Bragi (to shine, leader) is in Norse mythology, the Aesir god of eloquence and poetry; son of Odin and Gunlod; married to Iduna; considered to be the first skald. Some scholars believe that Bragi might be a deified ninth-century poet named Bragi Boddason or merely another name for Odin, chief of the gods, since both Odin and Bragi are called Long-Bearded. Both are associated with the cult of the dead. When a king died, a feast was held, and a cup, called Bragarfull (cup of Bragi), was drunk from in his honour. Each guest pledged some great deed at the time.
Some connect Bragi’s name with the English “to brag.” Northern poets were often called Bragamen and priestesses Braga-women. Bragi was portrayed as an elderly man with a long white beard, holding a harp. At the sound of his music trees bloomed. Bragi greeted the slain heroes in Valhalla.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
SEE ALSO:
- Aesir
- Idunn
- Loki
- Odin
- Norse Mythology