Hoenir sometimes referred to as Vé, is a figure in Norse mythology known for his association with wisdom, leadership, and his role as one of the Aesir gods.

Family

In Norse mythology, Hoenir is one of the three brothers who played a significant role in the creation of the world and the establishment of the cosmos. His familial connections are primarily centered around his relationship with his two brothers, Odin (Óðinn) and Vili.

Symbols

In Norse mythology, Hoenir does not have widely recognized symbols associated with him in the same way that some other gods might.

Powers & Duties

Hoenir, a deity in Norse mythology, is primarily known for his association with leadership and wisdom. While he doesn’t possess the same extensive array of powers as some other Norse gods, his attributes and contributions are significant within the mythological context. Here are some key aspects of Hoenir’s powers and abilities:

Hoenir is often associated with wisdom and the ability to make wise decisions. In the Prose Edda, it is stated that wherever Hoenir is present, things tend to turn out well due to his influence on decisions.

Hoenir is known for his supportive role, often acting in tandem with other deities. In particular, his close relationship with Odin is highlighted in various myths.

Hoenir’s wisdom and guidance make him a figure of leadership and counsel among the Aesir. He contributes his insights to important matters and discussions within the divine realm.

In one myth, Hoenir plays a role in the creation of humanity. Along with Odin and Vili , he is involved in shaping the first human beings, giving them the faculties of reason and motion.

While not known for feats of strength or combat prowess, Hoenir is present in various myths and events within Norse mythology. His interactions with other gods contribute to the unfolding of mythological narratives.

Myths

In the Reginsmál (The Lay of Regin) is another context where Hoenir makes an appearance , a piece which belongs to the heroic tradition in the Poetic Edda, namely a series of poems dealing with the material which in the late 13th century would become the Saga of the Volsungs. This legendary saga deals among other things with the hero Sigurd, who after killing the dragon Fafnir becomes the owner of the cursed treasure including the ring Andvaranaut, which will eventually bring him to his doom. After the death of his father Sigmund and his mother’s marriage into another royal family, Sigurd gets a teacher called Regin while at court, who convinces him to pursue the treasure after telling him his otherworldly story. His father Hreidmar had three sons, himself, a skilled metalworker, Otr, an otter-shaped fisherman, and Fafnir, the fiercest. One day out fishing, the gods Odin, Loki, and Hoenir kill Otr in his animal shape, skinning and eating him. After demanding compensation by filling the skin with gold, Loki goes after the gold of the dwarf Andvari to pay Hreidmar. Fafnir will eventually turn into a dragon after killing his father and amassing all the cursed treasure. In the prose prologue of the poem Reginsmál these events are briefly mentioned, yet we get nothing more than the god’s name in the trio of gods who commit the crime.

Facts About Hoenir

• He is prominently featured in the Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century.
• Hoenir, along with Odin and Vili, participated in the creation of the first humans, Ask and Embla.
• He contributed wisdom and intellect to the creation of humans.
• Hoenir is often depicted as wise and knowledgeable, but also indecisive and reliant on others for guidance.

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