Learn about the origins of Frigga, the Norse goddess of fertility, home, motherhood, love, marriage and family care.
Who is Frigga?
Frigga has many titles in the Norse mythology. She is often described as “foremost among the goddesses”, and was the wife of Odin. This goddess was the Queen of the Aesir and the goddess of the sky. She was also known as the goddess of fertility, the home, motherhood, love, marriage and the domestic arts. Some of these domains were also overseen by another Norse goddess named Freyja. In Norse mythology, Frigga’s main roles were family roles, especially around her husband and children.
Origins
Many scholars believe that Frigga may have originated from a common Germanic goddess. Although there is no firm evidence to prove the hypothesis, there are many similarities, such as mythological traits and their names, as well as places associated with both. Whether she has a link to other types of mythology or not, she played a very important role in Norse mythology.
Legends and Stories
Mythical depictions of Frigga focus on her family life. Although she was very blessed, she also faced a terrible headache, which would eventually serve as her legacy.
The loss of a son
The myth surrounding this Norse goddess and her role as a mother is by far the most famous. She gave birth to a son named Balder, who was the light of her life. The whole world seemed to rejoice when he was born and she was devoted to helping her son grow. She was also incredibly protective. This instinct became stronger when Balder had a dream that foretold her own death.
Geb: Known As The God Of The Earth In EgyptFrigga turned to all living things in the world and demanded that her son come to no harm. She could not demand protection from the mistletoe, which at the time seemed insignificant. In time, the gods invented a game with Balder. They threw everything they could find at him and watched the objects bounce off him, never causing a bruise or a simple scratch. Balder never got hurt, no matter the size or weight of the item.
This pastime continued until the day Loki gave a dart made of mistletoe to Hoor, Balder’s twin brother, who was also blind. Loki told Hoor that he would help him play with Balder. With Loki’s help, Hoor threw the dart at his brother. Instead of bouncing off him like every other living thing on earth, it pierced his heart and killed him instantly.
Underworld
When Frigga learned of her son’s death, she fell to the ground in despair. After the initial shock, she went to work trying to alter Balder’s fate. She sent Hermodr to the Underworld where there was an attempt to rescue Balder’s soul. The Queen of the Underworld, Hel, agreed to release Frigga’s son, but only if all living beings would mourn for him.
The goddess immediately set out, asking all living beings in the world if they would mourn for her lost son. They all agreed until Frigga approached the last living being on the planet, a giantess by the name of Thokk. She refused Frigga’s request to mourn and said, “Dead or alive, I did not love the healer’s son. Let Hel hold on to what she has!” Many interpreters of Norse mythology believe that this giantess was actually Loki in disguise. Either way, this bald fucker to the Underworld forever.
Frigga Change
Although Frigga was believed to be an honorable wife, she took the opportunity to outsmart her husband and put an end to a conflict between outsiders. Odin was known to be incredibly strong-willed, but in this myth, Frigga found a way to overcome him. A conflict had broken out between two Germanic tribes, known as the Vandals and the Winnilers. Odin favored the Vandals, while Frigga supported the Winnilers.
One night, Frigga and Odin quarreled over the tribes. Each gave reasons to support why his tribe was right and why the other was wrong. Finally, Odin vowed that whichever tribe he saw first thing in the morning, he would give him the victory. He did so knowing that the vandals would be visible through the window on his side of the bed.
While Odin slept, Frigga told the Winniler tribal women to reposition his hair to look like a long beard. She also turned the bed so that her husband was facing the opposite direction. When he woke up, he was shocked by what he saw. He asked Frigga who the “long beards” were. He had outsmarted him, but he kept his promise and conceded victory to the Winniler tribe and even admitted finally that Frigga’s choice was correct.
Isis: Goddess of Maternity, Fertility, Magic and MedicineFrigga Family
Frigga was married to Odin and they had a family together. Due to his untimely death, Balder is the first child many associate with the goddess.
Odin
Odin was one of the most popular gods of Norse mythology. He was often associated with kingship, death, healing, battles, poetry, sorcery and knowledge. He carried a spear named Gungnir and was often accompanied by animal companions, including two wolves named Geri and Freki, and two ravens named Muninn and Huginn.
Gauge
Balder was a god with a central role in Norse mythology. He was the god of love, peace, forgiveness and justice. He was the second son of Frigga and Odin and had a twin brother named Hoor, who eventually caused his death.
Frigga appearance
Frigga is mostly depicted as a beautiful and strong-spirited woman. In many pictures, she is shown with her husband Odin, paying homage to her strong role as a wife in Norse mythology. She is often depicted on soft, beautiful backgrounds, which seem to symbolize her calming nature.
Symbology
Frigga represents the family. She is known as a source of affectionate, patient and devoted love. Even in situations where fate is already decided, as in the untimely death of her son, she did all she could to alter destiny. The main symbols of include the full moon, the sky, the spinning wheel and spindle, mistletoe and silver, many of which are shown in artistic depictions of the goddess.
