Frīg

Meaning of Name:  Stems from the Old English word ‘frīg’, meaning ‘love’, ‘affection’ or ‘favour’.

Pronunciation: Pronounced similarly to modern English ‘free’ with a rolled, rhotic ‘r’. The ‘g’ makes the same sound as modern ‘y’.

Function: Frīg is a Goddess directly associated with Fate and foreknowledge, which suggests a nonlinear omniscience to Her character. In the Langobardic tribal myth, Frīg utilizes this cunning to award the Winili’s (Langobards) victory and fool Her husband, Wōden. Her portrayal as spinning Goddess is also suggestive of an ability to directly affect Fate through the act of weaving or spinning, connecting Her to the web of Wyrd and the predestination of one’s Orlæg.

Given the associations between Fate and divine Sovereignty (from Lady With a Mead Cup) and Her role as divine patron of seeresses, Frīg is seen as Divine Queen.  She would thus have associations with the giving of mead and the qualities of spiritual and cultural initiation which is associated with the act of giving mead.

Frīg also acts as domestic protectress and governs activities related to housekeeping and familial cohesion. Frīg is Goddess of the hearth and may be approached as such during domestic ritual, acting as threshold to the numinous. Frīg is also a Goddess of feminine fertility, being something of a divine midwife and protector of children.

For me she represents the governing figure for the numinous involving my family and I particularly pray to her in relation to my daughter and when seeking comfort or when considering possible future events.

Iconography: A 5th-7th century bronze figurine , found near the River Deben is believed to be a depiction of the goddess. The distaff is also closely associated with  Frīg in her role as domestic protectress and fate-weaver.  Contemporary implementations of iconography could be referencing Fate, like spools, threads or a loom, items of plenty, such as grains, breads, fruits, or even cornucopias.

Modern Friday (OE: Frīgedæg) is named after Frīg. It literally means Frīg’s Day as a modern comparison, the day belonging to Frīg.

Contemporary Bīnaman: Eallmeaht (All-mighty), Cursberend (Curse-Carrier), Fēstermōdor (Foster-Mother), Freoðuwebbe (Peace-Weaver), Heorþmōdor (Hearth-Mother), Hǣlugifa (Health-Giver), Scildwīf (Shield Lady), Heorþweard (Hearth-Ward), Wyrdwebbe ( Wyrd-Weaver)

*Credit to Lārhūs Fyrnsida for the majority of this information and description. I have edited this down for simple reading and for personalisation of what She means to me.