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Vanir-freya-freyr-norse-mythology-864x486

Freya and Freyr of the Vanir.

The Vanir are one of the two groups of gods in Norse mythology, the other being the comparatively better-known Æsir.

Description[]

While Æsir is occasionally used as a blanket term to describe all Norse deities, Vanir is not. It refers to an explicitly separate sub-section of the pantheon, with ties to fertility, wisdom, nature, magic, and the ability to see the future.

Overview[]

The distinction between Æsir and Vanir is relative, for the two are said to have made peace, exchanged hostages, intermarried and reigned together after a prolonged war. In fact, the most significant divergence between the two groups is in their respective areas of influence, with the Æsir representing war and conquest, and the Vanir representing exploration, fertility and wealth.

A majority of sources describe the deities Njord, Freyr, and Freya as members of the Vanir. While not attested as Vanir, the gods Heimdallr and Ullr have been theorized as potential members of the group.

Notable Vanir[]

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