Last Updated on December 5, 2024
Sessrúmnir (pronounced SESS-roo-mnir, where mnir is said as a single syllable) is a grand hall associated with Freyja. Its name means “seat-room” or “room with many seats,” hinting at its vastness and hospitality. Sessrúmnir appears in the Grímnismál of the Poetic Edda, where it is described as Freyja’s dwelling in Fólkvangr. Freyja divides the slain warriors between herself and Odin, and Sessrúmnir serves as her hall for welcoming the worthy.
This hall is often compared to Valhalla, Odin’s grand hall, but it stands out for its inclusivity and purpose. Where Valhalla focuses on warriors preparing for Ragnarök, Sessrúmnir’s role reflects Freyja’s broader domain over love, fertility, and death. Its connection to Freyja reinforces her place as a powerful, independent figure among the gods.
Descriptions of Sessrúmnir in texts like the Prose Edda emphasize its magnificence, suggesting a blend of beauty and strength. Some interpretations view the hall as not just a physical location but a symbolic space representing comfort, renewal, and honor. Freyja’s role as a chooser of the slain aligns Sessrúmnir with respect for those who lived with courage and dignity.
Other sources sometimes compare it to Freyja’s chariot, drawn by her famous cats. While the connection isn’t explicit in the Eddas, both symbolize her multifaceted nature, blending compassion and ferocity. Alternate spellings like Sessrumne or Sessrumnir appear in various translations, but the meaning remains consistent.
Elder Futhark Runes Linked to Sessrúmnir
The rune Berkanan (ᛒ) aligns with Sessrúmnir due to its association with growth, fertility, and renewal. Freyja’s hall symbolizes these themes by honoring life’s cycles. The rune Gebō (ᚷ) also fits, representing gifts and partnerships, which reflect the bond between Freyja and those she welcomes into her hall. 
Importance to Asatruar
For Asatruar, Sessrúmnir emphasizes Freyja’s balanced nature. It represents her nurturing qualities alongside her fierce independence. The hall reminds modern practitioners of the value of courage and the reward of compassion. Freyja’s inclusivity in choosing the worthy inspires respect for diverse paths in life and after death. Sessrúmnir also highlights the beauty and strength inherent in harmony with nature and community.
