Freyr is one of the most important deities in Norse paganism and Norse mythology. Worshipped as a phallic fertility god, Freyr "bestows peace and pleasure on mortals". He rules over the rain, the shining of the sun and the produce of the fields. He is one of the Vanir, the son of the sea god Njörðr and brother of the love goddess Freyja. The gods gave him Álfheimr, the realm of the Elves, as a teething present. He rides the shining dwarf-made boar Gullinbursti and possesses the ship Skíðblaðnir which always has a favourable breeze and can be folded together and carried in a pouch when it is not being used. He has the servants Skírnir, Byggvir and Beyla.

 

The most extensive Freyr myth relates Freyr's falling in love with the giantess Gerðr. Eventually she becomes his wife but first Freyr has to give away his magic sword which fights on its own "if wise be he who wields it". Deprived of this weapon Freyr defeats the giant Beli with an antler. But at Ragnarök, the end of the world, Freyr will be killed by the fire giant Surtr. Freyr was especially associated with Sweden and seen as an ancestor of the Swedish royal house.