Asatru glossary

B

Baldur – son of Odin and Frigga, Solar Deity who was sent to the Underworld by Loki’s ruse. Described as the fairest of the Gods, Baldur lived peacefully with his wife Nana until one fatal day. Even though he was protected from any weapon, Baldur could be injured by holly which Loki used to get rid of the Sun God. On that ill-fated day, Loki convinces Baldur’s blind brother Hod to shoot Baldur with an arrow made of holly and thus prove Baldur’s famed invulnerability. Hod hit Baldur who fell dead on the spot, and Hod and Loki were then cruelly punished. Subsequently Baldur went to Hel, where he will stay until Ragnarok ends.

Baldur

Bear – one of the sacred animals in Nordic tradition. It’s associated to the berserkers, warriors who possessed great strength and courage, greatly valued among the Nordic peoples. Parents often gave their sons the name Bjørn (bear), hoping that the bear’s strength and wisdom will be passed on to their offspring.

Beowulf – Germanic hero who’s slain two monsters – Grendel and the dragon that attacked his country. Hero of the Old English epic of the same name.

Berserkers – Odin’s warriors going into battle without armour and shields, relying only on their immense strength. They owed their bravery to an unidentified potion they’d drink before battle, which probably included some narcotics. Berserk means «bear-skin».

Bestla – Borr’s wife and mother of Odin, Vili and Vea.

Bifrost – rainbow-bridge, connecting Asgard and Midgard. It was made of three colours – red, blue and green (the Eddas mention four). This bridge was a protection from the forces of darkness and chaos, most of all from Muspel’s sons; it was also a connexion between humans and the Gods. Its other name was Ásbrú, i.e. the As bridge. The guardian of this bridge was Heimdal.

Birka – a place near Stockholm where a pagan sanctuary was located.

Boar – sacred animal in the Nordic tradition, dedicated to Frey. in the Eddas we find the boar Seshrimnir who served as food for the fallen warriors in Valhalla. No matter how much of him they ate, he would always regenerate, which is suggested by the meaning of his name – “cooking pit”.

Borr – son of Buri and husband of Bestla, father of Odin, Vili and Ve.

Bragi – son of Odin and the she-giant Gunlod. God of poetry and eloquence, as well as the husband of the Goddess Idun.

Brisingamen – Freya’s magical necklace crafted by dwarves of Svartalfheima. Because of this item, the Goddess slept with four dwarves and so lost her husband Odur.

Brisings – dwarves that crafted Brisingamen.

Brunhilde – one of the Valkyries. She stood up to Odin and for punishment closed inside the fiery ring, wherefrom she was liberated by Sigurd, her future lover.

Buri – forebear of all the Gods. He was liberated from the ice by Audhumle, the primordial cow.