Bragi - God of Norse Mythology

Portrait of the Norse god Bragi.
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Bragi, the Norse god of poetry and song, is depicted in this side portrait. Bragi is known for his wisdom and eloquence, and is revered as a patron of skalds, who were poets and bards in Norse society.

Bragi (pronounced: "BRAH-gee") is a deity from Norse mythology who is known as the god of poetry, music, and the skaldic art. He belongs to the Æsir host and is the son of Odin and the giantess Gunlod, or sometimes Frigg. Bragi is considered to be one of the wisest of the Æsir and was known as Odin's personal poet.

The name "Bragi" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᛒᚱᚨᚴᛁ

As the god of poetry, Bragi was renowned for his eloquence and verve. He was the first to know how to versify and did it best, so people who excelled in poetry were nicknamed Bragi. Snorri Sturluson, in his Gylfaginning, also notes that Bragi was the inventor of poetry. He was particularly gifted for poetry and was known for his wisdom.

Bragi is the husband of Iðunn, the goddess who possesses the apples of youth, which are of great importance to Asgard. As the keeper of the apples, Iðunn ensures that the Æsir do not age, making her a significant figure in the Nordic pantheon. Bragi and Iðunn are often depicted together, with Bragi reciting verses and Iðunn providing the youth-giving fruit.

In Valhalla, Bragi is in charge of delivering the welcome drink to newcomers and welcoming them with courteous words. He also enlivens Valhalla by reciting verses. Bragi is often referred to as the god of the slanted beard, which is a reference to his appearance.

Despite his importance as a god of poetry, Bragi's existence is little attested apart from Snorri's writings. He mainly appears in the Lokasenna, where he is among the Æsir present at the banquet given by Ægir. Loki taunts his cowardice, which is unconfirmed elsewhere. Bragi is presented in this poem as the husband of Iðunn but not as the god of poetry.

There is a suggestion that Bragi may have been the deified Norwegian skald Bragi Boddason, who lived in the ninth century. Bragi Boddason is the oldest known skald and was considered the father of skaldic poetry. It is possible that some of the references to Bragi in Norse mythology are referring to the skald rather than the god.

In conclusion, Bragi is a significant figure in Norse mythology as the god of poetry, music, and the skaldic art. He is renowned for his wisdom and eloquence and was Odin's personal poet. As the husband of Iðunn, he also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Æsir do not age. Despite his importance, his existence is little attested apart from Snorri's writings, and there is a suggestion that he may have been the deified Bragi Boddason.


Please note that the information provided about Bragi and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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