Vanir

[ vah-nir ]

noun(often lowercase)(used with a plural verb)Scandinavian Mythology.

a race of gods, first in conflict with the Aesir, later allied with them. They function as fertility divinities and include Njord, Frey, and Freyja.

Origin of Vanir

<Old Norse, probably from the same root as vinr friend, Latin VenusVenus, Sanskrit vánas desire

Words Nearby Vanir

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Vanir in a sentence

At the world's dissolution, he will return to the wise Vanir.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson | Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
Who is this of the Alfar's, or of the Æsir's sons, or of the wise Vanir's?
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson | Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
But the Vanir gave him as hostage to the Æsir, receiving from them in his stead Hoenir.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson | Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
By this means was peace re-established between the Æsir and Vanir.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson | Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
The deities with which we have just been dealing were collectively known as Vanir.
The Heroic Age | H. Munro Chadwick

British Dictionary definitions for Vanir

Vanir

/ (ˈvɑːnɪə) /

noun

Norse myth a race of ancient gods often locked in struggle with the Aesir. The most notable of them are Njord and his children Frey and Freya

Origin of Vanir

from Old Norse Vanr, a fertility god

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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