FREYA Viking bronze amulet

Embrace the divine beauty and power of the Viking Goddess Freya with this intricately crafted bronze amulet. Freya, whose name means "Beloved," is the Goddess of fertility, love, beauty, harvest, war, and sorcery in Norse mythology. As a priestess of the Gods and a member of the Vanir, she rides a chariot drawn by cats, wears the legendary Brísingamen necklace, and commands magic with her falcon robe, which allows her to transform into a bird.

Product specifications:

• Material: Bronze
• Size: 42 x 45 mm
• Crafting Technique: Cast on lost wax
• Design by: Kati
• Production by: Wulflund

This exquisite amulet, crafted by skilled artisans at Czech Forge Wulflund, reflects the timeless beauty of Freya. Perfect for lovers of Norse mythology and those seeking a powerful symbol of strength and femininity, this piece connects you to ancient Viking heritage.

Story about Freya:

Freya, one of the most renowned and beloved deities in Norse mythology, was a powerful and multifaceted goddess. She belonged to the Vanir, a group of gods associated with fertility, nature, and prosperity. As a key figure in Norse myths, Freya was often depicted as the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, war, death, and magic. Her dual nature—both nurturing and fierce—made her one of the most complex figures in Viking lore.

Freya’s Lineage and Role

Freya was the daughter of Njörd, the god of the sea and wealth, and the sister of Frey, the god of fertility and prosperity. Both siblings were key members of the Vanir, who eventually became integrated into the Aesir, the dominant pantheon in Norse mythology, after a great war between the two groups. This union represented a merging of the Vanir’s peaceful, agricultural wisdom with the Aesir’s warrior-like qualities.

Freya was particularly known for her association with fertility, love, and sensuality. She was often called upon by those seeking help in matters of the heart or fertility, both for people and for their crops. Her charm and beauty were legendary, and she was considered a protector of women, often guiding them in matters of love and childbirth.

However, Freya's nature was not solely gentle. She was also a warrior goddess and had the ability to influence battles. Half of the souls of fallen warriors would go to Freya's hall, Fólkvangr, while the other half went to Odin's hall, Valhalla. This made her a ruler of the dead and a goddess of death, much like Odin himself. Freya’s dual role as both a lover and a war goddess demonstrates her complexity in Norse belief, embodying both creation and destruction.

Freya's Iconic Attributes

Freya’s character is accompanied by several fascinating symbols and magical possessions that add depth to her mythology:

• Brísingamen Necklace: Freya’s most famous possession was the Brísingamen necklace, a stunning piece of jewelry that symbolized her power and beauty. According to legend, Freya obtained the necklace after making a deal with four dwarves, who forged it in exchange for spending one night with each of them. The necklace was so beautiful that it radiated light and was a symbol of her authority.

• Chariot Drawn by Cats: Unlike other gods who traveled on horseback, Freya had a chariot pulled by two large cats, a unique and intriguing aspect of her myth. The cats were sacred to her, often seen as symbols of her nurturing and protective side. Cats were also revered in Viking culture, seen as symbols of home and fertility, which suited Freya’s domain.

• Falcon Cloak: Freya possessed a magical falcon (or sometimes a heron) cloak that allowed her to transform into a bird and fly across realms. This ability made her a powerful sorceress, able to access the wisdom of both the human and divine worlds. Her association with shape-shifting also connected her to Seiðr, a form of Norse magic and shamanism that involved prophecy, communication with spirits, and manipulation of fate.

• Hildisvíni Boar: Freya was sometimes depicted riding a boar named Hildisvíni, which was thought to represent her connection to fertility and battle. Boars were sacred animals to the Vikings, symbolizing strength, courage, and protection.

Freya and Magic (Seiðr)

Freya was the first to teach the Aesir the ancient art of Seiðr, a form of sorcery practiced mainly by women. Seiðr was a complex system of magic that allowed the user to shape the future, communicate with spirits, and affect the lives of others. Freya's mastery of this powerful magic made her one of the most respected deities among both gods and mortals.

Interestingly, Odin, the chief of the gods, learned Seiðr from Freya, which highlights her importance in Norse mythology as a figure of immense knowledge and wisdom. This connection also reflects Freya’s ability to transcend typical gender roles in Viking culture, as she could wield magic and power on par with the male gods.

Freya’s Influence on Friday

One of the lasting impacts of Freya in modern culture can be found in the naming of Friday. The word “Friday” comes from the Old English "Frīgedæg," which translates to "Freya's day" (or Frey’s day). Both Freya and her brother Frey were so influential in Viking society that their names became embedded in the week’s calendar, a testament to their prominence in daily life.

Interesting Facts about Freya:

• The Search for Óðr: Freya’s husband, Óðr, is one of the more mysterious figures in Norse mythology. He would frequently disappear, leading Freya to weep tears of gold as she searched for him across the world. Some scholars believe that Óðr and Odin might be linked or even the same figure, given their similar characteristics, though this remains a topic of debate.

• Freya’s Role in Ragnarök: In the mythological end-of-days battle, Ragnarök, Freya’s role remains somewhat mysterious, but given her association with death and war, many believe she would have had an active role in the conflict.

• Freya and Loki: In one of the many entertaining myths involving Loki, the trickster god once stole Freya's Brísingamen necklace, leading to a dramatic chase and eventual recovery of the jewel. This tale emphasizes Freya’s value and power among the gods, as even Loki could not resist her beauty and possessions.

Freya’s stories reflect her status as one of the most powerful and influential figures in Norse mythology. Whether presiding over love, death, magic, or fertility, Freya held a unique place in the hearts and minds of the Vikings, embodying both the nurturing and fierce sides of nature itself. Her legacy continues to inspire art, culture, and spiritual practice to this day.