Ilmr - Goddess of Norse Mythology

Illustration of the Norse goddess Ilmr.
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An interpretation of Ilmr, the almost forgotten Norse goddess, whose name and identity are shrouded in mystery.

Ilmr (pronounced: "IL-mur") is a goddess, valkyrie or mist mentioned in Norse mythology. Very little is known about her as she was likely forgotten by the time Icelanders began recording their history in the 13th century. The only sources of knowledge about Ilmr come from two of the tules that follow Skáldskaparmál in some manuscripts of Snorre's Edda, and from nine kennings by seven different poets within the poem dedication.

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

ᛁᛚᛗᛦ

In most of the kennings where Ilmr is mentioned, the name is used as a heite with the meaning "woman". However, the most interesting Ilm kenning can be found in Landnámabók, where the poet Hromund Halte's last battle is described with the kenning jalmr Ilmar ("Ilm's noise"). The kenning is constructed in the same way as other battle kennings containing valkyrie names. Since asynje names never seem to have been used in such battle lore, it is reasonable to assume that Hromund Halte himself has imagined Ilm as a valkyrie.

The name Ilm has been linked to the masculine word ilmr ("fragrance"), but there are no other examples of figures in Norse mythology being named after their smell. Another possibility is that the name "Ilm" could mean "the noisy one" or "the one who makes too much noise," which would be an appropriate Valkyrie name. However, the most likely explanation is that the name "Ilmr" would come from the tree name almr ("alm"). Ilm may then have originally been a tree mist or tree, which perhaps explains why she was so quickly forgotten in Iceland after the settlement period.

Overall, very little is known about Ilmr in Norse mythology. However, the fact that her name appears in battle lore suggests that she was once a significant figure in the pantheon of Norse gods and goddesses.


Please note that the information provided about Ilmr 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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