View source for Annar

{{Short description|Norse deity}}
{{distinguish|Annear|Anar (disambiguation)}}
In [[Norse mythology]], according to the ''[[Gylfaginning]]'', '''Annar''' ([[Old Norse language|Old Norse]] '''Annarr''' 'second, another') is the father of [[Jörð]] ([[Earth Mother|Mother Earth]]) by [[Nótt]] (the Night).<ref>Harry Eilenstein (2017). ''Die Erdgöttinnen: Die Götter der Germanen''.</ref> The form '''Ónar''' (Old Norse '''Ónarr''' 'gaping') is found as a variant.

'''Annar'''/'''Ónar''' is also the name of a dwarf in the catalogue of dwarfs in the ''[[Völuspá]]'' that is repeated in the ''Gylfaginning''.

==Attestations==
In the pseudo-historical genealogy of [[Odin]]'s ancestors in the introduction to [[Snorri Sturluson]]'s ''[[Prose Edda]]'', a certain Athra is said to be he "whom we call Annar". What this refers to is unknown. (See [[Sceafa]] for discussion of the section of this genealogy in which Annar appears.)

In the ''Gylfaginning'' Snorri writes of Nótt:<ref>''[[Gylfaginning]]'' 10, 36.</ref><ref name=Lindow>Lindow (2001:205).</ref>
<blockquote>She was given to the man named [[Naglfari]]; their son was [[Auðr (mythological character)|Aud]]. Afterward she was wedded to him that was called Annar; Jörð ['Earth'] was their daughter.</blockquote>

Snorri might have been using a source in which ''annar'' 'second, another' was intended to mean [[Odin]], for he himself had just previously written of Odin: "The earth was his daughter and his wife...".

But in the ''[[Skáldskaparmál]]'' Snorri uses the form ''Ónar'' instead, giving "daughter of Ónar" as one of the kennings for Jörð. Snorri also cites from [[Hallfreðr vandræðaskáld]]:
<blockquote>In council it was determined<br>
That the King's friend, wise in counsel,<br>
Should wed the Land, sole daughter<br>
Of Ónar, greenly wooded.</blockquote>

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

{{Norse mythology}}

[[Category:Norse dwarves]]
[[Category:Norse gods]]