Glossary
Fate, War & Tutelary Spirits
← All glossariesThe Norns: Female figures associated with fate. They dwell beside the Well of Urðr, beneath Yggdrasil, and determine the destinies of all beings. Urðr: The Norn associated with the past, with what has happened, and with that which has already been woven. Verðandi: The Norn associated with the present, becoming, and that which is taking place. Skuld: The Norn associated with debt, what must be fulfilled, and the inevitable future. The Valkyries: Female figures who serve Odin, choosing those who fall in battle and leading them to Valhalla. They are associated with war, heroic death, and the fate of warriors. Brynhildr: A celebrated Valkyrie from the Germanic and Norse heroic traditions. Her figure is bound to oaths, tragic love, punishment, and epic memory. Sigrún: A Valkyrie from the heroic tradition. Her name means “victory rune” or “secret of victory.” Göndul: A Valkyrie whose name is connected to magic, an enchanted staff, or battle. Hildr: A Valkyrie whose name means “battle.” She is associated with conflict and unending warfare. Skögul: A Valkyrie associated with combat and the choosing of the dead. Geirskögul: A Valkyrie whose name may be associated with the spear and battle. Herfjötur: A Valkyrie whose name is associated with the binding of armies or the fetter of war. Hlökk: A Valkyrie associated with noise, tumult, or the din of battle. Mist: A Valkyrie whose name may be connected to mist or that which is veiled. Róta: A Valkyrie associated with the confusion or disorder of battle. Þrúðr / Thrúd: Daughter of Thor and Sif in some traditions, and also named as a Valkyrie. Her name is associated with strength. Fylgja / Fylgjur: A companion spirit or double bound to a person’s destiny. It often appears in animal form and may reveal the fortune, character, or fate of the person it accompanies. Hamingja: Spiritual fortune inherited by a person or lineage. It represents luck, protective strength, and the invisible continuity of a family.