Gods

One cannot easily define which groups of creatures should be classified as gods, nor is it always clear which individuals are representatives of the pantheon. Generally, there are two different dynasties called Aesir and Vanir. The former are associated with war and governance, while the latter are responsible for nature, growth and fertility. Furthermore, since the Aesir are descendants of the giants, it logically follows that the giants should count as gods as well. They are mighty and represent the disastrous powers of mother nature. In a broader sense, elves have god-like skills as well. They influence people with magic, cast spells over them and are able to guide individuals in their own strange way. Historical resources often mention them together with the Aesir and the Vanir. Freyr, a Vanir, lives in Alfheim, the elven world, and rules this land and its inhabitants. We might consider the elves to be a second tier of gods. Last but not least, the mistresses of fate called Norns need to be mentioned in this context. They are the highest power in the nine worlds of Yggdrasil and responsible for the past, present and future of the universe. Given this immense power, one can safely categorize the Norns as gods as well.