Pantheon: Norse
Element: Water
Sphere of Influence: Sea and Brewing
Preferred colors: Sea Green, Blue
Associated symbol: Ocean waves Best day to work with: Monday Best time to work with: High and Low Tide Suitable offerings: Gold coins, beer Associated Planet: Moon
Aegir, the God of the Sea, is married to Ran. His realm is the deep ocean, his dominion the storms and the turbulent waters of the great seas. Treasures swallowed by the sea adorned his great marine palace. If you intend to travel by sea, and hope for a calm voyage, appeasing Aegir would be a good idea. Aegir is also the god of beer and brewing.
This article is about a mythological figure. For the software, see Aegir (software).
Aegir, originally Ægir is considered the ruler of the sea in Norse mythology. He is a personification of the power of the ocean and its strength for good or ill in the affairs of men. In Norse poetry, the "jaws of Aegir" were what sank ships at sea. He was also known for throwing massive parties for the gods. He is the husband of Ran.
Snorri in Skaldskaparmal identifies Aegir with Gymir and Hlr who lived on Hlesey. Gymir, it may be noticed, is the name of the monstruous and terrible giant of the underworld, the father of the beautiful Gerd wooed by Freyr. Hymir, who seems to be a sea-giant, has a link with the gods, for he is said in Hymiskviða to be father of Tyr.
Aegir is said to have had nine daughters (the billow maidens) (Bara, Blodughadda, Bylgia, Dufa, Hefring, Himinglaeva, Hronn, Kolga, and Unn), and the names reflect the types of waves of the sea; they wore white robes and veils. (cf. his counterpart Poseidon)
Aegir is descended from Fornjot and brother of Loki (fire) and Kari (wind). He is also called Hler 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.
Aegir had two servants, Fimafeng (killed by Loki) and Eldir.
==Other spellings== * Common Swedish form: Ägir * Common Danish form: Ægir * Also known as: Gýmir
