Also called Njord, Njörd, Nerthus (possibly related).
Their story
Njörðr came to the Æsir as a hostage after the war between the Æsir and Vanir, bringing Freyr and Freyja with him. The giantess Skaði was allowed to choose a husband from the gods by seeing only their feet, and chose the most beautiful pair, thinking they were Baldr's, but they were Njörðr's. She could not bear the cries of his seabirds and he could not bear the howling wolves of her mountains, so they lived apart.
Their day
Friday. No weekday bears his name; in modern practice some honour him on Friday with his children, Freyr and Freyja.
Best times to give to them
- before a sea journey
- at the shore at high tide
- spring, when fishing began
- Fridays
What they like being given
- a little ale or mead, or fresh water
- bread cast onto the waves
- shells and sea glass placed on your altar
- coins
- fish shared at a meal
How to honour them
- Visit the shore and speak to him before you travel by water.
- Keep a shell or a small model boat on your altar.
- Give thanks for any unexpected gain, since he is a giver of wealth.
- Help keep a beach or harbour clean in his honour.
How they can help you
- safe travel by sea
- good fortune in business
- fishing
- making peace
- calming storms and wind
Symbols
- ships
- his hall Nóatún
- seabirds and gulls
- fish
- feet (from the tale of Skaði's choice)
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
- 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
- Ullr The glorious archer on skis