Norns
The fate-goddesses from beside the Well of Urd who determine human lives.
Overview
The Norns appear in chapter 15 from the hall beside the Well of Urd: Urdr, Verdandi and Skuld determine human lives. The text also says there are many Norns from different kin, so this account uses one compact collective figure for the fate function rather than creating a full catalogue.
Key facts
Three named Norns
Chapter 15 names Urdr, Verdandi and Skuld.
Determine human lives
The same chapter says they determine the lives of men.
Relationships
- Creation of Humansdetermine lives
The Norns come from beside the Well of Urd and determine human lives.
- Well of Urddwell by the well
The Norns dwell in the hall beside the Well of Urd.
- Yggdrasiltend
Each day the Norns sprinkle Yggdrasil with water and white clay from the Well of Urd so its branches do not wither or rot.
- Helgi Hundingsbaneshape the fate of
At Helgi's birth, the Norns allot him fame and a course of life.
Story appearances
- Yggdrasil and the WorldsDeterminers of lives
The Norns determine lives beside the well, so human creation immediately enters the bounds of fate.
- The First Lay of Helgi HundingsbaneBeings who shape fate at birth
The Norns arrive at Helgi's birth and shape the direction of his life.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.