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).
Valkyries [edit]
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 Odin 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.
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 Idisi but this can be contentious.
The Idisi are mentioned primarily in the Merseburg Incantations 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 [edit]
The Anglo-Saxons also had a concept of sigewif or "victory women" who were equated to a swarm of bees[1] 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.
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 [edit]
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 [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ The Gods and Myths of Northern Europe, H. Davidson, Penguin Books, 1990, ISBN 0-14-013627-4, p. 63
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