Frigg: The Mother Goddess of Norse Mythology
Frigg holds an essential position in Norse mythology, regarded as the counterpart of her husband, Óðin. Known as the “queen” of the gods, her name translates to “Beloved.” She is the daughter of Fjörgynn, often interpreted as Mother Earth or Jörð, and shares giant heritage similar to Óðin. Frigg’s children include notable figures such as Baldr, Höðr, and Hœnir.
The name “Frigga” has become the modern anglicized version, with “Frigg” being prevalent in European languages and academic discussions. This distinction is partly due to the phonetic similarity of “Frigg” to a modern English vulgarity, which has led North American pagan groups to prefer “Frigga.” In England, she was worshipped under the Saxon title of Frije or Frea.
Frigg possesses knowledge of all fates, which she keeps secret. Her wisdom is unparalleled, and according to myths, she is one of the few deities allowed to sit in the High Tower of Hliðskjálf, giving her the ability to witness events across the Nine Worlds. She joins Óðin and Ullr during the Wild Hunt.
Documented mentions of Frigg can be found in the Poetic and Prose Eddas, the Second Merseburg Incantation, Gesta Danorum, and various sagas, particularly Heimskringla. Archaeological evidence further supports her existence. A magical garment made of falcon feathers and a chariot drawn by rams and sheep are among her distinguished possessions. Frigg is linked to atmospheric phenomena and is said to weave clouds, mist, and fog from her spindle. The rain is often depicted as tears she sheds for her sons.
Her most notable narrative revolves around her son Baldr. In a bid to protect him, Frigg extracted vows from all things to ensure he would not be harmed. However, she overlooked the mistletoe, which Loki exploited to trick Höðr into killing Baldr with a mistletoe dart. Hel agreed to let Baldr return from the dead if all beings wept for him, a deed Frigg accomplished, with even mistletoe shedding tears, believed to manifest as its white berries. However, in Snorri’s Prose Edda—inflected by Christian ideals—Loki deceives Frigg, and her son remains trapped in death.
Proposed interpretations of the myth suggest it may reflect a cyclical pattern where Baldr dies and is reborn annually. One variation indicates Frigg instigating a tradition of kissing beneath the mistletoe to signify Baldr (representative of the sun) returning each year, marking the event.
Saxo Grammaticus intertwined Frigg with Freya, recounting an affair with Ullr. Evidence suggests these goddesses could be different facets of the same entity, leading some Heathen groups to consider them as one. This discourse is often contentious, with scholars debating their identities. In contrast, many traditional Norse pagans regard Frigg and Freya as distinct, with unique functions that have evolved over time.
The Significance of Frigg Today
Frigg is venerated as the Mother Goddess in Norse neo-paganism and referred to as All-Mother in contemporary practices, aligning her with the Æsir. She provides guidance in foresight, strategy, and protection. One of her titles is “Protectress,” and ancient texts imply that she was invoked to safeguard women, children, and households. Known for blessing warriors who fought in her name, Frigg had a pivotal role in influencing battles. The linden tree holds sacred significance for her, as its wood was traditionally used for Germanic shields, symbolizing her protection.
The goddess’s connection to spinning and weaving links her to the Nornir, who also oversee birth and childhood. Leading the Dísir, representative of female ancestry, she is part of the lineage associated with the Fairy Godmother seen in European folklore. The Eddas offer no insights into Frigg’s fate during Ragnarök, leaving her ultimate end a mystery, similar to the Norns who also see fates but are bound by them.
Frigg embodies life-giving moisture, whether from clouds or river mists. Her sacred sites include wetlands and marshes, locations imbued with maternal and fertile energy. She resides in Fensalir, an otherworldly hall situated in the foggy realms of Ásgard. All aquatic birds fall under her domain, including geese—leading to the association with Mother Goose, a character delivering cautionary messages to guide and protect children. Her connections may trace back to an ancient Moisture Mother deity in proto-Indo-European cultures, akin to the Irish goddess Danu.
Additional layers to Frigg’s mythology include her focus on social bonds. Her stories underscore themes of companionship, inter-dependence, and community ties. Accompanied by twelve handmaidens, these divine figures are interpreted either as independent goddesses or aspects of Frigg herself, each representing different realms of assistance:
- Sága – Knowledge, history, and memory.
- Eir – Healing and restoration.
- Gefjion – Independence and female empowerment.
- Fulla – Wealth and female solidarity.
- Sjöfn – Harmonizing family relationships.
- Lofn – Advocacy for marginalized unions.
- Var – Support for marriage and long-lasting partnerships.
- Vör – Intuition and foresight.
- Syn – Boundary setting.
- Hlín – Protective energy towards children.
- Snotra – Social interactions and events.
- Gná – Facilitating communication.
The holy day honoring Frigg, known as “Mother’s Night,” has historical ties to Christmas Eve, but it originally marked the Winter Solstice. This night was thought to be especially fertile for divination, as Frigg is believed to spin the fates of both gods and men during this period. Following the rise of Christianity, her worship evolved and was absorbed into traditions centered around figures like the Virgin Mary and St. Lucy.
Symbols and Representations
Frigg is represented by various symbols and creatures, including waterfowl, sheep, cows, and falcons, as well as by the landscapes of wetlands and marshes. Key imagery includes spinning, weaving, textiles, and items like house keys—all evoking feminine power and wisdom. Celebrated during the Winter Solstice, Frigg’s influence permeates various aspects of life, underscoring the significance of mothers and caregivers.
The collective of associated names expands her identity across different cultures, including Frig, Frija, Frije, Frea, Perchte, Frau Holda, and Mother Goose, showcasing her enduring legacy in mythology and folklore.
