Misconception 1: Norse Mythology is Vanir Mythology?

[freyasman]

1.       Norse mythology includes the mythology of the Vanir.

I have come across this assumption in books, articles and on-line communities of (Neo) Heathens and (Neo) Pagans. Many, usually those who have relationships with the Aesir, would not think of questioning this assumption. I do. I am exclusively Vanatru. I have nothing to do with the Aesir

Comments

[freyasman]

Thank you!

Yes, there is a fine line between bashing and critical thinking about other's religions and perspectives. I'm certainly not perfect. I've crossed the line more than once, usually in defensive anger. I always regret crossing that line. Respect is so much better!

You know, I've come to think, based on my experiences at the ocean, that Njordr can give us glimpses of Noatun even today.

[thistlemoons]

I agree, I am looking forward to more of your writings on this. Although I am not exclusively working with the Vanir, most of the ones I do work with tend to be on "the fringe" in some way or another and I feel I relate more to the Vanic ways of doing things. So I always love reading different perspectives about them.

[freyasman]

Thank you for your comments. Feel free to share your thoughts and feelings along the way. You are welcomed here!

[heartofmoon]

I totally agree on this one, and it makes me sad.

I mean,the only of the three well-known Vanir I have a relationship is probably the one with the most lore in "The Lore" and still I feel like there is nothing on her compared to Odin and Thor. Besides, most (okay, maybe not MOST, but you know) of what is left about her is "such and such Giant wanted to marry her. Thor killed him."

But I've always wanted to start a thing with Frey. I don't think he does, but that's another story. I have a hard time with that because the only myth specifically about him is Skirnismal, and he isn't really a major player in very many, mostly just added in.

[freyasman]

Yes, I sometimes feel sad about it too. But then I come back to the reality of my relationships with Freyja, Freyr, Njordr and others.

Yes, if you rule out Gullveig/Heid as Freyja, there is very little about Freyja in Aesiric mythology. As you say, she is a supporting character, secondary to Odin, Thor and Loki. However, I do think that there are elements about Freyja in the surviving lore that we can unpack; for example, her names. Meditating on her names has been for me an important way of better knowing my Lady. I also find the fact that she was a mother very informative.

Hmm, I'd encourage you to keep working on Freyr unless he makes it very clear to you to stop. I find him very powerful and virile but equally gentle-very kind and welcoming, but a bit of a strong,silent type.

I'll say more about this later, but in my reading, Skirnismal is not really about Freyr at all. As its title says, it's about Skirnir and his valor. He's a lesser Aesiric god and servant of Odin. But as I said, more on this later!

Thank you for your

[celticdoll]

I've found Freyr to be everything freyasman said and more. I highly encourage you to reach out to him. I started from a purely lustful standpoint (I lack male energy in my life) and it's just blossomed from there. He's even spontaneously nudged me into practicing when I didn't feel like it, and it was exactly what I needed. He's also led me in a prayer for peace, and that calmed me, as well.

He's already there with you so let your desire for a relationship with him flow freely. Best wishes.