The Goddess Gefjun: A Norse Tale of Fertility and Abundance
Gefjun, known as one of the ancient Norse deities, embodies agriculture, fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Her name, rooted in the Old Norse verb gefa, translates to “Giver” or “Generous One,” reflecting her nurturing nature.
Much of what we understand about Gefjun comes from the writings of Snorri Sturluson, a thirteenth-century Icelandic historian. Though his accounts of Norse mythology require careful interpretation, his narrative about Gefjun contains valuable insights.
According to Snorri, Gefjun journeyed through Sweden disguised as a vagabond. Captivated by her presence, King Gylfi generously offered her as much land as four oxen could plow in a single day. Gefjun summoned her four sons, whom she had with an anonymous giant, transforming them into oxen to fulfill this task. Not only did they manage to plow the land, but they also dragged it from Sweden, creating the depression that now forms Lake Mälaren. The land was subsequently pulled out to sea, giving rise to the Danish island of Zealand, which houses present-day Copenhagen.
This tale finds echoes in an earlier ninth-century poem, Ragnarsdrápa, composed by Bragi Boddason. This work may significantly inform Snorri’s retelling, yet it remains shorter and less detailed.
The connection between fertility, land cultivation, and the earth goddess is evident in various pre-Christian practices among Norse and other Germanic peoples. The goddess Fjorgyn, synonymous with “earth” by the Viking Age, likely derives its name from a Proto-Indo-European word signifying “furrow.” This lineage underscores the longstanding connection between divinities of land and the act of plowing.
Similarly, a historical Old English prayer to a little-known goddess named “Erce” was recited during the spring plowing. This prayer, although recorded post-Christianity, has roots in pre-Christian worship. It reflects a divine union between a sky god and the earth goddess, affirming cultural continuity in honor of fertility. H.R. Ellis Davidson captured this essence in her translation of the prayer invoking prosperity for the fields.
The ties to Zealand also hint at a broader connection involving Gefjun and another earth goddess, Nerthus, whose worship thrived in the same region.
Old Norse literature contains sparse references to Gefjun beyond Sturluson’s accounts. In the Eddic poem Lokasenna, Loki accuses her of bartering sexual favors for valuable items, a charge also levied against the goddess Freya, who shares qualities with Gefjun. The proximity of names—Gefn for Freya, which also alludes to the idea of “Giver”—complicates the distinction between these two deities.
Thus, Gefjun’s portrayal raises questions about her virginity, especially given Sturluson’s claim that she serves the souls of virgins in the afterlife. This notion seems contradictory in the context of her connection to fertility and generosity.
In conclusion, Gefjun’s character cannot easily be delineated from the archetypal “earth mother goddess,” a category that also includes figures like Freya, Frigg, Nerthus, Fjorgyn, Jord, and Sif. While they may not be regarded as the same divine entity, the similarities thread a rich tapestry of fertility goddesses that exemplify the ancient Germanic belief systems.
The multiplicity of these divine figures raises questions about the structure of Germanic religious thought. Instead of a singular deity, the ancient Norse and Germanic peoples embraced a diversity of representations, reflecting a complex relationship with nature that resonates deep within their cultural psyche.
For further exploration into Norse mythology and religion, engaging resources are available, including literature detailing the vast narratives surrounding this fascinating topic.
