Eir - Goddess of Norse Mythology

A depiction of the Norse goddess Eir, known for her healing.
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Norse Goddess Eir, depicted here in Valkyrie attire, was known as a healer and protector.

Eir (pronounced: "ayr") is a goddess from Norse mythology, known for her association with healing and protector. She is also considered to be a Valkyrie and an Ásynjur, a group of goddesses in Norse mythology. The name Eir is thought to be related to the Old Norse word "eir," which means "peace," "clemency," "help," or "mercy."

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

ᛅᛁᚱ

Eir was said to have knowledge of the medicinal properties of herbs and the ability to resurrect the dead. She was also known to be a friend of Frigg, another goddess in Norse mythology, and was one of the goddesses guarded on the mountain of Lyfjaberg.

Eir appears in several sources, including the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and skaldic poetry. Some historians have debated whether Eir was originally a goddess of healing or a Valkyrie, and whether all three sources refer to the same figure. However, Eir's appearance among the Menglöð maidens, and her association with healing, suggest that she may have been a goddess with healing powers.

In his book "Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs," John Lindow notes that Eir is listed third in Gylfaginning, a catalog of the goddesses among the Ásynjur, which implies that she was an important figure in Norse mythology. However, some historians have questioned whether Eir was a goddess at all, or simply a valkyrie.

Hilda Ellis Davidson emphasizes that Eir was "marked as one of the Norns who care for the lives of children," and that she may have been a guardian spirit. Davidson also notes that Eir's appearance among the Menglöð maidens suggests that she may have been associated with the healing power of the goddesses, which was highly valued in Norse culture.

Henry Adams Bellows proposes a link between Eir and the place called Lyfjaberg, which translates as "healing hill." Bellows suggests that Mengloth, a goddess of healing, may have been a hypostasis of Frigg, and that Eir may have been one of her maidens.

Despite the debate over her origins and nature, Eir remains an important figure in Norse mythology, associated with healing, and the power of the goddesses.


Please note that the information provided about Eir 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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