, so that it melted and dripped, life was quickened from the yeast-drops, by the power of that which sent the heat, and became a man's form. And that man is named Ymir, but the Rime-Giants call him Aurgelimir" - The Gylfaginning
And that's what I'm eluding to; both are Alf's, making all the inhabitants of Alfheim, Vanir.
"In the shade now tall forms are advancing,
And their wan hands like snowflakes in the moonlight are gleaming;
They beckon, they whisper, 'Oh! strong armed in valor,
The pale guests await thee - mead foams in Valhalla.'"
- Finn's Saga
http://hoodednorseman.tumblr.com/
I have always viewed him like Thor: Asa father, Jotun mother. They both choose to spend most of their time in Asgard and protect humans. Tyr is all Jotun but has choose Asgard as well.
This is pretty much my opinion on all three of these gods also. Which is why I personally place them all in the Aesir category.
Holle
Someone mentioned talking about the gods we worship here. I am only going to mention Holle as the others are probably more well established and are heavy in lore. For one she would definitely be Vanir. She is not Freya or Hela as some people like to speculate, I consider her a goddess in her own right. She's involved in fertility and magic associated with healing and herbs. Herbal healing, Elder trees, some types of folk magic and flax are strongly. During the dark half of the year she is a psychopomp and rides the Wild Hunt. She can look old or middle aged. She is the main goddess in the Urglaawe tradition and we have debates about aspects of her there. She is a spinner and appears with white hair no matter which age she takes. We have wondered if she may be part of a "tribe" of white women or norns. Geese, wells, spinning flax and children also come up with her. It is said she is the model for Mother Goose. I do all my house cleaning to her. I often leave tea for her, regular and mugwort. I try to use raw honey and nothing processed for her.
Last edited by Rae'ya; 22 Nov 2015 at 17:46. Reason: Added easy to read deity name.
I've added a title and linked the index so this can be the 'Holle' section.
I've never worked with Frau Holle (aka Hulda) myself, as I think I'm too lazy to even attempt it... I have a feeling I'd be one of the girls who would be sent home covered in pitch! I have always seen her considered one of the Vanir, even though her origins are sketchy and it's possible she's not originally from the Nine Worlds at all. I've heard that children who die as babies go to stay with Frau Holle, and her main story has her rewarding a girl who is kind and hardworking, and punishing a girl who is lazy and selfish.
I actually find Frau Holle a really interesting goddess, and like Ula, I don't subscribe to the idea that she is an aspect of Hela, Frigg or Freyja. I think she is a goddess in her own right, perhaps growing from humbler beginnings as a folk tale figure.
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