Eir

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This article is about a goddess. For the abbreviation, see EIR.

Eir ("help" or "mercy" in Old Norse) is, in Norse mythology, a goddess of the Æsir who is called 'best of physicians' in the Edda. Eir is also counted among the Valkyries, connecting her to the ability to 'choose the slain' and awaken the dead. She was skilled at all kinds of healing, particularly herbcraft, and was even capable of resurrection. She is one of the goddesses on the mountain Lyfia ("to heal through magic"). She was also good friends with Frigg and is listed as one of her twelve handmaidens. Eir is also the name of one of the nine maidens who serve the giantess Menglöd in the poem Svipdagsmál.

As a master physician, Eir is a patroness of health-care workers. She is called upon by modern Healers not only for physical healing, but also for mental, emotional and spiritual healing. It is said that Eir would bestow healing upon all women who sought her out, and she taught only women her secret arts. Accordingly, only women could learn the art of healing in Scandinavia.

Eir is only briefly mentioned in Snorri Sturluson's Edda and in some kennings.

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