Freyr

Freyr.

Freyr, also known as Frey, Fricco, Yngvi, Ingwin and Ingƿine, is the god associated with fertility, fruitfulness, beauty, wealth, seidr, war, and death (Burial mounds and Alfheimr).

Description

A member of the Vanir tribe of gods, he is known to be the noblest of the gods and together with his twin sister, Freya, he brings peace and prosperity to men and the blessings of fertility to the home and the field. Freyr is also the son of Njorð by Njorð's own sister.

Overview

When these gods went to war with another group of gods called the Aesir, Freyr was taken hostage. The Aesir eventually released Freyr, and the Norse came to consider him a member of both groups of gods and was welcomed in the realm of Asgard.

Freyr is known to have used many magical items during his adventures. His two most prized and greatest mystical treasures included a horse named Blodughofi and a magnificent boar, Gullinbursti, which pulled his chariot. Thus, both boar and horse were associated with Freyr. From the dwarfs, Freyr received a ship that could travel in any direction regardless of which way the wind was blowing. When Freyr was not using the ship, he could fold it up and put it in his pocket. Another magnificent treasure was a sword that could fight by itself.

One of the best-known legends about Freyr explains how he fell in love with a female giant named Gerda. From the moment he saw her, Freyr decided to make her his bride. He sent his servant Skirnir to try to convince Gerda to marry him. She refused at first but later agreed. Freyr gave his sword to Skirnir in return for winning Gerda for him.