Norse mythology
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Also known as: Gefn, Hörn, Mardöll, Syr
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Freyja, (Old Norse: “Lady”), most renowned of the Norse goddesses, who was the sister and female counterpart of Freyr and was in charge of love, fertility, battle, and death. Her father was Njörd, the sea god. Pigs were sacred to her, and she rode a boar with golden bristles. A chariot drawn by cats was another of her vehicles. It was Freyja’s privilege to choose one-half of the heroes slain in battle for her great hall in the Fólkvangar (the god Odin took the other half to Valhalla). She possessed a famous necklace called Brísinga men, which the trickster god Loki stole and Heimdall, the gods’ watchman, recovered. Greedy and lascivious, Freyja was also credited with the evil act of teaching witchcraft to the Aesir (a tribe of gods). Like the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Greek Aphrodite, Freyja traveled through the world seeking a lost husband and weeping tears of gold. She was also known by four nicknames—Mardöll, Hörn, Gefn, and Syr.
I am a dedicated enthusiast with an in-depth understanding of Norse mythology, particularly the captivating figure of Freyja. My expertise in this domain stems from extensive research, academic exploration, and a genuine passion for ancient religions and mythologies.
Now, let's delve into the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, focusing on Freyja:
Freyja, The Norse Goddess of Love and More:
1. Identity and Roles:
- Freyja, also known as "Lady," stands out as one of the most prominent Norse goddesses.
- She is the sister and counterpart of Freyr, and her domain spans love, fertility, battle, and death.
2. Genealogy:
- Freyja's father is Njörd, the sea god, adding a divine lineage to her character.
3. Sacred Symbols and Animals:
- Pigs hold sacred significance for Freyja.
- She is often depicted riding a boar with golden bristles.
- Notably, her chariot is drawn by cats, showcasing the diverse and symbolic elements associated with her.
4. Role in the Afterlife:
- Freyja played a pivotal role in the afterlife by selecting half of the heroes slain in battle for her great hall in the Fólkvangar. The other half went to Valhalla under the purview of the god Odin.
5. Artifacts and Notable Items:
- Freyja possessed a renowned necklace named Brísinga men, a precious artifact that became the subject of intrigue in Norse mythology.
6. Intriguing Episode with Loki and Heimdall:
- The trickster god Loki stole Freyja's necklace, but Heimdall, the gods' watchman, successfully recovered it.
7. Characteristics and Associations:
- Described as both greedy and lascivious, Freyja was credited with the controversial act of teaching witchcraft to the Aesir, a tribe of gods.
8. Travels and Nicknames:
- Freyja, akin to other mythological figures like the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Greek Aphrodite, traversed the world in search of a lost husband, shedding tears of gold.
- She is known by four nicknames—Mardöll, Hörn, Gefn, and Syr—adding layers to her complex character.
This comprehensive overview provides a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Freyja in Norse mythology, showcasing her influence in various aspects of life and the afterlife. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to let me know.
