Njord
A Vanir hostage-god who rules wind, stills sea and fire, and is invoked for voyages, wealth and plenty.
Overview
Njord is described in chapter 23 as not born among the Aesir, but sent from Vanaheim as hostage into the gods. The text also gives him wind, sea, fire-stilling, voyage and wealth functions. Chapter 24 makes him father of Freyr and Freyja, bringing Vanir kin into divine order.
Key facts
Vanir hostage
Chapter 23 says the Vanir give Njord to the gods as hostage and receive Hoenir in exchange.
Father of Freyr and Freyja
Chapter 24 says Njord has Freyr and Freyja.
Relationships
- Vanaheimcomes from
Chapter 23 says Njord was reared in Vanaheim.
- Aesir-Vanir Settlementsettles through hostage
The Vanir give Njord to the gods as hostage, forming settlement.
- Skadimarriage compact with
Njord and Skadi try to share life through a compact of nine nights in the mountains and nine by the sea.
- Freyrfather of
Chapter 24 says Njord has Freyr.
- Freyjafather of
Chapter 24 says Njord has Freyja.
- Freyjadefends
Njord intervenes on Freyja’s behalf against Loki’s attack.
- Skirnirasks him to question Freyr
asks him to question Freyr
Story appearances
- Aesir, Vanir and Divine OrderHostage of settlement and father
Njord joins Vanir settlement, Skadi’s marriage, Freyr and Freyja.
- Lokasenna: Ægir’s FeastFeast figure in Lokasenna
A Vanir hostage-god who rules wind, stills sea and fire, and is invoked for voyages, wealth and plenty.
- Skirnismol: Fire, Curse, and Nine NightsFigure in Skirnismol
A Vanir hostage-god who rules wind, stills sea and fire, and is invoked for voyages, wealth and plenty.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.