Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr - Goddess of Norse Mythology

A depiction of Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr, a goddess in Norse mythology.
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Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr, depicted in this illustration, is a prominent goddess from Norse mythology associated with Haakon Sigurdsson and often mentioned in Viking sagas.

Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr (pronounced: "Thor-gerth Haul-ga-broothr") is a figure in Norse mythology and one of the Æsir goddesses. Her name literally means "Þorgerðr, Hölgi's bride," with Hölgi being a traditional eponym of the northernmost Norwegian province of Hålogaland, and is also identified as the daughter of Hölgi according to Skáldskaparmál chapter 42. Her name is a combination of the god name Þor (Thor) and gerðr, which means "fenced".

The name "Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚦᚢᚱᚴᛅᛦᚦᛁᛦ ᚼᚢᛚᚴᛅᛒᚱᚢᚦᛦ

Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr appears in various Norse sagas and texts, including the Jomsburg Viking Saga, Njáls Saga, Þorleifs þáttr jarlsskálds, The Younger Edda, Skáldskaparmál, Færeyinga Saga, and Saga Harðar ok Hólmverja, and is even mentioned in Ketils saga hœngs. In the Jomsburg Viking Saga and Þorleifs þáttr jarlsskálds, she and Irpa are described as sisters.

The roles and functions of Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr and Irpa in Norse mythology have been the subject of scholarly discourse and conjecture. Some theories suggest that they were patron goddesses or fylgjur in Germanic paganism, with roles as díses and valkyries. They were associated with protecting and welcoming dead kings or leaders to the afterlife, as depicted in the poem Hákonarmál.

Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr is particularly linked to Haakon Sigurdsson (d. 995), who was a Norwegian nobleman and ruler. It is said that Haakon relied heavily on Þorgerðr's support and protection in his struggles for power, and that she played an important role in his battles and victories.

The depiction of Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr and Irpa in Norse mythology highlights the importance of goddesses in the ancient Germanic and Norse cultures. They were seen as powerful and influential figures who could offer protection, support, and guidance to warriors, kings, and leaders. Their roles and functions have left a lasting impact on the mythology and folklore of the region, and continue to be studied and discussed by scholars and enthusiasts alike.


Please note that the information provided about Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr 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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