gefn

Gefn is a figure in Norse mythology and a feminine name in Old Norse. The name itself derives from the word gefn, meaning “gift” or “the giving.” In the surviving mythic corpus, Gefn is treated as a relatively obscure goddess or personification associated with fertility and the bounty of the land. She is sometimes described as a goddess of generosity or gift-giving, though detailed myths or a clearly defined cult are not attested.

The evidence for Gefn is sparse, and she is not a major figure in the mythic narratives. Because of the limited material, scholars often treat Gefn as a minor deity whose primary significance lies in the general idea of gifts or abundance rather than in a well-developed set of exploits or stories. In some scholarly discussions, Gefn is contrasted or confused with Gefjon (Gefjun), a more clearly traced goddess linked to plowing and land formation; the relationship between Gefn and Gefjon varies between sources and interpretations.

In modern times, Gefn is occasionally referenced in scholarship, literature, and fantasy contexts as a representation of generosity or fertility. The name continues to be used as a feminine given name in Scandinavian contexts, reflecting its original meaning connected to gift and abundance.