Together with their sibling Odin, the deities Vili and Ve are recognized as the initial figures among the Aesir tribe. They played a pivotal role in the formation of the universe, fashioning it from the remnants of the colossal giant Ymir, and breathed life into the very first humans.
Key Information
- Tribe: Aesir
- Domain: Creation (Vili governs consciousness, intelligence, movement, reason, and understanding; Ve oversees appearance, expression, features, and senses).
- Progenitors: Borr and Bestla
- Siblings: Odin
- Old Norse Names: Vili and Ve
- Other Names: In the Prose Edda, Odin is depicted as collaborating with Vili and Ve to shape the world; however, in Voluspa, he is accompanied by Hoenir and Lothur. It’s plausible that many gods variedly represent the same figures throughout the Eddas and sagas.
Roles of Vili and Ve
They are credited with vanquishing Ymir, creating the world, bestowing life upon the first humans, and briefly overseeing Asgard in Odin’s absence. Vili infused the first humans with logic and movement, while Ve endowed them with sensory perceptions and facial expressions.
Powers of Vili and Ve
- Vili: His domain revolves around divine understanding, consciousness, and world-building.
- Ve: His authority encompasses the creation of the world, physical representation, and sensory capacities.
Origins of Vili and Ve
As sons of Borr and the giantess Bestla, Vili and Ve are essential figures alongside Odin, who is considered the eldest. Their names in Old Norse translate to ‘will’ for Vili and ‘temple’ for Ve. The specifics surrounding their other attributes remain largely undefined. Nevertheless, their key involvement in the world’s creation and the emergence of the first humans is well-documented.
The Creation of the World
Initially, the universe was merely the vast Yawning Void known as Ginnungagap, bordered by Niflheim and Muspelheim. From this emptiness emerged Ymir, the giant, alongside a primordial cow named Audhumbla. Ymir’s sweat gave rise to the first Jotnar, and shortly after, Audhumbla nurtured Buri, who became the forebear of the gods. From Buri, Borr was born, leading to Odin, Vili, and Ve.
Faced with the expanding Jotnar population, Odin, Vili, and Ve resolved to act decisively. While Ymir was in slumber, they mounted a fierce assault against him, ultimately triumphing in battle. The blood from Ymir’s lifeless body flooded the land, drowning many Jotnar.
No longer threatened by giants, the three gods used Ymir’s remains as a foundation to construct the world. His blood formed the oceans, his flesh transformed into the land, his bones became mountains, and his hair turned into trees. Without delay, they established the realms of Alfheim, Asgard, Helheim, Jotunheim, Midgard, Svartalfheim, and Vanaheim, thus creating the Nine Realms and the entire world.
The First Humans and Odin’s Temporary Departure
With their work finished, the gods ventured through the Nine Realms. During a stroll along a beach, they discovered two tree trunks washed ashore. Curious, they decided to infuse life into these logs, resulting in the creation of the first humans, named Ask and Embla. Along with life, the gods imparted unique gifts: Odin granted spirit, Vili bestowed movement and intellect, while Ve offered physical form and sensory capabilities. Thus, Ask and Embla were destined to inhabit Midgard.
Vili and Ve are fundamental deities in the lore surrounding Earth’s creation and humanity’s origins. However, aside from a mention by Loki at Aegir’s feast, little else is documented about them. Loki alludes to Vili and Ve ruling Asgard briefly during Odin’s absence, which adds further intrigue to their characters.
References in Historical Texts
The Poetic Edda, especially in the poem Lokasenna, references Vili and Ve. Similarly, they appear in the Prose Edda within Gylfaginning and are further mentioned in the Ynglinga saga.
Common Questions
Are Vili and Ve synonymous with Hoenir and Lothur?
While not definitively stated, it is suggested that Odin, Vili, and Ve are the creators of the first humans in the Prose Edda. Conversely, Voluspa mentions Lothur and Hoenir collaborating with Odin to bring Ask and Embla into existence. This creates some confusion about their identities, as Vili, Ve, Lothur, and Hoenir appear less frequently in ancient texts, leading to speculation that they might represent different names for the same primordial deities.
What became of Vili and Ve?
After Odin’s exile, Vili and Ve were summoned by the Aesir to lead in Odin’s place. They accepted the role and displayed wisdom as leaders. Yet, they were soon succeeded by Ullr. The reasons behind their ousting are ambiguous, speculating either unlawful actions or personal affairs involving Frigga. The ancient texts provide no clarity.
