The Creation of the Cosmos by Odin, Vili, and Ve
In a captivating illustration by Lorenz Frølich from the 19th century, the figure of Odin stands alongside his brothers Vili and Ve, all playing pivotal roles in the formation of the cosmos. Vili and Ve, whose names are pronounced “VILL-ee” and “VAY,” are depicted as essential figures alongside Odin in Norse mythology.
According to the medieval Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson, Odin, Vili, and Ve represent the first true gods of the Aesir pantheon. They are said to be the offspring of the proto-god Borr and the giantess Bestla. The brothers’ most notable act was the defeat of Ymir, the primordial giant, from whose body they sculpted the world itself. While Snorri’s reliability as a historical source is sometimes questioned, the congruence of this narrative with other archeological and literary evidence lends it substantial credibility within the study of pre-Christian Norse beliefs.
Aside from their role in cosmic creation, Vili and Ve are mentioned in a singular instance involving a significant episode in Odin’s life. When Odin was temporarily banished from Asgard due to his engagement in “unmanly” sorcery, Vili and Ve took the opportunity to become intimate with Odin’s wife, Frigg. However, details surrounding this episode remain scant.
While references to Vili and Ve in Old Norse literature are relatively rare, Vili is often acknowledged as Odin’s brother. In Snorri’s Prose Edda, the characters known as Hárr (“High”), Jafnhárr (“Just as High”), and Þriði (“Third”) serve as potential representations of Odin, Vili, and Ve, though they may also be different incarnations of Odin himself, as these names are also used interchangeably for him in various ancient texts.
A deeper understanding of Vili and Ve can be gleaned from their names: in Old Norse, Vili means “Will,” reflecting a significant aspect of divine intention, while Vé translates to “Temple,” a term closely associated with sacredness and consecration. The Proto-Germanic equivalents of these names—*Woðanaz, *Weljon, and *Wixan—further suggest a historical placement of this divine triad long before the Viking Age, pointing to origins that date back at least a millennium.
Although documentation of Vili and Ve diminishes through the Viking Age and into subsequent eras, their enduring significance suggests that they were once central deities among the Norse and broader Germanic peoples. That these figures are linked as brothers to Odin, arguably the most revered god throughout ancient Germanic traditions, underscores their importance.
In essence, Odin, Vili, and Ve—symbolizing Inspiration, Conscious Intention, and Sacredness respectively—are fundamental forces distinguishing order from chaos. They were the architects of the cosmos, and their influence likely remained vital for the continuity and prosperity of the world.
For those interested in further exploring Norse mythology and religious practices, extensive literature exists, offering in-depth analyses and insights into this ancient tradition.
