In a captivating illustration from the 19th century by Lorenz Frølich, the figures of Odin, Vili, and Ve are depicted as integral creators of the cosmos. Vili and Ve, pronounced “VILL-ee” and “VAY,” are known as the brothers of Odin, and together they played a pivotal role in the formation of the universe.
The medieval scholar Snorri Sturluson informs us that Odin, Vili, and Ve were the inaugural gods of the Aesir pantheon. Their origins can be traced back to Borr, a proto-god, and Bestla, a giantess. In a dramatic event, the three siblings vanquished Ymir, the primordial giant, and sculpted the cosmos from his remains. Although Snorri’s accounts may sometimes be questioned, there is considerable evidence supporting this narrative, aligning it well with other Norse traditional lore.
In addition to this creation myth, Vili and Ve appear in another story during a time when Odin was banished from Asgard, the celestial realm of the Aesir, due to engaging in “unmanly” magical practices. During Odin’s absence, Vili and Ve became involved with his wife, Frigg. However, the details of their actions during this episode remain largely unexplored in existing sources.
References to Vili and Ve in ancient texts are notably sparse. Vili is occasionally referenced simply as Odin’s brother. Some characters mentioned in Snorri’s Prose Edda—specifically Hárr, Jafnhárr, and Þriði—may represent Odin alongside his brothers, although it is equally possible that they are variations of Odin himself, as all three titles have been linked to him in other Old Norse poetry.
Perhaps the most revealing insights about Vili and Ve are derived from the meanings of their names. In Old Norse, ‘Vili’ translates to “Will,” while ‘Ve’ conveys the meaning of “Temple,” and is closely associated with sacred notions and consecration.
Interestingly, the roots of the names Odin, Vili, and Ve trace back to Proto-Germanic, where their forms would be *Woðanaz, *Weljon, and *Wixan, respectively. This linguistic connection hints at an earlier time when the Proto-Germanic language was prevalent, likely existing well before the Viking Age commenced around 800 AD, possibly even a millennium or more before that era.
Though their mentions in literature from the Viking Age are infrequent, it is evident that Vili and Ve held significant status among the Norse and other Germanic peoples, with their influence possibly stretching back to the era of early Germanic tribes. Their continuity in mythological narratives over such an extensive period indicates their vital importance, especially considering their association with Odin, commonly deemed the principal god throughout much of this history.
In essence, Odin, Vili, and Ve symbolize fundamental forces: Inspiration, Conscious Intention, and the Sacred—which respectively serve as the essential distillates that separate cosmos from chaos. As the architects of the universe, these three deities are not only central to its creation but are also crucial to its ongoing sustainability and flourishing.
