astrild

Astrild is a figure from Norse mythology, primarily known from the Prose and Poetic Eddas. She is often associated with the god Freyr and his sister Freya, though her exact lineage and role can vary in interpretations. Some sources describe her as a servant or handmaiden to Freya, while others hint at a more complex relationship, potentially even a lover or a deified aspect of fertility.

She is notably mentioned in the Skaldskaparmal section of the Prose Edda, where she is described as one of Freya's attendants. The name Astrild itself is sometimes interpreted as "starry beauty" or "divine beauty," suggesting a connection to celestial or aesthetic qualities. However, her presence in the myths is relatively minor, and detailed accounts of her actions or specific stories are scarce.

Some scholars suggest that Astrild may represent an aspect of the goddess's power or domain, possibly related to love, beauty, or even war, given Freya's multifaceted nature. Other interpretations link her to ancient Germanic fertility cults, where such figures might have played a role in rituals and beliefs surrounding abundance and procreation. Due to the limited textual evidence, much of what is known about Astrild is based on scholarly interpretation and comparative mythology.