Skadi (also referred to as Skadi, Skade, or Skathi) is the Norse goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, winter, and mountains. Being a giant, she is associated with darkness, cold, and death, just like winter. However, Skadi is seen to be more benevolent than the rest of her giant kin.
Skadi is a female giant and the daughter of the giant who bargained for Freya, the sun, and the moon in exchange for building Asgard's walls. She came to Asgard seeking revenge against Thor for killing her father. When she arrived at Asgard in her armor she so impressed the gods they offered her pick of the bachelor gods if she would not go to war against them. The only condition was that she could only see their feet when she made her choice. Thinking the cleanest, whitest feet must belong to Balder, she made her choice only to discover they belonged to the older Vanir Njord, whose feet the sea washed clean every day. Because they couldn't agree on a place to live, Njord and Skadi moved back and forth between Jotunheim and Asgard. On Midgard, these movements created the seasons. Skadi later divorced Njord and married Uller.
Skadi's clergy are imposing figures, appearing tough and ready to fight. Though most are highly skilled warriors, they rarely enter combat unless necessary.
Temples
If a temple dedicated to Skadi isn't in the mountains, it's located so that mountains are visible from the windows of the great hall. Her temples are built from local materials and blend with the landscape. Unlike many temples, hers are often cold and without the heat of hearth fires. Some temples make money by selling mountain climbing equipment.
Visitors to Skadi's temples receive warm welcomes if they've just come down from out of the mountains, or if they clearly intend to travel into them. The clergy openly share their information about hazards and trails.
Skadi's cults are common in mountainous regions. Her worshipers include those who make their lives hunting, herding, and mining in the mountains. She loves the cold of winter and the wind on the mountain peaks, and teaches respect for the earth and the mountains to her cultists. She also teaches readiness for battle, believing that the best defense is an impressive offense.
Skadi is a female frost giant, with long wavy hair. She is often depicted with a hunting bow and skis.
She the daughter of the shapeshifting frost giant Thiazi and divorced wife of the sea god Njord.
