In Norse mythology, there were two clans of gods:
The Aesir
They lived in the golden city of Asgard. They were a clan of fearsome warriors and brave heroes. Within their ranks were some of the most well-known gods and goddesses of Norse mythology.
Baldur was one of the most well-loved gods among the Aesir. He was gentle, cheerful, and modest. The embodiment of hope and all that is good; some said he even radiated light.
Bragi was a skald (poet). He was said to be the finest poet in all of the nine worlds. His art brought comfort to many a lost spirit, and his words have touched many hearts.
Eir was the goddess of health and medicine. Well-versed in healing rituals and ceremonies, she healed the wounds of many a fallen warrior.
Forseti was the god of law. From his splendid halls of gold and silver, he settled the Aesir’s disputes.
Frigg was the chief goddess of the Aesir and wife to Odin. She was said to be skilled in the ways of Seidr, an ancient practice which involved both the telling and shaping of fate.
Gna was a skilled horse rider. Her horse could ride on any terrain, including water and air. She was one of Frigg’s handmaidens and often ran errands for her.
Heimdall was the watchman of Asgard. He sat on top of the Himinbjorg (sky cliffs), listening to the winds, patiently watching the Bifrost. If he saw any intruders, he blew his horn, Gjallarhorn, to alert the other gods.
Hermod was the messenger of the Aesir.
Hodr was blind and very gullible. He was, though, of a kind nature, had a good heart, and was fiercely loyal.
Hoenir was a bumbling god. He spent most of his time rambling around Asgard, confused and incoherent. Hoenir was a favoured travelling companion of Odin.
Idun was the goddess of youth and rejuvenation. She was the keeper of the apples of immortality, the fruit which the gods ate to preserve their eternal youth.
Loki was a shape-shifter, a trickster, and a cheat. He was a cheat even in his birthright, being of giant blood. He was allowed to live among the Aesir because of an oath Odin once swore with him. He was incredibly cunning and sometimes aided the Aesir with his clever schemes. Other times, however, he annoyed them with his mischief-making. Often, he left Asgard for long periods, returning with the same sheepish look on his face. He had been having sordid love affairs with a wide array of different creatures. This is why Loki had many children, including the giantess, Hel, and two of the monsters that roamed the nine worlds, Fenrir and Jormungand.
Mimir was one of the wisest gods. After the Aesir-Vanir war, he left Asgard and ventured to the far edge of Jotunheim. There, he sat by a well that granted eternal wisdom to all who drank from it.
Odin was the leader of the Aesir. Wearing many faces, he often visited the realm of Midgard to meddle in the affairs of the mortals. Odin wielded the mighty spear, Gungnir, and rode an eight-legged steed called Sleipnir. He was often accompanied by Huginn and Muninn, two ravens which he sometimes tasked with spying on Midgard. In Asgard, he oversaw Valhalla, a majestic hall in which half of those who fell in battle dwelt.
Sif was the wife of Thor. She was tall and strong. Her hair was renowned throughout the nine worlds for its magnificent golden colour.
Thor was the wielder of the legendary hammer, Mjolnir. He was the defender of Asgard, the slayer of giants, the protector of humanity, and the god of thunder. He was often seen riding across the nine worlds in a chariot pulled by his two goats, Tanngrisnir (snarl tooth) and Tanngnjostr (tooth-gnasher). Thor was a ferocious sight in battle with his fiery red hair and intense brown eyes.
Tyr was a ferocious war god. He lived by a strict code of honour and was quick to take justice against those who broke it. He was also a very noble god, allowing the monstrous wolf, Fenrir, to bite off his arm so that the other Aesir could bind the beast.
Ullr was a master archer. He had a keen eye and was a skilled tracker. Amongst the Aesir, Ullr was the greatest hunter, raining down destruction from afar with his bow.
Var heard all oaths. She made sure none were spoken in vain, and if they happened to be broken, Var exacted vengeance.
Vidar was the god of silence and stealth. If he willed it, none could hear his footsteps. He was also a formidable fighter, second only to Thor in strength.
The Vanir
The second clan was the Vanir. They mostly lived in the grassy lands of Vanaheim. Their clan was associated with cultivation, prosperity, sailing, and magic rather than glorious battle and heroic deeds like the Aesir.
Freya was the high goddess of the Vanir. She wore a cloak of falcon feathers and rode a chariot pulled by two great cats. She was also well versed in Seidr magic.
Freyr was the high god of the Vanir and the twin brother of Freya. He ruled over Alfheim, the domain of the light elves. He often sailed the seas on his ship, Skidbladnir.
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Njord was the god of the sea. He could calm both wind and sea. He possessed vast amounts of wealth.
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Skadi was a keen skier, bowhunter, and spear thrower. She lived high in the snow-covered mountains, where the air was cold and dark. A giantess by birth, she was once the wife of Njord but couldn’t accustom herself to life by the sea.
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