Freyr

   In Nordic myth the son of Njord and Skadi, who resided in Alfheim, from which it may be presumed that he was related to the dwarfs. He had a ship Skidbladnir, built by the dwarfs, which could contain all the Aesir, but which could be folded up. His sword, which rendered him invincible, was given by him to Skirnir in return for his services in persuading Gerdi, a giantess, to marry him. Owing to this he fell to the arms of Surt at Ragnarok.

   Adam of Bremen identifies him with Frikka, the husband of Frigg, which is quite possible, although it is not clear whether this might not make him a Teutonic rather than a northern character. He is found associated with the boar, two of which, Gullinbursti and Slidrugtanni, drew his chariot, from which it may be assumed that he was originally the chief of a boar clan of the Vanir who later became merged with the Aesir. Later he became one of three gods who shared the great temple at Upsala. He is always known as the brother of Freyja and his promotion to the rank of god may be yet another case of the supersession of a goddess by a god occurring after the end of the matriarchy. The attempts to fuse the personalities of Freyr and Yngvi, or Ingr, the chief of the Ingaevones, as put forward in the Ynglinga Saga, do not appear to have any solid foundation.