Written by Dyami Millarson
In the realm of theology, the categorisation of Gods often involves a distinction between Lesser/Minor Gods and Higher/Major Gods. However, a more nuanced understanding of the Vanir, Æsir, and Álfar can be achieved by perceiving Them as High Gods, Central Gods, and Low Gods respectively. This perspective allows for a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between these Divine Beings and sheds light on their respective roles within the Germanic folk religious framework.
Hierarchical Relationship Between the Vanir, Álfar, and Dísir
The Vanir, who may be regarded as the High Gods, hold a superior position among the Divine Entities. Notably, They are closely associated with the Álfar, whom we may interpret as the Low Gods compared with the Vanir. Evidenced by Freyr’s dominion over the Álfar in Álfheimr, bestowed upon him as a toothgift, and Freyja’s epithet as Vanadís, perhaps alluding to the fact that She is the Supreme Dís or the Lady of the Dísir like Her brother is the Lord of the Álfar, it becomes apparent that the Vanir exercise authority over the Álfar/Dísir. This relationship suggests a high-low dichotomy where the Vanir are the Superior Álfar/Dísir, whilst the Álfar/Dísir are the Inferior Vanir.
Parents Traditionally Control Their Children’s Affairs
Further connections can be drawn between the Álfar/Dísir and the Njörth twins. As Divine Parents of the alliterative Freyr-Freyja twins, the Njörth twins not only govern Their Divine Children, but also exercise authority over Their Divine Children’s servants and maidservants, the Álfar and Dísir. This parental authority, rooted in the traditional dynamics of the parent-child relationship, highlights the interconnectedness of the Vanir, Álfar, and Dísir, suggesting that traditional hierarchies akin to those of Confucianism should be taken into account for interpreting social relationships within Ancient Germanic animism-polytheism.
Traditional View on the Rightful Claim to Power
At the core of the Germanic divine hierarchy reside the Æsir, under the leadership of Othin. The Æsir embody centrality or the third position, symbolising kingship/royalty and occupying an intermediate position that grants Them an intermediary role between the Vanir and Álfar. Within the Germanic worldview, the central or third position signifies prominence and the ability to serve as a mediator. By virtue of Their centrality or thirdness, the Æsir rightfully claim the mantle of the most significant Deities, transcending both the Vanir and the Álfar in influence and power. When describing the Æsir, two applicable expressions come to mind: the Æsir are always in the middle of things and at the centre of things in the universe. The former conveys that the Æsir are consistently engaged and influential in the events and dynamics of the universe, whilst the latter conveys that the Æsir occupy a central and focal position, making them crucial to the functioning of the universe.
Viking Religion 