Understanding Eir: The Goddess of Healing in Norse Mythology
Eir, whose name translates to “Help” or “Mercy,” is a significant figure in Norse mythology, recognized as an attendant of Frigg and listed among the Valkyrjur of Óðin. She appears prominently in the Prose Edda, Poetic Edda, and Svipdagsmal, alongside references found in skaldic poetry and various runic inscriptions. As a goddess overseeing childbirth, Eir plays a vital role in the life and health of individuals.
In her capacity as a Valkyrie, Eir accompanied her fellow battle-maidens. Unlike others who selected the slain warriors, Eir’s role was to determine who would survive, facilitating their recovery and return to health. This ability to choose between life and death links her to the Norns, who govern fate and destinies. While she is not explicitly enumerated among the Asunjar, Snorri’s writings imply her importance among the goddesses.
Eir’s name has also evolved into a common kenning for “woman” and “women,” reflecting the historical ties between female figures and the domain of healing in proto-Heathen society. Tradition suggests that Eir would be called upon during healing rituals, notably utilizing a white flower known as Eirflower. Her association with copper, a metal historically used in healing practices, further establishes her significance in folk medicine and rituals.
In the Poetic Edda, Eir is described as a companion to the compassionate jötunn named Menglöð, and together they are invoked for healing purposes. Scholars speculate that Menglöð might represent a form of either Frigg or Eir, or could stand as an independent healing goddess among the jötnar.
Myths indicate that Eir is connected to a sacred hill, Lyfjaberg, where she congregates with numerous healing wights. This hill might serve as her dwelling, possibly reflecting the realm of the Alfar or a location within Ásgard. Within these tales, Eir is said to protect Menglöð’s castle atop the mountain Lyfjaberg, with other handmaidens being identified in the lore—including Hlif, Hlifthursa, Thiodvarta, Biort, Blid, Blidr, Frid, and Orboda. The annual blóts, or sacrifices, conducted atop Lyfjaberg were believed to protect communities from illness over the following year.
In skaldic poetry, Eir is often depicted alongside Vár, another handmaiden of Frigg, who serves as the goddess of vows and laws beneficial to women and families.
Perspectives on Eir
Eir is widely acknowledged as part of the Asujnur, the principal goddesses within the Æsir pantheon. Her unique service to both Frigg and Óðin, in addition to her healing domain, has contributed to her reverence among contemporary Heathens. While several deities may be invoked for healing, Eir remains the foremost healer within Northern traditions.
Historically, prior to the establishment of male-dominated medical practices in Europe, community healing and care in Norse and Germanic cultures were largely managed by women. Despite the Sagas recording numerous male healers, women typically held the primary role of the healer during the pagan era, with men assuming supportive roles as nurses or assistants.
Proto-Heathen healing practices encompassed various methods, such as prayer, magic, advanced midwifery, surgical techniques, herbal remedies, and home treatments, in addition to utilizing copper bracelets and detoxification through saunas.
Eir is sometimes likened to the Greek goddess Hygieia, and there are suggested connections to the Indo-European goddess known as Erecura, recognized among the Celts as Aerucura.
Symbols and Associations
Items that represent Eir include mortars and pestles, healing tools, bandages, saunas, herbs, home remedies, folk medicine, copper, the color red, and hilltops.
Related Nomenclature
Eir is also known by several other names, such as Iaer, Aer, Eira, Eria, Eyra, and Eil.
