According to the Nordic creation myth, Ask (Aske, Askr) and Embla were the first humans. While walking along the seashore, the sons of Bor- Odin and his brothers Vili and Vé (or Hoenir and Lothur- Lothur sometimes consider synonymous with Loki)- found two trees, an ash and an elm. From them, they created a man and a woman.
Odin gave the man and the woman spirit and life. Vili gave them understanding and the power of movement. Vé gave them clothing and names. From Ask and Embla sprang the races of men who lived in Midgard.