Definition

Proper noun 1. A major goddess in Norse mythology: Freya is the goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, gold, and seiðr (a form of magic). She is a member of the Vanir tribe of gods. 2. Daughter of Njörðr and sister of Freyr: In the mythological family tree, she is the daughter of the sea god Njörðr and the sister of the god Freyr.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • In the myths, Freya weeps tears of red gold for her missing husband.
  • The warriors prayed to Freya, hoping to be chosen to dwell in her hall, Fólkvangr.
  • Scholars often compare Freya to the goddess Frigg due to their overlapping domains.

Advanced Usage

• "Freya's falcon cloak": Refers to a magical item owned by the goddess that allows the wearer to shapeshift into a falcon. This is often cited in stories where she or other gods borrow it.
  • Loki borrowed Freya's falcon cloak to fly to Jötunheimr.
• In modern contexts, "Freya" is commonly used as a feminine given name, inspired by the goddess.
  • They named their daughter Freya after the Norse goddess of love.

Variants and Related Words

• Freyja: An alternate, common spelling of the goddess's name in Old Norse and modern scholarship.
• Vanir: The tribe of gods to which Freya belongs, associated with fertility, wisdom, and nature.
• Fólkvangr: The afterlife field or hall ruled by Freya, where she receives half of those who die in battle.
• Brisingamen: The magnificent necklace (or torc) of Freya, a central artifact in several myths.

Synonyms

• Goddess of love: (Contextual description)
• Vanadis: A poetic name for Freya, meaning "Lady of the Vanir."

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Seiðr: A form of sorcery or magic practiced by Freya, which she taught to the Æsir gods.
• The tears of Freya: A kenning (poetic metaphor) for gold.
  • The dragon guarded a hoard of Freya's tears.

Notes

Freya is a complex figure who presides over seemingly contradictory domains like love/fertility and war/battle. She is one of the most prominent and frequently mentioned goddesses in Norse literature.

Noun

1. (Norse mythology) goddess of love and fecundity; daughter of Njorth and sister of Frey