Skirnir
Freyr’s messenger, sent to woo Gerd in the giant world and paid with Freyr’s sword.
Overview
Skirnir is summoned by Njord in chapter 37 to ask about Freyr’s grief, then accepts Freyr’s errand to reach Gerd. Freyr rewards him with his own sword, making the mission not only wooing but an exchange that will affect later battle.
Key facts
Freyr’s messenger
Chapter 37 identifies Skirnir as Freyr’s attendant or messenger.
Receives Freyr’s sword
The same chapter says Skirnir asks Freyr for the sword that fights by itself.
Relationships
- Freyrsends
Freyr sends Skirnir to reach Gerd on his behalf.
- Gerdwoos on Freyr’s behalf
Skirnir goes to Gerd and obtains the promise of a meeting after nine nights.
- Njordasks him to question Freyr
asks him to question Freyr
- Freyrconfides his grief for Gerd
confides his grief for Gerd
- Freyrgives a mount and self-fighting sword
gives a mount and self-fighting sword
- Gerdcomes through flame to Gerd’s household
comes through flame to Gerd’s household
- Gerdoffers apples and a ring
offers apples and a ring
- Gerdthreatens her with a sword
threatens her with a sword
- Gerdpressures her with a curse
pressures her with a curse
- Freyrreports Barri and nine nights
reports Barri and nine nights
Story appearances
- Aesir, Vanir and Divine OrderMediating messenger
Skirnir goes to Gerd on Freyr’s behalf and receives Freyr’s sword as the cost.
- Skirnismol: Fire, Curse, and Nine NightsFigure in Skirnismol
Freyr’s messenger, sent to woo Gerd in the giant world and paid with Freyr’s sword.
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.