She is a prominent Norse goddess known for her beauty, love, fertility, and connection to magic. Freyja holds a significant place in Norse mythology and is revered as one of the most powerful and influential deities in the pantheon. As a member of the Vanir, a group of gods associated with fertility and abundance, Freyja embodies the ideals of sensuality and vitality.

Freyja is often depicted as a stunning goddess with golden hair, adorned in a cloak of falcon feathers, and wearing a beautiful necklace called Brísingamen. She possesses a chariot pulled by two large cats and is accompanied by a boar named Hildisvíni, both of which are symbols of her authority and prowess.

One of Freyja’s most significant domains is love and desire. She is known for her captivating beauty and ability to inspire deep affection and attraction in others. Freyja is associated with both romantic love and lust, and she supports and blesses those who seek love and companionship. Additionally, she is considered a protector of marriage and presides over weddings and fertility rituals.

Freyja is also a goddess of war and death, known for selecting half of the warriors slain in battle to dwell in her domain, Fólkvangr. As a powerful figure in battle, she has a close association with the Valkyries, the warrior maidens who serve Odin, the chief god of the Norse pantheon. Freyja and Odin share a special bond, as she is his favorite goddess and often assists him in various endeavors.

Furthermore, Freyja is a skilled practitioner of seidr, a form of Norse magic associated with prophecy, divination, and manipulation of fate. She is known to teach the art of magic to others and possesses immense knowledge and power in this realm.

Freyja’s influence extends beyond the realm of gods and mythology. She was venerated by the Norse people, particularly women, who sought her blessings for fertility, love, and protection. In times of difficulty or sorrow, devotees would call upon Freyja for solace and guidance.

Weapons

While Freyja is not typically depicted as a goddess of war or battle, she does possess the ability to engage in combat if necessary. There are a few instances in Norse mythology where Freyja is mentioned or associated with certain weapons:

• Valkyrie Sword: As the patron goddess of the valkyries, Freyja is associated with their weaponry. Valkyries are warrior maidens who serve Odin and choose the slain warriors on the battlefield. They are often depicted wielding swords, and Freyja, as their patron, may be associated with their weapons as well.
• Magic and Seidr: Freyja is renowned for her mastery of magic, particularly seidr. Seidr involves manipulating the fabric of fate, divination, and spellcasting. While not a physical weapon, magic is considered a potent and powerful tool in Norse mythology, and Freyja’s skill in this area gives her considerable influence and authority.

Family

Freyja’s family lineage is complex, as she is a member of both the Aesir and the Vanir, two prominent groups of gods in Norse mythology. Here are some of the notable family connections of Freyja:

• Parents: Freyja is the daughter of Njord, a Vanir god associated with the sea, seafaring, and wealth, and Nerthus, a goddess associated with fertility, nature, and the earth. Njord is often depicted as Freyja’s father, while the identity of her mother varies in different accounts (but is often unfortunately insinuated to be Njord’s sister).
• Siblings: Freyja has a twin brother named Freyr, who is also a Vanir god. Freyr is associated with fertility, prosperity, and sunshine. Both Freyja and Freyr are highly revered and influential deities in Norse mythology.
• Husband: Freyja is married to a god named Óðr (also known as Od). Óðr is mentioned in some sources, but very little is known about him. He is associated with inspiration, frenzy, and possibly poetry. Freyja and Óðr have two daughters, named Hnoss and Gersemi, who are often associated with beauty and precious possessions.
• Connections with Other Gods: Freyja has close ties with other prominent gods in the Norse pantheon. She is frequently mentioned in association with Odin, the chief god of the Aesir, and they share a close relationship. Freyja also interacts with Loki, the trickster god, and Thor, the god of thunder, on various occasions throughout Norse mythology.

Pivotal Moment

Freyja has several pivotal moments, but one of the most notable is her role in the retrieval of the Brísingamen necklace.

According to the myth, Freyja possessed a powerful and coveted necklace called Brísingamen. The necklace was made by dwarves and held great beauty and magical properties. In order to claim it from them, she had to agree to spend a night in each of the craftsmens beds. The transaction was simple enough, and went smoothly, but then along came Loki. Having seen her promiscuous transaction he tattled on her to Odin, who in turn ordered Loki to steal the necklace from her. In her sleep Loki, in the form of a fly, stole it from off her body.

Upon discovering the theft, Freyja was distraught and furious. She searched the realms, seeking her beloved necklace. Eventually, she confronted Odin and Loki and demanded its return. What happened after this depends on which myth you choose to believe. Some say Loki demanded Freyja help him marry a Giantess. Others say that Odin demanded she cursed to Kings to fight for all eternity until slain by a christened man. 

What is known is that later the necklace becomes relevant in the tricking of the giant Thrym. Thrym, well taken by Freyja’s beauty, wishes to court her. And he has stolen Thor’s hammer. Hatching a plan, Thor takes on a feminine appearance and pretends to be the goddess Freyja, selling the look by borrowing Brísingamen, while Loki poses as his maid. They journey to Jotunheim, the realm of the giants, where Thrym eagerly awaits his bride.

The ruse works, and Thor, in his disguise, is able to retrieve Mjölnir, his mighty hammer. In the ensuing chaos, Thor reverts to his true form, unleashes his wrath upon the giants, and successfully reclaims both Mjölnir and the Brísingamen necklace.