Vanir

[vah-nir]

noun

(often lowercase)

1. a race of gods, first in conflict with the Aesir, later allied with them. They function as fertility divinities and include Njord, Frey, and Freyja.

Vanir

/ ˈvɑːnɪə /

noun

1. Norse myth a race of ancient gods often locked in struggle with the Aesir. The most notable of them are Njord and his children Frey and Freya

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vanir¹

< Old Norse, probably from the same root as vinr friend, Latin Venus Venus, Sanskrit vánas desire

Word History and Origins

Origin of Vanir¹

from Old Norse Vanr, a fertility god

Example Sentences

Last year it was won by Piggy French, riding Vanir Kamira.

From BBC

This was in the early days, shortly after the treaty between the Aesir and the Vanir, when the gods were still making a home for themselves and Asgard was undefended.

From Literature

At the same time, others, like Mina Vanir, have brought up older accusations that previously received comparatively little attention.

From The Verge

The book will explore the nine Norse worlds, which are populated by elves, fire demons, the Vanir gods, humans, dwarves, giants and the dead.

From New York Times

“Another president won’t do what she is doing,” said civil servant Vanir Paraná, 52 — who voted for Rousseff in Rio on Sunday “for continuity, to finish what she started.”

From Washington Post