Choosing names for my characters is one of my favourite jobs as an author. I love researching the meaning behind them and can’t start writing until I find one that feels just right. In case you’re wondering, here’s why I chose the names I did.

Aslaug is a queen consort in Norse mythology. Derived from Old Norse (prefix áss-, meaning ‘god’, and suffix-laug, meaning ‘betrothed woman’), the regal name seemed a fitting choice for the woman who started such a magical ancestral line.

Gandalf is a nod to Odin, via The Lord of the Rings. Gandalf the wizard was very much inspired by the Norse god of magic. In a letter dated 1946, Tolkien writes that he thought of Gandalf as an Odinic wanderer – a man who bore a spear or staff and wore a cloak and a wide-brimmed hat. Odin, of course, wore his hat with one side pulled low to disguise his missing eye.

There are lots more similarities – both figures are carried by a special horse, can understand the language of birds and beasts and are associated with ravens, eagles and wolves. As Martha named Mormor’s dog, the suggestion is that she’s always felt drawn to the fictional wizard/Odin.

As well as being grey (like Gandalf the Grey and Odin Grey Beard), my Gandalf is brave and loyal and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his friends. I’ve always had the feeling he knows a lot more than the average dog, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was quite magical too.

Martha is just a name I like; I didn’t choose it consciously. It’s always struck me as sounding fairly humble, and Martha’s journey is about stepping into her power. Interestingly, the Marthas in The Handmaid’s Tale are housemaids – women who wear dull colours and toil in the background. In the Bible, Martha was the sister of Lazarus and known for her obsession with housework. The name means ‘lady’ or ‘mistress of the house’.

Mormor is Norwegian for grandmother. It translates as ‘mother’s mother’.

Olav is a fairly common name in Norway, and I wanted an ‘everyman’ feel for the character of Olav. Perhaps it’s because of Olaf in Disney’s Frozen (also set in Norway), but the name makes me think of a friendly face – which is what Olav is for Martha.

Stig is a Scandinavian name that derives from the word stiga, meaning ‘wanderer’ – an ideal choice for a runaway. I also like the subtle nod to Odin, the ultimate wanderer, who journeys through the worlds carrying a traveller’s staff.

Yrsa is said to derive from an ancient Norse word for ‘she-bear’. Other sources suggest it comes from the Old Norse feminine name Ýrr, which is derived from the Old Norse œrr, meaning ‘mad, furious, wild’. The character of Yrsa is formidable in every way, so this seemed a perfect choice for her.