Freyja, Lady, Vanadis

An Introduction to the Goddess

by Patricia M. Lafayllve

 

Book Details

An Insightful Look at a Complex Deity

Freyja, Lady, Vanadis: An Introduction to the Goddess examines Freyja, perhaps the best-known goddess of Norse mythology. Using original source material, extant writings, and scholarship the author builds an image of the goddess as she may have appeared to her followers in pre-Christian Northern Europe. Patricia Lafayllve then uses the knowledge she has compiled to speculate on aspects of modern worship of this complex deity.

 

Book Excerpt

Excerpt From Chapter One...

This work will use the various types of material to discuss what is known about Freyja and her worship. Some conjecture will appear based on the works of various scholars and the author's own interpretation of events. However, the author will attempt to delineate divergences between speculation and clear sources whenever possible. Additionally, a few common misconceptions about Freyja will be noted in an attempt to clarify the issue, again based primarily upon the remaining source material.
So what do we know about Freyja? Clearly, she is a member of a tribe of deities known as the Vanir. Snorri Sturluson tells us that "Njord of Noatun had afterwards two children. The son was called Freyr and the daughter Freyja. They were beautiful in appearance and mightyàand Freyja is the most glorious of the Asyniur.3" The word 'Asyniur' is used to collectively identify the Norse goddesses. While the mother of Frey and Freyja is not known, Ynglingasaga tells us Njord's wife is his sister4. Some speculate that this is the shadowy goddess Nerthus, and she therefore is Freyja's mother. This concept will become important later, when we discuss Freyja's connection with the earth, however it must be stated that the only reference we have to the existence of Nerthus comes from Tacitus, a Roman writing 1000 years prior to the Viking Age5. In any event, we now have a picture of Freyja's family ancestry. Ancestry was considered very important among Viking Age Scandinavians, and so it is no surprise that this information survives in the record.
Freyja leaves her home, Vanaheim, at the time of the hostage settlement which closes the war between the Aesir and the Vanir. Njord and Frey are sent to Asgard as hostages, and Freyja comes with them. We do not know why she does this û it is never explained. In Asgard, Freyja is given "a place called Folkvang, and there Freyja is in charge of allotting seats in the hall.6" Snorri later tells us the name of her hall, Sessrumnir, which translates roughly to "many-seated7." From Grimnismal we learn that "half the slain she chooses every day, and half Odin owns.8" Thus we learn that Freyja has charge over the dead, and not just the every day dead but specifically those who are slain, e.g., warriors who fall in battle. This is a key point that will be discussed in more detail in Chapter Three.

 

About the Author

Patricia M. Lafayllve

Patricia Lafayllve is a long-time student of Viking Age literature, history and mythology. She holds a Master’s Degree in English. She is a proud member of Two Ravens Kindred, Bjornsal, and The Troth. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and dog. This is her first book.