Freya ("Mistress, Lady") is the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, and the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses. She is the patron goddess of crops and birth, the symbol of sensuality and was called upon at matters of love. She loves music, spring and flowers, and is particularly fond of the elves (fairies). Freya is one of the foremost goddesses of the Vanir. She also became the queen of Odin's warrior maidens the Valkyrie.

She is the daughter of the god Njord, and the sister of Freyr. Later she married the mysterious god Od (probably another form Odin). He disappeared and when she mourned for her lost husband, her tears changed into gold.

Her attributes are the precious necklace of the Brisings, which she obtained by sleeping with four dwarfs, a cloak (or skin) of bird feathers, which allows its wearer to change into a falcon, and a chariot pulled by two cats. She owns Hildesvini ("battle boar") which is actually her human lover Ottar in disguise. Her chambermaid is Fulla. Freya lives in the beautiful palace Folkvang ("field of folk"), a place where love songs are always played, and her hall is Sessrumnir. She divides the slain warriors with Odin: one half goes to her palace, while the other half, the Einheriar, go to Valhalla. Women also go to her hall.

Other titles bestowed upon here are: Essense of Sexuality, Goddess of Magic, Mistress of all Gods, Most Beautiful of Goddesses, Ruler of Death, Spirit of the Earth's Fertility and The Heavenly Matron.

Also known as: Frøya, Freyja

Old Norse: Freyja, Friia

See Also: Gullveig