Gerd
A woman of giant kin whom Freyr sees and desires, sending Skirnir on the errand.
Overview
Gerd is the daughter of Gymir and Aurboda in chapter 37 and belongs to giant kin. Freyr sees her from Hlidskjalf and falls into silence and grief; Skirnismol preserves the wooing pressure more directly in poetic form. This story places her on a fragile boundary between divine and giant worlds.
Key facts
Giant kin
Chapter 37 places her parents among Hill-Giant stock.
Promise at Barri
Skirnismol ends with the promised meeting at Barri after nine nights.
Relationships
- Freyrsees and seeks
Freyr sees Gerd from Hlidskjalf, falls silent and sorrowful, and has Skirnir sent on his behalf.
- Skirnirwoos on Freyr’s behalf
Skirnir goes to Gerd and obtains the promise of a meeting after nine nights.
- Skirnircomes through flame to Gerd’s household
comes through flame to Gerd’s household
- Skirniroffers apples and a ring
offers apples and a ring
- Skirnirthreatens her with a sword
threatens her with a sword
- Skirnirpressures her with a curse
pressures her with a curse
- Freyrnames Barri and a meeting in nine nights
names Barri and a meeting in nine nights
Story appearances
- Aesir, Vanir and Divine OrderBetrothal figure from giant kin
Gerd joins Freyr’s desire, Skirnir’s errand and future cost.
- Skirnismol: Fire, Curse, and Nine NightsFigure in Skirnismol
A woman of giant kin whom Freyr sees and desires, sending Skirnir on the errand.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 37, Freyr sees Gerd, Skirnir’s errand, Freyr gives his sword and later consequence
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Skirnismol, Introductory note, opening prose, and stanzas 1–42: Freyr, Skirnir, Gerd, gifts, threats, curse, and the Barri appointment.