Also called Brage, the long-bearded.
Their story
Bragi is married to Iðunn, and the Sigrdrífumál speaks of runes carved on his tongue. In the poem Eiríksmál, he is the one who hears the tramp of warriors approaching Valhalla and goes out to welcome the fallen king. At feasts, people made promises over the bragarfull, the cup of Bragi, which is where the word brag may come from.
Their day
Wednesday. In modern practice, many honour him on Wednesday alongside Odin, as both are gods of poetry.
Best times to give to them
- Wednesdays
- at feasts and gatherings
- before a performance or speech
- Yule
What they like being given
- mead, or a sweet non-alcoholic mead or honey drink
- a poem, song or story you have made
- a well-made toast
- a sprig of greenery
How to honour them
- Raise a cup to him and make a toast at a family meal.
- Write a few lines of verse, however simple, and read them to him.
- Learn a traditional poem or saga passage by heart.
- Tell an old story to someone who has not heard it.
How they can help you
- writing and poetry
- public speaking
- music and performance
- finding the right words
- writer's block
Symbols
- the harp
- runes carved on his tongue
- the bragarfull or toasting cup
- a long beard
Some scholars suggest Bragi may partly reflect the real ninth-century poet Bragi Boddason, later raised to a god.
More Norse gods
- Odin The Allfather, seeker of wisdom
- Thor The Thunderer, protector of gods and people
- Freyr Lord of the harvest, giver of peace and plenty
- Njörðr Lord of the harbour, the wind and the sea
- Tyr The one-handed god of justice and oaths
- Heimdall Watchman of the gods at the rainbow bridge
- Baldr The shining one, beloved of all
- Ullr The glorious archer on skis