Vanir

The Vanir are a group of deities in Norse mythology associated with fertility, prosperity, nature, and magical knowledge. They form one of the two primary divine lineages in the Norse pantheon, the other being the Æsir. In sources such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, the Vanir are described as a distinct faction whose power centers on fertility rites, wealth, and the natural world, and who are linked with seiðr, a form of sorcery.

The most prominent Vanir are Freyr, Freyja, and Njord. Freyr governs fertility, agriculture, and kingship; Freyja presides over love, beauty, fertility, and magical seiðr. Njord is associated with the sea, winds, and wealth derived from seafaring. Some traditions also mention Hoenir (Honir) and other minor Vanir, with status and identity varying by source.

A mythic account describes a war between the Æsir and the Vanir, followed by a truce sealed through exchanges of hostages. In many versions, Njord, Freyr, and Freyja were sent to live with the Æsir for a time, after which the two groups remained part of a single, broader pantheon. The narrative is often cited to illustrate the blending of different divine traditions within Norse religion and the mutual influence between the two families of gods.

Etymology and worship: The name Vanir is generally linked to fertility and abundance, and their cult appears to have deep roots in rural and coastal Scandinavia. Direct evidence of dedicated Vanir temples is limited, but their memory survives in poetry, myth, and place-names within the Norse world.