Gefjon - Goddess of Norse Mythology

An image of the Norse goddess Gefjon.
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Depicted in this image is the Norse goddess Gefjon, known as the goddess of fertility, plowing, and abundance.

Gefjon (pronounced: "gef-yawn") (also spelled Gefjun, Gefn, or Gefion) is a goddess in Norse mythology, known for her role in the creation of the Danish island of Zealand. She is a virgin goddess, and those who die as virgins are said to serve her in the afterlife.

The name "Gefjon" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚴᛖᚠᛃᛟᚾ

The story of Gefjon's creation of Zealand is told in two versions in Norse mythology. In the first version, found in the Gylfaginning section of the Prose Edda, King Gylfi of Sweden offers Gefjon as much land as four oxen can plow in a day and a night. Gefjon, who is actually an Ásynjur, takes four oxen, who are actually her sons with a giant, and plows the land so deeply that a portion of Sweden breaks away and becomes an island. Gefjon leaves the land there and calls it Selund, or Seeland.

In the second version, found in the Heimskringla saga, Odin sends Gefjon in search of land to the northeast. She meets Gylfi, who offers her as much land as she can plow in a day and a night. Gefjon travels to the Jötunheimar, where she fathers four sons whom she turns into oxen. They plow so much land that a piece breaks away and becomes an island, which Gefjon settles and names Zealand.

In both versions, Gefjon is depicted as a powerful goddess who can manipulate the land and control the forces of nature. She is also associated with fertility and agriculture, as she is able to make the land fertile by plowing it deeply.

Gefjon is often depicted as a beautiful young woman with a plow, or as a woman with four oxen. She is associated with the Norse goddess Frigg, as they both have ties to fertility and motherhood.

Today, Gefjon is still revered by some modern pagan and Heathen groups, who see her as a powerful symbol of femininity and strength. Her story continues to inspire artists and writers, and her image can be found in modern interpretations of Norse mythology.


Please note that the information provided about Gefjon and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


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