Mythical Fólkvangr, The Goddess Freyja’s Field Of The Host

One may have heard that Odin has his own place for the dead called Valhalla. Many may not have heard that the Norse Vanir goddess Freyja has her own field for the battle worn dead named Fólkvangr.

According to Norse mythology, Fólkvangr  in the Old Norse language means “field of the host” or “people-field” or “army-field”) it is a pasture or field governed by the goddess Freyja where half the dead that fought in combat appear once dead, while the other half are sent to the god Odin in Valhalla. Fólkvangr is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. According to the Prose Edda, within Fólkvangr is Freyja’s hall Sessrúmnir.

Freya and Freyr. Artist: Robert Pace

Freyja helps other deities by lending the use of her feathered cloak. She initiates in events of fertility and love, and is often sought after by powerful jötnar who desire to make her their wife. Freyja’s  has an absentee husband, the god Óðr. She  has cried tears of gold for him, and seeks him out under a variety of names such as Gefn, Hörn, Mardöll, Sýr, Valfreyja, and Vanadís.

Below Art courtesy of  “Larme d’Or”, or “Freya’s Tears”. Artist:  Anne Marie Zilberman  

The Goddess Freyja above illustration by “Freya” (1882) by Carl Emil Doepler  (Public Domain)

Source & Reference:

• Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic by Claude Lecouteux ISBN 9781620554807 Copyright ©2005

Author: Nifty Buckles Folklore

Nifty Buckles is a folklorist, and poet who brings to life enchanting cultural legends and fairytales. View all posts by Nifty Buckles Folklore