Freyr is the noble brother of Freyja and ruler of Alfheim (realm of the Elves). He brings peace and prosperity to mortals.
The Price of Love
He fell in love with the giantess Gerdr and gave away his magical sword (which could fight on its own) to win her hand. This sacrifice will cost him his life at Ragnarok, where he will be defenseless against the fire giant Surtr.
Origin Story
Freyr is the son of Njord, the sea god, and twin brother to Freyja. Born among the Vanir, he came to live with the Aesir as part of the hostage exchange that ended the Aesir-Vanir War. Upon his arrival in Asgard, the gods were so impressed by his noble bearing that they gave him Alfheim, the realm of the Light Elves, as a teething gift. He received the magical ship Skidbladnir and the golden boar Gullinbursti as gifts from the dwarven craftsmen, the sons of Ivaldi. His worship was especially prominent in Sweden, where he was considered an ancestor of the Yngling dynasty.
Primary Sources
Historical texts and references
“Frey is the most famous of the asas. He rules over rain and sunshine, and over the fruits of the earth. It is good to call on him for harvests and peace.”
