Overview
Frigg is most recognized as Odin’s wife and serves as the queen of the Norse gods within the Aesir tribe. Despite her high status, her role and characteristics in Norse mythology are somewhat obscure. This lack of clarity arises from the limited discussions about her in ancient texts. Nevertheless, Frigg influenced numerous aspects of existence, intertwining themes of fertility, marriage, love, wisdom, and prophecy.
Historically, many experts have posited that Frigg might be an incarnation of Freya, a goddess affiliated with the Vanir tribe, due to shared traits. Both goddesses practiced the magical art of seidr to foresee or modify future events, indicating a potential origin from a common deity. Their identities diverged due to varying aspects of their personalities—while Freya was noted for her sexual freedom, Frigg maintained a more reserved approach toward matters of love and intimacy.
Etymology
The name “Frigg” traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic term frijaz, meaning “beloved” or “dear.” The modern English term “Friday” also connects to Frigg through the Old English term Frīġedæġ, which literally translates to “Frigg’s day.”
Attributes
As Odin’s spouse, Frigg’s status as the supreme goddess of the Norse pantheon is undisputed. Artistic representations from the 19th and early 20th centuries often depict her on a throne, embodying authority.
Frigg resided in Fensalir, a watery domain interpreted as a marsh or bog. She possessed an ashen box, or eski, traditionally carried by the goddess Fulla, although its contents remain a mystery. Frigg also possessed a collection of falcon feathers that were said to enable transformations into bird form, notably utilized by Loki.
Family
The origins of Frigg’s lineage are not clearly documented. In her later years, she married Odin, and they together had two sons, Hermod and Baldur, the latter revered as the wisest among the Aesir deities.
Family Tree
- Consorts
- Husband: Odin
- Children
- Sons: Baldur, Hermod
Mythology
Frigg holds significant roles in two well-known Norse myths articulated in the Grímnismál of the Poetic Edda and the Gylfaginning of the Prose Edda. Both narratives depict her as a maternal figure and a ruler in her own right.
Frigg in the Grímnismál
Although the Grímnismál, also known as the “Ballad of Grimnir,” mainly tackles the fate of Grimnir, it also sets forth an intriguing frame narrative. The young sons of King Hrauthung, Agnar and Geirröth, found themselves cast into the sea during a fishing trip due to unforeseen storms. Rescued by a peasant couple, Geirröth was eventually returned to his father’s kingdom, only to discover the elder king’s demise, leading the people to crown him as their new ruler.
While this took place, Frigg and Odin watched from Hlithskjolf, Odin’s throne, allowing them to observe all realms. The peasant couple who cared for Agnar and Geirröth were, in fact, shapeshifted forms of Odin and Frigg. Odin favored Geirröth’s nobility while criticizing Agnar, prompting a wager between the couple. In an effort to aid his foster son, Odin entered Geirröth’s court in disguise. Frigg, eager to protect Agnar, sent a message warning Geirröth of the wizard’s arrival.
The traveler Grimnir ultimately reached Geirröth’s court, where he was tortured to reveal his identity. The stories he shared while recuperating illustrated the underlying narrative of the Grímnismál, demonstrating Frigg’s protective instincts and tactical intelligence as a mother.
Frigg and the Death of Baldur
One of the pivotal tales of Norse mythology involves Baldur’s tragic demise, depicted in the Gylfaginning, a segment of Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda. The story emphasizes Frigg as a grieving mother who strives against fate to revive her son.
Frigg’s nightmarish visions mirrored those of Baldur, compelling Odin to ride to Hel, the abode of the dead, to consult an oracle regarding their dire dreams. There, he confronted a völva, ultimately learning that Baldur was fated to die.
Frigg’s devastation set into motion a fierce determination to thwart the prophecy. She sought oaths from all things in existence—creatures, elements, and materials—not to harm her son. However, she overlooked a simple mistletoe plant.
Loki, always the trickster, exploited this oversight. Disguised as a woman, he learned of Frigg’s omission and crafted a spear from the mistletoe. Under Loki’s machinations, the blind god Hodr unwittingly hurled the spear at Baldur, resulting in a fatal blow.
Crushed by grief, Frigg sought a champion to plead for Baldur’s return from Hel. Hermod, her lesser-known son, volunteered to ride to Hel’s halls. He beseeched the death goddess to spare Baldur, who was beloved by all. She acquiesced but stipulated that every creature must mourn for Baldur.
Messages were dispatched throughout the realms, with every entity weeping in sorrow—until they confronted Thökk, an ancient giantess (a guise of Loki) who refused to shed tears. Her heartlessness barred Baldur’s return to the living.
Pop Culture
In contemporary times, Frigg has not been extensively portrayed within popular culture compared to other Norse figures. Instead, she remains a revered deity among practitioners of modern Germanic neopagan traditions, notably Heathenry, where her historical significance and ancient beliefs are upheld.
