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      Oðinn's name is pronounced Othinn. His name comes from the fact that although he was born to Jotun parents, Bor and Bestla, he strove for higher knowledge, and found it in the form of othr, and now shares it with all the worlds. He is the Father of All in this regard, all that have higher reasoning and intelligence, which we call wit; especially of mankind, who may choose to use this intelligence, or leave it off as they please. He teaches the art of giving, and recognizes his children on Miðgarðr by their generosity, their kindness, and their willingness to defend their families and friends at all costs. Every act he does is done for the good of his folk, his children in spirit. In fact, his name Gauð means 'pure good'. To his kin every act he performs is auspicious, to those that are selfish his actions appear to be self-motivated, even evil. It is his will that those that love him recognize his works, and that those who do not are merely confused. In this way his true folk know each other through the gift of recognition, and the feeling of kinship and love.
       His natural energy is of the wind, which is calm and nurturing in the proper season, stormy and cleansing when the atmosphere becomes thick and dull, and enlivening when the seasons announce their changings.
       His most famous weapon is his spear Gungnir, the stirrer. He travels throughout the worlds, aiding his kin in finding knowledge that they need to survive and prosper, and when he is home he lives in the hall Glaðsheimr, with his wife Frigga. He has two loyal wolves, Frecki and Geri, and their names both mean 'hungry or ravenous'. Two ravens live in his hall and serve him, one is called Munin, the embodiment of memory, and the other is Hugin, the embodiment of intellect. It is natural that his animal companions embody energies alike to his.
      His horse is Sleipnir, the son of Loðurr, who is a strong tall grey. It is said that when he runs he moves so fast it seems he has eight legs instead of four. Oðinn is the master of language, naturally, being the embodiment of oðr, and he was the first to bring the knowledge of writing to his folk. In this mastery, he is able to work many forms of art, such as changing natural circumstances to work good for others. This art is known as galdr. With mastery of language also comes poetry, and song, and shared wisdom.

      Her name means spinner, as she weaves and spins. In some places she is known as Saga, and in some when she is seen as earth's energy she is known as Fjorgyn. She has long grey-blonde hair that she wears in a braided topknot when she is spinning, and the loving blue eyes the colour of the flax flowers that are sacred to her. She shares half those slain in noble warfare with her husband, and keeps his hall. Women who die unwed often go to her. She is the chieftess of all the valkyries, and she guides and teaches them when they are at home in the hall. When Oðinn is away from home, she stays in her hall Fensalir, the hall of the marshes. Her weaving is not only of flax and wool, but also of destinies of her chosen favourites. She is reserved of nature, yet when she speaks her words are wise and most often prophetic. She keeps many hunting hounds, and dogs for her sled. Her son with Oðinn is Baldr, his second son upon whom he bestowed the ring Draupnir. Her most well-known handmaiden is Fulla, her devoted friend, and it is said her hair is the colour of the newly cut flax.

      Njorðr is the father of the Vanir race. He is the embodiment of the powers of the sea. His twin sister is Nerðus, who is sometimes known as Ingun, the embodiment of nature's cycles and the powers of the deep rich soil. Their children are the twins Freyr and Freyja. Freyr is often called Inguni after his mother, and Freyja Inga. Njorðrs home is known as Noatun. His energy is cyclical like the seas, and like the seas it grants fertile growth, nourishment and often times storms that are needed for cleansing and beginning anew. Nerðus is said to have gone off into nature itself long ago, after giving birth to her children, but before she went she was often seen walking the fields and seashores, and many folk were devoted to her giving, nurturing ways. Njorðr in time was betrothed to Skaði, the Jotun daughter of Þjiazi the mountain chieftain of Þrymheimr, but they were soon divorced. Skaði is famous for her skiing, and sometimes her dog-sledding, and she is a great huntress and warrior, just like her father was.

      Freyr and Freyja are the embodiments of joy, and fertility, and the natural cycles of the seasons. Their names mean 'lord'and 'lady'. Freyja is also called after her origin, Marðoll, or the 'sea-bright'. They are beautiful to look upon, fiercely devoted to their kin, and disposed to giving the gifts of love, and music, joy, and family harmony. They help turn the seasons, and bring the urgings and blossoming of spring - the greeness and newness, and fertile seed sprouting.
       Both have boars for animal companions, Freyr's is named Gullinbursti, or 'golden-bristled', and Freyja's is named Hildisvini, or 'battle-swine'.
       Freyja has a hall named Sessrumnir. She does not ride, but has a chariot drawn by cats. The springtime is her special season, and as Ostara she is celebrated with feasts and celebrations. Freyr has a wind-swift boat, and is often said to be out sailing when the weather is fine and the sea is giving. He has the energy and spirit of the young colt, and horses are sacred to him. The end of winter is also special to him, an issuing out of the old and harkening in of the new year. As Vanir, Freyr and Freyja are considered husband and wife, and Freyr also has a wife name Gerð, a Jotnarin, whose brother Beli he killed before he met her.

      Loðurr's name means 'yeilding fruit', and he is the embodiment of fire. His energy is able to lock up, or free, the energy that is held in other matter, just like fire. He is Oðinn's blood brother, and great friend, just as wind and fire truly cannot exist without each other. It is said he is one of the first Vanir. He works in the worlds by helping folk unlock their hidden potential, by stirring things up that have become stagnant and foul - in other words he keeps energy flowing in order that the worlds may evolve. It used to be said that certain odd forms of lightning, such as ball lightning, were thrown by his hands. He shows folk the weaknesses and selfishness that lie within them, and helps them to move beyond into noble action and right purpose. His mother is Laufey, her name means 'leafy', and his brother is Byleist. Loðurr's first wife was Angrboda, 'harm-causer', a Jotnarin, and by her his children are Hela, Fenrir, and Jormungandr. He also had the son Narvi, and a child named Ali. Jormungandr's name means, 'jorth's wolf'. His other well-known companion was Sigyn, whose name means 'faithful girlfriend'.

      Tyr is the cheiftain of the warrior class. His name means 'god', and just like the rune tivaz, it also means 'victory'. He is known by some as Oðinn's brother. His duty is as a living example of honour, defense of kin and property, nobleness of nature, and right striving. His most famous weapon is the sword, and the shield. Some say he trains the Æsir from youth in the martial arts.
      Tyr cared for the pup Fenrir, whose name means 'marsh-dweller', when no one else could train him, and when he became mature, and so wild everyone decided to bind him up, Tyr gave his hand to Fenrir for having had to decieve him into being bound. There is another canine, a dog named Garm, whose name means 'rag', that watches the main gate in Helheimr, who has sworn him an enemy.

Mimr is guardian of the well under Læraðr. He is known as a master-smith, and some say he too is Oðinn's brother. He shares drinks from the well with those that come in need, and with those that deserve a glimpse of higher knowledge, for the water in that well is empowered with oðr. He is a master with the runes, as well as a master at forging great weapons. Those that are seeking hidden answers often ask him for aide.

      Þorr is Oðinn's son by Jorð, or Fjorgynn, the embodiment of earth-energy. He is fair-haired, strong, and intelligent. He is a constant defender against intruders and trespassers into his father's lands, and because of his strength he is often counted upon to destroy enemies that fight by mere brute force. His troth to his kin is so devout and great that he is often called Sonnung, or 'the true one'. It is said no horse will take him, and that he rides instead a wagon pulled by his two goats Tanngrisnr and Tanngnjost. His energy brings thundershowers that nourish the crops and bring nitrogen to the soil. The weapon he carries is called Mjollnir, a short handled hammer, endowed with the power to return to his hand after it has reached its target. Some say this is the same energy as the lightning that strikes down from thunder clouds. His wife is Sif, the personification of patience and sweetness, who has golden hair the colour of newly ripened wheat. She is known for her beauty throughout the worlds. Her name means 'dear kin', and many believe she is one of the Vanir. She is the mother of Ullr, and therefore Ullr is Þorr's stepson.
       Þorr has two sons, Moði and Magni, and a daughter named Þrud, who is a valkyrie. Magni's mother is Jarnsaxa, a Jotun, and after he killed the Jotun Hrungnir, his father awarded him the Jotun's horse, Gullfaxi.

      Hermoðr is Oðinn's third son, his mother is often cited as Fjorgynn. His name means 'warrior-spirit'. He is known for his swiftness and bravery, and that he is able to travel into inaccessible places, a gift from his father. Some say he was trained by Tyr as his foster-father. His loyalty to his kin, especially to Frigga, was shown in his attempt to bring his brother Baldr back from Helheimr. He is one of the few ever known to have ridden his father's horse without fear.

      Viðarr is Oðinn's son by the Jotnarin Grið. His name means 'wide-ruling'. He lives in a forest named Glasir, and is known for being quite silent and meditative. He is an excellent hunter, and caretaker of forests and glades. It is said he will avenge his father one day, and be the bane of Fenrir himself.

      Heimdallr's name means 'world-brightener'. He is a Van, the son of Njorðr and the Nine Waves, who are Ægir's daughters. He is also known as Vindler, or 'wind sheilder', as he is the watchman of Bilrost, the bridge between the worlds. His hearing and vision are exceptionally keen, he can hear 'grass growing', and nothing escapes his watch. He is golden haired with shining eyes and teeth, and even his horse Gulltopp is golden in colour. His horn is called Gjallarhorn, and it summons the Regin from far away in times of danger, and warns those who are alert enough to listen. Because his mothers were the waves, his animal companion is a ram, just as the lead wave is called the ram, and many a strong sword has been named after him. The duty and devotion of his life is the gaurdianship of his kin, so much so that some stories even hint of his helping to procreate the race of mankind.

      Ægir's name means 'sea-giant'and his wife's name means 'plunder'. He was made an Æs by Oðinn. Their daughters are the Nine Waves. They have a great hall named Hlesey that is lit up by corals and amber and gems, and they are renowned for giving banquets and sharing the wealth that is within their bounds, as well as the wealth that comes to them through the ill-fortune of ships lost at sea. Ran has long dark hair, that is tangled like the kelp beds. She has a net she can use to capture ungrateful folk, those that choose to ignore the blessings of a good wind and a safe passage she and her husband bestow on the worthy. It is said one can give them gold over the ship's side, and say a prayer, and be accorded safe journey and landing. Ran and Ægir are very giving to her kin, and have helped them out of many difficulties. Even now in some lands Ægir's name is called upon before faring out, and a certain type of storm-wave is called 'æg'.
       Their daughters names are Drofn (foaming-wave), Blodughadda (bloody hair), Bylgja (Billow), Dufa (dripping), Hefring (raising), Himinglæva (heaven-bright), Unn (wave), Kolga (cool wave), Hronn (wave). They are embodiments of the various types of waves that come upon the sea, and they are all very beautiful.

      Bragi, whose name means 'poet' and 'cheiftain', is endowed with oðr, giving him eloquence and poetic speech beyond all others. He is a musician and wisdom-giver, through song and saga. Whenever a man or woman has an unusual gift of song, they are called after his name. He is known to sail the worlds wherever the appearance of spring is due, and to sing in its coming just as the voices of the birds do at the return of the warmth and sun. His wife is the young and beautiful Iðunna, whose name means 'rejuvenator', who aides the Regin in retaining their health and youth. Some say it is through the apples she offers them, and some say it is through her energy of youthfulness alone that she shares amongst her kin.