Here is a brief introduction to the Norse gods, with some comparisons to similar gods found in other cultures.
Baldr
The Norse god Baldr (Bel or Baal) and the Egyptian Osiris share similar fates: they are both resurrection gods, destined to bring a new age to Earth. Baldr’s symbol of the fire, similar to the Beltain fires, is closely linked to his relationship with Hel. He passed through her underworld, after being burned, cremated and ultimately reborn. Baldr’s burning body was put on a boat and sent out to sea. Osiris’ dead body was laid to rest on his barque and placed down the swollen Nile river. Many believe this to be the original story behind Noah and his ark.
Freyja
Freyja was worshipped under many different names and roles. She was the goddess of love, female fertility and the fertility of Earth. Freyja – like her counterparts Hera and Isis – was known as the Mother of the Gods and the keeper of the universal wisdom. She was thought to bring ‘luck’ and ‘good fortune’ and without her, many things died. Keep in mind the spiritual symbolism behind Isis and Hera (the Effect) and you can understand that without her, an idea (the Cause) could not come to fruition. Freyja’s day, otherwise known as Friday, was considered one of the luckiest days of the week.
Hel
If you ever wondered where the word Hell comes from, then look no further. Hel was the Norse goddess of the underworld and through her, Christianity developed the idea of the underworld and the Devil’s workshop. Many pagan priests believed they could don Hel’s mask in order to visit the spiritual realm. The symbol of death attributed to Hel’s role, should also be seen in the light of the spiritual rebirth and regeneration of not only ideas, old habits, but of physical and spiritual ailments.
Odin
It is said that Odin received all his knowledge, his divination and supreme magical abilities from his wife Freyja. Odin hung upside down for nine days in Yggdrasil, the tree of all wordly knowledge. This is similar to the story of Siddhartha who sat underneath the Bodi tree to contemplate enlightenment, and Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.
The hanged man is a card in the Tarot deck which symbolises the shaman’s quest to see the world from a totally new perspective. This symbol of Odin’s spiritual journey was rewritten by Christians to immortalise Jesus during his crucifixion, where he – like Odin – was speared in his side. Both achieved resurrection after their ‘death’. But for Odin, his death was a symbol of spiritual ideas and old habits dying in order to embrace new insight.
Odin was called the Father of the Gods, but in fact he was not the creator of the gods. Male power (Cause) cannot produce anything without female power (Effect).
Every year around the 21st of December, Odin would fly high above the villages of his followers, bearing gifts, stopping to help and heal those who were needy, and granting wishes to those who asked. This legend was the basis for the modern tale of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.
Thor
Thor (or Donar) was reverred as the god of thunder and lightning. Using the powerful natural elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water, it was possible for Thor to manipulate the forces of nature for specific purposes. As with anything in life, the same power can be used for both healing and destroying. With Thor’s ability to manipulate the four elements, he was often asked to ensure a yielding and bountiful harvest for the coming year.
Tyr
Tyr and his Greek counterpart, Ares, was known as the god of war and all that war encompassed: confrontation, physical strength and strategy, as well as impulsive destruction and brutality. He is often depicted holding the spear of lightning, symbolising the power of male fertility and strength.