Last Updated on November 3, 2024
Freyja (pronounced FRAY-yah) is one of the most powerful and revered Vanir goddesses. Her name can also be spelled Freya or Freja. As the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, and magic, Freyja embodies many aspects of life, often balancing the forces of creation and destruction. Her dual nature makes her an essential figure, known for her fierce independence and boundless wisdom.
Freyja possesses incredible magical abilities, especially her mastery of seiðr (pronounced SAY-thr), a form of Norse sorcery and divination. Her skill in seiðr even surpassed that of Odin, who learned this magic from her. Freyja used seiðr to see and influence the future, highlighting her role as a guide and protector. Her association with magic and transformation is one of her most defining traits.
Freyja’s connection to battle is also significant. She shares the slain warriors with Odin, as half of those who die in combat join her in her heavenly hall, Sessrúmnir, in the realm of Fólkvangr. The warriors she selects become part of her army, ready to fight alongside her in the afterlife. Freyja’s presence on the battlefield showcases her fierce and protective nature, as she guards over her chosen.
Another symbol strongly linked to Freyja is her necklace, Brísingamen, a stunning piece of jewelry often connected to her beauty and power. Her chariot, drawn by cats (Bygul and Trægul), reflects her dominion over fertility and love. Freyja’s ability to embody both nurturing love and destructive war sets her apart as one of the most complex deities.
Elder Futhark Runes Associated with Freyja
The rune Berkanan, symbolizing growth, fertility, and rebirth, is closely associated with Freyja. Berkanan embodies the nurturing aspects of life, much like Freyja’s role as the goddess of fertility and life. This rune connects to the cycles of birth and death, reminding one of Freyja’s power to create life, guide it, and protect it. As a goddess of balance, she nurtures and destroys, making Berkanan a fitting symbol for her.
Freyja’s Importance in Asatru
In Asatru, Freyja holds a central position due to her embodiment of love, magic, fertility, and war. She teaches that beauty and strength coexist and are essential to life. Many honor her for guidance in relationships, protection, and spiritual insight. Freyja’s power over seiðr also makes her an important figure for those seeking to connect with magic and transformation. Her role as a fierce protector and nurturing goddess makes her a vital part of Asatru worship.
