Freyr

Drawing from a small bronze figure wearing a pointed cap, thought to represent the fertility deity Freyr, found at Rallinge, Sodermanland, Sweden.
Click on image for full size (19K JPEG)

According to Norse mythology, Freyr was closely linked with the Sun. He was the god of peace and fertility. His parents were the sea god Njord and the giantess Skadi. On a journey to the underworld, he saw and fell in love with the giantess Gerd.

He sent his servant, Skirnir, on a journey to convince Gerd to marry him. He also gave him a magic sword to use. Skirnir, however, could not convince Gerd to marry his master. It wasn't until he threatened her with the magic sword that Gerd agreed to meet Freyr in a grove of trees to become his bride.

Skirnir's journey into the underworld is symbolic of the winter months in the Norse lands, where there are long periods of darkness.

Last modified March 27, 1997 by the Windows Team

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Freyr

Drawing from a small bronze figure wearing a pointed cap, thought to represent the fertility deity Freyr, found at Rallinge, Sodermanland, Sweden. Click on image for full size (19K JPEG)

Drawing from a small bronze figure wearing a pointed cap, thought to represent the fertility deity Freyr, found at Rallinge, Sodermanland, Sweden.
Click on image for full size (19K JPEG)