Freya, derived from Old Norse meaning “lady,” is recognized as the goddess of love in Norse mythology. Her character was layered and profound, embodying a considerable force in Viking lore, standing alongside figures like Odin and Thor.
The Attributes of Freya
Known by various names, including Freyja, Freja, Fröja, and Frøya, she was not only the goddess of love but also presided over fertility, warfare, and death. Freya’s narratives emphasize her connection to sexuality, though interestingly, she is often dissociated from childbirth—a facet of fertility represented by other goddesses.
Freya’s Role in Norse Beliefs
Her significance likely stemmed from her association with life’s origins, making her pivotal in early Scandinavian religious practices. One of her key roles was to select which fallen heroes would be welcomed into her magnificent hall, Folkvangar, where half would be chosen by Odin for Valhalla according to their social standing at the time of death.
Symbolism and Symbols
Freya was linked to numerous symbols and attributes in Norse culture. She revered pigs, often riding one, and drove a chariot pulled by cats. One notable possession was a cloak or dress crafted from falcon feathers, which connected her to witchcraft—myths document her teaching this craft to the Aesir gods. The poem Hyndluljóð details her sacred boar, Hildisvíni, while her brother Freyre had a boar named Gullinborsti. Davidson’s writings also tie her to horses, asserting these animals were sacred to her.
Another significant artifact associated with Freya was her necklace, Brísingamen, linked to a narrative that involves Loki’s mischief. This necklace is thought to have gained its name from the 13th and 14th centuries, with its meaning being subject to various interpretations. Connections to the root words around brisa and Brosinga mene suggest links to shrines or treasures, reinforcing Freya’s nature as a goddess of abundance and fertility.
Her Divine Family
Freya hailed from the Vanir gods, who were primarily associated with fertility. She had a twin brother, Freyre, who personified the harvest, and their father, Njörd, was a god of the sea. The identity of Freya’s mother is ambiguous with some accounts attributing her to Njörd’s sister or to Nerthus, the Earth goddess. After her initial existence in Vanaheim, Freya transitioned to live in Asgard alongside her husband Ódr, believed to connect her to Odin’s counterpart, as both names resonate closely.
Freya and Ódr parents to two daughters named Hnoss and Gersemi, with their names symbolizing treasures. Although little is documented about their lives, their association with riches reinforces Freya’s allure and the value placed upon her in mythological narratives.
Freya and Seidr Magic
Historically, Freya is often depicted seeking her lost spouse, with her tears said to transform into gold, a motif prevalent since as early as the 10th century. Following the Aesir-Vanir War, which arose from cultural differences, Freya, alongside her brother and father, was integrated into the Aesir.
Freya was pivotal in imparting the knowledge of seidr, a potent form of Norse magic used for navigating and manipulating fate. Practiced in a structured format, seidr involved attempting to intertwine destinies and manipulate outcomes. The social standing of practitioners—often both revered and feared—highlighted the ambiguous perception of magic in Norse society.
The Ynglinga Saga, a significant historical text, attests to her role in introducing this magical practice to the gods and humanity, underlining the central theme of fate within Norse mythology.
Further Tales of Freya
One fragment of Eddic poetry depicts Loki accusing Freya of promiscuity among gods and elves. Another tale involves Freya’s necklace, Brisingamen, which Loki covets, leading to a series of conflicts. The particulars surrounding these accounts tend to remain incomplete, with glimpses into Freya being treated as a bargaining token by figures like the giant Thrym.
Freya’s narratives are rife with encounters involving giants, further portraying her as a coveted prize within numerous myths. Her name was often used as a form of payment, far too frequently highlighted as a figure whose worth extended beyond measure.
A Comparison with Frigg
Although Freya and Frigg (Odin’s wife) are treated as distinct figures in surviving Norse literature, some suggest their similarities may indicate a prior singular goddess. Scholars propose that the division arose due to the Christianization of Scandinavia, which necessitated a separation from a unified divine entity into separate identities. This notion is supported by the etymology of their names, with Freya’s spouse, Ódr, sharing a linguistic root with Odin’s name.
Freya’s Lasting Influence
Despite a lack of organized worship dedicated to Freya, numerous geographical locations throughout Sweden and Norway are believed to connect to her legacy, demonstrating the ongoing reverence for her figure in Norse culture. Although principally celebrated as the goddess of love today, Freya embodies much more complexity within Norse religious narratives and continues to capture interest in the rich tapestry of mythology.
[top image: “Freja’s Painting” by John Bauer. Source: Public domain]
