How the Norse Gods Dealt with Grief

Tears of a Valkyrie 

The Norse gods and goddesses of Asgard were powerful and capable of shaking the very foundations of the cosmos. Yet they were not immune to the deadly stabbings of grief. Norse mythology shows how our revered Deities dealt with horrific loss, showcasing a range of emotions that feel so much more human than anything I ever experienced from studying the Bible with the jealous god of Christianity not showing any real emotion.

Love and Loss: A Valkyrie's Lament

One of the most poignant stories of grief comes from Nanna, wife of the beloved God Baldr. Baldr, who was blonde and beautiful to behold, was also invulnerable to all kinds of harm thanks to the spells and negotiations that his mother had cast to protect him.

When Baldr was murdered, it was caused by an evil plot by mischievous Loki. Nanna grieved so profoundly when Baldr died, that she also died (of a broken heart). According to Harvard Health, deep grief changes the heart's muscle cells and blood vessels. Those changes stop the left ventricle from contracting as it should, and that is what kills people with broken hearts. Norse mythology presents many love stories that highlight the Gods' deep capacity for devotion and the devastating impact that's created when losing a loved one.

Beyond Tears: Fury and Madness

Not all grief manifests as sorrow in Norse lore. The goddess Sigyn, Loki's wife, displayed a different kind of mourning when her two sons, Narfi and Fenrir, were imprisoned. Sigyn responded with unwavering loyalty and support. She also stood by Loki during his punishment, offering whatever sliver of comfort she could provide. Yet her personal sacrifice caused her own relinquishment of freedom and a great deal of personal hardship.

For some Norse Gods, grief merely fueled courage. Protector God Tyr, the God of War and Justice, famously sacrificed his hand to save his community from the monstrous wolf Fenrir (another of Loki's sons). Tyr's self-sacrifice had to have brought a sense of loss and injustice to Asgard. Yet the warrior spirit of Viking culture clearly reflects how Tyr's heroism lived on.

Lessons from Asgard

The Norse myths about grief offer a window into the human condition. They remind us that even the most powerful Gods have experienced loss and that their grief has manifested in deep sorrow or righteous anger the same way it affects human beings. 

Do you have a story about how the Norse Gods have shown compassion for your grief? Share your thoughts in the comments below!