Ásynja facts for kids

Ásynja (pronounced AH-sin-yah) is the name for a female god in Norse mythology. If you're talking about more than one, they are called asynjur (AH-sin-yur). These powerful goddesses lived in Asgard, one of the nine worlds in Norse myths.

The male gods in Norse mythology are called Æsir (EYE-sir). There were believed to be 14 Æsir and also 14 asynjur, making them equally important in the stories of the Norse people.

Who are the Ásynjur?

The Ásynjur were important figures in the Norse myths. They had different roles and powers, helping to shape the world and the lives of gods and humans. They were not just wives or mothers; many were powerful in their own right.

Important Ásynjur

Here are some of the most well-known Ásynjur:

• Frigg: She was the queen of the Æsir and the wife of Odin, the chief god. Frigg was known as the goddess of marriage, motherhood, and wisdom. She could also see the future, though she rarely spoke about it.
• Freyja: A beautiful and powerful goddess, Freyja was linked to love, beauty, fertility, and war. She rode in a chariot pulled by two cats and owned a magical necklace called Brísingamen. She also welcomed half of the warriors who died in battle into her hall, Fólkvangr.
• Iðunn: Iðunn (pronounced EE-thoon) was the keeper of magical golden apples. These apples kept the gods young and immortal. Without her apples, the gods would grow old and weak.
• Sif: Sif was the wife of Thor, the god of thunder. She was famous for her long, golden hair, which was said to represent golden fields of wheat.
• Gerðr: A beautiful giantess who became the wife of the god Freyr.
• Nanna: The wife of Baldr, the god of light and purity. She died of grief when Baldr was killed.

Their Home in Asgard

The Ásynjur lived with the Æsir in Asgard, a magnificent realm high above the human world. Asgard was protected by strong walls and connected to the human world (Midgard) by the rainbow bridge, Bifröst. Each god and goddess often had their own hall or dwelling within Asgard.

Images for kids

• 

  Æsir gathered around the body of Baldr. Painting by Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg 1817

• 

  The modern Swedish word for atmospheric thunder - åska - "the god's ride" - retains the name. That Thor caused lightning and thunder was still a living tradition in the countryside when compulsory education started teaching what was known from the Eddas.

See also

In Spanish: Æsir para niños