Gefjun: The Norse Goddess of Abundance and Fertility
Gefjun (pronounced “GEV-yoon”) is a prominent figure in Norse mythology, revered as a goddess of agriculture, fertility, and prosperity. Her name is thought to originate from the Old Norse term ‘gefa,’ which translates to “to give,” implying her identity as “The Giver” or “The Generous One.”
Most of the knowledge we possess about Gefjun comes from the works of Snorri Sturluson, a thirteenth-century Icelandic historian. Although his interpretations of Norse myths should be approached with some skepticism, they do provide valuable insights into her character and the associated traditions.
In Snorri’s narrative, Gefjun wanders through Sweden disguised as a beggar. King Gylfi, known for his generosity, allows her to claim as much land as her four oxen could plow in a single day. Summoning her sons, whom she bore with an unnamed giant, she transforms them into oxen. They not only plow the earth but pull it away from Sweden, creating a depression that eventually leads to the establishment of Lake Mälaren and the island of Zealand, where present-day Copenhagen is situated.
This tale is echoed, albeit in a more succinct and ambiguous manner, in the ninth-century poem “Ragnarsdrápa” by Bragi Boddason, which likely laid a foundation for Snorri’s account.
The connection between earth goddesses and the act of plowing was prevalent among the Norse and other Germanic tribes. The name Fjorgyn, used synonymously with “earth” during the Viking Age, may derive from an old Proto-Indo-European word meaning “furrow.”
Another relevant example from Old English literature is a prayer to a goddess named “Erce,” recited during the spring’s initial plowing, which although recorded later, roots back to pre-Christian times. This prayer fuses Christian imagery with ancient pagan themes, where the Christian god adopts a traditional role of a sky deity fertilizing the earth goddess.
Gefjun’s association with Zealand hints at a relationship with Nerthus, another earth goddess, whose worship was reportedly based in the same region.
In the sparse references about Gefjun in Old Norse literature, such as in the Eddic poem “Lokasenna,” the character Loki accuses her of exchanging sexual favors for jewels—an act also attributed to the goddess Freya. Considering Freya is likewise associated with abundance, the distinction between the two becomes unclear. It is noteworthy that Freya, under one of her names, is called Gefn—another appellation that derives from ‘gefa,’ also meaning “Giver.”
Thus, the portrayal of Gefjun as promiscuous contrasts sharply with Snorri’s claims of her virginity, suggesting a complexity within her character and role in mythology.
To sum up, Gefjun shares traits with various “earth mother” deities, including Freya, Frigg, Nerthus, Fjorgyn, Jord, and Sif. While they may not be seen as identical, they exhibit considerable overlap in their functions and significance—a reflection of the non-systematic nature of ancient Germanic spirituality.
Remarkably, this multiplicity of figures illustrates the organic and fluid relationship within the divine realm, catering to the cultural and psychological needs of the ancient Germanic peoples. This collective archetype of the “earth mother” appears to be rooted deeply within their spiritual consciousness.
For further exploration into Norse mythology, resources abound online and in print, with significant texts available for those eager to delve more into this rich tradition.
