Lofn - Goddess of Norse Mythology

A digital illustration of Lofn, the Norse goddess of forbidden love and matchmaking.
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Lofn, the Norse goddess of forbidden love and matchmaking. She is often depicted with her gentle demeanor and her ability to smooth out conflicts between lovers.

Lofn (pronounced: "LOV-n") is a Norse goddess belonging to the Æsir lineage in Norse mythology. Her name is derived from the Old Norse word "lof", which means "permission" or "mildness". Lofn is mentioned in Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda in chapter 34 of the Gylfaginning, where she is described as the eighth of the Ásynjur, the female deities in Norse mythology.

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

ᛚᚢᚠᚾ

According to Snorri, Lofn is known for her kindness and goodness, and she has been granted special permission by Odin and Frigg to join together men and women whose marriage was previously forbidden. Due to her role as a mediator of love and relationships, Lofn is highly regarded by mortals and praised in poetry and literature.

Although little else is known about Lofn, her name is frequently used in kennings, a form of metaphorical language used in Norse poetry. She is also referred to as "golden Lofn", a title which suggests her association with wealth and prosperity.

While some scholars speculate that Lofn may have been a minor deity, others argue that she was likely an important figure in Norse mythology, given her association with love and relationships. Her name and role also suggest a connection with Frigg, the goddess of marriage and fertility, and it is possible that the two goddesses were once considered to be aspects of the same deity.


Please note that the information provided about Lofn 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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