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Asatru glossary

G

Galdor – magical practice of the old Germans which, unlike seidr, can be practiced by both men and women. We can understand galdor in two ways. The first is that galdor is a set of techniques that are based on studying and analyzing myths and the Germanic system in general, as well as the studying of Runes and vibratory formulae. Unlike seidr which is a way of intuition, meditation and astral experiences, galdor is a practice that demands activity. For exactly that reason, galdor is regarded as a male practice, Odin’s way, while seidr is associated with women as more passive beings, and thus named Frigga’s way. The other way we consider galdor as just vibratory formulae, i.e. curses, blessings and spells mantras in general. They can be based on Runes, but it isn’t required.

Garm – the hellhound who was imprisoned in the hole of Gnipahel until the beginning of Ragnarok. During Ragnarok he will fight Tyr, causing both their deaths.

Gefion – guardian of virgins; her name is also connected to agriculture.

Gladsheim – one of the most important halls in Asgard, belonging to Odin.

Gerda – a beautiful she-giant and Frey’s wife. She reluctantly entered into marriage with him only after Skirnir, Frey’s messenger, threatened to cast spells to make her ugly.

Geri – or Greedy, one of the wolves – Odin’s companions. Seeing how Odin drank only wine, he gave all his food to Geri and Freki.

Gerod – a giant who tried to kill Thor by deception, inviting him to come without his hammer and the belt that doubles his strength. The she-giant Grida helped Thor by lending him her own weapon. He was killed by Thor by throwing a flaming ball that went through an iron pillar and his stomach.

Ginungagap – «Gaping hole», the primeval chaos from which the Universe was later created. Ginungagap was located between Muspelheim and Nifelheim; the Fire and Ice that poured into it later created organic life.

Gjallarhorn – a horn hidden near the roots of the Yggdrasil just next to Mimir’s spring. Mimir uses this horn to drink the water from the spring, the water that gave him wisdom. The horn will remain there until Ragnarok when Heimdal takes it and by blowing on it announce the end of the world (and its subsequent regeneration). Gjallahorn translates as “loud horn”.

Gjallarhorn

Gothi – Nordic priest whose obligations were the performance of rituals and handling the kindred.

Grendel – a monster that couldn’t be harmed by any weapon; for a long time he molested the Danish kingdom during king Hrotgar’s reign. He was slain by Beowulf.

Grid – she-giant who helped Thor in fighting Gerod, lending him her battle belt, gauntlets and unbreakable staff. She’s believed to be Vidar’s mother.

Gungnir – Odin’s magical spear, adorned with Runes.

Gulveig – a witch that would cause greed in the hearts of men and Gods. Because of this, the Gods tried to burn her, but since it failed three times they honoured her and called her Heidi (light-one). Behind the name of Gulveig is most probably Freya, which was associated to treasure like Venus (gull means gold); she’s also the Goddess that practices magic.

Gunlod – Sutung’s daughter, the guardian of mead of inspiration. She let Odin drink three gulps of this beverage, after which he tricked her and drank all the mead. Even though he spent three nights with her, Odin stole the mead and escaped in the form of an eagle.

Gydja – Nordic priestess. The female equivalent to gothi, she also handles the kindred and its activities.

Gylfi – Swedish king who, in disguise, visited the Gods and questioned them on the creation of the world and their order.