Origin: Norse

Classification: Vanir

Njord is the spirit of the sea and lakes, the father of Freya and Freyr. The three Vanir spirits were sent to live among the Aesir, essentially as hostages following the war between the pantheons. They get along well with their Aesir hosts and seem at home in Asgard. However Njord is destined to return to the Vanir at Ragnarok, the apocalypse of the deities.

Like his children, Njord is a spirit of fertility, abundance, and wealth, which he distributes (or doesn’t) as he sees fit. He presides over fertile land near water. He has dominion over ships and boats. Njord presides over a harbor realm known as Noatun, or Ship Town. He is the lord of good fortune.

Favored people: Sailors, mariners, those who fish, those who love the sea, boat builders

Manifestation: Njord is a mature, bearded man. His skin may be weathered from the effects of sea wind, but he allegedly has extremely beautiful feet—from walking barefoot in the waves, no doubt. His children are exceptionally good-looking; presumably they inherited at least some of their looks from him.

Rune: Laguz

Element: Water

See also: Aesir; Angerboda; Freya; Freyr; Herta; Mimir; Skadi; Vanir