Freya is an extremely powerful and passionate goddess in Norse mythology. She is commonly understood to be a goddess of war, or a warrior goddess, a goddess of sensual love, and a valkyrie. In Norse mythology,Valkyries were "beautiful maidens who serve Odin and ride over battlefields to claim the dead heroes and take them to Valhalla" (Valkyrie Definition of Valkyrie in the Free Online Encyclopedia). She is described as a very powerful leader of the Valkyries, and "She had the right to claim half the souls of the bravest warriors who died in battle. Actually going onto the battlefield, she would gather them up and take them back with her to spend the after-life in her home in perpetual rest and recreation. A sweet and generous woman, she always invited their wives or lovers to come and live with them. The other half of the heroic warriors, who belonged to Odin, would be gathered up by the Valkyries and taken to Valhalla where they were able to live in comfort and honor" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). Freya was married to Od, who is described as a "mysterious" Norse God, but had many lovers besides her husband. My research on the Norse goddess Freya, was consistent in that she was an absolutely beautiful and captivating goddess. She served as a compassionate aid to those who were dying, and often helped noble heroes on their journey to the otherworld, Valhalla. Relevant to modern day, it was believed that "When Freya and the Valkyries rode forth on their missions, their armor caused the eerily beautiful flickering light that we know as the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). Although her husband Od transformed into a sea monster and was eventually killed, Freya ensured his admittance into Valhalla, and maintained contact with her deceased husband through occasional visits. Some believe that Freya influenced the naming of Friday.
Freya was called "The Lady" or "mistress", and was "Usually depicted as a strawberry blonde with stunning blue eyes, none could resist her. To make matters even worse, like the Greek goddess Aphrodite, she possessed apparel that made her irresistible to men. . . a magical necklace reputedly made of amber and rubies that was called a "brisling" or "brisingamen" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny). Freya often wore the "necklace of desire", was widely known for her sexuality, and "The goddess Freya's passions were abundant, vigorous, and unrestrained. Clothed or not, she is usually shown in sensual poses" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love and Destiny). Further research of Freya revealed that she was also known as the goddess of sex battle and pleasure, and discolsed Freya's interesting acquisition of her necklace of desire. "Freyja's most wonderful adornment was her necklace (or possibly a jewelled belt), Brisingamen.It was crafted by four dwarfs, and was of exceptional beauty.Freyja so longed for it that she consented to spend one night each in the arms of its makers as her payment.This was a just recompense in the eyes of the goddess, for as the necklace was the finest of all things the dwarfs could produce, the utter summation of their skill, why not repay them with an equally precious example of her love-art? Freyja always wished to give her love freely.Her beauty and desirability often attracted the attention of those she did not want, such as the giant who offered to build an impregnable defensive wall around Asgard, the dwelling of the gods, in exchange for taking Freyja away as his wife. The goddess knew nothing of this agreement, and her outraged indignation at being so wagered grew the greater as the wall grew taller. Never believing they would have to forfeit Freyja, the gods grew more and more uneasy in their wager, until Loki ,who had urged the agreement, was forced to utilise his trickster ability to the fullest" (Norse Gods and Goddesses- Crystalinks).
There are three major animals that are tied to Freya- the cat, boar, and mare. The cat exhibits beauty and comfort. The boar with golden bristles, is known as the Battle Swine or Hildisvini, and symbolizes her duty as sorter of the dead heroes, and is celebrated through images of boars on the battle helmets of countless armies of England and Scandinavia, symbolizing a savage and cunning nature. The mare symbolizes the night, Freya's sexuality, and magical power which could potentially be dangerous. This is relevant today, as having a bad dream or "nightmare". Freya serves as an archetype in psychology, representing "the parts of self that we have neglected or even rejected.The goddess Freya reminds us to explore and acknowledge all of our emotions, longings, and traits, even those we wish we didn't possess" (Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny).
Freya's archetype as the warrior goddess is extremely relevant to today. "The Warrior represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of of others.Whilst the shadow side of the Warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principals to prove your supremacy.If you are drawn to work with this Goddess Archetype you may require the Warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm personnal boundaries. This stereotype is helpful if you want to take control in your life, and no longer wish to play the role of the victim. You may also choose to call upon the Warrior to champion the cause of others" (Goddess Archetypes).
Works Cited
"Valkyrie Definition of Valkyrie in the Free Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Valkyrie>.
"Freya: Norse Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Destiny." Goddess Gift: Meet the Goddesses Here. Web. 22 Nov. 2010. <http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess-freya.htm>.
"Norse Gods and Goddesses - Crystalinks." Crystalinks Home Page. Web. 07 Nov. 2010. <http://www.crystalinks.com/norsegods.html>.
"Goddess Archetypes." Goddess Myths,Traditions And Wisdom From Around The Globe. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://www.goddess-guide.com/goddess-archetypes.html>.
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