Hel- The Goddess of the Dead and the Afterlife

To conclude, or end my research blog, I found it appropriate to conduct research on Hel, the Norse Goddess of death and the afterlife. Hel or Hella's name means "to conceal" or "the Hidden", and is often decribed as "half-dead, half alive herself. The Vikings viewed her with considerable trepidation. The Dutch, Gallic, and German barbarians viewed her with some beneficence, more of a gentler form of death and transformation. She is seen by them as Mother Holle; a being of pure Nature, being helpful in times of need, but vengeful upon those who cross her or transgress natural law" (The Gods and Goddesses of the Norse Religion). Through my research, I found that Hel is also the ruler of nine worlds in the Land of the Mist, also known as Niflheim, which is a cold Northern land in which many frost giants and dwarves live.

She is sometimes referred to as the Queen of the Underworld, and is relevant to the Christian interpretation and representation of "Hell", the eternal punishment site of the unrepentant sinner. She is understood to be the daughter of Loki, who is often represented as Lucifer, or the devil. She is described as an extremely frightening sight, and "piebald, with a face half-human and half blank, or more usually, half alive and half dead. It is told that when She was born, disease first came into the world. She was said to sweep through towns and cities bringing plague: if she used a rake, some would survive; if a broom, none would" (Hel, Norse Goddess of the Dead and the Underworld Art Cards). 

As I continued to research Hel, I found that she was known to induce terrible disease, decay, and other miseries such as death. She was Loki's youngest child, and the sister of the evil giant wolf Fenris, and Jormungand, the giant serpant of Midgard. Some legends indicate that "Odin (since Loki was his blood brother) kept Hel with him to be raised in Asgard. But the other gods were uncomfortable with Hel's appearance (she was born with her bones exposed on one side of her body) and they avoided her. Unhappy and lonely, Hel told Odin that she wanted to leave Asgard. Odin then gave to her the misty world of Nifelheim/Helheim to rule over. To Hel go those who died of sickness, old age, and those who did not die in battle. She would judge those who were good and evil and give them their just rewards (there were different levels of Helheim, ranging from a 'heaven' to a 'hell" (Olson). The Christian interpretation of the Hell as eternal punishment is not the only modern relevance to the goddess Hel. Hel's archetype is the crone, and is depicted as one of the three stages of the life of a woman, mother, maiden, and crone. "In the Pagan tradition the Goddess is often split into three to depict the different stages of a woman's life: mother, maiden and Crone. "The Crone represents the wise old woman whose child bearing days are behind her. Other associations with this Archetype include: compassion, transformation, healing and bawdiness death and endings. She is the respected older woman or grand parent at the heart of family who enjoys life and sharing her experience. Unfortunately the word Crone or Hag often has negative connotations as many wise woman and midwives were persecuted as witches in the middle ages.Shadow Crone is the bitter, old woman who has failed to learn from her life. She blames all her failings and unhappiness on a society that no longer respects the elders. As a result she becomes increasingly isolated and fearful. Hella is a Crone as she is Goddess of the underworld. Despite her role and her appearance she is still a powerful woman who is respected by the Other Gods" (Norse Gods and Goddesses- Crystalinks). Through my research of the many Norse goddesses, I have gained a greater insight into the relevance of the goddesses of the ancient norse mythology,and the everlasting connections that they pose in today's society. 

Works Cited

 "The Gods and Goddesses of the Norse Religion." Wizardrealm. Web. 12 Nov. 2010. <http://www.wizardrealm.com/norse/gods.html>.

"Hel, Norse Goddess of the Dead and the Underworld Art Cards." A-Muse-ing Grace Gallery--The Magical Art of Thalia Took. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://www.thaliatook.com/AMGG/hel.html>.

Olson, Agnes D. "Hel (also Known as Hela), Norse Goddess of the Dead, Agnes D. Olson, SciFi Fantasy Art." Elfwood - Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, FanArt & Stories. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://www.elfwood.com/art/a/o/aolson/hela4web.jpg.html>.

"Norse Gods and Goddesses - Crystalinks." Crystalinks Home Page. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.crystalinks.com/norsegods.html>.

Freya- Valkyrie, Beauty, and Goddess of Sensual Love, War, and Death

Freya is an extremely powerful and passionate goddess in Norse mythology. She is commonly understood to be a goddess of war, or a warrior goddess, a goddess of sensual love, and a valkyrie. In Norse mythology,Valkyries were "beautiful maidens who serve Odin and ride over battlefields to claim the dead heroes and take them to Valhalla" (Valkyrie Definition of Valkyrie in the Free Online Encyclopedia). She is described as a very powerful leader of the Valkyries, and "She had the right to claim half the souls of the bravest warriors who died in battle.  Actually going onto the battlefield, she would gather them up and take them back with her to spend the after-life in her home in perpetual rest and recreation. A sweet and generous woman, she always invited their wives or lovers to come and live with them. The other half of the heroic warriors, who belonged to Odin, would be gathered up by the Valkyries and taken to Valhalla where they were able to live in comfort and honor" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). Freya was married to Od, who is described as a "mysterious" Norse God, but had many lovers besides her husband. My research on the Norse goddess Freya, was consistent in that she was an absolutely beautiful and captivating goddess. She served as a compassionate aid to those who were dying, and often helped noble heroes on their journey to the otherworld, Valhalla. Relevant to modern day, it was believed that "When Freya and the Valkyries rode forth on their missions, their armor caused the eerily beautiful flickering light that we know as the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). Although her husband Od transformed into a sea monster and was eventually killed, Freya ensured his admittance into Valhalla, and maintained contact with her deceased husband through occasional visits. Some believe that Freya influenced the naming of Friday. 

Freya was called "The Lady" or "mistress", and was "Usually depicted as a strawberry blonde with stunning blue eyes, none could resist her. To make matters even worse, like the Greek goddess Aphrodite, she possessed apparel that made her irresistible to men. . . a magical necklace reputedly made of amber and rubies that was called a "brisling" or "brisingamen" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). Freya often wore the "necklace of desire",  was widely known for her sexuality, and "The goddess Freya's passions were abundant, vigorous, and unrestrained. Clothed or not, she is usually shown in sensual poses" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Destiny). Further research of Freya revealed that she was also known as the goddess of sex battle and pleasure, and discolsed Freya's interesting acquisition of her necklace of desire. "Freyja's most wonderful adornment was her necklace (or possibly a jewelled belt), Brisingamen.It was crafted by four dwarfs, and was of exceptional beauty.Freyja so longed for it that she consented to spend one night each in the arms of its makers as her payment.This was a just recompense in the eyes of the goddess, for as the necklace was the finest of all things the dwarfs could produce, the utter summation of their skill, why not repay them with an equally precious example of her love-art? Freyja always wished to give her love freely.Her beauty and desirability often attracted the attention of those she did not want, such as the giant who offered to build an impregnable defensive wall around Asgard, the dwelling of the gods, in exchange for taking Freyja away as his wife. The goddess knew nothing of this agreement, and her outraged indignation at being so wagered grew the greater as the wall grew taller. Never believing they would have to forfeit Freyja, the gods grew more and more uneasy in their wager, until Loki ,who had urged the agreement, was forced to utilise his trickster ability to the fullest" (Norse Gods and Goddesses- Crystalinks). 

There are three major animals that are tied to Freya- the cat, boar, and mare. The cat exhibits beauty and comfort. The boar with golden bristles, is known as the Battle Swine or Hildisvini, and symbolizes her duty as sorter of the dead heroes, and is celebrated through images of boars on the battle helmets of countless armies of England and Scandinavia, symbolizing a savage and cunning nature. The mare symbolizes the night, Freya's sexuality, and magical power which could potentially be dangerous. This is relevant today, as having a bad dream or "nightmare". Freya serves as an archetype in psychology, representing "the parts of self that we have neglected or even rejected.The goddess Freya reminds us to explore and acknowledge all of our emotions, longings, and traits, even those we wish we didn't possess" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). 

Freya's archetype as the warrior goddess is extremely relevant to today. "The Warrior represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of of others.Whilst the shadow side of the Warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principals to prove your supremacy.If you are drawn to work with this Goddess Archetype you may require the Warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm personnal boundaries. This stereotype is helpful if you want to take control in your life, and no longer wish to play the role of the victim. You may also choose to call upon the Warrior to champion the cause of others" (Goddess Archetypes). 

Works Cited

"Valkyrie Definition of Valkyrie in the Free Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Valkyrie>.

"Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny." Goddess Gift: Meet the Goddesses Here. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess-freya.htm>.

"Norse Gods and Goddesses - Crystalinks." Crystalinks Home Page. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.crystalinks.com/norsegods.html>.

"Goddess Archetypes." Goddess Myths,Traditions And Wisdom From Around The Globe. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://www.goddess-guide.com/goddess-archetypes.html>.

Skadi- The Norse Goddess of Winter

As I continued my research of Norse goddesses, I found Skadi to be an extremely interesting character. Skadi, the Goddess of Winter and of the Hunt, is another prominent goddess in Norse mythology. She chose her mate Njord, by his beautiful bare feet, an ancient symbol for fertility in Norse mythology, and turned him into her husband. Njord was the god of ships, ship building, and the sea.   Although she was drawn to Njord's charming feet, and perhaps the symbolic representations presented in her experience with him, she was unhappy in her marriage, and desperately longed for a relationship with Baldur. Skadi is the goddess who sentenced Loki to his underground banishment with a poison dripping serpent as a punishment for his crimes. She is known as the goddess of justice, vengeance, and righteous anger. "The Snow Queen" and "The Ice Princess" represent Skadi's character  through two of Hans Christian Anderson's stories. 

Upon further research of Skadi, I found that her name also means shadow and shade, and the serves as the Queen of the shades in the approaching dark winter season. I picture her being very similar to the depiction of the winter queen in the Chronicles of Narnia, both in demeanor and physical description. She is described as "a huntress, a dark magician, a giantess Goddess, ruling especially over mountains, wilderness, winter, revenge, knowledge, damage, justice, and independence. It is said that she gifted hunters with the bow and the skill to use it. The scythe, wolves and venomous snakes are sacred to her. Also sacred to her are skates, skis and snowshoes. She often did her hunting while on skis. All of Scandinavia is named after the Goddess Skadi, and she is said to dwell in the high snow-covered mountains there" (Sidhe). 

References

"The Gods and Goddesses of the Norse Religion." Wizardrealm. Web. 12 Nov. 2010. <http://www.wizardrealm.com/norse/gods.html>.

"Norse Gods and Goddesses - Crystalinks." Crystalinks Home Page. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.crystalinks.com/norsegods.html>.

Olson, Agnes D. "Skadi, the Norse Goddess of the Hunt and Scandinavian Winter, Agnes D. Olson, SciFi Fantasy Art." Elfwood - Science Fiction and Fantasy Art, FanArt & Stories. Web. 12 Nov. 2010. <http://www.elfwood.com/~aolson/Skadi-the-Norse-Goddess-of-the-Hunt-and-Scandinavian-Winter.2531678.html>.

Sidhe, Fiana. "MatriFocus, Goddess in the Wheel of the Year -- "Skadi, Goddess of Winter"" MatriFocus Web Magazine for Goddess Women. Web. 12 Nov. 2010. <http://www.matrifocus.com/SAM02/wheel.htm>.

Frigg- The Norse Goddess of Love, Marriage, and Fertility

When debating which Norse goddess to research and blog about first, I decided to start with a goddess with whom just about everyone can identify with. Frigg, also called Frigga, The Beloved, is "the patron of marriage and motherhood, and the goddess of love and fertility (Norse Gods and Goddesses-Crystalinks), and is considered to be one of the earliest and most well known goddesses of Norse mythology. Frigga was married to the Odin, the mighty Norse god, who was also known as "The All-Father" (Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage). Frigga was a goddess of the sky, and provided adequate weather conditions for the fertility and growth of the crops by "weaving the clouds" (Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage). She possessed the ability to look into the future, but was unable to alter anyone's fate. She saw into her son, Balder's future, and attempted to prevent him from dying, but was unsuccessful. She extracted "oaths from every object in nature, but forgot the mistletoe. And by a fig made from mistletoe Balder died" (Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage). Legend goes, that Frigga's other son, Hodor was the God of Darkness, and was influenced by Loki to drive a dart that was made out of the poisonous mistletoe into Baldur's heart. Naturally, Frigga was absolutely crushed by the death of her son, and according to some mythology, "the story of Baldur ends happily. He is brought back to life, and the Nordic goddess Frigga is so grateful that she reverses the curse she had placed on "the baleful plant", changing it to a symbol of peace and love and promising a kiss to all who passed under it" (Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage). Although Frigga knew everyone's destiny, she never revealed anyone's future, perhaps haunted by her inability to save her son's life. She has a hall in Asgard called Fensalir, which means water halls, and her name is incorporated into mostly everyone's favorite day of the week: Friday. Frigg has a messenger named Gna, who rides a sky horse named Hofvapnir. 

The beginning of the year is attributed to Frigga, and "New Year's eve, the longest night of the year, is called "Mother Night" in Northern Europe for it was in the darkness of that night that the goddess Frigga labored to give birth to Baldur, the young Sun God who controlled the sun and rain and brought fruitfulness to the fields was born" (Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage). Today, women giving birth are given the blessing of Frigga, in which a white candle is burned during the winter solstice. This is believed to promote safe delivery of the newborn babies, and calming relief for the birthing mothers. Frigga's affiliation with the new year, also lends a sense of hope and a fresh start to explore the infinite possibilities that the new year will bring. 

Frigga utilized runes for divination, in which she marked stones with signs indicating an accurate account of the complications that those who would seek her faced, and would lend them guidance and direction to solve whatever problems they were dealing with. Frigga's sacred animal was the goose, and she is known and celebrated in Germany as the original Mother Goose, or the goddess Holda or Bertha. Frigga was believed to cause snowfall when she shook out her blankets. Frigga is still celebrated today as a nurturer, giver of love and marriage, protector of women giving birth, and was often sought after from women seeking fertility. "She was also called upon by those who were dying, to ease their transition into the after-life" (Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage). 

Frigg's archetype is the mother. "The Mother is a life-giver and the source of nurturing, devotion, patience and unconditional love. The ability to forgive and provide for her children and put them before herself is the essence of a good mother.In its shadow aspect the Mother can be devouring, abusive and abandoning. The shadow Mother can also make her children feel guilty about becoming independent and leaving her. It is not necessary to be a biological Mother to have this stereotype. It can refer to anyone who has a lifelong pattern of nurturing and devotion to living things. This Goddess was a devoted mother who was unable to prevent the death of her son. She is also a great domestic Goddess looking after the home" (Frigg the Norse Goddess). 

References

"Frigg the Norse Goddess." Goddess Myths,Traditions And Wisdom From Around The Globe. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.goddess-guide.com/frigg.html>.

"Frigga: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Marriage." Goddess Gift: Meet the Goddesses Here. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess-frigga.htm>.

"Norse Gods and Goddesses - Crystalinks." Crystalinks Home Page. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.crystalinks.com/norsegods.html>.