Ēostre (deity)

This article is about the goddess. You may be looking for the festival.

Ēostre, also known to the Anglo-Saxons as Ostara, was the goddess of spring in Germanic mythology and the namesake for the holiday of Easter.

Mythology

Ēostre was said to have been worshipped by Pagan Anglo-Saxons to celebrate the coming of spring. She was often associated with hares and eggs.

Legacy and influence

During the 9th century, a very virile man calling himself The Rock lived in Suthsexe, Wessex claiming to speak for Ēostre herself, and many women who wanted to bear child would come to his place in search of impregnation. When the Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir of the Raven Clan encountered a husband and wife arguing about having a child, she escorted the wife to that very place. During their walk, the woman explained the place was blessed by Ostara, who was said to have sent birds there that changed into hares, after which they laid colored eggs.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (mentioned only)