gyðjur

Gyðjur is a term originating from Old Norse, meaning "goddess." It refers to female deities within Germanic and Norse pagan traditions. These goddesses often embody various aspects of nature, fertility, war, magic, love, and domestic life. Their roles and powers varied significantly, and they were venerated alongside male gods in a complex pantheon.

Prominent examples of gyðjur include Freyja, associated with love, fertility, beauty, magic (seidr), war, and death; Frigg, the queen of the Aesir, goddess of marriage, motherhood, and prophecy; and Idunn, the keeper of the apples of youth. Other notable figures might include Gefjon, associated with plowing and virginity, and Eir, a goddess of healing.

The worship and mythology surrounding these goddesses were prevalent in Scandinavia and its surrounding areas before the Christianization of these regions. Stories about them were preserved in Norse sagas, Eddas, and other poetic works, offering insights into the beliefs and cultural values of the people. While their direct worship largely ceased with the adoption of Christianity, their figures continue to resonate in modern interpretations of Norse mythology and in various cultural contexts. The understanding of gyðjur provides a crucial element in comprehending the religious and social structures of ancient Germanic societies.