Forseti is the god of justice. Son of Baldur and Nanna, he is the best arbitrator and the embodiment of reconciliation.
responsibilities
Judgment, justice, mediation, laws, reconciliation, truth, settling disputes
Associated Animals
A gray wolf and a hawk
weapon/domain of power
A golden, double-headed axe, Glitnir
The judge
Forseti is the god of justice and ruling. He is the son of Baldur and Nanna. His name means ‘the presiding one’ in Old Norse. Forseti lives in the great hall Glitnir (the one that shines) and presides over disputes among gods and mortals. His marvelous hall is the seat of justice in Asgard and in it Forseti ends all disputes and reconciles foes. Glitnir has pillars made of gold and a roof of silver that emits such a bright light it can be seen from a great distance; a symbolism that Justice stands strong.
Mentions
In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson refers to Forseti as the best of courts that reconciles all those who come before him. He is considered the opposite of Tyr, the god of war, who divides men. Forseti stills all strifes and ends all disputes by the proper and undeniably right use of the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Forseti a major Aesir god?
A. Despite the very little information about the god of justice, he is one of the important deities in the Norse pantheon and that is clearly shown by the importance of his role as a law speaker and a judge among mortals and gods.
Q. What is the difference between Forseti and Baldur?
A. Baldur’s role was to reconcile and settle disputes just like Forseti. Baldur however was more of a joyous type of a god, preferring to make gods and mortals rather than preside over them in a trial. That is where his son came in to assume this part, especially after Baldur’s tragic death.
