The short answer: Dan is not a god in Norse mythology, and there is no figure named Dan in the Asgardian family tree. Odin is the chief of the Aesir gods, and his family tree includes his wife Frigg, his sons Thor, Baldr, and others, plus his father Bor and grandfather Buri.
Who Is Dan in Norse Mythology?
No character named Dan appears in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, or any other primary Norse source. The name may be a confusion with the legendary Danish king Dan, who appears in Saxo Grammaticus’s Gesta Danorum (12th century) and in the Chronicon Lethrense. That Dan is a mortal king, not a god, and he is not connected to Odin or Asgard. Some modern retellings or video games (like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla) use the name for a character, but that is fiction, not mythology. If you saw “Dan” in a family tree, it was likely a typo or a fan-made addition.
The Aesir and the Vanir: Two Families of Gods
Norse gods are divided into two main groups: the Aesir (war and sovereignty gods, led by Odin) and the Vanir (fertility and nature gods, led by Njord). The two families fought a war, then made peace by exchanging hostages. This is how Njord and his children, Freyr and Freyja, came to live in Asgard. The Aesir and Vanir are not separate bloodlines—they intermarried. For example, Odin’s wife Frigg is an Aesir, but Odin also had children with the giantess Jord (Earth) and the giantess Grid.
Odin’s Family Tree: The Main Branches
Odin’s ancestry and descendants are complex because different sources give different versions. Here is the most widely accepted structure based on the Prose Edda (written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century) and the Poetic Edda (13th century, but based on older oral traditions).
- Buri – the first god, emerged from the ice in the creation myth. He had a son named Bor.
- Bor – married Bestla, a giantess. Their children were Odin, Vili, and Ve.
- Odin – the Allfather, god of wisdom, war, poetry, and magic. He is the ruler of Asgard.
- Frigg – Odin’s wife, goddess of marriage and motherhood. She is the mother of Baldr and Hodr (in most accounts).
- Thor – Odin’s son with Jord (the earth giantess). Thor is the thunder god, protector of mankind.
- Baldr – Odin and Frigg’s beloved son, whose death triggers Ragnarok.
- Hodr – the blind god who, tricked by Loki, kills Baldr.
- Vidarr – Odin’s son with the giantess Grid. He avenges Odin at Ragnarok.
- Vali – Odin’s son with the giantess Rindr, born to avenge Baldr.
- Heimdall – sometimes called Odin’s son, but also said to be the son of nine giantesses. He is the watchman of the gods.
- Tyr – the one-handed god of justice, usually described as Odin’s son, though some sources say he is the son of the giant Hymir.
- Loki – not Odin’s son, but his blood-brother. Loki is a giant by birth, but he lives in Asgard and causes much trouble.
Thor’s Family and Children
Thor is the most famous of Odin’s sons. His mother is Jord (Earth). Thor’s wife is Sif, a goddess associated with wheat and fertility. Their children are:
- Thrud – a valkyrie-like daughter, mentioned in the Eddas.
- Modi – a son who survives Ragnarok.
- Magni – a son with the giantess Jarnsaxa, who also survives Ragnarok.
Thor also has a stepson, Ullr, Sif’s son from an earlier marriage. Ullr is the god of skiing and archery.
Other Notable Aesir and Their Lineage
Not every god in Asgard is directly related to Odin. For example:
- Freyja – a Vanir goddess, daughter of Njord, and sister of Freyr. She is the goddess of love, fertility, and war.
- Freyr – a Vanir god of peace and harvest, also Njord’s son.
- Njord – the Vanir god of the sea and winds.
- Bragi – the god of poetry, often said to be Odin’s son, but also said to be a mortal skald.
- Idun – Bragi’s wife, keeper of the golden apples of youth.
Common Misconceptions About the Norse Family Tree
One common mistake is thinking that Loki is Odin’s son. In the Prose Edda, Loki is described as Odin’s blood-brother, not his son. Another misconception is that all gods are Aesir. The Vanir are a separate family, though they live in Asgard. Also, the family tree is not consistent across all sources. For example, Tyr’s parentage is unclear: some say he is Odin’s son, others say he is the son of the giant Hymir. The Prose Edda even says that Odin had many sons, but not all are named. The mythology was passed down orally, so variations are normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dan a real Norse god?
No. There is no god named Dan in any Norse source. The name appears only as a legendary Danish king, not a deity.
Who are Odin’s parents?
Odin’s parents are Bor and the giantess Bestla. Bor’s father is Buri, the first god.
Who are Odin’s sons?
Odin’s sons include Thor, Baldr, Hodr, Vidarr, Vali, and possibly Heimdall and Tyr, depending on the source. He also has a daughter, but she is rarely mentioned.
Is Loki Odin’s son?
No. Loki is Odin’s blood-brother, meaning they made a pact of brotherhood, but they are not related by blood. Loki’s father is the giant Farbauti.
What is the difference between Aesir and Vanir?
The Aesir are gods of war and power, while the Vanir are gods of fertility and nature. The two groups fought a war and then merged, with some Vanir moving to Asgard.
Does the Norse family tree have a single official version?
No. The Eddas and other sources often contradict each other. For example, Heimdall is called the son of nine giantesses in one poem, but in another he is Odin’s son. Scholars accept these variations as part of the tradition.
Related
- Canaanite Gods of Agriculture and the Harvest
- Aztec Gods of Love: Xochiquetzal and More
- Aztec Gods of Wind: Ehecatl and Quetzalcoatl
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