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Encyclopedia > Aegir
This article is about a mythological figure. For the software, see Aegir (software); for the tidal bore on the English River Trent see River Trent.

Aegir, originally Ægir, is considered the ruler of the sea in Norse mythology. He is a personification of the power of the ocean and its strength for good or ill in the affairs of men. In Norse poetry, the "jaws of Aegir" were what sank ships at sea. He was also known for throwing massive parties for the gods. He is the husband of Ran.


Snorri in Skaldskaparmal identifies Aegir with Gymir and Hlér who lived on Hlesey. Gymir, it may be noticed, is the name of the monstruous and terrible giant of the underworld, the father of the beautiful Gerd wooed by Freyr. Hymir, who seems to be a sea_giant, has a link with the gods, for he is said in Hymiskviða to be father of Tyr.


Aegir is said to have had nine daughters (the billow maidens) (Bara, Blodughadda, Bylgia, Dufa, Hefring, Himinglaeva, Hronn, Kolga, and Unn), and the names reflect the types of waves of the sea; they wore white robes and veils. (cf. his counterpart Poseidon)


Aegir is son of Fornjót and brother of Logi 'fire, flame' and Kári (wind). He is also called Hlér and Gymir. In the Lokasenna, he has a festival for the gods, where he provides the ale brewed in an enormous pot provided by Thor. The story of Thor getting the pot for the brewing is told in the Hymiskviða.


Aegir had two servants, Fimafeng (killed by Loki) and Eldir.


Other spellings

  • Common Swedish form: Ägir
  • Common Danish form: Ægir
  • Also known as: Gýmir


Norse mythology
The Nine Worlds of Norse Mythology
People, places and things: Deities | Giants | Dwarves | Valkyries
Orthography | Numbers | Runes | Kenning
Elder Edda | Younger Edda | Skald | Sagas | Later influence





  Results from FactBites:
 
Aegir (190 words)
Aegir was a fierce god of the sea.
Aegir would sometimes appear on the sea to destroy ships.
Aegir was shown as a powerful god, often holding a spear.
Aegir (142 words)
He was both worshipped and feared by sailors, for they believed that Aegir would occasionally appear on the surface to take ships, men and cargo alike, with him to his hall at the bottom of the ocean.
The latter was killed by the treacherous god Loki during a banquet the gods held at Aegir's undersea hall near the island of Hler (or Hlesey).
Aegir was known for the lavish entertainment he gave to the other gods.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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