CHAPTER VII.
Our ancestors divided the universe into nine worlds, and these again into three groups:
1. Over the earth. Muspelheim, Ljosalfaheim and Asaheim.
2. On the earth. Jotunheim, Midgard and Vanheim.
3. Below the earth. Svartalfaheim, Niflheim and Niflhel.
The gods had twelve abodes:
1. Thrudheim. The abode of Thor. His realm is Thrudvang, and his palace is Bilskirner.
2. Ydaler. Uller’s abode.
3. Valaskjalf. Odin’s hall.
4. Sokvabek. The abode of Saga.
5. Gladsheim, where there are twelve seats for the gods, besides the throne occupied by Alfather.
6. Thrymheim. Skade’s abode.
7. Breidablik. Balder’s abode.
8. Himminbjorg. Heimdal’s abode.
9. Folkvang. Freyja’s abode.
10. Glitner. Forsete’s abode.
11. Noatun. Njord’s abode.
12. Landvide. Vidar’s abode.
According to the Lay of Grimner, the gods had twelve horses, but the owner of each horse is not given:
(1) Sleipner (Odin’s), (2) Goldtop (Heimdal’s), (3) Glad, (4) Gyller, (5) Gler, (6) Skeidbrimer, (7) Silvertop, (8) Siner, (9) Gisl, (10) Falhofner, (11) Lightfoot, (12) Blodughofdi (Frey’s).
The owners of nine of them are not given, and, moreover, it is stated that Thor had no horse, but always either went on foot or drove his goats.
The favorite numbers are three, nine and twelve. Monotheism was recognized in the unknown god, who is from everlasting to everlasting. A number of trinities were established, and the nine worlds were classified into three groups. The week had nine days, and originally there were probably but nine gods, that is, before the vans were united with the asas. The number nine occurs where Heimdal is said to have nine mothers, Menglad is said to have nine maid-servants, Æger had nine daughters, etc. When the vans were united with the asas, the number rose to twelve:
(1) Odin, (2) Thor, (3) Tyr, (4) Balder, (5) Hoder, (6) Heimdal, (7) Hermod, (8) Njord, (9) Frey, (10) Uller, (11) Vidar, (12) Forsete.
If we add to this list Brage, Vale and Loke, we get fifteen; but the Eddas everywhere declare that there are twelve gods, who were entitled to divine worship.
The number of the goddesses is usually given as twenty-six.