Gullveig - Goddess of Norse Mythology

A digital image of Norse Goddess Gullveig, a figure from Norse mythology.
© Copyright HistoryLists.org
Gullveig, the goddess of Norse mythology, depicted in this image with a radiant and alluring presence.

Gullveig (pronounced: "GULL-vayg") also known as Heiðr, is a goddess of Norse mythology belonging to the Vanir family. She was a powerful witch with the ability to perform great feats of magic, particularly in the realm of seidr, which is a type of Norse magic associated with prophetic visions and shamanic practices.

The name "Gullveig" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚴᚢᛚᛁᚢᛁᚴ

According to the poem Völuspá from the Poetic Edda, Gullveig was responsible for starting the war between the Æsir and the Vanir. She visited Asgard, the home of the Æsir, and her love of gold and greed for wealth made her insufferable to the Æsir. In response, they burned her alive three times, but each time she was resurrected, earning her the name Heiðr, meaning "brilliant".

The Vanir, outraged by Gullveig's mistreatment, declared war on the Æsir, resulting in the Vanir War. This conflict ultimately ended in a truce between the two groups and the merging of the Vanir and Æsir pantheons.

Gullveig's duties included guarding treasures and the magic of the Seiðr, and she was known for her visionary abilities as a Germanic seer. She was said to have a particular love for gold and used her magical abilities to obtain it.

Although Gullveig is primarily known for her role in starting the Vanir War, she remains an intriguing figure in Norse mythology due to her association with magic and prophetic visions.


Please note that the information provided about Gullveig 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.


If you notice an error on this web page, please email us at contact@historylists.org and let us know about it. Please be sure to include a brief description of the mistake you have noticed, along with the location of the mistake on the web page (e.g., the specific section or paragraph where it appears). We appreciate your help in keeping our website accurate and will use the information you provide to make necessary updates as soon as possible. Thank you for your assistance!


Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


We use cookies to personalize content and ads and to analyze traffic on our website. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.