Gefjun

Gefjun is a figure from Norse mythology, primarily known from the *Prose Edda*, a 13th-century collection of Old Norse texts attributed to Snorri Sturluson. She is often identified as a giantess or a goddess associated with fertility, agriculture, and the plow. Her name is sometimes linked to the Old Norse word *gefja*, meaning "to give," suggesting a connection to generosity or bounty.

One of the most notable stories about Gefjun involves her quest for fertile land. According to legend, she traveled to Sweden seeking a suitable place to settle. When she arrived, she found the land barren and unproductive. Determined to change this, Gefjun transformed into a giantess and used her immense strength to plow a vast tract of land with a single ox. The plow was so powerful that it broke into four pieces, each forming the islands of Zealand, Funen, Lolland, and Møn in modern-day Denmark. This myth explains the origin of these islands and their fertile soil.

Gefjun is also associated with the goddess Freya, sometimes considered her counterpart or an aspect of the same deity. Both figures are linked to fertility, love, and the natural world, though Gefjun’s role is more explicitly tied to agricultural productivity. Her name appears in place names across Scandinavia, reinforcing her connection to the land and its cultivation.

While Gefjun’s mythology is less prominent than that of other Norse deities, her stories highlight themes of transformation, resilience, and the power of nature. She remains a fascinating figure in Norse folklore, symbolizing the struggle for sustenance and the rewards of perseverance.