Ægir

Ægir (Old Norse "sea"Lindow (2001:47).] ) is a jötunn and a king of the sea in Norse mythology. He seems to be a personification of the power of the ocean. He was also known for hosting elaborate parties for the gods. In Snorri Sturluson's "Skáldskaparmál", Ægir is identified with Gymir and Hlér who lived on the isle of Hlésey. The prose header of "Lokasenna" states that his hall is a place of sanctuary lit with bright gold and where the beer pours itself.

While many versions of myths portray him as a jötunn, it is curious that many do not. In some texts, he is referred to as something older than the jotun, and his origins are not really explained. Gymir, it may be noticed, is also the name of the giant father of the beautiful maiden Gerðr (the wife of Freyr) as well as the husband of Aurboða. Another link between the Ægir and the sea giants is found in Hymir, who is said in "Hymiskviða" to be the 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 (or Dröfn), Blóðughadda, Bylgja, Dúfa, Hefring, Himinglæva, Hrönn, Kólga, and Unnr, each name reflecting a different characteristic of ocean waves. Snorri lists them twice in "Skáldskaparmál" but in one instance he replaces Bára with Dröfn.

Ægir is a son of Fornjótr, a giant and a king of Finland, and brother of Logi (fire, flame) and Kári (wind). In "Lokasenna", he hosts a party for the gods where he provides the ale brewed in an enormous pot or cauldron provided by Thor. The story of Thor getting the pot for the brewing is told in "Hymiskviða". Ægir had two servants, Fimafeng (killed by Loki) and Eldir.

Notes

References

*Lindow, John (2001). "Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs". Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515382-0