Jörð - Goddess of Norse Mythology

A digital artwork depicting Jörð, the earth goddess of Norse mythology.
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Jörð embodies the fertile and nurturing qualities of the earth, and is revered as a powerful deity of creation and growth.

Jörð (pronounced: "yorth") also known as Fjörgyn or Hlóðyn, is a goddess in Norse mythology who personifies the Earth. She is a jötunn, or giantess, who was accepted among the Æsir and is the mother of Thor, the god of thunder. Her name comes from the Old Norse word jörð, which means "earth," and she is associated with the uncivilized land.

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

ᛃᚢᚱᛏ

According to Snorri Sturluson's Gylfaginning, Jörð is both the daughter and wife of Odin, making her Thor's mother and half-sister to other gods such as Auðr and Dagr. However, the manuscript variations suggest that Jörð's relationship with other members of her family may not be clear-cut. In some versions, Jörð is the wife of Dellingr and the mother of Dagr, while in others, Nótt fulfills these roles.

In Skáldskaparmál, Jörð is portrayed as a rival to Odin's wife, Frigg, and his other giantess concubines, such as Rindr and Gunnlöð. Jörð is also identified as the mother-in-law of Sif, the wife of Thor.

In Norse poetry, Jörð is mentioned frequently, sometimes as Hlóðyn, the mother of Thor, and sometimes as Fjörgyn, the mother of the god Heimdall. In Lokasenna, Thor is referred to as "Jarðar burr," or "son of Jörð," while in Vǫluspá, he is described as "mǫgr Hlóðyniar" and "Fjǫrgyniar burr," meaning "son of Hlóðyn" and "son of Fjörgyn," respectively.

Jörð's association with the earth makes her a symbol of fertility and abundance. She is also associated with agriculture and the cycle of the seasons, as well as the natural forces of the world. Her connection to the land and the natural world is significant in Norse mythology, as the Norse people were heavily dependent on the land for their survival.

Jörð's origins as a giantess who was accepted among the Æsir suggest that she may have been an important figure in pre-Norse mythology, later incorporated into the Norse pantheon. Her influence is evident in the many references to her in skaldic poetry and kennings, demonstrating her importance in Norse culture.


Please note that the information provided about Jörð 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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