Gersemi

Gersemi is a feminine figure in Norse mythology, traditionally listed as one of the daughters of the goddess Freyja. In sources such as the Prose Edda, she appears alongside Hnoss as Freyja’s children, and the two are often treated as personifications of Freyja’s wealth and beauty. The names Gersemi and Hnoss are commonly interpreted as references to precious things; modern translations typically render them as “treasure” and “jewel,” though exact meanings vary among scholars and there is no single accepted gloss.

In mythic practice, Gersemi does not feature in active narrative episodes; she is described primarily in lists or poetic contexts as part of Freyja’s retinue of possessions and blessings. As such, she functions more as a symbolic emblem of abundance and allure than as a character with a detailed mythic storyline.

Etymology and interpretation: The form Gersemi comes from Old Norse and is generally linked to wealth, treasure, or precious things. The pair with Hnoss is understood by many scholars as emblematic of Freyja’s wealth and beauty. Because Norse myth varies by source and translation, precise meanings of the names are not fixed.

Cultural impact: Gersemi has been cited in modern scholarship as a representative example of Freyja’s treasured possessions. In contemporary times, the name Gersemi has also been adopted as a feminine given name in Nordic countries and among enthusiasts of Norse-inspired naming.

See also: Freyja, Hnoss, Old Norse names, Norse mythology, Prose Edda, Poetic Edda.