InNorse mythology,Vör (Old Norse:Vǫr, possibly "the careful one,"[1] or "aware, careful"[2]) is agoddess associated withwisdom. Vör is attested in theProse Edda, written in the 13th century bySnorri Sturluson; and twice inkennings employed inskaldic poetry. Scholars have proposed theories about the implications of the goddess.
In chapter 35 of theProse Edda bookGylfaginning,High provides brief descriptions of 16ásynjur. High lists Vör tenth, and says that Vör is "wise and inquiring, so that nothing can be concealed from her." High adds that a saying exists where "a woman becomes aware (vor) of something when she finds it out."[3] In chapter 75 of theProse Edda bookSkáldskaparmál Vör appears within a list of 27 ásynjur names.[4]
Rudolf Simek says that it is uncertain whether or not Vör was a goddess as attested in theProse Edda and if theetymological connection presented there (betweenVör and Old Norsevörr, meaning "careful") is correct.[1] In the same work, Simek writes that the goddessesSága,Hlín,Sjöfn,Snotra,Vár, and Vör should be considered vaguely defined figures who "should be seen as female protective goddesses" that are all responsible for "specific areas of the private sphere, and yet clear differences were made between them so that they are in many ways similar tomatrons."[5] Simek notes that the second part of thevalkyrie nameGeiravör may be identical with the name of the goddessVör (and would therefore mean "spear-goddess"), or simply be identical with a frequently found suffix appearing in personal names.[6]
Andy Orchard comments "Snorri's etymologizing interpretation is scarcely profound, and may imply that he had no access to further material" and notes that references to Vör are otherwise rare.[2]