Female spirits in Germanic paganism
Encyclopedia
Female spirits and deities
are a frequent element of recorded and reconstructed Germanic paganism
and Norse mythology
. Scholars, modern and medieval, record many varieties of female spirits or deities who were worshipped. However, some are attested only by single surviving references, linguistic evidence, or only scholarly conjecture. Because of that, there is not clear consensus among the sources as to how these different myths and beliefs should be grouped. The spirits were usually associated with battle or ancestor worship (for example guarding a particular family of descendants against harm).
each receive half, and leading armies (for example consisting of the fallen in Valhalla
) against enemies. They appear in diverse legends as the primary example of a Germanic female warrior spirit, and as the most powerful. Their roles were not always limited to battle.
but this can be contentious.
but were also known to the Anglo-Saxons as an Ides (which also means a lady) or Idise. Many scholars equate these with the Norse Disir but others disagree on how closely they are related.
or "victory women" who were equated to a swarm of bees to be unleashed on an enemy if called upon. This reference comes from a group of incantations which might be classed as calling on a broader category of Idise for help in battle.
Deity
A deity is a recognized preternatural or supernatural immortal being, who may be thought of as holy, divine, or sacred, held in high regard, and respected by believers....
are a frequent element of recorded and reconstructed Germanic paganism
Germanic paganism
Germanic paganism refers to the theology and religious practices of the Germanic peoples of north-western Europe from the Iron Age until their Christianization during the Medieval period...
and Norse mythology
Norse mythology
Norse mythology, a subset of Germanic mythology, is the overall term for the myths, legends and beliefs about supernatural beings of Norse pagans. It flourished prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, during the Early Middle Ages, and passed into Nordic folklore, with some aspects surviving...
. Scholars, modern and medieval, record many varieties of female spirits or deities who were worshipped. However, some are attested only by single surviving references, linguistic evidence, or only scholarly conjecture. Because of that, there is not clear consensus among the sources as to how these different myths and beliefs should be grouped. The spirits were usually associated with battle or ancestor worship (for example guarding a particular family of descendants against harm).
Valkyries
Valkyries are probably the best known and most widely attested variety of female warrior spirit. They are represented in ancient and modern stories as choosing from among the slain in battle, of which Freyja and OdinOdin
Odin is a major god in Norse mythology and the ruler of Asgard. Homologous with the Anglo-Saxon "Wōden" and the Old High German "Wotan", the name is descended from Proto-Germanic "*Wodanaz" or "*Wōđanaz"....
each receive half, and leading armies (for example consisting of the fallen in Valhalla
Valhalla
In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those that die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr...
) against enemies. They appear in diverse legends as the primary example of a Germanic female warrior spirit, and as the most powerful. Their roles were not always limited to battle.
Dísir
In Norse mythology Dísir are an important element but it is not always agreed which other spirits should fall into this category. They are described once as "dead women" in grand attire who visit dreams. Sometimes norns and Valkyries are classed with them but scholars do not agree on a certain connection. They are also sometimes equated with the Germanic IdisiIdis (Germanic)
In Germanic mythology, an idis is a divine female being. Idis is cognate to Old High German itis and Old English ides, meaning 'well-respected and dignified woman.' Connections have been assumed or theorized between the idisi and the North Germanic dísir; female beings associated with fate, as...
but this can be contentious.
Idisi
The Idisi are mentioned primarily in the Merseburg IncantationsMerseburg Incantations
The Merseburg Incantations are two medieval magic spells, charms or incantations, written in Old High German. They are the only known examples of Germanic pagan belief preserved in this language...
but were also known to the Anglo-Saxons as an Ides (which also means a lady) or Idise. Many scholars equate these with the Norse Disir but others disagree on how closely they are related.
Sigewif
The Anglo-Saxons also had a concept of sigewifSigewif
SígewÍf were a variety of Germanic female spirit who were believed by the scholars Jacob Grimm and John Mitchell Kemble to be similar the Idisi of the Merseburg Incantations. These were spirits who could be called on in battle. They are attested primarily in one spell or incantation from a...
or "victory women" who were equated to a swarm of bees to be unleashed on an enemy if called upon. This reference comes from a group of incantations which might be classed as calling on a broader category of Idise for help in battle.
Norns
The idea of norns is sometimes conflated between three named goddesses who controlled fate and the spirits of priestesses who practiced seid or prophecy.House ghosts and other spirits
There existed considerable mythology at various periods about ghosts and other spirits and the linguistic evidence about these beliefs is widespread, although not without the endemic lack of consensus between scholars.See also
- Ancestor worshipVeneration of the deadVeneration of the dead is based on the belief that the deceased, often family members, have a continued existence and/or possess the ability to influence the fortune of the living...
- GhostGhostIn traditional belief and fiction, a ghost is the soul or spirit of a deceased person or animal that can appear, in visible form or other manifestation, to the living. Descriptions of the apparition of ghosts vary widely from an invisible presence to translucent or barely visible wispy shapes, to...
- Germanic paganismGermanic paganismGermanic paganism refers to the theology and religious practices of the Germanic peoples of north-western Europe from the Iron Age until their Christianization during the Medieval period...
- Norse mythologyNorse mythologyNorse mythology, a subset of Germanic mythology, is the overall term for the myths, legends and beliefs about supernatural beings of Norse pagans. It flourished prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, during the Early Middle Ages, and passed into Nordic folklore, with some aspects surviving...