Also called Var, Vör (sometimes confused).
Their story
Vár listens to the oaths and private agreements men and women make with each other, and punishes those who break them. In Þrymskviða, when Thor is disguised as the bride Freyja, the giant Thrym calls for Mjöllnir to be laid in the bride's lap to hallow them "with the hand of Vár", a glimpse of a real wedding custom.
Best times to give to them
- at weddings and handfastings
- when making a promise
- when a promise has been broken
What they like being given
- a written vow placed on the altar
- a ring
- mead, or honeyed water
How to honour them
- Speak an important promise aloud with her as witness, and keep it.
- Review your promises once a year and honour or release them properly.
How they can help you
- keeping promises
- weddings and commitments
- integrity
Symbols
- clasped hands
- a ring or arm-ring
- a hammer laid in a bride's lap
Sources
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 35
- Poetic Edda, Þrymskviða 30
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
- Eir The best of physicians
- Sága Keeper of stories, who drinks with Odin
- Gefjon The giving one, ploughwoman of Zealand