Path of the Valkyrie Glossary

A selective list of words from the Path of the Valkyrie.

Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and into the Scandinavian folklore of the modern period.

The Nine Worlds (Old Norse Níu Heimar)

• Asgard – Realm of the Aesir
• Alfheim (Ljosalfheim) – Realm of the Bright Elves
• Jotunheim – Realm of the Giants
• Midgard – Realm of the Humans
• Muspelheim – A fire-giant or the forces of chaos or their realm
• Nidavellir – Realm of the Dwarves
• Niflheim – Realm of Ice and Mist possibly with lower realm of Niflhel
• Svartalfheim – Realm of the Black Elves
• Vanaheim – Realm of the Vanir

Gods and Other Beings

Here is the list of Norse gods and goddesses. They may or may not appear in the story.

A

Aesir (or Æsir) - They are the gods of the principal pantheon in Norse religion. They include Odin, Frigg, Hother, Thor, Baldr and Týr. The second Norse pantheon is the Vanir. In Norse mythology, the two pantheons wage war against each other, resulting in a unified pantheon. In Path of the Valkyrie, Loki mentioned that Odin is the chief.

Alaisiaga (wiki page) - They were a pair of Celtic and Germanic goddesses deifying victory in Romano-British culture and Germanic polytheism.

Angrboda - is a jötunn (giant) in Norse mythology. She is the mate of Loki and the mother of their monster children. Dwells in the Iron Forest.

Ansuz - is the conventional name given to the a-rune of the Elder Futhark, ᚨ.

Asgard - the realm of the gods.

B

Baldr - the god of light, joy, purity, and the summer sun in Norse mythology, and a son of the god Odin and the goddess Frigg. Killed in S3, Ep 3 by suspected poisoning, though in mythology, his death is often credited to a mistletoe-wrapped arrow or spear.

Bifrost (or Bifröst) - is a burning rainbow bridge that reaches between Midgard (Earth) and Asgard, the realm of the gods.

Bjerkanar - the hall of Vanadis

Bjerkanar - the hall of Fair Vanadis (S1, EP4)

Bragi - is the god of poetry in Norse Mythology.

Brok (or Brokkr) - is a dwarf, and the brother of Eitri or Sindri.

D

Draupnir - is a gold ring possessed by the god Odin with the ability to multiply itself: Every ninth night, eight new rings 'drip' from Draupnir, each one of the same size and weight as the original.

Dvalinn - a dwarf who appears in several Old Norse tales and kennings. The name translates as "the dormant one" or "the one slumbering."

E

Einherjar - Meaning "army of one." They are those who have died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by Valkyries.

F

Fenrir - monstrous wolf of Norse mythology who took Tyr's arm when he was chained in the dungeons of Asgard. He was the son of the demoniac god Loki and a giantess, Angrboda.

Fensalir - a place where Frigg dwells.

Firstadogun - the fief of Vinge, Odin's trustee among the Ljosalfar. Means that living under the Allfather's wing is safe and pleasant. (by Loki S1, Ep9)

Geri and Freki - (Old Norse, both meaning "the ravenous" or "greedy one") are two wolves which are said to accompany the god Odin.

Freya - First appeared in S3, Ep1. She is a goddess in Vanir blood but chose to support Odin as an act of self preservation. Mother of Vanadis and sister of Freyr.

Freyr - is the ruler of peace and fertility, rain, and sunshine and the son of the sea god Njörd. He is a widely attested god associated with sacral kingship, virility, peace and prosperity. Although originally one of the Vanir tribe, he and his sister Freya were included with the Aesir after the truce. He has a ship named Skidbladnir.

Frigg (wiki page) - is the wife of Odin, the goddess associated with foresight and wisdom, and dwells in the wetland halls of Fensalir (place where Frigg dwells). The children of Frigg and Odin include the gleaming god Baldr. In Path of the Valkyrie, she was first mentioned in S1, Ep2 by Loki. She first appeared in the book with Thor at S1, Ep5.

G

Garm - is a wolf or a dog and described as a blood-stained guardian of Hel's gate.

Geri and Freki - (Old Norse, both meaning "the ravenous" or "greedy one") are two wolves which are said to accompany the god Odin.

Ginnungagap - (old Norse, meaning "gaping abyss", "yawning void") Considered the primordial void that existed before creation.

Gungnir - is the spear of the god Odin. The spear is described as being so well balanced that it could strike any target, no matter the skill or strength of the wielder. In the legend, Odin got the Gungnir from Loki.

H

Heimdall - is a god who keeps watch for invaders and the onset of Ragnarök from his dwelling Himinbjörg, where the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst meets the sky. He is attested as possessing foreknowledge and keen senses, particularly eyesight and hearing.

Hel/Helheim - is originally the name of the world of the dead; it later came to mean the goddess of death. Land of the dead that Loki's daughter rules over.

Hermóðr - (Old Norse "war-spirit"; anglicized as Hermod) is a figure in Norse mythology, a son of the god Odin and brother of Baldr. He is often considered the messenger of the gods. First mentioned in S1, Ep10.

Hod - Blind son of Frigg and Odin, brother of Baldr. Odin accused him of being a brother-slayer in S3, Ep3.

Holmgang - ritualistic method of Viking dueling.

Hrimthurs - is any one of the particular tribe of giants who are made of ice and inhabit Niflheim, a land of eternal cold.

Hundla (or Hyndla) - A völva mentioned in an old Norse poem. Hyndla rides together with the goddess Freyja towards Valhalla. Freyja rides on her boar Hildisvíni and Hyndla on a wolf.

Huginn and Muninn

Huginn and Muninn - (Old Norse, means "thought" and "memory/mind" respectively). They are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world, Midgard, and bring information to the god Odin. Appears in S1, EP1, Loki imprisoned them into an ornament.

I

Iron Forest - In Norse mythology, Járnviðr (Old Norse "Iron-wood") first mentioned by Ullr in S1, EP9. Is a forest located east of Midgard, inhabited by troll women who bore jötnar and giant wolves, as well as the giantess, witch, and mother of Loki's children, Angrboda.

J

Jörmungandr - In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr also known as the Midgard (World) Serpent is a sea serpent. So enormous is he that his body forms a circle around the entirety of Midgard. He’s one of the three children of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Loki calls him "Jori" in the book (S1, Ep7).

Jotunheim - (S1, Ep6) In Nordic languages, “Jötunheimr” is simply a name for the realm of giants (Jötun).

L

Liod - Giantess, Valkyrie, daughter of Halogi. A blacksmith in Muspelheim. First mentioned in S1, Ep3, Sagr said Liod does not like uninvited guests, especially men.

Ljosalfheim (also Álfheim, wiki page) - In Norse cosmology, Alfheim (Old Norse: Álfheimr, "Land Of The Elves" or "Elfland"), also called Ljosalfheim (Ljósálf[a]heimr, "home of the light-elves"), is home of the Light Elves. Vanadis, in S1 Ep9, hinted that the spring of Ljosalfheim may have healing powers. Loki mentioned that Ljosalfheim is the realm of the Light "dummies" - the Ljosalfar. They side with Aesir. Under protection of Odin, and one of Freyr's favorite places.

Loki - means "Contested". He is a cunning trickster who has the ability to change his shape and sex in Norse mythology. In Path of Valkyrie, he first appears in S1 Ep1. With the female giant Angrboda, Loki produced the progeny Hel, the goddess of death; Jörmungand (S1, Ep7), the serpent that surrounds the world; and Fenrir (Fenrisúlfr), the wolf. Loki is also credited with giving birth to Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, according to the mythology and alluded to by Vanadis.

M

Midgard - "Earth", the world of humanity. In the book it has been blocked off from the rest of the Nine Worlds by Odin.

Mimir - (wiki page) is a figure renowned for his knowledge and wisdom in the Norse mythology. In the Path of Valkyrie, he was first mentioned in S1, Ep2. According to Loki, Mimir can answer any question.

Mjolnir - a mythical hammer that can make lightning, owned by Thor.

Modgud - (Old Norse, meaning "Furious Battler") refers to the female guardian of the bridge over the river Gjöll. She allowed the newly dead to use the bridge to cross from one side of the river Gjöll to the other if the soul stated their name and business.

Month of early Germanic calendars:

• January: Tanning month
• February: Month of gathering
• March: Spring month
• April: Grass month
• May: Month of Joy, flower month
• June: Summer month/weed month
• July: Pasture month/hay month
• August: Harvest month
• September: Autumn month
• October: Wine month
• November: Slaughter month/blood month
• December: Winter month

Motsognir (or Mótsognir) - (Old Norse "he who drinks in might"), also found as Móðsognir "he who drinks in courage", is the ruler of the dwarves.

Huginn and Muninn - (Old Norse, means "thought" and "memory/mind" respectively). They are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world, Midgard, and bring information to the god Odin. Appears in S1, EP1, Loki imprisoned them into an ornament.

Muspelheim in the story

Muspelheim (or Múspell) - is a realm of fire. And stated to be the source of all heat in the Nine Realms.

N

Nidhogg (or Níðhǫggr) - (Malice Striker) is a dragon/serpent who gnaws at a root of the world tree, Yggdrasil. According to Sagr, it is "eater of oath-breakers, murderers, and adulterers."

O

Odin in the story

Odin - one of the most revered Gods in Norse mythology. In the Path of Valkyrie, he was first mentioned in S1, Ep1 by Loki. He is chief among the Aesir and the strongest among the gods, as well as the husband of Frigg and the father of Thor, Tyr, Baldr, Hermod, and Hod. He is also the ruler in Asgard and missing one eye. He is also referred to as "Allfather" in the story.

R

Ragnarok - An apocalypse. In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of events, including a great battle, foretold to lead to the death of a number of great figures, natural disasters and the submersion of the world in water. In S3, Ep3, Ullr mentioned that Ragnarok were rumors, scary stories, fragments of conversations, on one could have teased the truth out of them. Odin did his best to prevent it. The world will be destroyed in a great battle between the people of the Nine Realms. On the day of the battle, the Sun and the Moon will disappear, and be swallowed by wolves.

Ratatoskr - is a squirrel who runs up and down the world tree Yggdrasil to carry messages between the eagles perched atop Yggdrasil, and the serpent Níðhöggr, who dwells beneath one of the three roots of the tree.

S

Saehrimnir - is the creature killed and eaten every night by the Æsir and einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir, is responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in the cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day.

Sagr - A fictional character in Path of Valkyrie. First appears in S1, Ep1. Loki mentioned he is a god with blood of Vanir.

Seid (or seiðr) - is believed to be a form of magic which is related to both the telling and the shaping of the future. Mostly used by the Vanir

Seven Springs - a place near Bjerkanar (the hall of Fair Vanadis), mentioned in S1, Ep4.

Sif - is a goddess associated with Earth. Thor's wife and Ullr's birth mother.

Sindri - (from sindr, "spark") is the name of both a character (probably a dwarf) and a hall that will serve as a dwelling place for the souls of the virtuous after Ragnarök.

Skidbladnir - the best of ships in Norse mythology. Belongs to Freyr. "This ship can run along both water and land..." (Ullr, S1, Ep6 diamond scene)

Sky Lord - the eagle who roosts on the top of the Yggdrasil. His wisdom is said to rival that of Odin, and he frequently exchanges messages with Nidhogg using Ratatoskr

Snaer (or Snær) - In the book, Snaer is a giant in Jotunheim realm, father of Mjoll and Thorri (killed by Thor). He is also nephew of Liod.

Sol (or Sól) - is the sun personified in Germanic Mythology. First mentioned in S1, Ep 9 when there is a festival being held in Ljosalfheim to celebrate Sol giving birth to a child.

Surtr - is foretold as being a major figure during the events of Ragnarök; carrying his bright sword, he will go to battle against the Æsir, he will do battle with the major god Freyr, and afterward the flames that he brings forth will engulf the Earth. First mentioned in the story in S1, Ep5.

Svaralfr - Also referred to as Dark Elves, or occasionally Dwarfs. According to Liod, they are kin to the Ljosalfar, living in Svartalfheim. Touted as the best smiths around. Vanadis said they are soft to flattery.

Svartalfheim - (the Realm of the Dark Elves), is the mostly underground home of the Dark Elves, better known as Dwarfs. It is the seventh in the spectrum of the Nine Worlds in Norse mythology and borders to Jötunheimr and Helheimr.

Svaðilfari - is a stallion that fathered the eight-legged horse Sleipnir (eight-legged horse ridden by Odin) with Loki.

T

Tanngrisnir (Old Norse "teeth-barer, snarler") and Tanngnjóstr (Old Norse "teeth grinder") - The goats who pull the god Thor's chariot in Norse mythology.

Tatzelwurm - In Alpine folklore, the Tatzelwurm or Stollenwurm, Stollwurm is a lizard-like creature, often described as having the face of a cat, with a serpent-like body which may be slender or stubby, with four short legs or two forelegs.

Thor - Son of Odin, husband of Sif. In mythology, Thor is a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees and strength. He first appeared in the book with Frigg at S1, Ep5.

Thorri (or Þorri) - is the Icelandic name of the personification of frost or winter in Norse mythology. He is a legendary Nordic king, the son of Snær ('Snow'). He is killed by Thor.

Thrud (or Þrúðr) - (old Norse for "strength") is a daughter of Thor and the goddess Sif in Norse mythology. In Path of the Valkyrie, Liod accused Thor of killing Thorri Thrud in S1, Ep5 but Thor denied it. He told Sif, Thrud was accidentally killed while trying to protect Thorri. The reality is somewhere in the middle, as he can reveal in S2, Ep6.

Tyr - Odin's son, the god of war, he championed order and justice in Nordic mythology, belonging to the Aesir. He sacrificed his arm to successfully chain Loki's son Fenrir in the dungeons of Asgard. First mentioned in Path of the Valkyrie in S1, Ep2.

U

Ullr - In Old Norse tradition, he is a god associated with archery and winter. He is the son of Sif and the stepson of her husband Thor. By Sagr, Ullr is a archer and master of paths and road (S1, EP2).

V

Vaettir - (Old Norse; singular vættr) are spirits in Norse mythology. The term can be used to refer to the full cosmos of supernatural beings, including the álfar (elves), dvergar (dwarves), jötnar (giants), and gods (the Æsir and Vanir).

Valaskjálf - is one of Odin's Halls, a great dwelling built and roofed with pure silver.

Valhalla - is the hall of slain warriors, who live there blissfully under the leadership of the god Odin.

Valkyrie - In Norse mythology, valkyrie (from Old Norse valkyrja "chooser of the slain") is of a group of maidens who served the god Odin and were sent by him to the battlefields to choose the slain who were worthy of a place in Valhalla.

Vanadis - In the book, she's an old friend of Sagr. The story of Vanadis told by Ullr in S1, EP4, it was later confirmed to be a rumour spread by Vanadis to avoid her suitors: "There once lived a fair and unconquerable maiden, by name of Vanadis. Her hair was like spun gold, and her eyes rivaled the summer sky itself. She was kind and welcoming, good-hearted, and smart. The best man of the whole land came asking for her hand in marriage. But nobody melted her heart. Until one day Sigurd, son of Ulv, came to woo her. He offered Vanadis riches untold, and this angered Dagrun, the Snake Witch, who long had her eye on Sigurd. Dagrun summoned all her snakes and braided them into the Snakespear. Vanadis's beauty and Dagrun's own greed blinded her. So she cast the spear at Vanadis and pierced her clean through. And so it happened that Vanadis turned into a white birch with leaves of pure gold. There are rumors that when the leaves on the birch turn green, the worthiest of men will pull the Snakespear out and Vanadis will come back to life." Vanadis or Vanadís is also an additional name of the Norse goddess Freyja in Norse mythology.

The vegvísir according to the Huld manuscript

Vanir (wiki page)- are a group of gods associated with health, fertility, wisdom, and the ability to see the future. The Vanir are one of two groups of gods (the other being the Æsir). In S1, Ep1, Loki mentioned that Sagr has blood of Vanir.

Vegvísir stave - is an Icelandic magical stave intended to help the bearer find their way through rough weather. A leaf of the manuscript provides an image of the vegvísir, gives its name, and, in prose, declares that "if this sign is carried, one will never lose one's way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known". Vegur (way) + vísir (pointer) deriving its meaning from the same word as the English wise. It points someone the right way.

Völva - Also known as a seeress. A woman said to have the ability to foretell future events and perform sorcery.

W

The Wild Hunt - is a folklore motif present in many European cultures. Wild Hunts typically involve a chase led by a mythological figure escorted by a ghostly or supernatural group of hunters engaged in pursuit. Seeing the Wild Hunt was thought to presage some catastrophe such as war or plague, or at best the death of the one who witnessed it.

Y

Yadlir - a place where Ullr dwells

Yadlir - is a location containing a dwelling owned by the god Ullr. In S1, Ep2, Ullr says he grew this fort himself, also there is a lot of yew to make bows of.

Ymir - (also called Aurgelmir) the first being, a giant who was created from the drops of water that formed when the ice of Niflheim met the heat of Muspelheim. Aurgelmir was the father of all the giants; a male and a female grew under his arm, and his legs produced a six-headed son. Ullr mentioned in S1, Ep6, Ymir's blood can operate the Skidbladnir - the mythical ship.

Yggdrasil - is an immense mythical tree that plays a central role in Norse cosmology, where it connects the Nine Worlds.

Reference

• Flowers, Stephen (1989). The Galdrabók: An Icelandic Grimoire. Samuel Weiser, Inc. ISBN 087728685X