Fate, seeresses and the first people
The Norns, the first humans and the last, and the figures who frame Snorri's book.
Ask and Embla Askr ok Embla
The first man and woman, made by three gods from two pieces of wood found on the shore. All humankind descends from them.
Gylfi
The legendary king of Sweden who, disguised as the wanderer Gangleri, questions three mysterious lords in Ásgard; their answers make up Snorri's Gylfaginning.
High, Just-as-High and Third Hárr, Jafnhárr, Þriði
The three enthroned lords who answer Gylfi's questions in Snorri's Gylfaginning; their names are all names of Odin, and the whole hall turns out to be an illusion.
Líf and Lífþrasir Líf ok Lífþrasir
The two humans who survive the end of the world hidden in Hoddmímir's wood, living on the morning dew, and from whom the new world is peopled.
Rígr
The wandering god of Rígsþula who visits three households and fathers the ancestors of thralls, free farmers and nobles; a prose note identifies him with Heimdall.
Skuld
The third and youngest Norn at Urðr's well, and also a valkyrie: the only figure the Eddas place in both groups.
Þjálfi and Röskva Þjálfi ok Röskva
A farmer's son and daughter whom Thor takes as servants after Þjálfi cracks a goat's bone. Þjálfi, swiftest of men, goes with Thor against Útgarða-Loki, Hrungnir and Geirröðr.
Urðr
The first-named of the three Norns, who gives her name to the well beneath Yggdrasil where the gods hold court; her name means 'fate' or 'what has happened'.
Verðandi
The second of the three Norns at Urðr's well; she is named in only two passages, and her name means 'becoming' or 'what is happening'.