Freki

Freki is a figure in Norse mythology, one of the two wolves said to accompany Odin, the Allfather. The name Freki comes from Old Norse and is commonly interpreted as meaning “greed” or “the greedy one.” He is paired with Geri, whose name is likewise associated with hunger or greed; together they form a symbolic equine of Odin’s warlike retinue.

In the mythic tradition, Freki and Geri are portrayed as Odin’s steadfast companions. They are said to travel with him and to be fed by him from his own table, reflecting Odin’s authority and the bond between the god and his beasts. The wolves are typically understood as emblematic, representing aspects such as hunger, battle, and the omens of death that attend warfare.

Attestations for Freki and Geri appear most clearly in the Prose Edda, composed by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century, where they are introduced as Odin’s constant attendants. They are also referenced in the Poetic Edda, where they are invoked in the broader Norse mythic tradition. While the narratives vary in emphasis, the core detail remains: Freki and Geri are the two wolves who accompany Odin, rather than independent deities.

In later literature and popular culture, Freki, along with Geri, continues to symbolize Odin’s austere, warlike aspect and the deadly forces associated with the god of prophecy and death. The pair is commonly mentioned together in discussions of Odin’s retinue and mythic imagery.