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A Reader’s Question about Freya and Her Cats
From Katherine B.: What are the names of Freya’s cats?
Normally, I would have answered this one privately and moved on with my day, but I’ve been seeing erstwhile answers to this question cropping up lately and they’re just wrong. This mildly annoys me and so, I figured I’d answer the question here. The answer is simple too: we don’t know.
Firstly, we don’t even know how many cats Freya has, and we certainly don’t know their names.
I have seen two answers posited, but both are assumptions not anything drawn from extant lore.
The first is that Her cats (and both answers assume She only has two) are named after Her daughters Hnossa and Gersimi.
The second is that they’re named Beegull (bee-gold, i.e. honey) and Tregull (tree-gold, i.e. amber). This is not in the lore. It’s from a series of fiction novels written by Diana Paxson, who is Heathen. These names likely have traction partly because of that, and partly because they represent two things that are sacred to Freya as well. Still, nowhere in the surviving lore do these names, as the names of Freya’s cats, exist.
I should also note that the names Diana Paxson gave are also used in a very sweet children’s book, which is a lovely way to encourage young kids to think about the Gods and to start learning devotion. There’s creative license, however, inspired by devotion, in this case to acclimate children to our Gods, and then there’s actual lore-based knowledge. It’s important to know the difference. (1).
Freya’s cats are supernatural, powerful beings that are part of Her retinue. They are part of Her mysteries, and knowing Their names is a privilege, one probably reserved for those initiated into Her mysteries if even then – Their names are part of these Beings’ power. Her cats are cats but also “Other”– just like Auðumla is a cow, but so much more. To even say they are “cats” as we conceive of them is somewhat questionable and I’ve known those devoted to Freya who saw very large felines, much larger than housecats in their contemplations of Her. I’ve seen regular cats, lynx, other large predatory cats (cougars, lions), Norwegian forest cats, and even wolverines suggested by Freya’s folk. The answer is we just don’t know and as with any Holy Being, maybe They choose how They appear to our limited vision. What we can assume is that They are creatures of power, part of Her retinue, and perhaps we can learn much by considering why cats are so clearly Her creatures in our tradition.
On an only slightly related note (because cats lol), here is a video about Manul cats. They are awesome. If I ever see one, I will probably die having been bitten to death because I will not be able to resist petting it. LOL. .
Notes:
- There’s no issue if one agrees, based on one’s own devotional experience, that “Beegull” and “Tregull” are the name of two of Her cats, but were I writing about that, I’d footnote exactly this: “no names are given for Freya’s cats in the surviving lore, but drawing on the work of Diana Paxson (and I’d note which works), some Heathens believe Her cats are named Beegull and Tregull.” Then I might note whether or not I agreed with this on my own devotional practice. Personally, I’ve never been given any names for Her cats, but She is not one of my primary Deities. Though I honor Her regularly, I don’t carry Her mysteries.
Yuletide Shopping Guide – Northern Europe Products – Part 5
I created the Yuletide Shopping Guide in part because Yule is one of my favorite times of year. The guide features items polytheists would enjoy seeing in their homes or under their tree this yuletide. All with the hope of spreading some holiday cheer in a difficult year by finding items that can help feed our devotions within our polytheistic traditions, but also to hopefully along the way lift up some of the artisans in our midst too.
So far I’ve included resources for crafters, makers, and DIYers: cookie cutters, crafting molds, fabric (Mesoamerican, Egyptian, Greek, Northern Europe), machine embroidery designs, cross-stitch and embroidery patterns, as well as knitting and crochet patterns. I’ve also highlighted some items on a Krampus theme. I’ve spotlighted items you can use to deck the halls and trim the tree.
Check out the Greco-Roman themed products relevant to devotees of Cultus Deorum and Hellenismos, the Egyptian themed products ( Part 1 & Part 2 ) relevant to devotees of Kemetism, and Northern Europe themed products ( Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 ) relevant to Northern Tradition polytheists. Primarily these items are Norse-centric, but there’s a small scattering of Celtic and Slavic goods too in the mix.
There were some artists and artisans who offered a range of product across pantheons, or whose work focuses on a tradition that I didn’t have enough items to spotlight on its own. So I highly recommend that you carefully peruse the spotlighted artists and artisans in my miscellaneous ( Part 1 & Part 2 ). You will find offerings encompassing a vast array of traditions: Norse, Slavic, Celtic, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, Polynesian, Mesoamerican, Minoan, Assyrian, Sumerian, Welsh, Asian, Native American/Inuit, and more!
Today is the fifth installment of Northern Europe themed products relevant for fellow Northern Tradition polytheists.
PantheonSkulptur
PantheonSkulptur based in Sweden, features the artistic gold or silver gilded statues of Norse or Celtic Gods and Goddesses by Stina Jarenskog. Since ever piece is handmade, sometimes there’s nothing in the shop as she’s sold out. Just be sure to bookmark the shop and revisit.
FatefulSigns
FatefulSigns is the online storefront for illustrator Sam Flegal, who has done work for gaming companies and concept art for movies. He has some truly stunning images of our Gods and Goddesses, and offers the original for sale, as well as prints. He’s also decided to do his own illustrations for sections of the lore, which you can find in his two books: the Illustrated Havamal, and the Illustrated Voluspa.
Grimfrost
Grimfrost is a Swedish based company that specializes in items inspired by and related to Viking Age culture. They have some replica statuary and jewelry, but also some truly unique things based on the familiar. Some highlighted items are the Sleipnir Post Earrings, a Freya Drum, a replica of a ritual procession, and replicas from the archaeological record of our Gods.
Norsies
SummitCollection’s Norsies features painted cold cast resin figures of Norse Gods & Goddesses.
Miscellaneous
- Poster of Travis Bowman’s prayer to Odin
- Norhalla’s Sleipnir Plush Toy
- ArcanicaArt painted Frigg
- MailoniKat’s Fox Cloth
- DeBaunFineCeramics Valknut Pendant
- HeathenTreeCreations – Vanic Deities Statues
- Dharmalus – Valknut wall shelves
- SevenOaksGrove Rune Cloth
- ShirePost Ullr and vegvisir zipper pull
- The National Museum of Denmark’s Gift Shop has a wide range of products too!
We’re almost done! Just one more post to go.
Yuletide Shopping Guide – Northern Europe Products – Part 3
I created the Yuletide Shopping Guide in part because Yule is one of my favorite times of year. The guide features items polytheists would enjoy seeing in their homes or under their tree this yuletide. All with the hope of spreading some holiday cheer in a difficult year by finding items that can help feed our devotions within our polytheistic traditions, but also to hopefully along the way lift up some of the artisans in our midst too.
So far I’ve included resources for crafters, makers, and DIYers: cookie cutters, crafting molds, fabric (Mesoamerican, Egyptian, Greek, Northern Europe), machine embroidery designs, cross-stitch and embroidery patterns, as well as knitting and crochet patterns. I’ve also highlighted some items on a Krampus theme. I’ve spotlighted items you can use to deck the halls and trim the tree.
Check out the Greco-Roman themed products relevant to devotees of Cultus Deorum and Hellenismos, the Egyptian themed products ( Part 1 & Part 2 ) relevant to devotees of Kemetism, and Northern Europe themed products ( Part 1, Part 2 ) relevant to Northern Tradition polytheists. Primarily these items are Norse-centric, but there’s a small scattering of Celtic and Slavic goods too in the mix.
There were some artists and artisans who offered a range of product across pantheons, or whose work focuses on a tradition that I didn’t have enough items to spotlight on its own. So I highly recommend that you carefully peruse the spotlighted artists and artisans in my miscellaneous Part 1, & Part 2. You will find offerings encompassing a vast array of traditions: Norse, Slavic, Celtic, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, Polynesian, Mesoamerican, Minoan, Assyrian, Sumerian, Welsh, Asian, Native American/Inuit, and more!
Today will be the third installment of Northern Europe themed products relevant for fellow Northern Tradition polytheists.
Gungnir Godposts
GungnirGodposts doesn’t have a traditional storefront, they have a facebook page, where they will post brief openings in their schedule for commissions. It’s a bit of a first come, first served feeding frenzy of a free for all to get a spot in his queue, but the hand carved godposts are worth the wait. You can also support him on patreon which gets you opportunities to commission work from him as well.
VBHandcraft
Ukraine based VBhandcraft sells Scandinavian, Norse, Viking and Celtic influenced jewelry and statues.
DebsBurntOfferings
I already mentioned Michigan based DebsBurntOfferings in resources for Decking the Halls and Trimming the Tree because of her ornaments, but she also offers more Norse focused wood pyrography goods too.
BluePaganShop
BluePaganShop features Norse and Celtic designs across a wide range of items, but certain of their designs showcase best as wall hangings.
FehuCrafts
FehuCrafts is based in Poland, and creates products in wood for Northern Tradition polytheists.
There’s more to come tomorrow!
Yuletide Shopping Guide – Northern Europe Products – Part 1
I created the Yuletide Shopping Guide in part because Yule is one of my favorite times of year. The guide features items polytheists would enjoy seeing in their homes or under their tree this yuletide. All with the hope of spreading some holiday cheer in a difficult year by finding items that can help feed our devotions within our polytheistic traditions, but also to hopefully along the way lift up some of the artisans in our midst too.
So far I’ve included resources for crafters, makers, and DIYers: cookie cutters, crafting molds, fabric (Mesoamerican, Egyptian, Greek, Northern Europe), machine embroidery designs, cross-stitch and embroidery patterns, as well as knitting and crochet patterns. I’ve also highlighted some items on a Krampus theme. I’ve spotlighted items you can use to deck the halls and trim the tree.
Check out the Greco-Roman themed products relevant to devotees of Cultus Deorum and Hellenismos, and the Egyptian themed products ( Part 1 & Part 2 ) relevant to devotees of Kemetism.
There were some artists and artisans who offered a range of product across pantheons, or whose work focuses on a tradition that I didn’t have enough items to spotlight on its own. So I highly recommend that you carefully peruse the spotlighted artists and artisans in my miscellaneous Part 1, & Part 2. You will find offerings encompassing a vast array of traditions: Norse, Slavic, Celtic, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Hindu, Polynesian, Mesoamerican, Minoan, Assyrian, Sumerian, Welsh, Asian, Native American/Inuit, and more!
Today will be the first installment of Northern Europe themed products relevant for fellow Northern Tradition polytheists.
WhereTheGodsLive
WhereTheGodsLive features work made from horn, antlers, and occasionally bone.
SJChilton
UK based artist Samantha Chilton’s online store front SJChilton presents religious statues of deities in sculpted plaster. Their work primarily focuses on the Norse Gods and Goddesses, but occasionally they’ll have items for other polytheists too. Check out her depiction of the Disir.
NorsemanArts
NorsemanArts offers handmade Norse pagan crafts in horn, born and wood.
KykvendiByK
KykvendiByK is the online store front for a a talent French based artist whose chosen medium is bronze. Focusing primarily on Norse themes, they do have a small scattering of other traditions represented too.
AgaBlochArt
AgaBlochArt is an Ireland based artist making handmade linocut prints and cards. While she tackles a few different subject matter, she has several prints of the Norse Gods and Goddesses.
Artrada
Ukraine based Artrada offers hand carved wooden statues (and the occasional box) of the Gods and Goddesses. Most of their work is of Northern Tradition deities, but you’ll find a small scattering of Slavic and Celtic representations too.
Stay tuned for more installments!
Yuletide Shopping Guide – Fabric – Norse and more
The Yuletide Shopping Guide was created to spotlight items that support our religious devotions and practices, help artists who are struggling in this pandemic year, and to help some of the artisans in our religious communities too. I’ve started early to share resources for cookie cutters, craft molds, and fabric related to Mesoamerica, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Greece. In hopes this early start will allow the makers time to get ahold of materials if they intend to make something for this holiday season.
To our Northern Tradition polytheists, get ready to vike yourselves some fabric for your projects this yuletide. There’s a plethora of mjolnir (Thor’s Hammers), lots of runes too, Odin makes some appearances, a rune card pattern great for kids, and so much more. I have bought so much fabric.
Arts_and_Herbs
Arts_and_Herbs Has a small fabric collection with varying sizes of a Valkyrie pattern based on archaeological finds, in addition to a mjolnir pattern, a sun wheel pattern, and a runes pattern.
VikingFairy
Viking fairy offers two patterns both use a combination of runes and symbols connected to the Norse Gods, one looks like it could be a good option for the kids.
Odinist
Odinist has patterns based on archaeological finds, as well as a really adorable rune card pattern which would be cute for kids.
Bearhide
In addition to a rune pattern in various sizes and colors, Bearhide also offers a fabric collection encompassing runestones, mjolnir patterns, and a mixed pattern of runes & symbols.
Wren_Leyland
This is less religious, and more just cute. This Viking ship voyager pattern seems perfect for projects for the little heathens in our midst. Presented in a fabric collection with a variety of coordinating fabrics.
Even more fabric possibilities
- Yggdrasil and Our Gods – This pattern is so complex it’s hard to see it fully online. We see the world tree Yggdrasil and its connection to the worlds. In Asgard we see Odin riding his horse Sleipnir, Thor raising his hammer high, Freya with a cat drawn carriage accompanied by her boar Hlidsvini. While Loki is airborne with the giant Thiassi who has just stolen Idunna’s apples. We have bifrost with valkyries, Fenrir, frost giants, and more. You’ll need 48 inches to get the full repeat pattern, 42 inches gives you all the mythic elements but you’ll lose part of the rainbow sky. There is a smaller version of the print too.
- Odin, Freya, Freyr, Thor, Heimdall (color variations)
- Odin as a teapot, at a teaparty for his ravens
- Rune pattern in various colors
- Viking longboat pattern in various sizes and colors
- Odin and his ravens pattern (various colors)
- Runes pattern (in various sizes and colors)
- Midwinter pattern with the Sun, trees and deer
- Slavic Geometric Patterns
Please let me know if there are any errors, with all the copy/pasting it is easy to make a mistake. If there’s something you think I should spotlight in the yuletide shopping guide, please contact me and let me know. So concludes our fabric resources, but there will be more resources to come! Stay tuned.
An Example of Heathen Piety
I was thinking about the ‘Lay of Hyndla’ today. There’s a beautiful, haunting passage where Freya talks about the piety of Her servant Ottar, whom She has transformed into the boar, Hildsvini — apologies to Old Norse readers. I’m typing this directly into WordPress and can’t figure out how to do the accent marks. In Stanza 10, She tells Hyndla about Ottar, indicating why, perhaps, She is willing to help him on his quest. She’s arguing with Hyndla, who is basically a Goddess of genealogy,(1) so that the latter will recite Ottar’s ancestry, enabling the hero to tap into his ancestral blessings. It really shows how important it is to have proper relationships with the Gods and ancestors, and that if you have one, They’ll help with the other.
10. “For me a shrine | of stones he made,–
And now to glass | the rock has grown;–
Oft with the blood | of beasts was it red;
In the goddesses ever | did Ottar trust.
In other words, Ottar made so many sacrifices, and committed those sacrifices to immolation on Her altar, that the heat of the fires turned the stones to glass. Note that it’s his piety that wins Freya over, not some great heroic deed. May we take him as an example of good, religious behavior.(2)
Notes:
- Not everyone in the Northern Tradition views Hyndla as a Goddess, but my particular tradition does.
- * sarcasm* I guess that makes Ottar one of the original members of the Piety Posse.
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Winner of the Freya Contest
I’ve been meaning to post this the past two Fridays but I kept getting distracted! The winner of the title contest for the Freya Novena book is “Golden Reflection, Whispers of Beauty.”
Please contact me at krasskova at gmail.com with your mailing address and when the devotional is finished, I’ll send you a copy along with a prayer card.
All others who contributed title suggestions, please email me with your addresses and let me know what prayer card you want. 🙂
thank you all!
I need title suggestions for Freya’s novena booklet — Help!
I have several upcoming novena booklets in progress. I’m really enjoying this format and I love the portability of them. The next one is for Freya.
Once again, I’m stumped for a title and once again I’m turning to you, my readers, for help. From now through September 21 please email me your suggestions for a title to krasskova at gmail.com. Everyone who suggests a title will receive the Freya prayer card of their choice. (If you already have the Freya cards, you can choose any other prayer card instead). The ‘winner’ will receive that and a copy of the novena booklet when it is ready.
One september 21, i’ll take all the suggestions to Her shrine. I’ll do divination to allow Her to choose the title and I’ll announce it the following day.
Please please please help! 🙂
Winner of the Freya Contest
The winner of the Freya contest was entry #2:
Vanadis! Tränenschöne!* Menglada!
Bountiful, beautiful, fierce and true
radiant, shining, daughter of Earth,
Your tears, washed ashore by your father
Your neck bejeweled, pure amber and gold,
to you do I raise my prayers,
beloved sister of the fruitful fields.
Look benevolently upon me
and accept the little things I do in your honor
Strengthen my weapons and harden my shields, oh Lady
for you see the knots that weave the net of my fate.
Lend your voice to my song and brighten my eye,
Watch my hands as I work your mysteries.
Ancient one, sow on silent cats paws,
thrice-burnt, thrice-reborn
I hail your names in awe!
By Christopher Gaspar
(Tränenschöne is, as best as I can translate it, “She of the beautiful tears” — Freya’s tears were amber)
Congratulations Christopher!
Please, everyone who contributed, email me your mailing address to krasskova@gmail.com and I will send you a Freya card (or other card of your choice) once these are printed. 🙂 Thank you everyone for contributing! It was nice to see all of these new prayers of praise to the Vanadis come into being. Hail Her!
update on Freya contest
I’ve decided to wait to select the winner of the Freya contest until Her day: Friday. 🙂 Until then, I’ve each of the entries numbered and a bowl with scraps of paper, each bearing a number written on it, sitting in a bowl at Her shrine.
Friday, I’ll make offerings and prayers, and do a drawing by lots and announce the winner. Submissions are closed now, but stay tuned.
Gangleri's Grove 