Also called the helper, the merciful.
Their story
Snorri names Eir among the goddesses of the Æsir and says simply that she is the best of physicians. In the poem Fjölsvinnsmál she is one of the maidens who sit with Menglöð on Lyfjaberg, the hill of healing, where any sick woman who climbs it will be made well. Her name means help or mercy, and it also appears in a list of valkyries, perhaps because the same hands that chose the slain could tend the wounded.
Their day
Friday. No weekday bears her name; in modern practice many choose Friday, keeping her company with Frigg and the other goddesses.
Best times to give to them
- Fridays
- during illness or recovery
- before surgery or a medical appointment
- when herbs are gathered in summer
What they like being given
- herbal tea such as chamomile or yarrow
- fresh clean water
- dried healing herbs
- a white or green candle
- a donation to a health charity
How to honour them
- Brew a cup of herbal tea, offer the first sip to her and drink the rest yourself.
- Keep a small pot of herbs such as yarrow or mint by your altar.
- Thank her, and the real doctors and nurses in your life, after an illness.
- Care for someone who is sick in her name.
- Light a candle for a friend who is unwell and speak their name to her.
How they can help you
- recovery from illness
- strength for carers and healthcare workers
- mental and emotional healing
- learning herbal lore
- comfort in pain
Symbols
- healing herbs
- the hill Lyfjaberg
- clean water
- bandages or a healer's bag
Eir is a comfort and a companion in healing, never a replacement for proper medical care.
More Norse goddesses
- Frigg Queen of Asgard, keeper of the hearth
- Sif The golden-haired, wife of Thor
- Freyja The Lady, mistress of seiðr and love
- Iðunn Keeper of the apples of youth
- Hel Keeper of the realm of the dead
- Sága Keeper of stories, who drinks with Odin
- Gefjon The giving one, ploughwoman of Zealand
- Fulla Frigg's confidante and keeper of her casket