in progress
Descriptions of the goddess Freyja.
text
Gylf ch. 24b
24b. Freyja
En Freyja er ágætust af ásynj... | And Freyia is the most glorio... |
[status: unverified copy]
Gylf ch. 35c
35c. Freyja
Freyja er tignust með Frigg. ... | Freyia is highest in rank nex... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
Gylfaginning, which is part of Snorra Edda, was composed in Iceland in the 13th century, and holds the stories of many of the Pre-Christian myths of northern Europe. It is believe to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamáland Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller.
commentary
Freyja is the most important of the goddesses, daughter of Njörðr, sister of Freyr and represents beauty and fertility. She is a vanir and married to Oðr. Freyja is mentioned throughout the written sources, for example in Gylfaginning 23, Þrymskviða, Lokasenna 30 and Ynglinga Saga 4. She teaches the Æsir the secrets of magic and often called upon in relation to love.
For more, see:
Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 114-125
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 90-91
Steinsland, Gro (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. pp. 143-164
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Gylfaginning
Attributes: battle Female Battle Wagon gods in wagons Fertility Gold Vanir invoking a god by calling name Riding Necklace Necklace Honour Death Ride Goddess Female deity
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt, Gylf ch. 24b SnSt, Gylf ch. 35c