Corey Smith on
Freya was the most important goddess in Norse mythology and religion. She was immensely popular throughout the entire Viking world. Her name translates to “Lady” which is actually more of a title than her actual name. This is due to the fact that Freya journeyed many times into the mortal world under various names in search of her lost husband. Like most Norse gods and goddesses Freya had countless names and nicknames. The nicest way to describe Freya, while still being polite, is to call her the “party girl” of all gods. It was said that she slept with every single god and elf in Asgard at some point or another, including her own brother Frey.
Freya was a lover of fine material possessions, more specifically jewelry. Gold was said to be the tears of Freya which fell all over the earth while she searched for her lost husband. Her husband was Odin, but he went under the name Od during histravels throughout the mortal world. Of all Norse gods and goddesses only Odin rivaled Freya when it came to magical abilities. She was the divine model of a Viking Age sorceress. It was said in one Old Norse poem that she went from house to house in the mortal world giving prophecies, chanting, and preforming all kinds of rituals for her human hosts. Freya taught Odin much of what he knew when it came to magic.
Frigg was Odin’s official wife, but it has been determined that she is an exact duplication of Freya, making them one and the same. The other difference between the two woman was Odin was simply called Od in reference to Freya, but he was called Odin by Frigg. Frigg was also noted for sleeping with both of Odin’s brothers while Odin was exiled. She also slept with a slave at one point. Freya and Frigg were very popular with the woman during the Viking Age because of her connection to fertility.
