Vár facts for kids
Vár is a goddess in Norse mythology. She is known for listening to people who make promises and agreements. Vár also makes sure that people keep their word. If someone breaks a promise or a contract, Vár is said to punish them.
We learn about Vár from old Norse writings. These include the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. The agreements that Vár helps to make are sometimes called varar. Her name means 'pledge' or 'beloved'.
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Who is Vár?
Vár is a special goddess in Norse stories. She is part of the group of gods and goddesses called the Aesir. Her main job is to watch over promises and agreements. She makes sure people are honest when they make a deal.
Vár's Important Role
Vár plays a very important role in Norse society. In ancient times, promises were very serious. People relied on each other's word. Vár made sure that these promises were kept. She would listen carefully when people made an agreement.
If someone broke their promise, Vár would make sure they faced consequences. This helped keep order and trust among people. Her presence reminded everyone to be truthful.
Where We Learn About Vár
Most of what we know about Vár comes from two important collections of old Norse poems and stories.
The Poetic Edda
The Poetic Edda is a collection of old Norse poems. These poems tell many tales about the gods, heroes, and the world. Vár is mentioned in some of these ancient verses.
The Prose Edda
The Prose Edda was written by a man named Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. It helps us understand the older poems. The Prose Edda also describes Vár's role as a goddess of promises.
The Meaning of Her Name
The name Vár is very meaningful. It comes from an Old Norse word. This word means 'pledge' or 'vow'. It also means 'beloved'. This shows how important her role was. It also suggests that she was a respected goddess.
