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THE ^SIR AS OBJECTS OF WOESHIP. 165
OHAPTEE XVII.
THE jESIR as objects OF WOESHIP AMONG THE NOETH-
5p!N,
All the Gods of the Asa-faith were eertaioly invoked
and worshiped by the heathen Northmen,
although only a few of them are so mentioned in
the ancient, historical aceonntSj fhatwe may know
clearly how their being was understood by the peo-
ple, or in .what character each one yas especially
worshiped.
Odin was specially worshiped as the Grod of War
—as the Dispenser of "Victory ; therefore the first
filled horn at the sacrificial festivals was consecrated
to him for victory.* It was believed that he re-
joiced in the battles of men, which brought heroes
to him in Valhalla ; and hence the blame of- a hero's
fall was often laid upon him by the slayer. Thus
Dag Hognason says, itt exculpating himself before
his sister Sigrun, who curses him because he has
slain her husband Helgi Hundingsbani
8*
* Snor. : Sag. HSk. GdSa, 16.
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