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Freyr is the Norse god of harvest, sunshine, rain, peace and plenty, Freyja's brother and one of the best-loved gods. His name means "the Lord". He gave away his sword for love, so at Ragnarok he faces the fire giant Surtr unarmed.
Who is Freyr in Norse mythology?
Freyr is the great Vanir god of fertility, sunshine, rain, peace and good harvests, brother of Freyja and one of the most beloved of the gods. He came to Asgard as a hostage after the Aesir–Vanir war and was given the world of Alfheim. He owns the ship Skidbladnir, which always finds a fair wind and folds up to fit in a pouch, and the golden boar Gullinbursti.
His name, Freyr, simply means "the Lord". The sagas also call him veraldar goð, the god of the world, because people prayed to him for good harvests and peace.
What is Freyr the god of?
- Domains — fertility, harvest, peace, prosperity
- World — Alfheim
- Animal — boar, stag
- Offerings — beer, wine, bread, barley, first fruits; a boar figure, a ship token, gold
- Herbs — barley, wheat · Wood — apple · Metal — gold
Kin — Parent: Njord · Sister: Freyja · Consort: Gerd
Freyr, Gerd and the lost sword
His most famous tale is his love for the giantess Gerd: struck with longing at the sight of her, he gave away his magic sword — the one that fights on its own — to win her hand. Because he parted with that sword, Freyr will face the fire giant Surtr weaponless at Ragnarok and be slain.
His sister is Freyja, his world is Alfheim, and his treasures are Skidbladnir and Gullinbursti.
Questions
What does Freyr mean?
"The Lord". His sister's name, Freyja, means "the Lady".
Who is Freyr's wife?
The giantess Gerd, whom he won by giving away his sword.
Who kills Freyr?
The fire giant Surtr, at Ragnarok.