H
Hamingja – a being similar to fylgja, it was believed that it measures the fortunes of individuals. In Atlamál there is a description of Kostaber’s dream in which she sees Attila’s hamingja appear in the form of an eagle and sprays blood on its enemies.
Hár – one of Odin’s names, meaning Tall-one. Under this name Odin introduces himself to Gylfi and tells him of the three manifestations of the supreme deity. The other two manifestations of Odin are Jafnhar and Tridi.
Hati – the wolf that goes in front of Sol, that is the girl that represents the Sun in Nordic mythology. His name means “disdain”.
Hávamál – one of the holy Asatru texts, holding the words of Odin himself. The text contains moral guidance on various topics Odin gave to Lodfafnir, as well as health, love and magic advice.
Heimdal – son of nine mothers and the guardian of Bifrost. His dwelling, called Himinborg or Heavenly city, is located near the Rainbow-bridge. As guardian, Heimdal is always on alert. He sleeps very little, he can see by night and day, as well as hear even the grass growing. His guardianship ends with the coming of Ragnarok, for no matter how well Asgard is guarded, its fated to be destroyed. Then Heimdal gives the warning by blowing in the horn of Gjalahorn and thus announcing the world’s end. Heimdal is also called the white God, and in the text called Rig’s Counting, he’s named Rig.
Heiti – in many parts of the world Odin was revered under many names. Depending on which aspect of his personality they comprehended and with which divine manifestation they were in contact with, people gave Odin names that were called heiti. Some of them are Har (Tall), Herjan (Warrior), Gangleri (Voyager), Helblindi (Blind-one from Hel).
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| Hel |
Hel – the daughter of Loki and Angrbode, ruler of Hel, empire of the dead. She refused to send Baldur back into the world of the living where she’ll keep him until Ragnarok. Some believe that Hel was actually in love, and that’s why she wouldn’t let Baldur go back. However, to demonstrate good will she said she will let Baldur go if the whole world mourns for him. Seeing how only the he was kept in Helheim. Hel was described as a half-dead half-living woman of terrifying appearance. The first half of her face represents the rot and horror of death, while the prettier side of her face is a symbol of eternal life. It’s up to us how we should regard this Goddess, i.e. Death itself.
Helheim – region under the reign of Hel, the Goddess of death. Unlike Valhalla, the deceased coming here died from illness or old age. Helheim is depicted as a cold and damp place ruled by misery, famine and tedium.
Hermod – son of Frigga and Odin, Baldur’s brother. He was the divine messenger and went to the Underworld to bring Baldur back into the world of the living.
Hildskjalf – the throne Odin sat on observing the whole Universe. One day Frey sat on the throne and looking north saw the she-giant Gerd and instantly fell in love.
Himir – he’s believed to be the father of Tyr. The giant who owned a great cauldron in which the drink of the Gods was brewed.
Hod (Hodur) – the blind son of Odin and Frigga. Loki tricked him into killing Baldur with an arrow made of holly. Like Baldur, he will stay alive after Ragnarok.
Hoenir – fast-running Odin’s brother, sent to live with the Vanir as a gesture of good faith of the Asir. When man was created he was present along with Odin and Lod; Hoenir’s obligation was to give him senses.
Hrimtursar – ice-giants, the progeny of Imir. They constructed a tough wall around Asgard for protection from Jotuns.
Hugi – «thought», protagonist of the story about Thor’s travels to Utgard.
Hugin – also «thought», one of Odin’s two ravens.
Huldra – name of a female mythical creature. Peasants imagined Huldra as a sorceress with a cow’s tail.
