About EIR Home Care

Eir (“EYE-eer”) is a figure from Norse mythology. Spelled ᛖᛁᚱ in the Elder Futhark, a runic alphabet. The

name Eir means “Helper, peace, mercy.” Eir is attested in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda (written by

Snorri Sturluson), and in Skaldic poetry. One such reference of EIR includes a 12th to 13th-Century runic

inscription in Bergen, Norway. From these sources, EIR is seen as one of the handmaids of Frigg, the

companion of a healer jötunn named Menglöð, a Valkyrie, or an Æsir (Aesir) goddess. Eir is associated

with medicine, healing, and medical skill. Snorri accounts her as “a very good physician,” and among the

most important goddesses.

As a goddess, Eir has been compared to the Greek goddess Hygieia, from

which the word ‘hygiene’ derives. As a Valkyrie, Eir had a unique function. While Eir would follow her

sisters to the fields, she would choose who would live. Eir would also help those who survived heal,

recover, and return to health.

From Eir we derive the designation of Home HELPers for our home care aides. We strive to aid and help

seniors in the aging process and their battle of life.