OF THE GOD FREY, AND THE GODDESS FREYJA.

25. "Njord had afterwards, at his residence at Noatun, two children,

a son named Frey, and a daughter called Freyja, both of them beauteous

and mighty. Frey is one of the most celebrated of the gods. He

presides over rain and sunshine, and all the fruits of the earth, and

should be invoked in order to obtain good harvests, and also for

peace. He, moreover, dispenses wealth among men. Freyja is the most

propitious of the goddesses; her abode in heaven is called Folkvang.

To whatever field of battle she rides, she asserts her right to one

half of the slain, the other half belonging to Odin. As it is said--

"'Folkvang 'tis called

Where Freyja hath right

To dispose of the hall seats

Every day of the slain,

She chooseth the half,

And half leaves to Odin.'

"Her mansion, called Sessrumnir, is large and magnificent; thence she

sallies forth in a car drawn by two cats. She lends a very favourable

ear to those who sue to her for assistance. It is from her name that

women of birth and fortune are called in our language Freyjor. She is

very fond of love ditties, and all lovers would do well to invoke

her."

The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson · 第 147 / 175 题