Vili (Hœnir)

Vili was the son of the giants Bor and Bestla. Vili was sometimes called Hœnir (Hoenir or Haenir). Vili, along with his brothers, Odin and Ve, killed the giant Ymir and created the universe.

As Hœnir, he gave the gifts of spirit and understanding to the first man and woman.

Snorri Sturluson referred to Haenir as the swift, and as the long foot. He was also called the mud-king.

As Hœnir, he was one of the hostages to the Vanir during the peace between the warring gods: Aesir and Vanir. As brother of Odin, he was fit to rule, but he was not very bright. He received frequent advice from the Mimir, the wisest of the Aesir. The Vanir became suspicious when he gave poor advice when Mimir was absent. The Vanir felt cheated and decapitated Mimir, returning the head to the Aesir.

Again as Hoenir, he appeared in the Völsunga Saga (Volsunga Saga). Hoenir and Odin were held as hostages by Hreidmar, when Loki killed Hreidmar's son Otter (See Otter's Ransom).

Of the three brothers (and much of the elder generation of gods), only Vili (Hoenir) survived Ragnarök (Ragnarok).