Ægir

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This article is about a mythological figure. For the software, see Aegir (software); for the tidal bore on the English River Trent see River Trent.

Ægir is a giant 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 verions of myths portray him as a jotun, it is curious that many do not. In some texts, he is referred to as something older than the jotun, and his origins aren't really explained.

Gymir, it may be noticed, is also the name of the giant father of the beautiful maiden Gerd (the wife of Freyr) as well as the husband of Aurboða.

Another link between the Æsir 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, Blóðughadda, Bylgja, Dúfa, Hefring, Himinglæva, Hrönn, Kólga, and Unnr. The names of each reflect different characteristics of ocean waves.

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.

[edit] Familiar forms

Ægir's name is sometimes anglicized as "Aegir" or "Aeger". The common Swedish form is Ägir. (Aegir is the name for the Tidal Bore on the River Trent at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire)

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