Nanna - Goddess of Norse Mythology

Depiction of Nanna, goddess of peace and wife of Baldr, mourning his death in Norse mythology.
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A depiction of Nanna, grieving over the death of her husband.

Nanna (pronounced: "NAH-nuh") is a goddess in Norse mythology, belonging to the Æsir family. She is often associated with love and devotion. According to various sources, she is the daughter of Nep, Nepr, or Gevarus, and the wife of Baldr, with whom she had a son named Forseti.

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

ᚾᛅᚾᚾᛅ

Her story is most well-known from the Icelandic lore of Snorri Sturluson.

In Snorri Sturluson's account, Nanna dies of grief following the death of her husband Baldr, and is placed on his funeral pyre. Hermóðr, a son of Odin, travels to the underworld to retrieve Baldr's soul, and he also receives gifts from Nanna to bring back to the living world. These gifts include a ring for Odin, a headscarf for Frigg, and a golden ring for Fulla.

In the Gesta Danorum, Nanna is portrayed as a Danish princess, daughter of Gevarus. She is courted by both Balderus and the Swedish king's son Hötherus, and chooses to marry Hötherus. Balderus challenges Hötherus to a fight, which leads to a war between gods and men. In the end, Hötherus kills Balderus, and Nanna and Hötherus have a son named Rorik Slyngebond, who becomes an ancestor of the Danish royal house.

Although few myths about Nanna have been preserved, she remains a significant figure in Norse mythology, representing both love and grief. Her story reflects the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that is central to Norse beliefs.


Please note that the information provided about Nanna 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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Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


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