gyðja

Gyðja is an Old Norse word that translates to "goddess." It is the feminine counterpart to the masculine term "goð," meaning "god." In Norse mythology, gyðjur were divine female beings who held significant roles in the pantheon and in the lives of humans. While often depicted as beautiful and powerful, they also possessed distinct personalities and domains of influence.

Some of the most prominent gyðjur include Freyja, goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war; Frigg, queen of the Æsir, wife of Odin, and goddess of marriage and motherhood; and Idunn, the keeper of the golden apples that grant immortality to the gods. Other goddesses like Eir, Sif, and Gefjun also played important roles, each associated with specific aspects of life and the cosmos.

The worship of goddesses in Norse paganism was a vital component of religious practice. They were invoked for protection, fertility, good fortune, and in times of hardship. Shrines and offerings were dedicated to them, and their myths and stories were passed down through oral tradition, influencing art, literature, and societal structures. The concept of the gyðja reflects the importance of feminine divine power within the pre-Christian Scandinavian worldview.