Hœnir - God of Norse Mythology

An illustration of Hœnir, a Norse god often associated with wisdom, depicted in traditional Norse artwork.
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Hœnir, depicted here in a traditional Norse artwork, is a mysterious god associated with wisdom, silence, and foresight.

Hœnir (pronounced: "heh-nir") also known as Hönir, is a god from Norse mythology who is associated with taciturnity and cultic acts. Although there is not much information available about him, he is an important figure in Norse mythology due to his role in the creation story and the doomsday myths. Hœnir is also known for his association with Odin and Loki, with whom he often travels.

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

ᚼᚢᚾᛁᛦ

According to the Völuspá story of creation, Hœnir played a crucial role in the creation of the first humans, Ask and Embla. Along with Odin and Lóðurr (or Loki), he found two pieces of wood on the seashore and used them to create the first humans. Odin gave them the animating breath, Hœnir provided the spirit, and Lodur gave them blood and good looks.

In other myths, Hœnir is portrayed as passive and taciturn. In the myth of the giant Thiazi, Hœnir appears angry but does not act against the sacrilege committed by the giant. In another myth, he is captured with Odin and Loki by Hreidmar because Loki had previously killed Hreidmar's son Otur.

After the Wanen War, Hœnir takes on an enigmatic role. As part of a hostage exchange between the Æsir and the Vanir, the Æsir present Hœnir as a leader, but the Vanir become frustrated with his indecisiveness and decapitate the giant Mimir, who had been advising Hœnir. Hœnir survives the Ragnarök and is said to choose the hlut við, which is the branch used for interpreting the future.

Hœnir is known by several kenningar, or paraphrases, including "step-meila," "long-foot," "the swift Æse," "the timidest Æse," and "aurkonungr." Most of these kenningars are found in the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson.

In the Faroese folk ballad Loka Táttur, Hœnir helps a farmer's son escape from a giant. He hides the boy behind the head of one of two swans when seven swans fly by.

Although Hœnir's role in Norse mythology is not fully understood, his association with Odin and Loki and his involvement in the creation story and the doomsday myths make him an important figure in Norse mythology.


Please note that the information provided about Hœnir 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


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