Vanir facts for kids

The Vanir are a special group of gods and goddesses in Norse mythology. They are one of the two main families of gods, with the other being the Æsir. The Vanir originally lived in a place called Vanaheimr. They are known for being peaceful and are connected to nature, good harvests, and making things grow. The Æsir, on the other hand, were often seen as more focused on war and power.

After a big war between the Vanir and the Æsir, some of the Vanir moved to Asgard, the home of the Æsir. This helped unite the two groups into one big family of gods.

Meet the Vanir Gods and Goddesses

Here are some of the most important Vanir gods and goddesses:

• Njörðr: He is the god of the sea and wind. Before the war with the Æsir, Njörðr was a very important leader among the Vanir.
• Freyr: Njörðr's son, Freyr is the god of good times and sunshine. He helps make sure crops grow well and brings prosperity.
• Freyja: Freyr's twin sister, Freyja is a powerful goddess. She is known for love, beauty, and magic. She also has a connection to war and death, receiving half of the warriors who die in battle.
• Skaði: She is the goddess of hunting and skiing. Skaði is also the stepmother of Freyr and Freyja, as she married their father, Njörðr.
• Gerðr: Gerðr is the beloved wife of Freyr. She is a jötunn, which means she is a type of giantess from the realm of Jötunheimr.
• Oðr: He is Freyja's husband. Óðr often went on long journeys, and Freyja would miss him very much. When she cried, her tears would turn into beautiful, pure gold and amber.
• Gullveigr: Gullveigr was a very powerful sorceress who practiced dark magic. Her actions led to the war between the Æsir and the Vanir.
• Heimdallr: He is the guardian of the Bifröst, the rainbow bridge that connects the worlds. It's not completely clear if Heimdallr is an Æsir or a Vanir god, but he is very important.
• Ullr: Ullr is the god of hunting. Some stories say he is the stepson of the mighty god Thor.

Images for kids

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  The sun shining behind them, the god Freyr stands with his boar Gullinbursti (1901) by Johannes Gehrts.

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  A wild boar in Northern Europe. In the Prose Edda, "Van-child" is listed as a name for boars. Both Freyja and Freyr are attested as accompanied by boars.

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  A leafy bough between them, two figures embrace on a small piece of gold foil dating from the Migration Period to the early Viking Age

See also

In Spanish: Vanir para niños