Eir is a Norse goddess of healing, health, and medicine, often depicted as one Frigg's handmaidens and sometimes as a Valkyrie who chooses who lives or dies, healing the wounded after battle. Her name means "help," "mercy," or "protection," and she is associated with herbs like comfrey, red stones like garnets, and the healing mountain Lyfjaberg, offering both physical and spiritual cures.

Key Aspects:
Domain: Healing, medicine, health, mercy, and protection.
Associations: A handmaiden to Frigg, a Valkyrie, and a healer on Lyfjaberg (Mountain of Healing).
Role: She helps the sick and wounded, sometimes choosing who lives or dies, and brings recovery.
Symbolism: Comfrey, red stones (garnets), and the act of healing itself.
Worship: Offerings (like food/drink) and prayers were made to her for health and successful surgery.

In Mythology & Lore: She appears in Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda as one of the important goddesses. She is sometimes seen as a Valkyrie who brings relief to fallen warriors, a different role from other Valkyries who simply escort souls to Valhalla.

Modern Interpretations: Eir is honored by modern pagans and heathens as a patron of healthcare workers and a source of healing energy. Her image is used for healing rituals, often involving candles and herbs.