Ægir
From Freepedia
- This article is about a mythological figure. For the software, see Aegir (software); for the tidal bore on the English River Trent see River Trent.
In Norse mythology Ægir is a giant and a king of the sea. He seems to be a personification of the power of the ocean. He was also known for throwing massive parties for the gods.
In Snorri Sturluson's Skáldskaparmál Ægir is identified with Gymir and Hlér who lived on Hlésey. Gymir, it may be noticed, is the name of the giant father of the beautiful Gerðr wooed by Freyr. Another link between the Æsir and the sea giants is found in Hymir, who is said in Hymiskviða to be father of Týr.
Ægir is said to have had nine daughters with his wife, Rán. His daughters were called the billow maidens. They were named Bára, Blóðughadda, Bylgja, Dúfa, Hefring, Himinglæva, Hrönn, Kólga, and Unnr. The names of each reflect different types of waves of the sea.
Ægir is son of Fornjótr and brother of Logi (fire, flame) and Kári (wind). He is also called Hlér and Gymir. In the Lokasenna, he has a festival for the gods, where he provides the ale brewed in an enormous pot provided by Thor. The story of Thor getting the pot for the brewing is told in the Hymiskviða.
Ægir had two servants, Fimafengr (killed by Loki) and Eldir.
Familiar forms
Ægir's name is sometimes anglicized as "Aegir" or "Aeger". The common Swedish form is Ägir.
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