Numbers in Norse mythology

The numbers three and nine are significant numbers in Norse mythology and paganism. Both numbers (and multiplications thereof) appear throughout surviving attestations of Norse paganism, in both mythology and cultic practice.[1]

While the number three appears significant in many cultures, Norse mythology appears to put special emphasis on the number nine. Along with the number 27, both numbers also figure into the lunar Germanic calendar.[1]

Attestations

Three

Further information: Triple deity

The number three occurs with great frequency in grouping individuals and artifacts:

Nine

The number nine is also a significant number:

Notes

  1. 1 2 Simek (2007:232-233).
  2. This last being from Völuspá, who will "come from on high", is found only in the Hauksbók manuscript. Some scholars, including John Lindow (Norse Mythology, 2001), consider this to be a later Christian interpolation and a reference to the Last Judgment.

References

  • Simek, Rudolf (2007) translated by Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer ISBN 0-85991-513-1
  • Bernard King: Runy – Písmo a magie Vikingů. Votobia, 1996. ISBN 80-85619-84-9.
  • Lindow, John (2001) Handbook of Norse mythology, Santa Barbara, Calif., Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515382-0.
  • Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Art and Architecture (Tuetonic), ISBN 1-4212-9732-9.

See also

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