Saga: Stories and Prophecy, Handmaid of Frigga

Posted on June 26, 2024 by neptunesdolphins under Gods

At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.

Saga (in brief)
At her hall, Sokkvabekkr (Sunken Hall), Saga drinks with Odin, the All-Father. The two Gods spend their time trading stories. In common usage, “saga” means “a long tale.” Since She is the Patroness of Historians, Saga collects and passes on knowledge.

In the Gylfaginning, Saga is listed as first of the Goddesses who attended Frigga. “Saga, who dwells in Sokkvabekkr, and this is a large dwelling.” In the Poetic Edda (Grimnismal), Saga and Odin meet at her home each day. (Sokkvabekkr, Saga’s home is listed as one of the named residences of the Gods.) Her home is believed to be partially underwater or abutting a stream. This is significant since water offers wisdom and prophecy.

Sökkvabekk is the fourth, where cool waves flow,
And amid their murmur it stands;
There daily do Othin and Saga drink
In gladness from cups of gold.

In their daily meetings, the All-Father listens to Saga, since She is a source of wisdom and knowledge that He appreciates. From Her, Odin learns about the past history and the future destiny of the Nine Worlds. This Goddess perseveres history and provides an understanding of everyone’s places in the Worlds

Saga is the Progenitor, Keeper, and Foreteller of Stories. She lends her name to the Norse Sagas, their tales of generational histories. One could say that Saga knows all since She knows the past, present, and future.

Saga provides guidance of how everyone can understand their destiny. This Goddess gives people a sense of how to navigate the flow of their life’s events. This is in keeping with the Norse sense of “orlog,” (Note 2) where the past defines the future and fates are known.

I see Saga inspiring the spark of creativity in people. She offers a way to bring life into prosaic stories and elevates them. Saga encourages people to engage in the process of creating their stories. These stories can be the ones of your life that you are writing or your future. For me, She inspires my passions in writing.

Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).

Note 2. Orlog is defined as the primal layers of strands that weave together to make an individual. It is the relationship between the actions and outcomes of each person. People’s souls are inherited in part from their Ancestors and part influenced through the person’s own actions. It is not to be confused with “karma” which is that one’s actions impacts one’s reincarnation cycle.

Hlin: Protector, Handmaid of Frigga

Posted on June 22, 2024 by neptunesdolphins under Gods

Hlin (In Brief)
Frigga asks Hlin to protect those who She wishes to save. Hlin gives refuge to the fugitive since She, Herself, could not save Balder, Frigga’s son. For that reason, this Goddess also comforts those who mourn.

In the Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson write, “Hlin, who guards those men whom Frigg wants to protect from any danger. Hence is the saying that he hlins who is forewarned.” This Goddess protects people and gives safe haven to the refugee. Since her name means “help” or “refuge,” Hlin keeps the fugitive from harm.

Armored with a shield, Hlin carries a weapon. On the battlefield, She leads the women and children to safety. Unafraid, Hlin ensures the well-being of the non-combatants. To escape peril, a desperate person can call upon this Goddess. Because of this, Hlin is grouped with the other protective Goddesses – Snorta, Syn, Var, and Vor (all Handmaidens of Frigga).

Another aspect of Hlin pictures Her with a long dark veil, since She is also a Goddess of Solace in times of sorrow. In the Voluspa, Hlin could not rescue Odin at Ragnarok. This is her “second sorrow,” the first being the death of Balder, who is Frigga’s Son. Because of this, the Goddess will guide people through their grieving.
“Then is fulfilled Hlín’s second sorrow,
when Óðinn goes to fight with the wolf,
and Beli’s slayer, bright, against Surtr.
Then shall Frigg’s sweet friend fall.”

Hlin offers protection and comfort. She saves those whom She can. For those who She cannot, Hlin offers solace to the survivors.

“Hlin” is by Grace D. Palmer

Gefjun (Gefjon): Giver of Gifts, Frigga Handmaid

Posted on May 29, 2024 by neptunesdolphins under Gods

Gefjun (Gefjon) briefly:
As an Ancestor of the Kings of Norway and Denmark, Gefjon plowed Zealand into existence. Since She holds power the land and sea, Gefjon is the Giver of Gifts. In addition, all unmarried women go to her hall when they die.

In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson writes, “Gefjun, who is a maid, and those who die maids become her hand-maidens.” Out of this Goddess’ many accomplishments, Snorri focuses on her care for maids (virgins), as the most important. Even though, Gefjun has four sons and is an Ancestor of the Kings of Denmark and Norway, She is considered to be a maid. This is because She is thought to be unmarried. But that is confusing since Snorri writes in the Ynglinga Saga that Gefjun married Skjold, Odin’s son and started the line of Danish Kings. Whether Gefjun is a maid or not highlights how complex this Goddess is. What is important is that She cares for the maids who come to her Hall.

The Sagas tell of the diverse attributes of Gefjun. In the Gylfaginning, the Goddess ploughs land into being. She is given the task by King Gylfi of Sweden to plough as much land as She could in one day and one night. Before Gefjun attempts that task, She has four sons with a Jotun. Then, She turns her sons into oxen, and ploughs Zealand from Sweden. (Zealand is now a part of Denmark.)

From the Gylfaginning:
“Gefjun dragged from Gylfi,
gladly the land beyond value.
Denmark’s increase,
steam rising from the swift-footed bulls.
The oxen bore eight
moons of the forehead and four heads,
hauling as they went in front of
the grassy isle’s wide fissure.”

In the Lokasenna, Loki bitterly rebukes the Gods for injustices done to Him. Gefjun tries to mediate between Him and the rest of Them. She counsels the other Gods,
“Why will ye, Æsir twain, here within,
strive with reproachful words?
Loki perceives not that he is deluded,
and is urged on by fate.”

Loki then interrupts Her with a rejoinder. He tells the sordid story of how Gefjun slept with a boy for jewelry. Shocked at Loki’s brashness, Odin scolds Him,

“Mad art thou, Loki, and little of wit,
The wrath of Gefjun to rouse;
For the fate that is set for all she sees.
Even as I, methinks.”

The All Father is warning Loki not to be so insane as to accuse Gefjun of anything. Odin explains that She knows the destinies of everyone as well as He does. Gefjun’s powers expand beyond being the Keeper of Maids and Creator of Land.

Finally, in the “Tale of the Penis,” the maid of the home swears by a penis of a stallion. A part of her oath is swearing by Gefjun. (This is in keeping with the Goddess watching over maids.) Gefjun is concerned with young women and their fertility. (Note 2) This Goddess seeks to husband that fertility in appropriate ways.

The Oath:
“I swear by Gefjun
and the other gods
that against my will
do I touch this red proboscis.
May giantesses
accept this holy object,
but now, slave of my parents,
grab hold of Völsi.”

A complex Goddess, Gefjun is independent in her actions, She may be an Handmaid of Frigga, but She has adventures elsewhere. This Goddess is concerned with the fertility of the land and young women. Moreover, her power encompasses the respect of Odin.

Note 2. The oath could be thought of as containing fertility.

Fulla: Abundance and Service, Frigga Handmaid

Posted on April 27, 2024 by neptunesdolphins under Gods, personal

Fulla (in brief)
Because She looks after Frigga’s shoes, Fulla can be considered the Goddess of Footwear. Her other duty is guarding Frigga’s treasures, which are kept in a casket. She is also a close confidant of the All-Mother. Diane Paxson, Heathen elder, says that Fulla is the “Keeper of Women’s Mysteries.”

Snorri Sturluson wrote in the Prose Edda, “Fulla, who is also a maid, she wears her hair flowing and has a golden ribbon about her head; she carries Frigg’s chest, takes care of her shoes and knows her secrets.” This Goddess could be thought of as “Frigga’s Lady.” Fulla attends to the All-Mother’s needs in all aspects. She is entrusted with Frigga’s well-being.

Fulla may be a major Goddess, beyond what the scanty lore indicates. She is mentioned often in Snorri’s Skaldskaparmal. Fulla is listed among the foremost Goddesses of the Aesir along with Frigga and Freya in the Prose Edda.

A hint of Fulla’s power is the Second Merseburg Charm (Note 2) where she cures a lame horse.
The Second Merseburg Charm:
“Phol and Wodan were riding to the woods,
and the foot of Balder’s foal was sprained
So Sinthgunt, Sunna’s sister, conjured it;
and Frija, Volla’s sister, conjured it;
and Wodan conjured it, as well he could:
Like bone-sprain, so blood-sprain,
so joint-sprain:
Bone to bone, blood to blood,
joints to joints, so may they be glued.”

(Phol is Balder, Wodan – Odin, Frija – Frigga, and Volla – Fulla. Sinthgunt is an unknown Goddess.)

The Charm lists Fulla as the Sister of Frigga, hinting at a close relationship that goes beyond being a “Lady’s Maid.” Moreover, Fulla is thought of as a major healer of horses. The Charm acknowledges her power as a major Germanic Goddess.

The Golden Ribbon, referred to by Snorri, indicates Fulla’s divinity. The Ribbon could be thought of as a crown. This is the description of Fulla’s “Snood” in the Edda.
“One may hear how gold is metaphorically called Fulla’s Snood, in this verse which Eyvindr Skald-Despoiler wrought:
Fulla’s shining Fillet,
The forehead’s sun at rising,
Shone on the swelling shield-hill
For skalds all Hakon’s life-days.”

Fulla’s “Snood” and “Chest” hint at Her being a Goddess of Abundance. One of her attributes is “Fulla the Bountiful.” In fact, her name translates to “fullness” or “bountiful” in Old Norse. Fulla is believed to ensure bountiful harvests.

My experience with Fulla is in meditating on Her Role as the Keeper of Frigga’s Shoes. Why is that assigned to a Goddess? I realized how important shoes are when my husband had custom shoes made for his deformed feet. The proper shoes assist in walking and mobility. They are considered their weight in gold. Therefore the keeping of shoes is something that I ask of Fulla.

My second experience was in finding a box. I had needed a place to put all my prayer beads. While I was considering what, a vision of a wooden box came to me. I was led to the box on sale and had the funds to buy it. Later I realized that Fulla presented the vision and the money to buy the box.

My third experience with Fulla has been in the care and keeping of my husband’s feet. She has helped to guide me and him through his toe amputation and later operations. My UPG is that Fulla does concern Herself with feet as well as shoes.

Note 2. The Second Merseburg Charm is one of two Medieval charms written in Old High German. They are the only known examples of written charms of German Polytheists.

Sjofn Love and Friendship, Handmaid of Frigga

Posted on February 27, 2024 by neptunesdolphins under Gods

Sjofn (Briefly)
Snorri writes Sjofn “who is much inclined to direct people’s hearts to love.” Sjofn could be considered a Goddess of Love. Not simply erotic love, She oversees all kinds of love. In fact, one of her duties is to heal quarrels between families and communities.

In the Gylfaginning (The first part of the Prose Edda), Snorri Sturluson describes Sjofn as “who is fond of turning men’s and women’s hearts to love, and it is from her name that love is called Sjafni.” Little else is written about Sjofn other than it is surmised that this Goddess guards marriages. One can regard Sjofn as a firthweaver (peacemaker). She inspires people to go beyond the bonds of romance to that of goodwill and affection.

Sjofn protects the relations between people. By keeping the attachments of love safe, She supports them. Sjofn inspires tenderness between family members and between husbands and wives. Touching a person’s soul at the deepest level, She matches it with an equally deserving soul. Caring and protective, Sjofn embraces both friendship and partnership in love.

My experience with Sjofn has been the durability of my marriage. She leads my husband and me to tenderness and kindness. People watch us take our daily walks together, taking slow steps. (My husband uses a cane.) They will stop and tell us how loving we make them feel.

“Sjofn” by Grace Palmer. Buy prayer card at Wyrdcuriosities.

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“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” — Maya Angelou

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