folkvangr

Folkvangr, from Old Norse Folkvangr meaning "field of the folk" or "field of the people," is a realm in Norse mythology associated with the goddess Freyja. It is described as a field or meadow that serves as one of the afterlife destinations for those who die in battle, the other being Valhalla, presided over by Odin.

In the sources, Folkvangr is most clearly linked to Freyja in the Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson, and is referenced in the Poetic Edda. According to Snorri, Freyja receives half of those slain in battle and selects them for Folkvangr, while Odin takes the other half to Valhalla. Freyja is said to dwell there in her hall Sessrumnir, sometimes described as her residence within Folkvangr.

The location and nature of Folkvangr vary in the texts; it is generally treated as a realm of the gods rather than a place within Midgard. The concept underscores the Norse mythological belief in multiple afterlife destinations for warriors, in contrast to the singular Valhalla tradition in popular culture. Primary sources include the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda.