Northern mythology

NORTHERN MYTHOLOGY. 15
together with his children, Frey and Freyia. The ^sir,
on their part, gave Hoenir, and sent him with Mimir, for
whom in return they received Kvasir, the most prudent
among the Vanir. Hcenir was raised to the chieftainship
over the Vanir ; but in all assemblies where good counsel
was required, Mimir was obliged to whisper to Hoenir
eveiything he should say ; and in his absence, Hoenir constantly
answered, " yes, consult now ye others/'' The Vanir
hereupon, thinking themselves deceived, slew Mimir, and
sent his head to the iEsir, which Odin so prepared with
herbs and incantations, that it spoke to him, and told him
many hidden things ^
The Gods.—There are twelve principal iEsir, besides
All-father (Al-fo^r) or Odin, who has his own throne^.
The highest among the gods is Odin^. He is called Allfather,
because he is the father of all, gods and men ; also
Valfather, because all the free that fall in battle belong to
him. They are received into Valhall and Vingolf, and are
called Einheriar'*. But in the old Asgard he had twelve
names, and has besides many others^, every people having
1 Ynglingas. c. 4. Gylf. 23. Val]?rudaism. Str. 39. Lokaglepsa, Str.
34, 35. Grimnism. Str. 50.
2 Gylf. 14. 20.
3 In Norway Thor was regarded as the principal deity. In the great
temple at Upsala his image occupied the second place. (]\Iight it not have
been the centre ?) Among the Swedes the worship of Frey seems chiefly
to have been followed. The Danes, Gothlanders and Saxons appear to
have been addicted to the worship of Odin (Woden). Grimm, D.M. p. 146.
In the Sagas Thor is usually named before Odin. lb. p. 147. Associated
with Har and Jafnhar, Odin appears under the denomination of Thrithi
(Third). Snorra Edda, p. 3. In the Griranismal he assigns to himself all
the three names. Edda Stem. p. 46.
* Gylf. 20. BragaraeSur, 55. Hyndlulj. Str. 28. Asaheiti in Snorra-
Edda, p. 211.
^
His other names were Herran or Herian, Nikar or Hnikar, Nikuz or
Hniku'5, Fidlnir, Oski, Omi, BifliSi or Biflindi, Svi'Sor, Svijnir, Vi>rir, Jalg
or Jalkr. He is also called Drauga drottin, lord of spectres. Ynglingas.
c. 7.