​​​​​​​​​​Alfodr Troth Kindred

Gods, Goddesses, Wights, and Ancestor Veneration

 

The Germanic Gods and Goddesses are real and true. They are much like us; they have different manifestations in many dimensions. They transcend our physical world and are wise beyond our ability to comprehend. They may be a force or power, and have certain qualities of personality. They may take on humanlike forms that are an expression of aspects of their nature. And like us, the totality of their being is very difficult to describe, or to understand. Our myth cycle, and lore is the starting point for our knowing of the Gods, the rest after that is up to us and to them.

 

They are related to us through the ages, through blood and through the folk-soul. As our elder Kin, the Gods know their people, just as we are learning to know our own Gods. We view them more as wise and strong Elder relatives - benevolent protectors and guides, rather than a group of beings who are out of reach in some high, mystical place. The Gods and Goddesses are as close as our need for their wisdom, guidance and strength. 
We don’t actually "worship" our Deities as in the same sense as those from the Judao Based religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Rather, we honour with great respect, love and awe. In this we also honour and respect and pay homage to our Ancestors going all the way back to the Gods and Goddesses of our Folk themselves. 

We stand before the Gods and Goddesses as our extended family; we never kneel nor prostrate ourselves like slaves or servants but hold ourselves up proud and strong before our divine ancestors. 
The Gods are the Divine force of a transcendent nature and higher consciousness of our Folk, and our Folk is the material expression or reflection of that Transcendence and Divinity. The Gods give us gift for gift, honour for honour, truth for truth, respect if we are worthy, council if we ask for it, and insight if we are ready. None worthy in their hall have a bare plate nor empty horn, or are turned away from the gate as night falls.

 

The Gods and Goddesses in Heathenism are divided into two tribes. The THE AESIR and the VANIR.

The Aesir are one of the two principal pantheons of Gods and Goddesses in the native Germanic religion. They include many of the major deities, such as Odin, Frigga, Thor, Balder and Tyr. The Goddesses of the Aesir are known as the Asynjur, and although the term Aesir is used as the general name for all of the gods and goddesses, a second clan of Gods, known as the Vanir are also greatly honoured; Freyr and Freyja are the foremost of the Vanir and they reside amongst the Aesir in Asgard. The Aesir are generally the deities of consciousness and are more associated with fire, air, war, power and the passionate mechanical aspects of being; whereas the Vanir are associated with earth, water, the natural and organic and are mainly connected with fertility, joy and peace, although these are by no means firmly set boundaries. 

The Aesir stayed forever young by eating the golden apples kept by Idunna ,the Goddess governing the regenerative powers of eternal youth and spring fertility. Unlike the gods of some other religions, the Aesir and Vanir are not immortal; many will die at Ragnarok with some very few exceptions who will survive and rebuild the glory of the Asgard. 

Our religious teachings tell us that the Æsir and the Vanir once held a war, which, since their battle-might was equal, their great battles ended in a draw. The truce was settled by the creation of the being Kvasir and the trading of hostages: Odin's brother Hoenir and the giant Mimir went to the Vanir, and Njord and Frey were sent among the Æsir (Freyja seems to have come along of her own choice), where, according to Ynglinga saga, they held the role of "priests". 

It is interesting to speculate if the interactions described as occurring between Aesir and Vanir reflect the types of interaction common to various Germanic clans at the time. According to another theory, the cult of the Vanir (who are mainly connected with fertility and relatively peaceful) may be of an older date, and that of the more warlike Aesir of later origin, so the mythical war may perhaps mirror a historic religious conflict.

 

Odin:

Odin- has many names, and with that, many personalities. Odin (Norse), Woden (English), Wodan (Dutch), Wotan (German). At his most ancient, he started as Wode, a fierce storm god who was endowed with the occupation of gathering the souls of the dead. This aspect, that of the leader of the wild hunt, stayed with him throughout his evolution. He later ousted Tyr from his position as Sky-Father, and later became associated with the runes, sorcery, magic, and secrets. His classical appearance is that of a cloaked, wise old man, in the vein of Tolkien’s Gandalf. Later, as social and economic changes in the northern lands became more extreme, it turned wise old Woden into a fierce, bloodthirsty warrior. Unfortunately, due to this aspect, he became a chosen patron of the upper classes, and gradually became tainted with their dishonesty and deceitfulness. Unfortunately, Odin is shown as an oath-breaker in the myths that have survived to the present day; in those alleged instances, it is through his wisdom that he determines the right course of action – for the better of the folk. The element usually associated with Odin is Air, and his weapon is the spear, Gungnir.  It never misses its target and upon it is carved the runes which uphold the law. He is normally invoked from the north quarter, where he is called upon for occult power, sorcery, revenge workings, and cursing. He can be called in the East for wisdom and healing, and in the South for victory in battle. His magical acquisitions are the ring, Draupnir, a symbol of fertility, which reproduces nine rings every ninth day. Magical animals associated with Odin are Sleipnir, his eight-legged steed, his ravens Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory) that travel the worlds and inform him of all things, and his wolves Geri and Freki. The snake and the eagle, forms in which he has taken in myths, are also animals that can be associated with him. Odin also gave us the gift of poetry. His magical number is nine, which has wider associations. Nine is the number of months a child spends in the womb, and it is the lunar number, appropriate because, in the northern tradition, the Moon is considered male. He spent nine days hanging on the world tree Yggdrasil, wounded with his own spear, for which he received the runes. By hanging on the tree, Odin transcends death, and in doing so, this gives him the ability to traverse between the realms of life and death. As well as being conductor of the dead, Odin is the Breath-Giver:

 

Until three gods, strong and loving, 
came from that company to the world; 
they found on land Ash and Embla, 
capable of little, lacking in fate.
Breath they had not, spirit they had not, 
character nor vital spark nor fresh complexions; 
breath gave Odin, spirit gave Haenir, 
vital spark gave Lodur, and fresh complexions

 

It is oft proposed that this is a three fold form of Odin himself. These three characterizations may represent his aspects as warrior, shaman, and wanderer.

 Odin sacrificed an eye (said in the lore to be the left, but the lore is riddled with Christian sentiment, which depicts the left as evil, so it may very well have been the right eye) for wisdom. (Food for thought…A friend of mine read this and asked: “Since humans have a habit of anthropomorphizing gods, who is to say how many eyes Odin has? God’s assume whatever shape they choose.”) After giving up his eye, Odin became the wounded healer. There are few examples of his healing ability in the lore, but it does exist (the second Meseberg Charm, depicting him as a healer of animals, being the most prominent). After gaining all the knowledge he could, he realized that he could not change orlog, so he became the wanderer, teaching others to ensure their survival.

 

Thor:

  Thor (Norse), Thunor (English), Donar (Dutch), Donner (German). Thor is the thunderer: when his hammer is used, lightning and thunder ensues. He special patron of those who work the land: the farmers and peasants, the yeoman as well as the thralls (slaves). He carries a hammer, Mjolnir, a fertility symbol. A son of Jord, he is called “son of the Earth”, and as such, Earth is his element (it is also due to this that there can be no direct correlation between Thor and Hades, Ares, or Mars.) He is a strong, incredibly skillful fighter, whose responsibility it is to protect those that he cares for. In the myths, it was shown in several instances that Thor may be a softhearted “gentle giant” character, only losing his temper when those in his care are harmed or threatened. In one of the myths, Thor’s hammer is stolen by Thrym, a giant. The ransom? Freya’s hand in marriage. Heimdall devised a way to get the hammer back – by dressing Thor in Freya’s clothing, using her veil to cover his face and beard, when the hammer was placed on his lap ( during a wedding ceremony, a hammer is placed on the lap of the bride, to ensure a fertile marriage) Thor reclaimed his hammer and killed Thrym. In this myth, it shows how Thor, the masculine warrior and soldier, had to dress in female clothing (to get in touch with his female aspect) in order to regain his fertility (Mjolnir).

Thor’s wife, Sif, is the corn goddess, her hair possibly symbolizing the yellow of the corn at the time of the harvest. Thralls go to Thor after death. He was much more widely worshipped than Odin. Interestingly, research shows that lightning helps to fix the nitrogen in the soil, making vegetation grow greener and healthier. No wonder his consort is Sif, the corn goddess! Thor’s weapon of choice is of course, the hammer, and his totem animals are the goat and bull. He is invoked for strength, fertility, and pleasant weather.  His magical items include: the hammer, the belt, the gloves, chariot, thunderbolts, and oath ring.

 

Tyr:

Tyr (Norse), Tiw (English), Zio (Dutch), and Ziu (German) .Tyr was the original Sky God, later ousted out of this position by Odin. He was called Saxnot by the East Saxons, and was said to be the ancestor of the kings of Essex. His main weapon in the sword, and he is invoked for assistance in legal disputes, for arbitration, justice, combat and order. He is also invoked for swearing oaths. Tyr has past been equated with Mars, but that is a misconception – whereas Mars is the god of warriors, Tiw is the god of judges and lawyers – those who speak laws and enforce order. He is more related to Zeus, in name and in stature – like Zeus, he was once the head of his pantheon. Tyr is said to be a solar god. It was Tyr alone that had the courage to feed the Fenris wolf before it was bound. Interestingly, it is Tyr, the god of justice and truth that swore a false oath so that the wolf Fenris, son of Loki, could be bound – and he paid for this with his right hand. He placed his hand in the jaws of the fierce wolf as a show of the Aesir’s good faith; if it was shown that Fenris could not break the bonds, he would be set free. When Fenris found that he had been successfully bound, he bit Tyr’s right hand off at the wrist. This shows, to me, that Tyr not only has respect for the laws – but he has the courage and sound judgment to break these laws when the good of the folk is at stake. His sacrifice is completely altruistic – Odin trades his eye for wisdom, a somewhat selfish reason, but Tyr sacrifices his sword hand because it is the right thing to do, for the good of kith and kin.

 

Heimdall:

Heimdall (Rig) – The warder of the gods. His title is “the shining Ase”. Heimdall’s magical tool is his horn, which he will blow to warn the gods of the beginning of Ragnarok, summoning the Aesir and Einerjar (those courageous warriors slain in combat) to battle. He has acute hearing: it is said that he can hear the wool growing on a sheep’s back, and the grass itself growing up from the ground. It could be said that Heimdall, to acquire his acute hearing, may have sacrificed an ear (for Odin sacrificed an eye and Tyr a hand). The myth concerning this may not have even existed, or has been lost in the winds of time. Heimdall is the guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost, he is the teacher of runes to man, and it is even said that he once roamed Midgard and fathered many. His totem animals are the ram and the seal, and his magical item is the horn. He is invoked for teaching and protection, as well as to shed light on any matter that may not be fully understood.

 

Balder:

Balder the much-loved son of Odin and Frigga, husband to Nanna, and according to some sources, father of Forseti. After he experienced a set of disturbing nightmares, his death was foretold by a oracle. His mother, Frigga extracted a promise from every living thing, save mistletoe (for she thought it was young and weak, having to live off of the oak) that they would not harm Baldur. Sure that Baldur was safe from his foretold fate, the gods made a game out of throwing things at Baldur, and watching them bounce away from him harmlessly. Loki gave the blind god Hodur; brother of Balder, a dart made of mistletoe and guided his hand, so that he could join in the celebration. Balder was pierced by the dart and died instantly. Hodur was killed by his half-brother Vali, in vengeance. Odin whispered final words to his son after he was placed on his funeral ship, and he placed the ring Draupnir in Balder’s Hands. Upon seeing the funeral ship, Nanna was overcome with grief and died; she was put aboard the ship beside her husband. The ship was set afire, according to the custom of the time. Odin and Frigga were so distraught that they sent Baldur’s brother, Hermod, to ask Hella if under any circumstances she would release him. Hella said that if everything would weep for him, she would release him. Only Loki, disguised as an old woman, refused to weep for him, saying that Hella should keep what she has. Baldur and Nanna are in the realm of the dead, and so survive Ragnarok. 

 

Forseti – The son of Balder and Nanna. He is the master of the hall Glitner (Glittering). In the eighth century, he was referenced as the Frisian God of law. When Charlemagne demanded that the Frisians produce a code of law, they denied his request twice. They were then punished by being sent out in a rudderless boat. They petitioned their god, and a man appeared, carrying a golden ax. He led them to an uninhabited island and threw his ax in the ground, where a spring appeared. He then began to speak, giving the Frisian elders their law code. Today, Forseti is best known for being the god of law, judges, justice, and he is also honored as the overseer of the Thing Assembly.

 

Uller – Uller (Norse), Wulder (English). Uller is the stepson of Thor, the son of Sif from a previous marriage; his father is not mentioned. His name means “the brilliant one, or glory”, and in Scandinavia he is associated with Aurora Borealis. He lives in Ydalir, or “Yew-dales.” He is a winter god, and wears snow shoes. His weapon is the bow and arrow, and he was a great archer, skier, and hunter.   He is invoked for hunting, aid in single combat, and was the god of the lone warrior. Some sources say that Uller ruled Asgard in Odin’s absence.

 

 Loki – Loki (Norse), Loge (German). Loki is often spoken of as the god of fire, but this aspect of him, if it ever existed, was not included in the lore. He is of giant stock, his parents being Laufey and Farbauti. He has been credited with much evil, but his actions in the myths, revisited, seem to tell a different story. His evil aspects could very be an invention of the Christian writers that recorded the bulk of our Lore. They turned Balder into a “weeping Jesus” figure, Odin into Jehovah, and Loki into a “devil.”

He is said to have sworn blood-brotherhood with Odin, so he could possibly be viewed as the “shadow” side of Odin. During his exploits with the svarthalfar, he brought back Thor’s hammer (Mjolnir), Odin’s spear (Gungnir), and Frey’s ship (Skidbladnir). He did not keep any of these gifts for himself; rather, he gave them to the Aesir. This was the result of an interesting myth: For reasons unknown, Loki decided to sneak into Sif’s bedchamber and cut off her long blonde hair. When Thor returned and saw what had happened to his wife, he became enraged – shorn hair in the north was a sign of an adulteress. In Thor’s clutches, Loki says that he will make everything better. Reluctantly, Thor releases him, and Loki travels to Svartalfheim, the realm of the dark elves, or dwarves. He persuaded them to make golden hair for Sif: hair that would be as if not more beautiful than her original hair; it would attach itself and grow as real hair. Thinking of the gravity of his situation, he thought it better that he return not with just Sif’s new hair, but other gifts for the gods. So, he pitted two dwarf clans against each other to see which ones were the better craftsmen. Brokk, the dwarf who won the resulting contest judged by the Aesir, claimed Loki’s head as his

  reward. This is how tricky Loki can be: he said that Brokk had laid claim to his head; he may not touch any part of his neck. Of course, this cannot be done, and Brokk had to suffice with sewing shut Loki’s mouth with thick sinew. In many of Loki’s adventures, he is accompanying Thor, and although an odd couple, most of their tales end with greater honor and power for the Aesir.

Loki has three children with the giantess Angrboda: a giant wolf, named Fenris, a giant serpent named Jomungand, and Hella, a woman who is half young and beautiful; the other half a blackened corpse. He was also the mother of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse. This myth portrays him as a shape shifter and sex-changer, deceitful and difficult to trust.

Later in the lore, it is Loki that instigates Ragnarok by being the mastermind behind Baldur’s death. In the story of Ragnarok, it is possible that the giants were bound – as was Loki, fixed to a rock in the bowels of the earth by Skadi. Above him is a large poisonous snake, which drips venom, directly into his eyes. His wife, Sigyn, ever vigilant, holds a bowl over his eyes, to collect the venom. When the bowl has filled, she leans over to empty it, leaving Loki vulnerable to the dripping poison. It is said that when the venom drips in his eyes, Loki is blinded with pain, and he fights against his bonds, creating earthquakes.

Care must be taken in invoking Loki (as with Odin). He is often invoked for change, but that change may be more different and drastic than you expect. He represents the aspect of human nature that is impulsive, destructive and immature.

 

Bragi – Bragi is the god of poetry, son of three nights of pleasure between Odin and a giantess named Gunlod. He is husband of Idunna and the God of Poetry. Understanding the role of the poet in northern society is important: Poets were very significant: they had the power to weave other’s fate with their words, to prophesy and pass judgments. They were the historians of the tribe, making sure that the past was passed on verbally from generation to generation. The power that Bragi wields is very great. It is said that from sun-up to sun-down, he tells his wife Idunna a story that has no end. He is a patron for poets, writers, historians and verbal storytellers, and is invoked for inspiration.

 

Hoenir –brother of Odin, gave mankind the gifts of consciousness and will. He is one of the survivors of Ragnarok. He was sent as a hostage to the Vanir, to weave peace between the two tribes. Modern heathens hail him for prophecy and vision.

Lodur – brother of Odin, and gave mankind the gifts of the five senses and the beauty of form. Little is known of him, for little survives in the Lore. He is said to have given rhythm to the beating of the heart and pulse of blood.

 

Hermod – Brother of Baldur, son of Odin.

Odr – Husband of Freya and father of Hnossa, he travels the worlds, and has not yet returned.

 

 

Frigga- Frigga is the goddess of married women and mothers. Not much is known of Frigga, besides that she is the wife of Odin, and very wise. She is referred to by many heathens as the “All-Mother.” It is said that she knows all, yet speaks it not.  She is the goddess of childbirth, small children and expectant mothers. She is also considered a goddess of hoe and hearth, as well as a goddess of marriage. She lives in the great hall Fensalir, along with twelve handmaidens.

 

 

Frigga’s handmaidens:

Fulla: Frigga’s sister, chief companion, and most trusted of her handmaidens. Her name means “bounty” or “plenty.” She is said to be the keeper of Frigga’s treasure chest – a very important duty in a Lady’s household. She is Frigga’s trusted counselor, and shares in all of her secrets, and collaborates in all of her plans.

 

Saga: Her name comes from Old Norse, meaning “to say” or “to tell.” She is the historian of the Aesir, , collector of ancestral tales,  poet and skald. She is a frequent drinking companion of Odin, and lives in a great hall called Sokkvabekk. She is a goddess of librarians, historians, and researchers. She called upon for inspiration while writing, putting ones life into order, and researching one’s genealogy.

 

Eir:      She is mentioned in the Eddas only twice, due to her healing abilities. She is referred to as the “greatest physician,” and brings healing to all women who seek her out. Healing herbs and tools belong to her, and there were quite a few healing methods in Heathen culture: herbs, surgical techniques, religious and magical charms, runes, and even a form of acupuncture. She is compassionate, but objective – like the doctor that you want, but can never seem to find. She calms, centers and grounds you – relaxation aids in whole body healing. Her people are: doctors, surgeons, nurses, chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, etc. 

 

Gefion: Her name means “the Giving One.” She is best known for the tale in which she won the island of Zealand from Sweden’s King Gylfi. She came to him as a beggar woman, and as a reward for some entertainment given to him, he told her that she could have all the land she could plow in a day and night. She went to Jotunheim, married a giant, had four sons, and transformed them into oxen. She returned to the land of Gylfi, and plowed the land so hard and so fast that the island of Zealand was cleaved from the mainland. There is even a fountain in Copenhagen that depicts Gefion and her plough. Modern heathens may call upon her for help with anything dealing with finances, and is often hailed as the goddess of material wealth. Odin chides Loki in the Lokasenna for harassing her, saying that Gefion sees the fates of men as clearly as Odin himself.

 

Gna: Her name comes from the old norse gnaefa, meaning to “tower” or “rise high.” She is Frigga’s messenger, traveling the nine worlds on her mistress’ errands. She is called upon for a speedy resolution to a problem.

 

Syn: The gatekeeper of Fensalir, Frigga’s hall. Her name means “denial” or “refusal” She bars the doors to all who might create disruption, sort of like a bouncer at a bar. 

 

Hlin: Her name means “protectress.” She is charged with the task of protecting all the mortals that are favored by Frigga. In the Voluspa, it notes that

Another woe awaited Hlin,

When forth goes Odin to fight the wolf,

And the slayer of Beli to battle with Surt:

Then Frigg’s husband will fall lifeless.

 

This is interpreted by many heathens to mean that it will be Hlin that will provide Frigga the strength to go on after the death of her husband. This could mean that she was called upon by women who had lost their husbands in battle, and needed her fortitude to continue on through their loss. 

 

Sjofn: Her name is associated with an Old Norse word that means “affection.” She opens people’s hearts to love, and to the relationships that nourish our spirit.

Lofn: Her name means “Comforter.” She gives help and hope during the trials and tribulations of a relationship. She even went out of her way to ask Odin and Frigga permission for couples to marry, and the word for permission is originated from her name.

Vor: Not much is mentioned of her in the lore, but it is mentioned that she was extraordinarily perceptive, and never missed anything. Work with her when you need to see a situation clearer.

 

Var: Her name means “Vow” or “Pledge”, and she is said to have presided over all sacred oaths, especially marriage vows. It is also her job to punish those who break oaths.

 

Snotra:  Very little is known of her, save for her reputation for being clever and wise (which is the meaning of her name). She is known as a goddess of courtesy and proper behavior – the diplomat of the Aesir.   

 

Sif: Not much is known of Sif, except that she is the wife of Thor and mother of Uller; as well as the mother of Thrud, the daughter of her and Thor. She is known for her exceptionally beautiful long golden hair. She is said to be a “corn-goddess”, her hair representing the corn during harvest time. One story survives, the aforementioned story in which Loki cuts off her hair. She is grief-stricken over the loss of her shining glory, which to her may have symbolized her strength and power. In the Northern tradition, the goddesses are as powerful as the gods – imagine how powerful the wife of Thor could be!

 

Nanna: Not much is known of Nanna, except that she is married to Baldur and her name may translate as “The daring one.” She joins him after his death in Hella’s realm, after she dies of grief. After Ragnarok, she and Baldur return to Asgard.

 

Idunna: Idunna is the wife of Bragi, naïve and simple. She is the keeper of the apples that keep the Aesir youthful and vigorous. Her name translates into “the renewer.” The apples are useless unless they are given by Idunna’s ownhands. So, the regenerating power of these apples comes directly from her. She is a goddess of growth and vegetation, and the apple and seed are her symbols. She is a goddess of slow change (Humans have an unconscious resistance to growth – this may be the reason that many have had a hard time connecting with her). Paradoxically, I also feel that she is a goddess of routine: every day, the gods return to her orchard to take a youth-giving apple from her hands. One story survives:

‘Odin, and his companion Loki, are traveling through the world of men. Close to Jotunheim, they sit to rest, but can find nothing to eat. Loki, coming upon a herd of wild cattle, kills and butchers a young bull. Trying to cook it, Loki roasts it on a spit – only to discover that the meat is enchanted: no matter how hot he makes the fire, the meat will remain raw. Odin decided to move on, while stubborn Loki decided that he would not leave until the meat was cooked. Along came a large eagle, who offered to flap his wings and help to cook the meat, if only Loki would give him a share. Loki agreed, and the eagle began eating – and was about to eat the last of the meat, when Loki, enraged, took the spit and thrust it at the great bid. There was a clang, as of metal, and the spear imbedded in the eagle’s chest. The eagle took off, with Loki in tow. He flew far into Jotunheim and left Loki on a cold, lonely iceberg. The eagle came back after one day, but he was in his own form, that of Thiassi the giant. He makes a deal with Loki – if he gets Idunna and her apples for him, he would set Loki free. Loki agrees to this, is set free, and roams back to Asgard. Once there, he tricks Idunna into coming outside of her apple grove – with the deceitful story that he had found a tree that had apples that were shinier and more beautiful than hers. Idunna said that she had to see this tree, and was thus lured from her grove. As soon as she was outside her garden, Thiassi, in the form of the eagle, swooped down, grabbed her and took her to his home in Jotunheim. He told her that he would keep her in that place until she gave him the apples (for the apples would shrivel and become inedible if they did not come from the hands of Idunna). She refused. In the meantime, all of the residents of Asgard were becoming old! The Gods searched for her, and at last, cornered Loki. Loki offered to get Idunna back – with the help of Freya’s falcon coat. He put on the coat, flew to Jotunheim in the guise of a falcon, grabbed Idunna (changed into a sparrow), and flew away with her towards Asgard. Thiassi, however, was hot on their heels in his eagle form. As they neared Asgard, the Aesir lit great fires along the wall. The falcon and sparrow made it through safely, but the eagle, finding no way inside, fell down the wall and died. Idunna returned to her orchard, and youthfulness returned to Asgard once more.’

 

Nerthus: known only from Tacitus’ Germania, in which he equates her with Terra Mater. She was not only beautiful and life-giving with the bounty that she allows humans, but destructive with storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc. as well.

 

Sigyn: She is only mentioned three times in the lore, and each are related to the same incident: she is the wife of Loki, who faithfully remains by his side after he is bound, and holds the bowl above him, capturing the venom dripping from the snake above. She is often viewed as an abused wife or a faithful wife by many heathens. Most of what is learned of this goddess is pure UPG.

 

Hella: The daughter of Loki and the Giantess Angrboda. She appears as a half beautiful maiden and half blackened corpse. Her brothers are the Serpent Jormungand, and the wolf Fenris. She is the ruler of the underworld, and all those who die of sickness, natural causes, or old age come to her hall. You can get in touch with her by getting in touch with your own dead – visiting their graves, setting up an altar of them, and putting pictures of them in honored places in your home.