Váli - God of Norse Mythology
Váli, , depicted as an imposing figure.
Váli (pronounced: "VAH-lee") also known as Ali, is a Norse god who is mentioned in the Eddas, which are Scandinavian mythological texts written around the 13th century. Váli is one of the 12 main Æsir gods and is primarily known for being the avenger of the god Baldr, who was killed by Hodr, himself bewitched by Loki.
Váli's parentage is given in the Gylfaginning part of Snorri's Edda, where he is described as the son of Odin and Rind (giantess). He is also said to be the stepson of Frigg and the brother of the other Æsir gods.
The meaning of the Old Norse name Váli is uncertain, as there are different proposals and no definitive explanation. One theory suggests that the name derives from *waihalaR, meaning "the one who argues."
Váli in Old Norse runes is written as:
ᚢᛅᛚᛁ
Váli is above all a god of revenge. Primarily known for his role as the avenger of Baldr. In Norse mythology, Baldr was the god of light, beauty, and goodness and was beloved by all the gods. However, he was killed by Hodr, who was tricked by Loki into shooting Baldr with a mistletoe arrow. Váli was begotten by Odin specifically to avenge Baldr's death, and according to some sources, he did not wash or comb his hair until he had completed this task.
Váli's importance in Norse mythology is somewhat limited, as he is only mentioned in connection with the story of Baldr's death. However, his role as an avenger has been linked to ritual abstinence known in certain societies, especially abstinence linked to acts of revenge.
Vali is also mentioned as one of the few gods who survive the prophetic battle of Ragnarök. After the end of the world, Vali is said to be one of the gods who will participate in the renewal of the universe.
In terms of physical description, Váli is described as a good archer in Snorri's Edda, although no preserved myths claim this talent. He is also associated with the kenning, a figure of speech specific to Scandinavian poetry, and is referred to using several different kennings throughout the Eddas.
Overall, Váli's importance in Norse mythology is primarily linked to his role as the avenger of Baldr. However, his survival of Ragnarök and his association with the kenning suggest that he may have played a larger role in pre-Christian Scandinavian religion than is currently known.
Please note that the information provided about Váli 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
- Baldur (Æsir) - God of Light, Beauty, and Goodness
- Bragi (Æsir) - God of Poetry and Song
- Beyla (Æsir) - Goddess of Fertility and Prosperity
- Borr (Æsir) - Father of the Norse Gods
- Byggvir (Vanir) - God of Prosperity and Peace
- Dellingr (Æsir) - God of the Dawn and Justice
- Eir (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Healing and Compassion
- Forseti (Æsir) - God of Justice and Reconciliation
- Freyr (Vanir) - God of fertility, prosperity, and peace.
- Frigg (Ásynjur) - Goddess of marriage and fertility, also known as the queen of the gods.
- Fulla (Ásynjur) - Goddess of Fertility and Abundance
- Gefjon (Ásynjur) - Goddess of fertility and plowing.
- Gilling (Æsir) - A man who was drowned by the god Loki.
- Gjöll (Æsir) - A river that separates the land of the living from the land of the dead.
- Glaumvor (Æsir) - A giantess who was the mother of the god Heimdall.
- Gná (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the messenger of the gods.
- Gullinbursti (Æsir) - A magical boar that was a gift to the god Freyr from the dwarves.
- Gullveig (Vanir) - A goddess who was burned to death by the Æsir, but was reborn as the goddess Hecate.
- Heimdall (Æsir) - God of vigilance and guardian of the Bifröst.
- Hel (Æsir) - Goddess of death and ruler of the realm of the dead.
- Hermod (Æsir) - God of speed and messenger of the gods.
- Hildisvini (Æsir) - A magical boar that was a gift to the goddess Freyja from the dwarves.
- Hlin (Ásynjur) - Goddess of consolation and protection.
- Höðr (Æsir) - God of winter and darkness
- Hönir (Æsir) - One of the three creators of the world, along with Odin and Loki.
- Honir (Æsir) - God of communication and diplomacy.
- Idun (Ásynjur) - Goddess of youth and keeper of the golden apples of immortality.
- Jörd (Ásynjur) - Goddess of earth and fertility.
- Kvasir (Vanir) - God of wisdom and knowledge, who was created from the spit of the Æsir and the Vanir.
- Lóðurr (Æsir) - Described as being involved in the creation of the first humans.
- Lofn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of forbidden love and marriage.
- Loki (Æsir) - God of mischief, deception, and fire.
- Magni (Æsir) - God of strength, who will survive Ragnarök and rule the new world.
- Modi (Æsir) - God of anger, who will survive Ragnarök and rule the new world.
- Mimir (Æsir) - God of wisdom and knowledge, who guarded the well of wisdom.
- Nanna (Ásynjur) - Goddess of love and fertility, who was the wife of Balder.
- Njörd (Vanir) - God of the sea, wind, and fertility.
- Odin (Æsir) - Chief god and ruler of the gods, who was associated with war, wisdom, poetry, and magic.
- Rán (-) - Goddess of the sea and death by drowning.
- Saga (-) - Goddess of history, poetry, and wisdom.
- Sif (Ásynjur) - Goddess of fertility and abundance, who was the wife of Thor.
- Sigyn (Ásynjur) - Goddess of fidelity and loyalty, who was the wife of Loki.
- Sjöfn (Ásynjur) - Goddess associated with love.
- Skaði (Ásynjur) - Goddess of hunting, skiing, and winter.
- Snotra (Ásynjur) - Goddess associated with wisdom.
- Sól (Ásynjur) - Goddess of the sun.
- Thor (Æsir) - God of thunder, lightning, and protection, who was associated with strength and fertility.
- Týr (Æsir) - God of war and justice.
- Ullr (Æsir) - God of skiing, archery, and the hunt.
- Váli (Æsir) - God of revenge and justice, who was born to avenge the death of his brother Balder.
- Vár (Ásynjur) - Goddess of vows and agreements.
- Vé (Æsir) - One of the three creators of the world, along with Odin and Vili.
- Vili (Æsir) - One of the three creators of the world, along with Odin and Vé.