Vanir

American  

[vah-nir] / ˈvɑ nɪr /

noun

(often lowercase)

1. 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.

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Vanir British  

/ ˈvɑːnɪə /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of Vanir

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Vanir

At the same time, others, like Mina Vanir, have brought up older accusations that previously received comparatively little attention.

From The Verge ● Aug. 27, 2019

The Aesir were warlike gods of battle and conquest; the Vanir were softer, brother and sister gods and goddesses who made the soils fertile and the plants grow, but none the less powerful for that.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

Kvasir, made of the joining of the Aesir and the Vanir, was the wisest of the gods: he combined head and heart.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

Giant norns and elf norns, dwarf norns and Vanir norns, good norns and bad, and what your fate will be is decided by them.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

The Aesir and the Vanir are gods, united by peace treaties, and many Vanir gods live in Asgard, with the Aesir.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman