Also called Hoenir, Honir, the Long-legged.
Their story
With Odin and Lóðurr, Hœnir found Ask and Embla lifeless on the shore; Völuspá says Hœnir gave them óðr, often read as spirit or wit. He was sent to the Vanir as a hostage after the war of the gods, with Mímir as his adviser; when Mímir was away he would only say "let others decide", and the Vanir, feeling cheated, beheaded Mímir. After Ragnarök Hœnir chooses the lot-twigs, a role like a priest's.
Best times to give to them
- before making a decision
- when meditating
- at the new beginning after an ending
What they like being given
- a quiet hour of contemplation
- a feather
- water or mead, or apple juice
How to honour them
- Pause before answering and let your thought settle, as he would.
- Ask for inspiration before creative work.
How they can help you
- clear thinking
- patience in counsel
- inspiration
Symbols
- long legs
- a stork or heron (in some readings)
- a lot-twig
He appears in several myths but his nature remains obscure, and the bird link is scholarly speculation.
Sources
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá 17–18 and 63
- Snorri Sturluson, Ynglinga saga 4
- Prose Edda, Skáldskaparmál (Thjazi episode)
- Simek, Dictionary of Northern Mythology
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
- Bragi God of poetry, skald of Valhalla