The ese are high gods and exalted heroes of magic and warfare that primarily reside in the Upperworld. These high gods are often associated with ylfe (elves), Otherworld companions to the ese that can traverse to the Middleworld (i.e., earth) to bring the high gods’ influence to bear on such earthly matters as fertility, protection from disease, and ease of childbirth. In some cases, however, the ylfe may bring retribution to those guilty of social transgressions. The gods Woden and Þunor (Thunor, “Thor”) are the popular examples of the ese.
(The ese are the later Norse equivalent of the Æsir.)