Also called Askr, Embla, the first humans.
Their story
Three gods walking along the shore found two trees, or two logs, lifeless and without fate. In Völuspá Odin gave them breath, Hœnir spirit and Lóðurr warmth and colour; in Snorri's version Odin, Vili and Vé give life, wit and senses, clothes and names. The man was called Ask, "ash", and the woman Embla, perhaps "elm" or "vine". From them come all humankind, who were given Midgard to live in.
Best times to give to them
- at ancestral rites
- at weddings
- on the shore
What they like being given
- driftwood gathered and blessed
- a candle for all ancestors
- bread and water
How to honour them
- Keep a piece of driftwood on your ancestor altar in their memory.
- Remember that the tale makes every person kin through them.
How they can help you
- ancestor work
- honouring humanity
- partnership
Symbols
- an ash
- an elm or vine
- driftwood on the shore
The meaning of Embla is uncertain.
Sources
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá 17–18
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 9