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Enter the mystical world of the Norse goddesses, where powerful and enigmatic female deities reign supreme. From the fierce warrior goddess Freyja to the wise and all-knowing Frigg, these divine beings were revered and worshiped by the ancient Norse people for their beauty, strength, and wisdom. 

With fascinating stories and legends surrounding each goddess, their tales are sure to captivate and enchant anyone who delves into their realm. 

So, brace yourself for an epic journey through the realm of the Norse goddesses, where magic, mystery, and wonder await at every turn.

Freya with other Norse goddesses

Norse goddesses

Freya (Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War)

In the world of Norse paganism, Freya, also known as “(the) Lady,” holds significance as the Norse goddess representing love, beauty, fertility, sex, war, gold, and seiðr – a form of magic that grants the ability to see and influence future events. 

She is the sister and female counterpart of Freyr and the daughter of Njörd, the god of the sea. Freya holds a strong connection to pigs, considering them sacred, and she is often depicted riding a boar with golden bristles. 

Another of her iconic means of transportation is a chariot pulled by cats. In addition, Freya has the unique right to select half of the heroes who perish in battle for her grand hall in Fólkvangar, while the other half is guided by the god Odin to Valhalla.

She owns a renowned necklace named Brísinga men, which the mischievous god Loki once stole and was later recovered by Heimdall, the watchman of the gods. 

Freya one of the Norse goddesses

Freya is known for her greed and lust, and she is blamed for introducing witchcraft to the Aesir, a tribe of gods. As a Norse goddess, she shares similarities with the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Greek goddess Aphrodite, as she wanders the world in search of her lost husband, shedding golden tears. 

You may also see Freya being known by the nicknames Mardöll, Hörn, Gefn, and Syr.

Compared to other Norse deities, Freya displays a more agreeable and gentle demeanor. While Thor achieves his objectives through brute force and Odin and Loki rely on cunning, Freya utilizes the softer persuasions of gifts, beauty, and sex to accomplish her goals. 

Despite her kind and helpful nature, Freya is not without a darker side. Like her male counterparts, she has a penchant for bloodshed and exhibits ferocity in battle, taking the lives of half of the warriors ever slain in combat.

Related: How Did Odin Lose His Eye? The Full Story in Norse Mythology

Frigg (Norse Goddess of Marriage, Motherhood, and Prophecy)

Frigg, also known as Friia, holds a prominent position in Norse mythology as the wife of Odin and the mother of Balder. She is an advocate of marriage and fertility, and in Icelandic tales, she attempts to save her son’s life but fails. 

In some stories, Frigg is portrayed as a loving and weeping mother, while others emphasize her loose morals. Her name endures in the English language with the word “Friday.”

Frigg is considered the greatest goddess in the Norse pantheon, with her primary attributes being clairvoyance, cleverness, and prophecy. 

As the goddess of marriage and motherhood, she is the mother of Balder, the god of wisdom and beauty, and the blind god Hodr, who is deceived by the mischievous Loki into killing his brother. It’s worth noting that she is not, however, the mother of Thor, Odin’s son and Balder’s half-brother. 

Frigg a Norse goddess with Godan

Despite her immense power and knowledge of the fate of all, she rarely appears in many tales except as a peripheral figure. Frigg is also a völva (seeress) and is believed to have been popular in divination rites.

Frigg’s personality, deeds, or other attributes are sparingly and casually mentioned in the surviving primary sources on Norse mythology. The specifics that are discussed are shared by both her and Freya, a goddess associated with both the Aesir and Vanir tribes of deities. 

Stemming from the earlier Germanic goddess Frija, Frigg and Freya were essentially the same deity, only becoming nominally distinct figures by the late Viking Age.

Iðunn (Norse Goddess of Spring and Rejuvenation)

In Norse mythology, Iðunn, also spelled Idunn or Iduna, is the goddess of spring and rejuvenation, as well as the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry. She is the guardian of the magical apples of immortality, which the gods must consume to maintain their youth. 

When Loki cunningly captures her and her apples and takes them to the realm of the giants, the gods begin to age rapidly. They then force Loki to rescue Iðunn, which he accomplishes by transforming into a falcon, turning Iðunn into a nut (or a sparrow in some accounts), and carrying her away in his claws.

Iðunn only features in two Norse mythology tales: a section of the Skáldskaparmál from the Prose Edda that recounts her abduction, and the Lokasenna from the Poetic Edda. Although she is seldom mentioned, Iðunn is the power behind the better-known deities as she enables them to retain their youth and vigor.  

Norse goddess Idunn with Bragi

It is suggested that she herself is the source of this power, and the apples she offers the gods and goddesses are merely the physical manifestation of her innate abilities to ward off sickness, old age, and death while promoting life, health, and personal growth. 

Idun is revered as the goddess of youth, and her apples keep the gods youthful and strong. She carries these apples in an ash box, which is likely connected to Yggdrasil. As the only one who can deliver these apples, she has earned the title of “the maiden to the gods.”

She is a popular goddess in modern Wiccan and Neo-Pagan religious movements for this reason and is often invoked for health, rejuvenation, second chances, and healing.

Gefjun (Norse Goddess of Agriculture, Fertility, and Abundance)

Gefjun, sometimes spelled as Gefjon, Gefiun, or Gefion, is an ancient Norse goddess associated with agriculture, fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Her name is derived from the Old Norse verb “gefa,” meaning “to give,” and her name can be translated as “Giver” or “Generous One.”

Disguised as a homeless woman, Gefjun traveled through Sweden and appeared before the generous King Gylfi. He granted her as much land as four oxen could plow in one day. Gefjun then summoned her four sons, fathered by an unnamed giant, and transformed them into oxen to plow the land. 

In mythology, it is said that she created the Danish island of Zealand by removing land from Sweden, with the hole left behind filling with water and becoming either Lake Mälaren or Lake Vänern.

Gefjun one of the Norse goddesses with oxens

Gefjun is a fertility and prophetic goddess in Norse mythology, with all those who die virgins becoming her handmaids. Her association with foreknowledge and virginity further highlights her unique position among Norse deities.

Sigyn

Sigyn, also spelled Siguna, is one of the Asynjur goddesses in Norse mythology and is known as the wife of Loki, the trickster fire god. Her name means “Victory Giver.” 

She is the mother of Nari or Narfi, her son with Loki. However, not much is known about Sigyn from the surviving literature, except for her connection to Loki’s fate.

In the Poetic Edda, Sigyn’s primary role is assisting her husband Loki during his captivity. The Prose Edda reiterates her role in helping Loki through his time spent in bondage, mentions her in various kennings, and refers to her status as a goddess twice. 

Sigyn may appear on the Gosforth Cross and has been the subject of a number of theories and cultural references.

Either way, Sigyn is an ásynja goddess in Norse mythology, with her parents and ancestry generally believed to be from the Aesir tribe. She is not specifically listed as being a goddess of anything, and her name does not suggest that she has been worshiped or associated with any form of ritual. 

Despite her enigmatic nature, Sigyn’s devotion to her husband Loki is arguably the most notable aspect of her character in Norse mythology.

You may also be interested in: Loki’s Symbol and Other Facts on This Famous Norse God

Sif (Norse Goddess of Earth and Fertility)

Sif, a golden-haired goddess in Norse mythology, is associated with earth and fertility. She is the wife of Thor, the thunder god, and is best known for the story in which Loki, the trickster god, cuts her hair as a prank. 

Loki is then forced to replace her hair with a magical headpiece, leading to the creation of several other well-known enchanted items, including Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir.

Sif is also the mother of Thor’s daughter, Thrud, and a son named Ullr, fathered by an unnamed deity. Ullr, a god of archery, hunting, and skiing, was known in the Pre-Viking era.

Traditionally depicted with long, golden hair, Sif is believed by some scholars to symbolize wheat. In this interpretation, she represents the soil of the earth, while Thor, a sky god, represents the rain that fertilizes the soil to produce crops. 

Sif one of the Norse goddesses

Sif’s role in mythology, religion, and the worldview of the pre-Christian Norse and other Germanic peoples is considered both archaic and exalted.

Fulla (Norse Goddess of Secrets)

Fulla, sometimes referred to as Volla or Folla, is the Norse goddess of secrets. She is one of Frigg’s many handmaids, responsible for her footwear and guarding her secrets. In Norse mythology, Fulla is described as wearing a golden band and tending to the ashen box owned by Frigg.

In the introductory prose to the eddic poem Grímnismál, Fulla is named as one of Frigg’s servants. She is sent to King Geirröðr to warn him of an incoming trollman, tricking him into giving Odin an inhospitable welcome. 

Fulla is also one of the eight goddesses present at the banquet held in honor of Ægir in Skáldskaparmál.

In the story of Baldr’s death, Baldr’s wife Nanna sends a golden finger-ring to Fulla from Hel, the realm of the dead. Fulla’s role as the goddess of secrets and her close relationship with Frigg highlight her importance in the Norse pantheon.

Find out more about: Norse Days of the Week: Origin, Meaning, Gods and More

Gná (Norse Goddess of Wind and Fullness)

Gná is a goddess in Norse mythology who serves Frigg, running errands in other worlds for her. She is associated with wind and fullness and is considered a potential cognate to Fama from Roman mythology. Gná rides the flying, sea-treading horse Hófvarpnir.

In the God of War: Ragnarök game, Gná is introduced as the new Queen of the Valkyries, taking over the role after Sigrún regained her freedom following her defeat by Kratos and Atreus three years prior.

Gná’s attestations are limited, primarily appearing in Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda. In the Gylfaginning, an unnamed Vanir god sees something flying through the air, which Gná corrects by explaining that it was her horse Hófvarpnir that flies, not her. 

She further describes Hófvarpnir’s parents as Hamskerpir and Garðrofa, about whom little is known.

Hlin (Norse Goddess of Consolation and Protection)

Hlin, an Aesir goddess, is associated with consolation and protection in Norse mythology. Her name, derived from Old Norse Hlín, means “protector” or “protectress.”

She is the daughter of the water goddess Ran and serves as Frigg’s handmaiden, alongside Fulla and Gná.

Hlin is known for protecting and consoling mortals, bringing relief to mourners and pouring soothing comfort into their hearts to ease their grief and loss. She listens to all prayers on behalf of Frigg and advises her on how to respond to these pleas, helping to bring relief and protection to those whom Frigg wishes to help.

As a servant of Frigg, Hlin hears the prayers of mortals and advises her queen on how to act. Her primary task is to give solace to those who grieve, easing their pain and rekindling hope in the hearts of humans. 

Hlin’s role in Norse mythology showcases her compassionate nature and her dedication to providing comfort and protection.

Eir (Norse Goddess of Healing and Valkyrie)

Eir, in Norse mythology, is associated with medical skill, protection, help, and mercy. She is mentioned as both an Aesir goddess and a Valkyrie, as well as an assistant to a jotunn healing deity. 

This leads to some confusion regarding her ancestry. Scholars have debated whether Eir may have been originally a healing goddess or a valkyrie and have compared her to the Greek goddess Hygieia.

As a member of the Ásynjur, Eir is known for her healing abilities. Her role with Menglod at Lyfjaberg, the hill of healing, grants her great powers in medicine and midwifery. As a Valkyrie, she possesses healing powers for warriors on the battlefield.

When other Valkyries collect the souls of dead warriors to bring them to Valhalla, Eir chooses who will survive the battle and helps the wounded recover. 

Although Snorri Sturluson, the author of the Prose Edda, does not directly mention her name among the Aesir goddesses, he acknowledges Eir as an important figure in Norse mythology.

Related: Valkyrie Symbol in Norse Mythology: Its Meaning and More

Skaði (Norse Goddess of Winter, Mountains, Bowhunting, and Skiing)

Skaði is a jötunn and goddess associated with bowhunting, skiing, winter, and mountains in Norse mythology. She is the giant wife of the sea god Njörd and later married the god Odin, bearing him sons. 

She is known for her residence in the highest reaches of the mountains, where the snow never melts, and her attributes as an avid huntress with a bow, snowshoes, and skis.

To avenge the death of her father, the giant Thiazi, Skaði took up arms and attacked the rival tribe of the gods, the Aesir, in Asgard. 

The Aesir sought to appease her anger by offering her a choice of one of their number as a husband, with the stipulation that she choose a god by his legs (or feet) alone. She chose Njörd, mistakenly believing him to be the fair god Balder.

Skaði  one of the Norse goddesses

Skaði and Njörd’s marriage was ill-fated due to their incompatible preferences for their respective homes. Njörd was unhappy in the cold and dreary mountains, while Skaði could not tolerate the light and noise of Njörd’s home by the seashore. 

Consequently, the two parted ways, highlighting the challenges faced when trying to merge two vastly different worlds.

Sól/Sunna (Norse Goddess of the Sun)

Sól or Sunna is the personification of the sun in Norse and Germanic mythology. She has ancient roots in worship, with her reverence extending far back into the Bronze Age. 

She was also known as Saulė or Saul in Eastern Europe and was considered a principal deity in Latvian, Lithuanian, and Baltic pagan traditions.

Along with her brother Mani, Sól represents the sun and moon, respectively. They travel across the sky, chased by the wolves Skoll and Hati, creating the cycle of day and night. Eclipses occur when either wolf catches one of the celestial siblings. 

During Ragnarok, Sól is eventually killed in battle, but she has a daughter who inherits her title and role as the new manifestation of the sun over a revitalized Midgard.

Jörð (Earth Norse Goddess)

Jörð is the personification of earth and a goddess in Norse mythology. Also known as Fjörgyn or Hlódyn, she is the mother of the thunder god Thor and a sexual partner of Odin. 

She is considered a giantess and is believed to have had a husband of the same name, possibly indicating a transformation into a masculine personality. Her name is connected with the Lithuanian thunder god Perkun and is thought to be related to Old High German forha and Latin quercus, both meaning “oak.”

Jörð is considered a jötunn, one of the elder race of giants in Norse mythology, but also counted among the Asynjur, the major goddesses of Ásgard. Unlike other jötnar who tend to be indifferent or hostile towards humans, Jörð is a benevolent deity who watches over and cares for humankind. 

Interestingly, there are said to be nine Jörð-like giantesses, one for each of the Nine Worlds. The reason for this, whether Jörð has eight sisters, ancient knowledge of other planets in our solar system, or Jörð’s existence across dimensions, is left open to interpretation and personal belief.

Syn (Norse Goddess of Refusal and Watchfulness)

Syn is a Norse goddess associated with defensive refusal, watchfulness, and truth. Her name means “refusal” in Old Norse, and she is particularly connected with locks, doors, and gates, both in a literal and figurative sense.

Syn’s influence extended to courts of law, where she was associated with defensive maneuvers and litigation. Her name became synonymous with legal battles, particularly in Iceland and Nordic frontier states. 

As a protector of truth, Syn guards against the use of falsehood in trials, and her name is invoked when anyone tries to deny something.

Syn is one of Frigg’s handmaidens, and she stands guard at Frigg’s palace, Fensalir. She denies entrance to anyone who is not invited, defends the weak, and is called upon by those who have been wrongly accused of crimes to aid them in their battles.

Sjöfn (Norse Goddess of Affection)

Sjöfn is a Norse goddess associated with love and affection, particularly in a non-romantic sense. 

She is responsible for affection of all types, such as between family members, friends, colleagues, and even between humans and animals. Sjöfn is a frith-maker, who calls upon the powers of affection to make peace and strengthen bonds.

Sjöfn is especially a protector of children, parents, and first adolescent loves. She can be called upon when these relationships are fraying or have not yet blossomed. Some people use a rose-quartz heart on a chain as her symbol.

In Norse mythology, Sjöfn is said to be concerned with directing people’s minds to love, both for women and men. Her name is the origin of the Old Norse word “sjafni,” reflecting her connection to love and affection. 

Sjöfn is included in a list of 27 ásynjur (goddesses) in the Nafnaþulur section of the Prose Edda, and her name is thrice employed as a base word in skaldic kennings for “woman.”

Vár (Norse Goddess of Oaths and Agreements)

Vár, also known as Vór, is a Norse goddess associated with oaths, pledges, and agreements. Her name means either “pledge” or “beloved” in Old Norse. 

She is attested in the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, and in kennings found in skaldic poetry and a runic inscription.

Vár is considered the Keeper of Vows and Pledges, and she can be invoked to become a witness during vowing ceremonies. As the witness, she observes people making their solemn vows and tries her best to ensure they uphold their promises. 

However, She can be invoked for assistance, but she cannot control an individual’s free will. Humans can be inconsistent, and when someone breaks an oath made in front of her, Vár feels disrespected and punishes them accordingly.

Vör (Norse Goddess of Wisdom and Seeress)

Vör is a Norse goddess associated with wisdom and is the seeress of Frigga’s court. As a patron of diviners, she can help with signal clarity and provide guidance when looking into the future through various methods, such as runes, cards, or crystal balls.

Her name means “awareness” or “to become aware of something,” making her the goddess to pray to for intuitive information that cannot be acquired through normal means. She can interpret and send dreams, and she represents the power of intuition as well as psychic gifts like clairvoyance and precognition.

Vör can be symbolized by any divinatory equipment, and she typically appears as an ancient white-haired woman, still vigorous enough to reprimand foolish mortals. In some accounts, she speaks with a unique cadence and accent that resembles a mix between an Eastern European figure and a First Nations elder.

Lofn (Norse Goddess of Forbidden Love)

Lofn, whose name possibly means “comforter,” “the mild,” or “loving,” is a Norse goddess associated with forbidden love. She is attested in the Prose Edda and in kennings found in skaldic poetry. 

Described as gentle in manner, Lofn blesses all illicit love affairs and is particularly involved with star-crossed lovers who are not meant to be in a sexual relationship with each other.

Lofn is known for arranging and blessing marriages, even when they have been forbidden. Due to her mild nature, Odin or Frigga permits her to organize unions between men and women, including secret marriages and illicit affairs that have been banned for various reasons. 

Couples who wish to be together but face obstacles due to family or law can pray to Lofn for assistance. The goddess intervenes to help establish and bless the union.

Snotra (Norse Goddess of Wisdom and Courtesy)

Snotra, a goddess associated with wisdom, prudence, self-discipline, and courtesy, is attested in the Prose Edda and Gautreks Saga. As a faithful attendant of Frigga and a good friend to Odin Allfather, she is considered a high and courteous figure in the Norse Pantheon. Her name means “clever” in Old Norse.

In ancient northern Europe, where people often lived in close quarters during the winter months, rules of courtesy were crucial to maintain harmony and prevent conflict. Snotra is the goddess who reminds people of these rules and can be called upon to help a mixed group of people follow etiquette during an event or when entering an unfamiliar space. 

She can ease the way through well-meaning missteps, helping everyone move gracefully through other people’s spaces. As a model of noblesse oblige, Snotra encourages everyone to set an example for others.

Hel (Norse Goddess of Death)

Hel, a female being in Norse mythology, presides over an underworld realm also named Hel. She is attested in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, Heimskringla, and Egils saga, as well as in the Latin work Gesta Danorum by Saxo Grammaticus. 

She is said to receive a portion of the dead in her realm, which lies downward and northward.

Originally, Hel referred to the world of the dead before it came to mean the goddess of death. As one of Loki’s children, her kingdom was known as Niflheim, or the World of Darkness. 

Hel another Norse goddesses

It was divided into several sections, including Náströnd, the shore of corpses, where murderers, adulterers, and perjurers were tormented. Those who died in battle, however, were said to go to Odin in Valhalla, not to Hel. 

Described as greedy, harsh, and cruel, or at least indifferent to the concerns of the living and the dead, Hel’s personality is not well-developed in surviving Old Norse literature. Her appearance is described as half-black, half-white, with a grim and fierce expression.

Also check this article: Norse Runes: Ultimate Guide to the Vikings’ Nordic Alphabet

Bil (Norse Goddess of the Waning Moon)

Bil is a unique figure in Norse mythology: a human girl who becomes a goddess. Daughter of Viðfinn, she and her brother Hjuki fetched crystal clear water from the Byrgir well each day, watching the moon dance through the night sky. 

The moon god Mani rescued and adopted Bil and her brother, and she stayed alive by eating Idun’s apples, which granted her longevity.

Bil, destined to die in Ragnarok due to her human origins, is associated with the waning moon. She is depicted riding a chariot across the sky, hunted by the wolf Hati, and is seen in the nighttime sky. 

Bil has been identified with Bilwis, an agriculture-associated figure found in the folklore of German-speaking areas of Europe, and she lives among the gods as an equal.

Rán (Norse Goddess and Personification of the Sea)

Rán, a goddess in Norse mythology, personifies the sea. She is married to Ægir, a jötunn who also personifies the sea, and together they have nine daughters, who personify waves. 

She is frequently associated with a net, which she uses to capture sea-goers, and once loaned her net to the god Loki.

Rán captures sailors and drowns them in her net, which she temporarily lends to Loki to capture Andvari the dwarf. She can transform into a mermaid and back to a human-like form with legs. 

Ran pulling a seafarer with her net

Described as a flirtatious siren of the etins, she lures humans into their doom. Rán uses her net to drag humans and seafarers into the water, drowning them, and then takes their souls back to her husband’s halls for feasts. 

Allied with Hel from Helheim, Rán often sends the souls she is tired of to Hel.

Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr

Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr, whose name in Old Norse means “Þorgerðr, Hǫlgi’s bride,” is a goddess in Norse mythology. According to Skáldskaparmál chapter 42, Hǫlgi, a traditional eponym of the northernmost Norwegian province Hålogaland, is also her father. 

The name Þorgerðr is a compound of two names, the god name Þor (Thor) and gerðr, which means “fenced in.”

Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr is particularly associated with Haakon Sigurdsson (d. 995) and is described as Irpa’s sister in Jómsvíkinga saga and Þorleifs þáttr jarlsskálds. The roles of Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr and Irpa in these sources and the implications of their names have been the topic of scholarly discourse and conjecture.

Irpa (Possible Earth Norse Goddess)

Irpa has been proposed as an earth goddess due to the derivation of her name from the Old Norse term “jarpr”, meaning “dark brown.” However, F.R. Schröder has expressed criticism at the notion of concluding that Irpa is an earth goddess based solely on this evidence. 

Irpa is a member of the Ásynjur, goddesses of the principal pantheon in Norse mythology, and sister to Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr. John McKinnell proposes that Irpa may represent a “dark” aspect of Þorgerðr, with her name possibly meaning “swarthy,” and that the two were probably of contrasting appearance. Irpa, being unlucky to name, was seen as a troll. 

McKinnell further proposes a connection between Irpa and Hel, stating that the two may have been seen as synonymous. Irpa appears in several myths, including Njáls Saga, Þorleifs þáttr jarlsskálds, and Jómsvíkinga saga, in which Irpa and Þorgerðr together help the fleets of Haakon Sigurdsson and Sweyn Haakonsson in the Battle of Hjórungavágr by creating a hailstorm against the enemy fleet.

Nanna (Norse Goddess of Joy and Devotional Love)

Nanna Nepsdóttir, in Norse mythology, is a goddess associated with the god Baldr. Accounts of Nanna vary greatly by source. In the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, Nanna is the wife of Baldr, and the couple produced a son, the god Forseti. 

Her name means “Daring,” and Nanna is considered by modern Norse pagans as a goddess of joy and devotional love.

Although little has been passed down to us in the lore, Nanna is counted as an important Æsir goddess by Snorri. She is said to be the daughter of the Æsir god Nepr, possibly a son of Óðin, or alternately the daughter of Máni, god of the moon, and the younger sister of Iðunn. 

Others still say she is the sister of Sigyn, Loki’s wife. Despite the confusion surrounding her lineage, everyone seems to agree that she is the mother of Forseti, god of justice.

Baldr and Nanna

Nanna is revered alongside her husband Baldr for her unwavering love and loyalty. In Ásgard, she is said to dwell with Baldr in his celestial hall, Breiðablik – a court of stars, which in folklore is associated with the Milky Way. Nanna and Baldr are something of Ásgard’s sweethearts – paragons of courtly love in Northern Tradition. 

After Baldr’s death, Nanna dies of grief. Nanna is placed on Baldr’s ship with his corpse, and the two are set aflame and pushed out to sea.

Blóðughadda

Blóðughadda was presumably born in Asgard, the daughter of Ægir and Rán, who both represent the sea in Norse mythology. 

She has eight known sisters: Bylgja, Drǫfn, Dúfa, Hefring, Himinglæva, Hrǫnn, Kólga, and Unnr. These sisters are known as the wave daughters, and each of their names are poetic terms for different characteristics of ocean waves.

According to scholar John Lindow, Blóðughadda’s name “[refers] to reddish foam atop a wave.” Scholar Rudolf Simek says that “the name does not appear to be too appropriate for a wave, but perhaps it was supposed to convey the wispy, thread-like appearance of the water streaming from the crest of the wave.”

Blodughadda rules the relationship between the rivers and the sea, and thus loves ocean saltmarshes. She also loves anywhere you might find sharks, as they are her special pets. She is wise in the ways of the blood that runs in your veins as well.

Dröfn (Norse Goddess of Undertow)

Dröfn is the Goddess of Undertow and another daughter of Ægir and Rán. She is one of the nine wave daughters, and each of their names are poetic terms for different characteristics of ocean waves. Dröfn is sometimes mentioned instead of Bára.

As a billow maiden, Dröfn is one of the nine daughters of the sea god Ægir and his wife Rán. Her name is found in a stanza by the Icelandic skald Ormr Steinþórsson, quoted in Skáldskaparmál.

Hefring

In Norse mythology, Hefring is one of the nine daughters of Ægir and Rán, a giant and goddess who both represent the sea, seashore, and oceans. They were often considered the overall personification of the ocean, be it both good or bad.

Dúfa

Dúfa was one of the nine daughters (“billow maidens”) of Ægir and Rán in Norse mythology.

She was presumably born in Asgard, the daughter of Ægir and Rán. Dúfa has eight known sisters: Blóðughadda, Bylgja, Drǫfn, Hefring, Himinglæva, Hrǫnn, Kólga, and Unnr.

As mentioned above, these sisters are also known as the wave daughters or billow maidens, and each of their names represents a different characteristic of ocean waves.

Who is the most powerful Norse goddess?

It is difficult to definitively determine the most powerful Norse goddess, as power can be interpreted in various ways. However, Freyja is often considered one of the most powerful and important goddesses in Norse mythology. 

She is the goddess of love, fertility, beauty, war, and death. Freyja is also associated with magic and has the ability to shapeshift, making her a powerful and influential figure in Norse mythology.

How many goddesses are there in Norse mythology?

In Norse mythology, there are over 76 goddesses included at varying points in the Eddas. These include 17 Ásynjur, at least one female Vænir, 26 Gýgr, at least 18 Dísir, at least 11 Valkyries, at least three Norns, and an unspecified number of Fylgjor and Hamingja.

Some of the most well-known Norse goddesses include:

  • Freyja: Goddess of love, fertility, beauty, war, and death
  • Frigg: Goddess of marriage, motherhood, and wisdom, and the wife of Odin
  • Sif: Goddess of fertility and agriculture, and the wife of Thor
  • Skadi: Goddess of winter, hunting, and mountains
  • Idunn: Goddess of youth and immortality, responsible for guarding the golden apples of youth
  • Gefjon: Goddess of fertility and agriculture
  • Hel: Goddess of the underworld and the dead
  • Nanna: Goddess associated with Baldr, representing joy and devotional love
  • Sigyn: Goddess of loyalty and fidelity, and the wife of Loki
  • Eir: Goddess of healing and medicine

Additionally, there are several minor goddesses and female figures in Norse mythology, such as the Valkyries, the Norns, and the daughters of Ægir and Rán, among others.

Menglöð with Norse goddesses

Who is the Norse female god of strength? 

There isn’t a specific Norse goddess who is solely dedicated to strength. However, some goddesses exhibit attributes related to strength, such as Skadi, the goddess of winter, hunting, and mountains, who is known for her strength and endurance.

Who is the Norse goddess of stars? 

Norse mythology does not have a specific goddess of stars. However, the god Freyr, who is associated with fertility and prosperity, is also linked to the sun and the rain, while his sister Freyja is associated with the moon. 

The goddess Frigg, the wife of Odin, is sometimes connected with the night sky, particularly with the constellation Orion’s Belt, which is referred to as Frigg’s Distaff or Frigg’s Spinning Wheel in Scandinavia.

In addition, Nanna, the wife of Baldr, is sometimes connected to celestial bodies due to their residence in the celestial hall, Breiðablik, which is associated with the Milky Way in folklore.

Related: Odin’s Horn: The Meaning and History of this Viking Symbol

Who is the Norse goddess of death?

The Norse goddess most closely associated with death is Hel, who rules over the realm of the dead called Helheim. Hel is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboða, and she is described as having a half-living and half-corpse appearance. 

She presides over the souls of those who die from illness, old age, or other natural causes, as opposed to those who die in battle and go to Valhalla or Fólkvangr.

Who is the Norse goddess of love?

In Norse mythology, the goddess most associated with love and beauty is Freyja. She is the sister of the god Freyr and a member of the Vanir, a group of fertility gods. Freyja is also associated with fertility, war, and wealth. 

She presides over the afterlife realm Fólkvangr, where half of the warriors who die in battle are received, while the other half goes to Valhalla, overseen by Odin.

Who is the most badass goddess?

It’s challenging to determine the “most badass” goddess, as the term is subjective. However, some might consider Freyja to be the most badass goddess in Norse mythology due to her association with love, beauty, fertility, war, and wealth. 

She is also a powerful practitioner of the magical art of seidr.

Who is Thor’s wife?

In Norse mythology, Thor’s wife is Sif, a goddess associated with fertility, family, and the harvest. She is known for her long, golden hair, which is said to represent fields of golden wheat.

Who is the one eyed female goddess?

There is no known one-eyed female goddess in Norse mythology. The one-eyed figure in Norse mythology is Odin, the chief of the Aesir gods. Odin sacrificed one of his eyes in exchange for wisdom and the ability to see the future.

Who is the smartest Norse goddess?

It is difficult to determine the smartest Norse goddess, as intelligence manifests in various ways among the gods and goddesses. However, Freyja could be considered one of the most intelligent, as she is skilled in the magical art of seidr, which involves divination, fate manipulation, and accessing hidden knowledge.