The interest in Norse Mythology has witnessed an increased resurgence driven by the popularity of TV series featuring the Vikings. Norse and Germanic people of the middle ages lives in a world where the deities personifying natural elements reigned supreme. The Norse Pantheon is filled with powerful female figures, ranging from the radiant Norse goddess of love, Freya, to the Norse goddess of hunting, Skadi. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most important Norse Goddesses that the vikings held in high regard.
Freya
Freya, also known as Freyja, is a prominent goddess in Norse mythology, renowned for her association with love, fertility, beauty, and battle. As the sister and counterpart of Freyr, she holds a significant role among the deities. With her fondness for pleasure and material possessions, Freya is often depicted as the vibrant and spirited “party girl” of the Aesir.
Originally belonging to the Vanir tribe of gods, Freya became an honorary member of the Aesir after the Aesir-Vanir War. Her father is Njord, and she presides over the afterlife realm known as Folkvang. According to ancient Norse poetry, Freya selects half of the fallen warriors from battles to reside in this realm.
In late Old Norse literature, Freya’s husband is identified as Odr, who is none other than Odin himself. Consequently, Freya is closely associated with Odin’s wife, Frigg. While literary sources present Freya and Frigg as distinct goddesses, they share profound similarities.
Frigg
Frigg, a prominent goddess in Norse mythology, holds the esteemed position of being the wife of Odin, the king of gods. As the mother of Baldur and a revered figure in the Norse pantheon, she is considered the foremost goddess. Originally known as Frija in German mythology, she later became both Frigg and Freyja in Norse mythology.
Frigg is primarily associated with clairvoyance, cleverness, and prophecy. She is recognized as the goddess of marriage and motherhood, embodying the essence of these roles. Interestingly, the surviving sources on Norse mythology provide limited information about her personality, deeds, and other attributes, despite her elevated status. The aspects that are discussed, however, are not exclusive to Frigg but are shared with Freyja, a goddess associated with both the Aesir and Vanir tribes of deities.
Like Freyja, Frigg is depicted as a völva, a practitioner of the ancient Norse magical tradition known as seidr. Seidr involves the discernment of fate and working within its framework to bring about change, often through symbolic weaving to shape new events.
Idun
Idun is a goddess in the principal pantheon of Norse mythology, an esteemed member of the Ásynjur, holding a significant role as the embodiment of spring, youth, and immortality. She is also recognized as a skald, much like her husband, Bragi. Though few surviving texts specifically mention Idun, she appears in several myths that shed light on her importance.
One of the most notable tales in Norse mythology involves the gods’ preservation of eternal youth and how they almost lost this precious source of life. This myth is recounted in the Skaldic poem Haustlöng and retold in the Prose Edda. According to the myth, Idun resided in an enchanted garden where she alone possessed the ability to pluck the apples that held the secret to everlasting youth. The giant Thiazi, seeking to obtain this rejuvenating power, captured Loki and struck a deal for his release. In exchange for his freedom, Loki agreed to assist the giant in capturing Idun by luring her away from her garden.
Once separated from the apples, the gods began to age and weaken, realizing the dire consequences of their loss. Understanding the gravity of his actions, Loki resolved to redeem himself. Utilizing Freya’s Feather Skin, he transformed into a falcon and embarked on a daring mission to rescue Idun from the clutches of the giant. Through Loki’s heroic efforts, Idun was rescued, and the gods regained access to the apples of eternal youth, thus restoring their vitality and preserving their immortality. This myth exemplifies Idun’s crucial role in maintaining the well-being and eternal youth of the gods in Norse mythology.
Sif
Sif, a radiant fertility goddess in Norse mythology, is closely associated with the earth and is mentioned quite often in Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, albeit in passing references. She is the mother of Thrud, a daughter of Thor, and Ullr, a son whose father is not named in the available sources but is associated with archery, hunting, and skiing in the Pre-Viking era. Sif also plays a part in the tale of The Creation of Thor’s Hammer, although her role remains largely passive.
In this myth, it is said that Sif possessed magnificent golden hair, which caught the attention of the mischievous trickster Loki. Seizing an opportunity to cause trouble, Loki decided to cut off Sif’s beautiful locks. Infuriated by this act, Thor threatened to kill Loki. However, Loki cunningly bargained for his life by promising to find an even more splendid head of hair for Sif. Thor agreed, and Loki set off on a quest to procure new hair for Sif.
Skadi
Skadi, a formidable giantess, and goddess in Norse mythology, is closely associated with bowhunting, skiing, winter, and mountains. Her name is believed to have a connection with the term “Scandinavia,” but it remains uncertain whether Skadi derived her name from the landmass or if it was the other way around.
Driven by a desire to avenge her father’s death, the giant Thiazi, Skadi took up arms and launched an attack on the rival tribe of the gods, known as the Aesir, in their realm of Asgard. In an attempt to appease her wrath, the Aesir offered Skadi the opportunity to choose one of their members as her husband. However, there was a condition: she had to make her selection based solely on the appearance of their legs or feet. Mistakenly believing that Njörd, the sea god, was the fair god, Balder, Skadi chose him as her husband.
Unfortunately, their marriage faced challenges as Njörd preferred to reside by the sea, while Skadi found greater happiness in her father’s mountainous abode known as Thrymheim. This fundamental difference in preferences eventually led to the dissolution of their marriage. In certain sources, Skadi is also recognized as the goddess of snowshoes, further highlighting her close association with wintry landscapes and outdoor activities.
Hel
In Norse mythology, Hel, derived from the Old Norse word meaning “that which hides,” is the enigmatic goddess of the dead. Unlike the Æsir or Vanir gods, she is associated with the giants. Hel is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboða, and she shares a kinship with her siblings Fenrir and Jörmungand.
Hel is depicted as an ominous figure with a half-normal and half-blue-black rotting complexion, symbolizing her dual nature as both living and dead. She embodies the realms of darkness and light, straddling the boundary between life and death. The Æsir brought Hel and her siblings to Asgard out of fear for the danger they posed to the gods. Fenrir was bound with the unbreakable Gleipnir, Jörmungand was cast into the vast ocean encircling Midgard, and Hel was exiled to the underworld, where she became the goddess of the dead for those not accepted into Valhalla.
Accompanied by formidable beings such as Garmr, a fierce hellhound guarding the gates of the underworld, and Móðguðr, a giantess entrusted with safeguarding the bridge to the realm of the dead, Hel reigns as the gatekeeper and ruler of Helheim. Helheim, also known as “Hel” or “Halls of Hel,” is the realm where she receives those who have died from old age or illness and are unable to enter Valhalla.
Hel’s character is multifaceted, with some sources describing her as vengeful while others depict her as benevolent. As the goddess presiding over the realm of the dead, she holds significant sway over the fates of departed souls, ensuring that those who do not ascend to Valhalla find their rightful place in the realm she governs.
Eir
The references to Eir in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda have sparked debate about her identity, whether she is a Norse goddess or a Valkyrie, or if the sources refer to two distinct figures. Regardless, Eir is consistently portrayed as a symbol of life and a patron of those practicing medicine. Among the Ásynjur, she is renowned for her exceptional knowledge of herbal remedies.
According to a poem, Eir dwells atop Lyfjaberg, the “healing mountain.” It is believed that women who ascend this mountain are granted healing by Eir, who possesses the ability to cure any disease and even resurrect the deceased. While the nature of her powers remains the subject of speculation, Eir’s association with healing and her deep understanding of medicinal treatments are prominent features attributed to her. Though the exact classification of Eir as a goddess or Valkyrie remains uncertain, her significance as a figure linked to life and as a protector of those involved in medicine is clear.
Fulla
Fulla, the Norse Goddess of secrets, and managing people and resources to foster abundance, holds a significant role as the counselor and confidante of Queen Frigga. She safeguards Frigga’s secrets, shoes, and a small treasure box, serving as a trusted guardian of her belongings. Described in the Prose Edda as a virgin with flowing hair secured by a golden band, Fulla is invoked as Volla, the sister of Frigga.
One may perceive Fulla’s task of tending to Frigga’s casket of jewels and pairs of shoes as ordinary, but it is crucial to acknowledge that these possessions of the mighty All-Mother likely possess various magical properties. Therefore, it is fitting to have a dedicated guardian for them.
In the prose introduction to the Poetic Edda, a wager unfolds between Frigg and her husband, Odin, regarding the hospitality of their human patrons. To warn Frigg’s patron, King Geirröd, of an impending visit from a disguised magician (who is actually Odin), Frigg dispatches her servant maid Fulla. Meeting with Geirröd, Fulla delivers the warning and offers guidance on how to identify the magician.
Sigyn
Sigyn, the wife of the cunning trickster god Loki, played a significant role in Norse mythology. While references to her are scattered throughout Eddic and Skaldic poetry, her primary focus revolves around the tale of Loki’s punishment for his involvement in the death of Baldur. Sigyn and Loki had a son, known as Narfi or Nari, though details about him are limited.
In the story, as punishment, the gods transformed one of Loki’s sons, Vali (distinct from the Vali who sought vengeance for Baldur’s death), into a wolf. This wolf tore apart Narfi/Nari and the boy’s entrails hardened into an iron chain. Using this grim fetter, the gods bound Loki in a deep cave beneath the earth. To further torment him, they placed a venomous snake above Loki, causing it to drip venom onto his head.
In this dire situation, Sigyn remained steadfast by Loki’s side. With unwavering devotion, she held a bowl to catch the venomous drops, ensuring they never touched her husband’s head. Sigyn’s act of compassion and sacrifice serves as a poignant symbol of her loyalty and enduring love for Loki.
Rán
Rán is a norse water deity who personifies the essence of the sea. As the spouse of Ægir, a jötunn closely linked to the ocean, they form a formidable pair. Their union brings forth nine daughters, each personifying the relentless and tempestuous nature of the waves. Rán is commonly portrayed wielding a net, skillfully capturing unsuspecting sailors within its intricate meshes. In a noteworthy incident, she even lent her net to the cunning god Loki, further demonstrating her influential presence.
Nanna
Nanna, a revered figure in Norse mythology, is counted among the Ásynjur, the principal goddesses of the pantheon. She is the daughter of the god Nep, also known as Nepr, and the wife of Baldur, with whom she ash a son named Forseti. Nanna is often hailed as the Goddess of Joy and Peace, embodying qualities of happiness and tranquility.
The Poetic Edda, a significant source of Norse mythological tales, recounts the story of Baldur’s tragic demise. Overwhelmed by grief, Nanna succumbs to sorrow and willingly follows Baldur to the realm of the dead, Helheim. In an effort to free Baldur from the clutches of the underworld, Hermod, a brave son of Odin, ventures into Helheim on a perilous journey.
During his visit, Nanna presents Hermod with gifts to be brought back to the land of the living. She entrusts him with a robe of linen for Frigg, a goddess in Norse mythology, and a precious golden ring intended for Fulla, another deity. Despite Hermod’s valiant efforts, he is unable to persuade Nanna to leave Helheim and return with him.