Njord (Niord, Njordhr) (humid) In Norse mythology, one of the Vanir; god of winds, sea, fire, and wealth; husband of his sister Nerthus; father of Frey and Freyja. When Njord went to Asgard, he married Skadi, but she preferred living in her father’s home Thrymheim, and Njord loved to reside at his home, Noatun (ships’ heaven).
According to the Prose Edda, “They at last agreed that they should pass together nine nights in Thrymheim, and then three in Noatun.” The Prose Edda says that Njord “is so wealthy that he can give possessions and treasures to those who call on him for them.” The kenning for a sponge is “Njord’s glove.”
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
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Njord is the spirit of the sea and lakes, the father of Freya and Freyr. The three Vanir spirits were sent to live among the Aesir, essentially as hostages following the war between the pantheons. They get along well with their Aesir hosts and seem at home in Asgard. However Njord is destined to return to the Vanir at Ragnarok, the apocalypse of the deities.
Like his children, Njord is a spirit of fertility, abundance, and wealth, which he distributes (or doesn’t) as he sees fit. He presides over fertile land near water. He has dominion over ships and boats. Njord presides over a harbour realm known as Noatun, or Ship Town. He is the lord of good fortune.
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
Sailors, mariners, those who fish, those who love the sea, boat builders
MANIFESTATION:
Njord is a mature, bearded man. His skin may be weathered from the effects of sea wind, but he allegedly has extremely beautiful feet—from walking barefoot in the waves, no doubt. His children are exceptionally good-looking; presumably they inherited at least some of their looks from him.
Rune:
Laguz
ELEMENT
Water
SEE ALSO:
- Aesir
- Angerboda
- Freya
- Freyr
- Herta
- Mimir
- Skadi
- Vanir
- Norse Mythology
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.