Bragi - God of Norse Mythology
Bragi (pronounced: "BRAH-gee") is a deity from Norse mythology who is known as the god of poetry, music, and the skaldic art. He belongs to the Æsir host and is the son of Odin and the giantess Gunlod, or sometimes Frigg. Bragi is considered to be one of the wisest of the Æsir and was known as Odin's personal poet.
The name "Bragi" in Old Norse runes is written as:
ᛒᚱᚨᚴᛁ
As the god of poetry, Bragi was renowned for his eloquence and verve. He was the first to know how to versify and did it best, so people who excelled in poetry were nicknamed Bragi. Snorri Sturluson, in his Gylfaginning, also notes that Bragi was the inventor of poetry. He was particularly gifted for poetry and was known for his wisdom.
Bragi is the husband of Iðunn, the goddess who possesses the apples of youth, which are of great importance to Asgard. As the keeper of the apples, Iðunn ensures that the Æsir do not age, making her a significant figure in the Nordic pantheon. Bragi and Iðunn are often depicted together, with Bragi reciting verses and Iðunn providing the youth-giving fruit.
In Valhalla, Bragi is in charge of delivering the welcome drink to newcomers and welcoming them with courteous words. He also enlivens Valhalla by reciting verses. Bragi is often referred to as the god of the slanted beard, which is a reference to his appearance.
Despite his importance as a god of poetry, Bragi's existence is little attested apart from Snorri's writings. He mainly appears in the Lokasenna, where he is among the Æsir present at the banquet given by Ægir. Loki taunts his cowardice, which is unconfirmed elsewhere. Bragi is presented in this poem as the husband of Iðunn but not as the god of poetry.
There is a suggestion that Bragi may have been the deified Norwegian skald Bragi Boddason, who lived in the ninth century. Bragi Boddason is the oldest known skald and was considered the father of skaldic poetry. It is possible that some of the references to Bragi in Norse mythology are referring to the skald rather than the god.
In conclusion, Bragi is a significant figure in Norse mythology as the god of poetry, music, and the skaldic art. He is renowned for his wisdom and eloquence and was Odin's personal poet. As the husband of Iðunn, he also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Æsir do not age. Despite his importance, his existence is little attested apart from Snorri's writings, and there is a suggestion that he may have been the deified Bragi Boddason.
Please note that the information provided about Bragi and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.
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Other Norse Gods and Goddesses
- Baldr (Æsir) - God of Light, Beauty, and Goodness.
- Beyla (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Agriculture.
- Bil (Ásynjur) - Associated with the Moon.
- Borr (Æsir) - Father of the Norse Gods.
- Bragi (Æsir) - God of Poetry and Song.
- Byggvir (Vanir) - God of Agriculture.
- Dagr (Æsir) - God of Day.
- Dellingr (Æsir) - God of the Dawn.
- Eir (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Healing and Protector.
- Fjörgyn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the Earth.
- Fjörgynn (Æsir) - God Associated with the Heavens.
- Forseti (Æsir) - God of Justice and Reconciliation.
- Freyja (Vanir) - God of Love, Fertility, War, and death.
- Freyr (Vanir) - God of Fertility and Prosperity.
- Frigg (Ásynjur) - Queen of the Gods.
- Fulla (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Fertility.
- Gefjon (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Fertility.
- Gerðr (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the Earth.
- Gersemi (Vanir) - Goddess of Precious Objects.
- Gná (Ásynjur) - Messenger of the Gods.
- Gullveig (Vanir) - Goddess of Witchcraft and Sorcery.
- Heimdall (Æsir) - Watchman of the Gods.
- Hel (Æsir) - Goddess of the Underworld.
- Hermóðr (Æsir) - Messenger of the Gods.
- Hjúki (Æsir) - Associated with the Moon.
- Hlín (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Protection.
- Hnoss (Vanir) - Goddess of Beauty and Treasure.
- Höðr (Æsir) - God of Darkness.
- Hœnir (Æsir) - God of Creation.
- Iðunn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Immortality.
- Ilmr (Ásynjur) - Ancient and Little-Known Deity.
- Irpa (Ásynjur) - Ancient and Little-Known Deity.
- Ítreksjóð (Æsir) - Son of Odin.
- Jörð (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the Earth.
- Kvasir (Vanir) - God of Wisdom.
- Lóðurr (Æsir) - God of Creation.
- Lofn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Love.
- Loki (Æsir) - God of Mischief and Deception.
- Magni (Æsir) - God of Strength.
- Máni (Æsir) - God of the Moon.
- Meili (Æsir) - God of Travel.
- Móði (Æsir) - God of Courage.
- Mimir (Æsir) - God of Wisdom.
- Nanna (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Love and Devotion.
- Njörðr (Vanir) - God of the Sea and Fertility.
- Njörun (Vanir) - Goddess of the Earth.
- Nótt (Æsir) - Goddess of the Night and Dreams.
- Odin (Æsir) - God of Creation and King of the Gods.
- Óðr (Vanir) - God of Divine Madness, Poetry, and Long Journeys.
- Rán (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the Sea and Death.
- Rindr (Ásynjur) - Goddess Associated with Vengeance.
- Sága (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Wisdom.
- Sif (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Abundance.
- Sigyn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Loyalty.
- Sjöfn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Love.
- Skaði (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Hunting, Skiing, and Winter.
- Snotra (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Wisdom.
- Sól (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the Sun.
- Syn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Vigilance, Guardianship, and Defense.
- Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr (Ásynjur) - Goddess Associated with Protection.
- Thor (Æsir) - God of Lightning and Protection.
- Þrúðr (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Might and Strength.
- Týr (Æsir) - God of War and Justice.
- Ullr (Æsir) - God of Skiing, Archery, and the Hunt.
- Váli (Æsir) - God of Revenge.
- Vár (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Oaths and Agreements.
- Vé (Æsir) - God of Creation.
- Víðarr (Æsir) - God of Vengeance.
- Vili (Æsir) - God of Creation.
- Vör (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Wisdom and Vigilance.