Víðarr - God of Norse Mythology

Image of Víðarr, the Norse God of Vengeance, depicted as a powerful and fierce warrior.
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Víðarr, the Norse deity associated with vengeance, is portrayed with a fierce demeanor.

Víðarr (pronounced: "VEE-thar") also known as Vidar, is a deity in Norse mythology, who is associated with revenge, justice, and silence. He is the son of Odin, the king of the gods, and the giantess Gríðr. Víðarr is one of the strongest gods, second only to Thor, and is said to play a major role in the prophesied battle of Ragnarök.

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

ᚢᛁᚦᛅᚱᛦ

In Norse mythology, Víðarr is known as the "silent god" due to his tendency to remain silent in myths. He is often depicted as a stoic figure, living in a forest and wearing a thick shoe. The shoe is said to be made of the scraps of leather that people have cut from their own shoes, which they give to him as a sign of respect and devotion.

During the events of Ragnarök, Víðarr's role is crucial. After the wolf Fenrir kills Odin, Víðarr avenges his father by slaying Fenrir with his shoe or sword, depending on the source. According to one account, he steps on the wolf's lower jaw with his shoe, which gives him the strength to tear the wolf's upper jaw apart with his bare hands. In another version, he plunges his sword into Fenrir's heart, killing him instantly.

After the battle of Ragnarök, Víðarr and his brother Váli survive and help to rebuild the world. Víðarr is described as being predestined to inherit his father Odin's throne after the end of the world. Some scholars have suggested that his silence and his association with revenge may be linked to ancient Nordic rituals of abstinence, as well as to the Indo-European mythologies of other cultures.

Despite his enigmatic presence in Norse mythology, Víðarr remains a powerful figure in the pantheon of Norse gods. He represents the fierce loyalty and strength of character that are prized in Nordic culture, as well as the enduring power of vengeance and justice.


Please note that the information provided about Víðarr 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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