Giants, Dwarves and Elves

If religion, theology and mythology speak openly of giants in both a practical and magical sense, then why has this topic become taboo in modern society? Archeologists and anthropologist around the world have uncovered skeletal remains of 9 feet tall humans; in addition to ancient tools and habitations that would indicate the existence of humans (giants) of far greater stature. Aboriginal and indigenous tribes of all nations speak of giants who once lived among them—even describing their daily habits as well as their temperamental likes and dislikes. The biblical Old Testament, a presumably conservative text, makes it a point to reference the significance of giants in the evolution of earth and mankind in the book of Genesis. And we all have heard the story of David and Goliath. So with concrete evidence to support their existence, why do we now consider giants to fall within the realm of fairy tales and childish fables?

While traveling the world and visiting Hindu ashrams, Buddhist temples and Christian cathedrals, I paid particular attention to the murals, paintings, tile-works, and engravings that boldly depicted giants, dwarves and elves participating in battles, rituals and other significant religious events. Upon close inspection, it was easy to discern which beings were the ‘good guys’ and which beings were the ‘bad guys’. Within all religious venues there were Elvin/Angels who came to the aid of mankind while maniacal Dwarves and Giants were wreaking havoc all around. Along the same lines, the most unsuspecting of devoted followers have described accounts of demons and spirits with wings, fangs, claws and glowing eyes haunting them at night. Jesus Christ acknowledged both the presence and looming threat of such negative entities in the New Testament. In contrast, there are benevolent Elvin/Angels of light who instill peace, love and joy to anyone fortunate enough to be graced by their presence. By many accounts, the Elvin/Angels serve as Messengers of good news and helpful warnings. But this is all just fantasy, right?

In one of my favorite books, Freya Aswynn’s Northern Mysteries and Magick, there is a chapter entitled The Nine Worlds. In no uncertain terms, Freya Aswynn discusses the higher Astral realms, the Middle realms, and the lower Subterranean realms where the giants, dwarves, and elves originated and now reside. Aswynn describes, in detail, the purpose and motives of these entities in relation to the earth (the middle realm of Midgard) and to the universe (the 9 realms of Yggdrasil). The significance of Northern Mythology in relation to giants, dwarves and elves is clear—it affords us the opportunity to fully understand such entities. Just as significant, Aswynn describes the physical Elements and the specific Runes that motivate and regulate these entities and their interactions with humans.

The following are extracts from Freya Aswynn’s book ‘Northern Mysteries and Magick’ which provide a basic introduction as to why and how these entities exist:

ASTRAL (higher) REALM

Gods (1)
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“Asgard is the realm of the Aesir gods ruled by Odin. It is the location of the Twelve Palaces where each of the gods currently dwells in his/her own house. These Twelve Palaces can be directly superimposed on the twelve astrological houses. Asgard’s corresponding rune is the Gebo rune because a sacrifice is often required to gain access to this realm. The guardian to invoke and placate for admission is Heimdal (Odin’s son) who functions in this respect as a dweller on the threshold and might challenge your right of entry.”

Angels (2)
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“Vanaheim is the home of the Vanir, and the deity to invoke in this case is Frey. Vanaheim is a pleasant realm, as the Vanir are the gods of peace and plenty. The Inguz rune is the key to Vanaheim. Inguz lends itself to functioning as an astral portal.”

Elves (3)
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“The proprietor of Lightalfheim (or Alfheim) is Frey, who was given it as a tooth-gift according to the sagas. Inhabited by elves (or lightalfar), it is also the natural world of fertility and of plants and animals. Its guardian is an elf, Delling, who is associated with sunrise; for that reason the key rune of this realm is Sowulo.”


MIDGARD (middle) REALM


Humans (4)
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“Midgard is the Earth, where humankind lives. It’s guardian and defender is Thor, friend of farmers and workers. Jera is the rune most compatible to this world, since Jera’s element is earth. Moreover, Earth is the only realm subject to Time, which is another one of Jera’s attributes. Midgard is the field of action where all other worlds interact. It is also the place where traveling starts, and the point of departure of both astral and shamanic traveling."

Destroyer (5)
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“Muspelheim, the world of creative and destructive Fire, is ruled by Surt—the destroyer at the Ragnarok (Armageddon). It is inadvisable to try reaching this world. As this is also one of the realms responsible for both creation and destruction by Fire. The appropriate rune is the Dagaz rune.”

Dragon (6)
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“Nifelheim is diametrically opposed to Muspelheim and is controlled by the dragon Nidhogg. It is the world of creative and destructive Frost. It is from Nifelheim that the ship Naglfari, the ship of the dead, will sail with Loki (Satan) at the helm during the Ragnarok (Armageddon). The rune allocated to this world is the Nauthiz rune, which is a rune of constraint and therefore keeps the inhabitants of Nifelheim in their place until the appointed time. The Nauthiz rune is the ‘fetter’ that binds Loki until the appointed time.”

SUBTERRANEAN (lower) REALM

Dwarves (7)
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“Swartalfheim, which literally means “home of the dark elves,” is the world of the dwarves (or swartalfar), who are the counterparts of the lightalfar/elves. They are useful beings but not very friendly. They do not take very well to Aesir or humankind and it is only by inducements and threats that it is possible to come to any arrangement with them. They are greedy and treacherous and rule the treasures of inner Earth such as minerals and precious stones. Their ruler is Modsognir, and the rune allocated to this world is the Eihwaz rune.”

Hell (8)
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“The realm of Hel is ruled by Loki’s daughter, Hella. It is the realm from which knowledge of the dead can be retrieved. It is here that Odin conjures up the dead volva. Hella, however, will demand her price! The rune to use is the Hagalaz rune.”

Giants (9)
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“Jotunheim is also hostile, as it is inhabited by the giants who represent the forces of chaos. The ruler of the giants is Thrym who is utterly hardhearted and an avowed enemy of Thor. Since the prevailing element is Jotunheim is Ice, the Isa rune is associated with this world.”

C