Norsery Rhymes from A to Z
Happy Thorsday ā Eir, Menglodās Maid of Healing
Well here we are another Thorās Day and another 20 min sketch of a Norse (and Germanic) mythological characters. Ā This week itās another version of Eir. Mentioned in the Prose Edda, Skaldic Poetry and Runic inscriptions.
Her name translates to āhelpā, 'protection, 'mercyā, and 'clemencyā, and generally means she is thought of as 'The Helperā, or 'The Healerā. And is called āThe Greatest Doctorā and āThe Great Healerā.
She is listed in different sources as an Asynjur Aesir Goddess, one of Menglodās Maids, and is also mentioned elsewhere as a member of the Valkyrie. Though these all may be separate people.
The first two are the most likely related as she is said to be a great physician Goddess in one and sit at the hill or mountain of healing as the other.
Though as the Valkyr raises up the fallen itās possible they are all being associated as another aspect of a triple goddess, so common in the mythology, and even has been suggested as aspects of the Norns.
If I was to guess, Iād say they were each differently thought of initially.
Overall she is a healer who people would come to for the most extreme maladies. Offering sacrifices and offerings. And as a goddess she is called 'one of the most importantā. Given the wide variety or medically themed people Norse pantheon her focus as being one of the best is saying something.
Her name became synonymous with women over time.
She is sometimes considered to be associated as Frigg, though with little to support it.
I designed this rendition Menglodās Maid, and Iāll likely do a Valkyrie version next time.