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{{short description|Norse deity}} |
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{{for|the [[Romania]]n village of Var, called Vár in [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]]|Obreja}} |
{{for|the [[Romania]]n village of Var, called Vár in [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]]|Obreja}} |
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In [[Norse mythology]], '''Vár''' or '''Vór''' ([[Old Norse]], meaning either "pledge"<ref name="ORCHARD173">Orchard (1997:173).</ref> or "beloved"<ref name=BELOVEDETYM>Byock (2005:178) and Simek (2007:353).</ref>) is a [[Áss|goddess]] associated with oaths and agreements. Vár is attested in the ''[[Poetic Edda]]'', compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources; the ''[[Prose Edda]]'', written in the 13th century by [[Snorri Sturluson]]; and [[kenning]]s found in [[skald]]ic poetry and a [[runic alphabet|runic]] inscription. Scholars have proposed theories about the implications of the goddess. |
In [[Norse mythology]], '''Vár''' or '''Vór''' ([[Old Norse]], meaning either "pledge"<ref name="ORCHARD173">Orchard (1997:173).</ref> or "beloved"<ref name=BELOVEDETYM>Byock (2005:178) and Simek (2007:353).</ref>) is a [[Áss|goddess]] associated with oaths and agreements. Vár is attested in the ''[[Poetic Edda]]'', compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources; the ''[[Prose Edda]]'', written in the 13th century by [[Snorri Sturluson]]; and [[kenning]]s found in [[skald]]ic poetry and a [[runic alphabet|runic]] inscription. Scholars have proposed theories about the implications of the goddess. |
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==Attestations== |
==Attestations== |
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In the ''Poetic Edda'' poem ''[[Þrymskviða]]'', the |
In the ''Poetic Edda'' poem ''[[Þrymskviða]]'', the blessing of Vár is invoked by the [[jötunn]] [[Þrymr]] after his "bride" (who is actually the god [[Thor]] disguised as the goddess [[Freyja]]) is [[hallow]]ed with the stolen hammer of Thor, [[Mjöllnir]], at their wedding: |
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<blockquote> |
<blockquote> |
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{| |
{| |
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:<small>[[Benjamin Thorpe]] translation:</small> |
:<small>[[Benjamin Thorpe]] translation:</small> |
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:Then said Thrym, |
:Then said Thrym, |
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:the [[ |
:the [[Jötunn|Thursars]]'s lord: |
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:Bring the hammer in, |
:Bring the hammer in, |
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:the bride to consecrate; |
:the bride to consecrate; |
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:by the hand of Vör.<ref name=THORPE66>Thorpe (1866:66).</ref> |
:by the hand of Vör.<ref name=THORPE66>Thorpe (1866:66).</ref> |
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:<small>[[Henry Adams Bellows]] translation:</small> |
:<small>[[Henry Adams Bellows (businessman)|Henry Adams Bellows]] translation:</small> |
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:Then loud spake Thrym, |
:Then loud spake Thrym, |
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:the giants' leader: |
:the giants' leader: |
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</blockquote> |
</blockquote> |
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In the chapter 35 of the ''Prose Edda'' book ''[[Gylfaginning]]'', [[High, Just-As-High, and Third|High]] tells [[Gangleri]] (described as king [[Gylfi]] in disguise) about the [[ásynjur]]. High lists Vár ninth among the sixteen ásynjur he presents in the chapter and provides some information about her: |
In the chapter 35 of the ''Prose Edda'' book ''[[Gylfaginning]]'', [[High, Just-As-High, and Third|High]] tells [[Gylfi|Gangleri]] (described as king [[Gylfi]] in disguise) about the [[ásynjur]]. High lists Vár ninth among the sixteen ásynjur he presents in the chapter and provides some information about her: |
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<blockquote> |
<blockquote> |
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Ninth Var: she listens to people's oaths and private agreements that women and men make between each other. Thus these contracts are called ''varar''. She also punishes those who break them.<ref name=FAULKES30>Faulkes (1995:30).</ref> |
Ninth Var: she listens to people's oaths and private agreements that women and men make between each other. Thus these contracts are called ''varar''. She also punishes those who break them.<ref name=FAULKES30>Faulkes (1995:30).</ref> |
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==Theories== |
==Theories== |
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Regarding the ceremonial marital reference to Vár in ''Þrymskviða'', Andy Orchard opines that "the antiquity of such a ritual is far from clear."<ref name="ORCHARD173">Orchard (1997:173).</ref> Britt-Mari Näsström argues that, like many other minor goddesses, Vár was originally one of [[Freyja]]'s names, "later apprehended as independent goddesses."<ref name=NÄSSTRÖM83>Näsström (2003:83).</ref> |
Regarding the ceremonial marital reference to Vár in ''Þrymskviða'', Andy Orchard opines that "the antiquity of such a ritual is far from clear."<ref name="ORCHARD173">Orchard (1997:173).</ref> Britt-Mari Näsström argues that, like many other minor goddesses, Vár was originally one of [[Freyja]]'s names, "later apprehended as independent goddesses."<ref name="NÄSSTRÖM83">Näsström (2003:83).</ref> |
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Rudolf Simek says that the goddesses [[Sága]], [[Hlín]], [[Sjöfn]], [[Snotra]], Vár, and [[Vör]] should be considered vaguely defined figures who "should be seen as female protective goddesses" that are all responsible for "specific areas of the private sphere, and yet clear differences were made between them so that they are in many ways similar to [[Matres and Matrones|matrons]]."<ref name=SIMEK274>Simek (2007:274).</ref> |
Rudolf Simek says that the goddesses [[Sága]], [[Hlín]], [[Sjöfn]], [[Snotra]], Vár, and [[Vör]] should be considered vaguely defined figures who "should be seen as female protective goddesses" that are all responsible for "specific areas of the private sphere, and yet clear differences were made between them so that they are in many ways similar to [[Matres and Matrones|matrons]]."<ref name=SIMEK274>Simek (2007:274).</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{refbegin}} |
{{refbegin}} |
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* Bellows, Henry Adams (Trans.) (1923). ''The poetic Edda''. New York: The American-Scandinavian Foundation. |
* [[Henry Adams Bellows (businessman)|Bellows, Henry Adams]] (Trans.) (1923). ''The poetic Edda''. New York: [[The American-Scandinavian Foundation]]. |
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* Byock, Jesse (Trans.) (2005). ''The Prose Edda''. [[Penguin Classics]]. ISBN |
* Byock, Jesse (Trans.) (2005). ''The Prose Edda''. [[Penguin Classics]]. {{ISBN|0-14-044755-5}} |
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* Faulkes, Anthony (Trans.) (1995). ''Snorri Sturluson: Edda''. First published in 1987. London: Everyman. ISBN |
* Faulkes, Anthony (Trans.) (1995). ''Snorri Sturluson: Edda''. First published in 1987. London: Everyman. {{ISBN|0-460-87616-3}} |
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* [[John Lindow|Lindow, John]] (2001). ''[ |
* [[John Lindow|Lindow, John]] (2001). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=KlT7tv3eMSwC Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs]''. [[Oxford University Press]]. {{ISBN|0-19-515382-0}} |
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* Macleod, Mindy. Mees, Bernard (2006). ''[ |
* Macleod, Mindy. Mees, Bernard (2006). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=hx7UigqsTKoC Runic Amulets and Magic Objects]''. [[Boydell Press]]. {{ISBN|1-84383-205-4}} |
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* Näsström, Britt-Mari (2003). ''Freyja - the great Goddess of the North''. Harwich Port: Clock & Rose, 2003. First published: University of Lund, 1995. ISBN |
* Näsström, Britt-Mari (2003). ''Freyja - the great Goddess of the North''. Harwich Port: Clock & Rose, 2003. First published: University of Lund, 1995. {{ISBN|1-59386-019-6}}. |
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* Orchard, Andy (1997). ''Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend''. [[Orion Publishing Group|Cassell]]. ISBN |
* Orchard, Andy (1997). ''Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend''. [[Orion Publishing Group|Cassell]]. {{ISBN|0-304-34520-2}} |
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* Simek, Rudolf (2007) translated by Angela Hall. ''Dictionary of Northern Mythology''. [[Boydell & Brewer|D.S. Brewer]]. ISBN |
* [[Rudolf Simek|Simek, Rudolf]] (2007) translated by Angela Hall. ''Dictionary of Northern Mythology''. [[Boydell & Brewer|D.S. Brewer]]. {{ISBN|0-85991-513-1}} |
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* Thorpe, Benjamin (Trans.) (1866). ''[ |
* [[Benjamin Thorpe|Thorpe, Benjamin]] (Trans.) (1866). ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=WGUCAAAAQAAJ&q=Edda+S%C3%A6mundar Edda Sæmundar Hinns Frôða: The Edda of Sæmund the Learned].'' Part I. London: Trübner & Co. |
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{{refend}} |
{{refend}} |
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{{ |
{{Clear}} |
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{{Norse mythology}} |
{{Norse mythology}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Var}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Var}} |
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[[Category:Ásynjur]] |
[[Category:Ásynjur]] |
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[[Category:Justice goddesses]] |
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[[ca:Vár]] |
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[[cs:Vár]] |
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[[da:Vår (nordisk mytologi)]] |
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[[de:Var (Mythologie)]] |
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[[el:Βαρ (θεά)]] |
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[[es:Var (mitología)]] |
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[[fr:Vár]] |
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[[it:Vár]] |
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[[lt:Varė]] |
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[[nl:Vár]] |
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[[ja:ヴァール]] |
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[[no:Vår (gudinne)]] |
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[[ru:Вар (мифология)]] |
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[[sh:Var (nordijska mitologija)]] |
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[[sv:Var (mytologi)]] |
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[[zh:華爾 (北歐神祇)]] |
Latest revision as of 12:20, 16 March 2023
In Norse mythology, Vár or Vór (Old Norse, meaning either "pledge"[1] or "beloved"[2]) is a goddess associated with oaths and agreements. Vár is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources; the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson; and kennings found in skaldic poetry and a runic inscription. Scholars have proposed theories about the implications of the goddess.
Attestations
[edit]In the Poetic Edda poem Þrymskviða, the blessing of Vár is invoked by the jötunn Þrymr after his "bride" (who is actually the god Thor disguised as the goddess Freyja) is hallowed with the stolen hammer of Thor, Mjöllnir, at their wedding:
- Benjamin Thorpe translation:
- Then said Thrym,
- the Thursars's lord:
- Bring the hammer in,
- the bride to consecrate;
- lay Miöllnir
- on the maiden's knee;
- unite us each with other
- by the hand of Vör.[3]
- Henry Adams Bellows translation:
- Then loud spake Thrym,
- the giants' leader:
- "Bring in the hammer
- to hallow the bride;
- On the maiden's knees
- let Mjollnir lie,
- That us both the hand
- of Vor may bless."[4]
In the chapter 35 of the Prose Edda book Gylfaginning, High tells Gangleri (described as king Gylfi in disguise) about the ásynjur. High lists Vár ninth among the sixteen ásynjur he presents in the chapter and provides some information about her:
Ninth Var: she listens to people's oaths and private agreements that women and men make between each other. Thus these contracts are called varar. She also punishes those who break them.[5]
In addition, Vár appears twice more in the Prose Edda. In chapter 75 of the Prose Edda book Skáldskaparmál Vár appears within a list of 27 ásynjur names.[6] In chapter 87 the name Vár is employed in a kenning referring to the goddess Skaði ("bow-string-Vár") in the poem Haustlöng by the skald Þjóðólfr of Hvinir.[7] A runic inscription inscribed on a stick from Bergen, Norway around the year 1300 records a common mercantile transaction followed by a verse from a displeased scribe that mentions Vár (edits applied per the translator's notes):
Mindy Macleod and Bernard Mees posit that the first line of the inscription essentially means "women make me miserable" or potentially "marriage makes me miserable," whereas the second line means "women often take a lot of sleep from me."[8]
Theories
[edit]Regarding the ceremonial marital reference to Vár in Þrymskviða, Andy Orchard opines that "the antiquity of such a ritual is far from clear."[1] Britt-Mari Näsström argues that, like many other minor goddesses, Vár was originally one of Freyja's names, "later apprehended as independent goddesses."[9]
Rudolf Simek says that the goddesses Sága, Hlín, Sjöfn, Snotra, Vár, and Vör should be considered vaguely defined figures who "should be seen as female protective goddesses" that are all responsible for "specific areas of the private sphere, and yet clear differences were made between them so that they are in many ways similar to matrons."[10]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- Bellows, Henry Adams (Trans.) (1923). The poetic Edda. New York: The American-Scandinavian Foundation.
- Byock, Jesse (Trans.) (2005). The Prose Edda. Penguin Classics. ISBN 0-14-044755-5
- Faulkes, Anthony (Trans.) (1995). Snorri Sturluson: Edda. First published in 1987. London: Everyman. ISBN 0-460-87616-3
- Lindow, John (2001). Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515382-0
- Macleod, Mindy. Mees, Bernard (2006). Runic Amulets and Magic Objects. Boydell Press. ISBN 1-84383-205-4
- Näsström, Britt-Mari (2003). Freyja - the great Goddess of the North. Harwich Port: Clock & Rose, 2003. First published: University of Lund, 1995. ISBN 1-59386-019-6.
- Orchard, Andy (1997). Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell. ISBN 0-304-34520-2
- Simek, Rudolf (2007) translated by Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer. ISBN 0-85991-513-1
- Thorpe, Benjamin (Trans.) (1866). Edda Sæmundar Hinns Frôða: The Edda of Sæmund the Learned. Part I. London: Trübner & Co.