Consort: ur. The expression breaking bread. Gold. It is a somber and cold realm, characterized by mist and darkness. When her daughter Persephone was abducted by Hades, Demeter's grief caused the earth to die for six months, until Persephone's return. for her amazing golden hair which some scholars have argued represents the The Norse goddesses were just as important as the gods in Norse mythology and played vital roles in shaping the Norse worldview and culture. p. 84. the sky god which was known in the Bronze Age. Vikings Pray to Norse Gods for a Good Harvest. While asleep (and by some accounts having drugged Sif and Thor) he creeps into their bedchamber and shears off Sifs crowning glory. Fleet of foot, Mercury was a messenger of the gods. [7], There are few other references to Gefjun in Old Norse literature. Gerdr is the captivating goddess of both fertility and abundance and a beautiful Jtun. Here its said that Sif had magnificent golden hair, which the wily trickster Loki cut off one day when he found himself in an especially mischievous mood. Nanna is a goddess associated with loyalty, love, and marriage. Theories abound that Sifs golden hair is the embodiment of the fields of grain which around the harvest time in England appears to the imagination as golden hairs rippling in the breeze. Skldskaparml, chapter 43. She is depicted as a powerful and revered figure. The most famous tale about her features said hair, in which the trickster god, Loki, with whom she may have had an affair with, shaves her head and absconds with her hair. Her father was Njrd, the sea god. Sessrymner, Syr, Vanadis), fertility, love, beauty, magic, war, and death, Freyr (Frey, Fraig, Fro, Fricco, Ingun, Ingunnar-Frey, Ingvi-Frey, Sviagod, Yngri, Yngvi), agriculture, prosperity, life and fertility, Frigg (Frigga, Frig, Fri, Frija, Frygga, Frea, Fria, Frige, and Holda) Old Norse = 'to love', love, marriage, fertility, family, civilization, and a prophetess, Fulla (Abundantia, Abundia, Habone, Vol, Vola, Volla), Gefjon (Gefjun, Gefion) Old Norse = 'the giving one', Gersemi (Gersimi, Gerseme) Old Norse = 'gem', Gullveig (Gollveig, Gulveig, Golveig-Heid, Gulveig-Hoder, Angerboda, Angerbohda, Aurboda, East Her father was Njrd, the sea god. p. 310. She is often depicted as a fierce and independent deity, embodying the untamed forces of nature. In some stories, Attis was in love with a Naiad, and jealous Cybele killed a tree (and subsequently the Naiad who dwelled within it), causing Attis to castrate himself in despair. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. A similar, but shorter and more ambiguous, version of this same story can be found in the ninth-century poem Ragnarsdrpa by Bragi Boddason. Her name is derived from the Old Norse verb gefa, "to give," [1] and her name can be translated as "Giver" or "Generous One." The cult of Thor was linked up with men's habitation and possessions and In the tale, Loki insults all of the gods during a great feast. But one of the defining traits of ancient Germanic religion was its lack of systematization and rationalization, and the fluidity that existed between various divine figures. grant you fields to increase and flourish, "Deities of the Fields." Sifs hair seems to represent vitality, and is counted as one of the great treasures of the gods, as important in its own way as her husbands powerful hammer, Mjlnir. She is considered to be a high and courteous figure in the Norse Pantheon. Sif is a goddess of the harvest and the Autumn (Fall). With the taking of her lovely daughter, Persephone, she cloaks the land in Winter. Not only that, she was the one who taught lowly mankind how to preserve and prepare corn and grain once it was ready for threshing. You could say that the earth mother goddess of fecundity was a divine model buried somewhere deep within the Germanic psyche (regardless of the degree to which you might ascribe this to nature or nurture). the fields, and Thor, although pictured primarily as a storm god in the myths, In nearly every ancient culture, this was a time of celebration of the agricultural significance of the season. 1964. The Old Norse Language and How to Learn It, The Swastika Its Ancient Origins and Modern (Mis)use. One of Thors foremost roles in ancient Germanic religion was that of a bringer of agricultural abundance. the unification of the gods. In a society of inter-generational feuding, the ties that bind a clan meant life and death. Roman gods appear on a separate list. Photo . If it is a BLP and it has few sources, add {{BLP few sources}}, if no sources on a BLP, add {{BLP no sources}}. He scarcely evades this fate by gifting the goddess an unparalleled replacement for her shorn hair, through wheeling and dealing with two clans of, To sweeten the deal and assure his forgiveness, Loki throws in five more magic wonders, establishing the six treasures of the gods: Sifs golden wig, Mjlnir (Thors hammer), Skblanir (, Sifs hair is thought to represent golden grain crops, ready for harvest, and the golden leaves of the Fall season. Sif is known to the Saami people by the name Ravdna, the goddess of the rowan tree. Sif is connected to the Rune Jera ~ The harvest , The wheel of the year , change of seasons. In conclusion, then, Gefjun can hardly be distinguished from other Germanic goddesses of the earth mother goddess type, which includes Freya, Frigg, Nerthus, Fjorgyn, Jord, Sif, and others. Although he's often portrayed as Greek, his origins are in early Assyrian religion. Tribe: Vanir Goddess of: beauty, desire, love, lust, sisterhood, temptation and treasure Daughter of: Odr and Freyja Sister of: Gersemi Other names: Hnossa Hnoss responsibilities Beauty, desire, ecstasy, friendship, gleaming gems and jewels, love, lust, sisterhood, temptation and last but not least, treasure Associated Animals with Hnoss An otter. By earth in the thunderstorm and the storm brings the rain which makes the fields Comparative mythology sometimes connects Sif with the Greco-Roman goddess of golden grain and family feasting, Demeter (also known as Ceres). Although he himself is described as comely and charismatic, Loki it seems is envious of all gods who are beautiful or well-liked. Golden hair, wigs, weaves, hair pieces, combs. Cosmetics and beauty treatments. Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. p. 283. Sif, wife of Thor 4. She is the daughter of the jotnar Gymir and Aurboda. The goddess Sif is noted 1948. fields fruitful and healthy, [1] Simek, Rudolf. An important event in Norse mythology is the sir-Vanir War which ultimately resulted in Sif, Thor has a daughter rr (means strength), a goddess also and perhaps a Gefun summoned her four sons, which she had had by an unnamed giant, and turned them into oxen to plow the land. In the Eddic poem Lokasenna, Loki accuses Gefjun of having exchanged sex for precious jewels, something that the goddess Freya is also said to have done. https://www.learnreligions.com/deities-of-the-fields-2562159 (accessed June 4, 2023). This page was last edited on 5 July 2022, at 21:50. Ive also written a popular list of The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books, which youll probably find helpful in your pursuit. broad harvests of barley Fjrgyn is a goddess associated with the earth and fertility. He is sometimes associated with midsummer because of his role as a harvest god, and during the summer solstice the crops are flourishing, waiting to be plucked from the ground at Lughnasadh. Copyright 2012-, beauty, love, purity, peace, righteousness, knowledge, poetry, eloquence, and the patron of skalds, spring, rebirth, and protectress of fertility, Forseti (Forsete) Old Norse = 'presiding one', Freyja (Freya, Freja, Frey'a, Gefion, Horn, Mardal, Mardoll, Menglad, Menglod, Moertholl, Daniel McCoy 2012-2019. Another famous Norse god is Freyr, who is the god of harvest, wealth, vegetation, and peace. Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia. Hlin is the Aesir goddess of consolation and protection. Comparative mythology sometimes connects Sif with the Greco-Roman goddess of golden grain and family feasting, Demeter (also known as Ceres). 1. Here are just a few of the gods and goddesses from around the world that are connected with the summer solstice. fertility and prosperity to the earth as it or she is fertilized by the Despite her being a rather obscure deity, Pomona's likeness appears many times in classical art, including paintings byRubensand Rembrandt, and a number of sculptures. They remain an essential part of Norse culture and history, and continue to inspire people today. Ynglinga Saga, chapter 5. As the wife of Odin, the chief god, Frigg holds a significant position in the pantheon. Indo' Ongon-Ongon, goddess of earthquakes, This page was last edited on 20 April 2023, at 23:34. Sister of Nanna, Sigyn and Snotra, she is a gentle and kind goddess, who arranges and blesses forbidden affairs. Her name means Related by Marriage and she is the wife of, She is a goddess of the harvest and Autumn, and her hair symbolizes farm fields abundant with golden wheat, and the brightly coloured leaves that fall in Autumn. They represented important aspects of life, such as fertility, war, death, love, wisdom, and magic, and were often called upon for guidance or protection. To sweeten the deal and assure his forgiveness, Loki throws in five more magic wonders, establishing the six treasures of the gods: Sifs golden wig, Mjlnir (Thors hammer), Skblanir (Freyrs ship), Gungnir (ins spear), Gullinbursti (Freyrs boar), and Draupnir (ins ring). Deities of the Fields. They were seen as protectors of humanity and were often called upon for aid and protection in times of need. Some characters sometimes presented as Norse deities do not occur in the ancient sources. Vikidia currently has 4,282 articles. bountiful harvest. She is the daughter of the water goddess Ran. Sifs being especially associated with the vegetation on the surface of the earth, which is suggested by the nature of her hair, is also corroborated by the fact that a species of moss (Polytrichum aureum) was called haddr Sifjar (Sifs hair) in Old Norse.[6]. Thor consented, and off Loki went to procure Sifs new hair.[3]. Freyja, (Old Norse: Lady), most renowned of the Norse goddesses, who was the sister and female counterpart of Freyr and was in charge of love, fertility, battle, and death. This action has denoted her as a goddess of peace-keeping and social civility by modern Heathens. p. 97. Attis (Phrygean) She is much loved by her worshippers and treats them with warmth and compassion. Sources can help verify facts, and prove the info. Frigg Frigg ('beloved one') was the consort of Odin and the goddess of love, marriage and motherhood. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. In this way Thor, as well as Odin, may be seen to continue the cult of She is primarily known for her role as the wife of Aegir, the god of the sea. She is described as the mother of the thunder god Thor, making her his biological mother, although her character and role are not extensively developed or explored in the surviving Norse texts. While Sigyn's presence in Norse mythology is not as prominent as other deities, her role as Loki's companion has significant meaning. The trickster god, The act is a violation and an outrage, and Loki is almost killed for it. Translated by Angela Hall. One of the kennings for the mineral gold is Sifs hair. The story of her her hair cutting, and ever-regrowing wig is representative of the cycle of cutting down and regrowing crops, and cycle of growth and shedding of tree leaves. p. 310. [3] Snorri Sturluson. Sif is counted among the sir, and is attested to in the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, and in Skaldic poetry. In both the Ancient Origins - The Story, Symbols and Powers of Freya, the Norse Goddess of Love, Freya - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). The Norse people worshipped their goddesses and sought their favor through offerings and sacrifices, reinforcing the importance of the goddesses in Norse culture. Wulur father is unknown but Trude is the offspring of Thor and Sif. [1], There are two references to Sif that say anything more than this. In the post-modern age, where family units break down, a goddess such as Sif may seem secondary, but in Viking times and earlier, Sif was a goddess of breaking bread together, and the ties that helped a clan survive. One of the most common themes in the mythology of the Indo-European peoples such as the Norse and other Germanic peoples, as well as the Celts, Slavs, Balts, Greeks, Romans, Indians (of India), and many others, is the idea of the sexual union of a sky god and an earth goddess. Egyptian mythology [ edit] Ash, god of the oasis and the vineyards of the western Nile Delta Geb, Egyptian god of earth with sister/wife Nut, the sky goddess as his consort. 1964. She is usually portrayed bearing a cornucopia or a tray of blossoming fruit. [4] When viewed from the standpoint of comparative religion, as well as what we know about Thor, this would seem to be a sound intuition. They were often depicted in art and literature, inspiring generations and preserving their legacy. Sif's hair is compared to the farm fields of golden wheat and their bright leaves which fall. p. 114. Freyja, alternatively spelled as Freya or Freja, literally means "the Lady" in Old Norse, and is likely the most known and prominent goddess in Norse mythology, and she is commonly associated with numerous areas of influence, including love, fertility, beauty, sex, war, and seir magic. receive the first seed of spring. She is the author of Daily Spellbook for the Good Witch, Wicca Practical Magic and The Daily Spell Journal. [5] Adam of Bremen. Piatek is a large mammalian creature similar to a wingless griffin. Her name means Related by Marriage and she is the wife of Thor, and she is the mother of Trude one of the Valkyries by her husband. Amaterasu (Shinto): This solar goddess is the sister of the moon deity and the storm god of Japan, and is known as the goddess "from which all light comes". fertility symbols and placed by the farmer in the holes made by the drill to Crops are abundant, and the late summer harvest is ripe for the picking. Translated by Angela Hall. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. [6], The association with the island of Zealand also suggests a connection between Gefjun and Nerthus, another earth mother goddess whose cult was also said to be centered in Zealand. Divided between the sir and the Vanir, and sometimes including the jtnar (giants), the dividing line between these groups is less than clear. What does she represent? Her sphere of influence has some overlap with her sister-in-law, Frija (Frigg). Families: extended, split and in-laws. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Sif is thought to have inspired Hrodgars wife, the character Wealhbeow in Beowulf. Autumn leaves and harvest seasonal motifs. ostre - Goddess of spring. The mother of Trude, who is believed to be one of the Valkyries, with Thor. Associations between an earth goddess of prosperity and the act of plowing were common throughout the pre-Christian religion of the Norse and other Germanic peoples. prefers to avoid drama and does not need to be the center of attention. with well-being of the family and community. There are a number of deities associated with the growth and harvest of crops. Sholar H. R. Ellis Davidson states that Sif may have been an ancient fertility Wigington, Patti. [2], She also plays a role in the tale of The Creation of Thors Hammer, although here, too, her role is completely passive. A member of the Vanir tribe of deities, Freya shared her people's penchant for the magical arts of divination. While asleep, having drugged Sif and Thor, he creeps into their bedchamber and shears off her crowning glory.Turville-Petre in Myth and Religion pg 98 suggests Probably the wife of Thor was once conceived in the form of a Rowan, to which the god clung Sif is never depicted as a Battle Goddess despite the Marvel movies portrayal of her. Despite that, we know as little about Sif as we do about most of the Aesir goddesses, who aren't given the same attention as their male counterparts. 1964. H.R. Gefjun (pronounced "GEV-yoon" and sometimes spelled "Gefjon," "Gefiun," or "Gefion") is an ancient Norse goddess of agriculture, fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Lokasenna, stanza 20. Sif is a goddess known for her beauty and association with fertility, grain, and the harvest. These are some of the many deities who are connected with this earliest harvest holiday. 1964. This is a list of Norse gods and goddesses that are in Norse mythology. Thor, enraged, threatened to kill Loki, but Loki convinced the thunder god to spare his life on the condition that he find an even fairer head of hair for Sif. Freyja is a prominent goddess in Norse mythology, revered for her beauty, power, and various roles. goddess, agreeing with a link between her lustrous hair and fields of golden Gylfaginning, chapter 17, and Skldskaparml, chapter 22. American [ edit] Aztec mythology [ edit] In Norse mythology, the Sun and the Moon appear as personified siblings pulling the heavenly bodies and chased by wolves, or as plain objects.Written sources, such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, have surprisingly little to say about them, but clues from before the Viking Age put together with the written works speak of their greater role in ancient Scandinavia. Throughout the stories, Loki is often a jealous god. Her name in Old Norse means 'comforter', 'loving' or 'the mild'. A chariot drawn by cats was another of her vehicles. As Snorri tells it, Gefjun traveled through Sweden disguised as a homeless woman. Sif "Sif" by John Charles Dollman (1909) Sif is a Norse goddess who is mentioned somewhat often in Old Norse literature, but only in passing references. Pigs were sacred to her, and she rode a boar with golden bristles. Sif is one of the Aesir goddesses mentioned most often in the surviving sources, the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, and Skaldic Poetry. the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, and in the poetry of skalds. In one Norse myth, a kenning for the rowan is the saviour of Thor, as the god clung to the tree, saving himself from drowning. Gold or golden colours would be her hues and the Fall our English autumn would be her time of the year. Within the United Kingdom it is believed that lightning during the summer seasons was needed for the crops to ripen at least according to local superstition here. Sif is thought to have inspired Hrodgars wife, the character Wealhbeow in. shining harvest of shafts of millet, 1993. She must have been very understanding, as Odin had many extra marital affairs, and many children by other beings, including Thor. When Lammastide rolls around, the fields are full and fertile. Idunn's story is often referenced or told through the lenses of other figures in Norse mythology.Representing immortality, youth, rejuvenation, and often fertility, Iunn was tasked with maintaining the source of the gods' eternal youth and immortality: an enchanted stash of golden apples she carried on her person in a box called an eski.. Idunn is described as a beautiful woman with long . Idun (also spelled Iunn or Idunn) is a goddess associated with youth, vitality, and the preservation of youthfulness. Andndayin j, "the Abyssal Serpent" that lived in the black waters surrounding the world tree. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Nhang, was a river-dwelling serpent-monster with shape shifting powers, often connected to the more conventional Armenian dragons. As Autumn turns to Winter, she becomes the mother of, The most famous tale about her features her hair. [10] Snorri Sturluson. According to Donald MacKenzie in Egyptian Myths and Legend: Parvati was a consort of the god Shiva, and although she does not appear in Vedic literature, she is celebrated today as a goddess of the harvest and protector of women in the annual Gauri Festival. Pigs were sacred to her, and she rode a boar with golden bristles. Never far from the Viking's mind was Rn, the goddess of the sea.Many stories of these goddesses come down to us through the Eddic poems . We use cookies to personalize content and ads and to analyze traffic on our website. [1] Freyr - God of fertility. The Prose Edda. It's named for Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest and grain. Elli - Goddess of old age. While this site provides the ultimate online introduction to the topic, my book The Viking Spirit provides the ultimate introduction to Norse mythology and religion period. She is a faithful attendant of Frigga and a good friend to Odin Allfather. She is envisioned as the embodiment of the crops reaching upward to her sky-god husband, Thor, whos Summer storms reach down and fertilize her. Accepted in panentheism, pantheism, deism, polytheism, animism, totemism, shamanism, and paganism, the deity embodies natural forces and can have various characteristics, such as that of a mother goddess, "Mother Nature", or lord of the animals. Autumn leaves and harvest seasonal motifs. We know very little about the Norse goddess Sif (ON In many stories, he dies and is later reborn, much like Attis and Tammuz. She possessed a famous necklace called Brsinga men, which the trickster god Loki stole and Heimdall, the gods watchman, recovered. Thor's marriage with Sif of the golden hair, The representation of powerful and independent goddesses in Norse mythology serves as a reminder of the important role that women have played throughout history. History of the Archbishops of Hamburg-Bremen. Omissions? She is a goddess of the harvest and Autumn, and her hair symbolizes farm fields abundant with golden wheat, and the brightly coloured leaves that fall in Autumn. Deliver us god from the savage race of Northmen which lay waste our realms, The Language of the Oldest Runic Inscriptions, The Viking Way ~ Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia (2019 2nd Edition) by Neil Price. While Snorris retellings of Norse mythology cant be accepted uncritically, his descriptions of Gefjun surely do contain much that is authentic. She is primarily known for her role as the wife of Baldur, the god of light and beauty. Sif is a goddess of the harvest and the Autumn (Fall). This page has very few or no sources, you can help by adding those sources. symbol of divine marriage between sky god and earth goddess, when he comes to Like the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Greek Aphrodite, Freyja traveled through the world seeking a lost husband and weeping tears of gold. To the proto-heathens, family was everything, and had a much broader definition than today the nuclear family being a contraption of 20th Century industrial society. Sif is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the I am inclined to believe that Sif represents a divine Her sphere of influence has some overlap with her mother-in-law, Frigg, however she stands on her own as one the Asyjnur, a major goddess of sgard. They inhabited houses, forests and graveyards. In Norse Mythology the original inhabitants of Valhalla were the sir (gods) and Amanor, "The bearer of new fruits" (the god of the new year, Navasard). The story of her her hair cutting, and ever-regrowing wig is representative of the cycle of cutting down and regrowing crops, and cycle of growth and shedding of tree leaves. She belongs to the Vanir, one of the two main groups of gods in Norse mythology. She was known as the goddess as femininity, beauty and fertility. All rights reserved. Learn Religions. Sif is the Goddess of the harvest she is consort to Thor. means divine marriage. The hieros gamos maintains the cosmic order and brings One of the kennings for the mineral gold is Sifs hair.. Dagon is credited with giving the Amorites the knowledge to build the plough. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. The goddess of spring Norse, Idun, is one of the most enigmatic and powerful deities in the pantheon. "Deities of the Fields." They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Unlike many other agricultural deities, Pomona is not associated with the harvest itself, but with the flourishing of fruit trees. The most famous tale about her features her hair. Like Sif, Demeter loses her golden visage, shrouding her hair and her divinity when she feels violated. She is rather iconic, depicted as having sublimely beautiful, long golden hair. Thoughts on Sif 5. [5] Turville-Petre, E.O.G. From Lofn comes the word lof, which . She serves as Frigga's handmaiden, together with Fulla and Gna. May or may not have been the same god as Vanatur. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_agricultural_deities&oldid=1157173012, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 May 2023, at 20:42. Looking for more great information on Norse mythology and religion? In nature worship, a nature deity is a deity in charge of forces of nature, such as a water deity, vegetation deity, sky deity, solar deity, fire deity, or any other naturally occurring phenomena such as mountains, trees, or volcanoes. She is often connected to the image of the Dark Mother in late fall and early winter. Valkyrie. Sigyn is a goddess known for her unwavering loyalty and devotion. (2021, September 8). Skadi is a goddess associated with winter, skiing, and hunting. Sif's has radiant golden hair which represents the vitality of the crops and is considered valuble possessions of the gods themselves. Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia. Updates? Because of this, it was also a time when many gods and goddesses were honored. An androgynous grain deity named Neper became popular in Egypt during times of starvation. All rights reserved. Ellis Davidson translates the charm as follows: Erce, Erce, Erce, Earth Mother, Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). This is a list of agriculture gods and goddesses, gods whose tutelary specialty was agriculture, either of agriculture in general or of one or more specialties within the field. Her name means 'clever' in Old Norse. Sifs long golden hair according to the sagas make her the epitome of womanhood, definitely the fairest of the Norse goddesses and the very embodiment of the Norse ideal of female alurement. He is regarded as the father of Osiris, Isis, Set, Nephthys, and in some cases, Horus. In The Agricola and Germania. p. 207. Cosmetics and beauty treatments. [9] Turville-Petre, E.O.G. The Shvaz type was more agriculturally oriented, while the Shvod was a guardian of the home. Skadi is a jtunn, a giantess, but she also has connections to the Aesir gods. Gylfaginning, chapter 35. Although he's often portrayed as Greek, his origins are in early Assyrian religion. It was Freyja's privilege to choose one-half of the heroes . Osiris himself is, like Isis, associated with the harvest season. However this remains an assumption connection to the Classical Sibyl. This tree is thought to be a manifestation of Sif in the story, and she is likened to the rowan, as it is she who mighty Thor clings to. It is believed that Sif grants a good harvest for farmers who ask for help for healthy crops all year round. Her story is primarily recounted in the poem "Vlusp" from the Poetic Edda, an important collection of Old Norse poems. Freyja is often associated with love, beauty, fertility, and magic. Short Facts Tribe: Aesir Goddess of: abundance, agriculture, chastity, fertility, ploughing, prophecy, prosperity, the unwed, virginity and virtue Wife of: Skjoldr Other names: Gefjun, Gefjon, Gefiun and Gefn Gefion responsibilities Walter Burkert, (1985) Greek Religion, Harvard University Press, List of Greek mythological figures Rustic deities, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_nature_deities&oldid=1150944375, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Bia (Bea), God of the wilderness and wild animals in the Akan religion, Jacheongbi, goddess of the grain, agriculture, harvest, growth, and nourishment, B Thy, goddess of water, rivers and estuaries, H B, the god who manages the rivers (note that each river has its own governing god, and each person's power may be less or more powerful than H B), Th Cng, is the earth god who governs the land, each house; each piece of land will have its own Th Cng, T Php, group of four goddess sisters including clouds, rain, thunder and lightning. the Vanir. Frigg was the Queen of the Viking pantheon, the wife of Odin, and the mother of the beloved god, Baldr. Each god's culture or religion of origin is listed; a god revered in multiple contexts are listed with the one in which he originated. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Conclusion Who is Sif? Blessing the forbidden. Snorri Sturlusson mentions in his prologue to his Edda that Sifs parentage is unknown but that Sif is like some of the other goddesses also a prophetess. When she appeared before the generous King Gylfi, he granted her as much land as four oxen could plow in one day. Sif's has radiant golden hair which represents the vitality of the crops and is considered valuble possessions of the gods themselves. She is primarily mentioned in the works of the Roman historian Tacitus, specifically in his work "Germania," which provides insights into the beliefs and customs of the Germanic peoples. Another example of this tendency is an Old English prayer to an otherwise unattested goddess named Erce that was recited when the fields were first plowed in the spring. In our own times, little stone axes from the distant past have been used as In late summer and early fall, he ran from place to place to let everyone know it was time to bring in the harvest. Forseti - God of justice, peace and truth. Ever wonder why crunched-up grain is called cereal? How come Gefion has four sons when it is said that she is a virgin? Please review our, We believe in using minimal design elements to minimize our impact on the environment. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins-by-marriage, god parents, step parents, step siblings, half siblings, in-laws, fosterlings, adopted family, as well as clan and tribe: Sif is a goddess of them all as a family unit. Norse Goddess Freya By Thomas Apel Last updated on Mar 8, 2023 Overview One of the principal deities of the Norse pantheon, the lovely and enchanting Freya was a goddess of blessings, love, lust, and fertility. This article presents a complete list of these deities. [6] Simek, Rudolf. c. 1080. seasons feeding the land and her peoples who rely on the bounty of a good fertile. Daniel McCoy 2012-2019. Nerthus is a goddess associated with fertility, nature, and the earth. Rowan trees. While this site provides the ultimate online introduction to the topic, my book The Viking Spirit provides the ultimate introduction to Norse mythology and religion period. The Norse Goddess I resonate with the most with Sif . To modern tastes, that would have made things more efficient by eliminating redundancy. The following pseudo-deities are presented in Encyclopedia Mythica as Norse. Historians of religion call this a hieros gamos or hierogamy, which means divine marriage. The hieros gamos maintains the cosmic order and brings fertility and prosperity to the earth as it or she is fertilized by the rain and sun from the sky. However, Freyja - goddess of magic, war, erotic love, and treasure - was probably the more venerated and popular female deity in the Viking Age. In Gaul, he was considered a god not only of agricultural abundance but also of commercial success. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/deities-of-the-fields-2562159. Looking for more great information on Norse mythology and religion? Translated by Francis Joseph Tschan. Wigington, Patti. In it, the Christian god is assimilated to a classic pagan Indo-European role: the sky god who fertilizes the earth goddess in the hieros gamos (divine marriage). She is a minor deity, listed eight among the Asynjur. From Vikidia, the encyclopedia for 8 to 13-year-old children that everybody can make better, Lists of Norse gods and goddesses contained in the, https://skjalden.com/freya/#:~:text=Freya%20is%20the%20goddess%20of,%2C%20Freja%2C%20Fr%C3%B6ja%2C%20Fr%C3%B8ya, https://en.vikidia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Norse_gods_and_goddesses&oldid=127190, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0. In many stories, he dies and is later reborn, much like Attis and Tammuz. The Norse goddesses were just as important as the gods in Norse mythology and played vital roles in shaping the Norse worldview and culture. Sif is described as having long, golden hair. This Sumerian god of vegetation and crops is often associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Lugh was known as a god of both skill and the distribution of talent. may the Almighty Eternal Lord The runer. Germania 40. Sif stands on her own as one the Asyjnur, the major goddesses of Asgard. 3. She is primarily . Sif is a Norse goddess who is mentioned somewhat often in Old Norse literature, but only in passing references. Her name is derived from the Old Norse verb gefa, to give,[1] and her name can be translated as Giver or Generous One.. Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia. Her name seems to mean relation by marriage, so even here we find nothing of a personality or function just a familial association. She is said to be the mother of the similarly obscure god Ullr, whose unknown father is apparently someone other than Thor. Helheim is a realm reserved for those who die of natural causes or illnesses. Snotra is the goddess of prudence, self-discipline, and wisdom. Most of our information about Gefjun has been filtered through the mind and pen of the thirteenth-century Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson. Ive also written a popular list of The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books, which youll probably find helpful in your pursuit. Gefjun is a goddess in Norse mythology who is associated with fertility, agriculture, and the plowing of the land. 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in Harvests, wheat and grains, bread, fields and meadows. You will Learn in this Post hide 1. Who is Sif? Her name means protector in Old Norse. This apple goddess is the keeper of orchards and fruit trees. She is primarily recognized as the wife of the thunder god Thor and is depicted as a gentle and kind-hearted deity. [2] Snorri Sturluson. He's also mentioned as a father-deity type in early Sumerian texts and sometimes appears as a fish god. sky god and an earth goddess better known as hieros gamos or hierogamy, which Many scholars have suggested that this is a symbol of a field of flowing grain ripe for the harvest. She is a goddess associated with warmth, light, and the daily journey of the sun across the sky. Freyja, (Old Norse: "Lady"), most renowned of the Norse goddesses, who was the sister and female counterpart of Freyr and was in charge of love, fertility, battle, and death. They represented important aspects of life, such as fertility, war, death, love, wisdom, and magic, and were often called upon for guidance or protection. In many areas, she was a mother-type goddess who was responsible for agricultural fertility. continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Sif attempts to shift the conversation, quieting Loki and restoring a sense of civility to the gathering. [3] Snorri Sturluson. Who Were the Indo-Europeans and Why Do They Matter. [2] Snorri Sturluson. Although little is known about her, she is one of the important goddesses of Asgard. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Worshipped by an early Semitic tribe called the Amorites, Dagon was a god of fertility and agriculture. Sif is also the the mother of Ull, a winter god. Sif is worshiped as a goddess of the harvest, of bread, and of food for the family, as well as of family gatherings and provisions. She is similarly golden-crowned, and defuses all conflict in her husbands hall. The Prose Edda. harvest. Who Were the Indo-Europeans and Why Do They Matter. This is the time when the first grains are threshed, apples are plump in the trees, and gardens are overflowing with summer bounty. The Prose Edda. As the eleventh-century German historian Adam of Bremen notes, Thor, they say, presides over the air, which governs the thunder and lightning, the winds and rains, fair weather and crops.[5], Thus, it would make sense for Sif to be a goddess of the fertility of the earth, a role also occupied to varying degrees by other Norse goddesses such as Freya, Gefjun, Fjorgyn, and Jord. Suggestion to Sif's role has been that of a divine union between a Protector and Guardian. He scarcely evades this fate by gifting the goddess an unparalleled replacement for her shorn hair, through wheeling and dealing with two clans of dwarfs. By Freyr, sometimes referred to as Yngvi -Freyr, was especially associated with Sweden and seen as an ancestor of the Swedish royal house. Sifs hair is thought to represent golden grain crops, ready for harvest, and the golden leaves of the Fall season. [8] Since Freya was also an earth goddess of peace and plenty, this passage raises the question of the degree to which Freya and Gefjun can be distinguished from one another. Heimdall Harvests, wheat and grains, bread, fields and meadows. This Norse goddess is the daughter of dwarf Ivald, and she is married to Bragi. Freya Freya may have been the same goddess as Frigg, as there were numerous similarities in Norse mythology between them. Sif is counted among the sir, and is attested to in the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, and in Skaldic poetry. Sif is worshiped as a goddess of the harvest, of bread, and of food for the family, as well as of family gatherings and provisions. Son of Baldr and Nanna. magical marriage and that her prowess lies in keeping nature in balance and the Gerdr's character is an enigmatic one, embodying the mystery of nature, fertility, and growth. Although he himself is described as comely and charismatic, he is envious of gods who are beautiful and well-liked. Not only did they plow the land; they also dragged it from Sweden, where the resulting depression became the lake Mlaren, and out into the ocean, where it became the Danish island of Zealand, upon which the city of Copenhagen is today located.[2][3]. Sif's Meaning and Symbols 3. She is the wife of Freyr, one of the most important gods of the Vanir. p. 134-135. Gefjun (pronounced GEV-yoon and sometimes spelled Gefjon, Gefiun, or Gefion) is an ancient Norse goddess of agriculture, fertility, abundance, and prosperity. Shahapet, also called Khshathrapti, Shavod, Shoithrapaiti, Shvaz and Shvod, were usually friendly guardian spirits of Armenian mythology, who typically appeared in the form of serpents. As Autumn turns to Winter, she becomes the mother of Ullr, a god of Winter. Like Sif, Demeter loses her golden visage, shrouding her hair and her divinity when she feels violated. While Ran's presence in surviving myths and sagas is relatively limited, her association with the ocean and maritime affairs hold significant importance. Throughout the sagas, Loki is often portrayed as a jealous god. And folks of the old ways always tend to associate lighting with the Thunder god Thor. This lover of Cybele went mad and castrated himself, but still managed to get turned into a pine tree at the moment of his death. Wind Hag, Heid, Heidr, Ljod, Midgard, Orboda, The Volva), Odin (Alfdaur, Alfadir, Bileygr, Glapsuidir, Othinn, Wodan, Wotan, Othin, Othinn, Othinus, Sif's hair is compared to the farm fields of golden wheat and their bright leaves which fall. Gods and Goddesses of Death and the Underworld, Setting Up Your Lammas (Lughnasadh) Altar. Sif to me represents on the physical level material wealth and prosperity much more than the goddess sorceress Freyja. In a later story, Lokesanna, Sif plays the role of peace-keeper. Wigington, Patti. Long hair was also in my opinion considered to have a meaningful sign of both life force and holiness amongst the ancient Germanic peoples. Sol's chariot, pulled by the divine horses Arvak and Alsvid, carries her across the heavens, creating day and night. He later was seen as an aspect of Osiris, and part of the cycle of life, death and rebirth. 1993. p. 283. filled with good for the use of men. Corrections? Donald A. Mackenzie writes inMyths of Babylonia and Assyria: With Historical Narrative & Comparative Notesthat: Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. This is a list of agriculture gods and goddesses, gods whose tutelary specialty was agriculture, either of agriculture in general or of one or more specialties within the field.Each god's culture or religion of origin is listed; a god revered in multiple contexts are listed with the one in which he originated. [6] Ellis-Davidson, Hilda Roderick. Freyr ( Old Norse: 'Lord'), sometimes anglicized as Frey, is a widely attested god in Norse mythology, associated with kingship, fertility, peace, prosperity, fair weather, and good harvest. Her sphere of influence has some overlap with her mother-in-law, Frigg, however she stands on her own as one the Asyjnur, a major goddess of sgard. Of crops could plow in one day as Autumn turns to Winter, is... Union between a Protector and guardian the Swastika Its Ancient origins and modern ( Mis use... Weaves, hair pieces, combs 's also mentioned as a god light! Deities, her role as Loki 's companion has significant meaning bearing a cornucopia or a tray blossoming... With sif hair. [ 3 ] similarly obscure god Ullr, a of... ( also known as Ceres ) one the Asyjnur, the character Wealhbeow.... Her, she was known as a god of Winter areas, she becomes the mother of Ull, giantess. In art and literature, but only in passing references, so even here find! 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Thought to have a meaningful sign of both skill and the golden leaves of the Fall season,. The taking of her lovely daughter, Persephone, she becomes the of! Books, which youll probably find helpful in your pursuit history, and defuses all conflict in husbands! Of Daily Spellbook for the use of cookies Davidson states that sif have... Fish god type in early Sumerian texts and sometimes appears as a powerful and revered.... Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students to revise the article or no sources, you agree our! Practical Magic and the preservation of youthfulness idun, is one of the heroes chariot, by.
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