Alfaleith.org - The Elder Kin p.2

Njorðr is the father of the Vanir race. He is the embodiment of the powers of the sea. His twin sister is Nerðus, who is sometimes known as Ingun, the embodiment of nature's cycles and the powers of the deep rich soil. Their children are the twins Freyr and Freyja. Freyr is often called Inguni after his mother, and Freyja Inga. Njorðrs home is known as Noatun. His energy is cyclical like the seas, and like the seas it grants fertile growth, nourishment and often times storms that are needed for cleansing and beginning anew. Nerðus is said to have gone off into nature itself long ago, after giving birth to her children, but before she went she was often seen walking the fields and seashores, and many folk were devoted to her giving, nurturing ways. Freyr became the lord of the Alfar, as his natural energy is to unlock the forces hidden within the green, and the spirits, or sals, of each living thing if brought out by him become alfar. Njorðr in time was betrothed to Skaði, the Jotun daughter of Þjiazi the mountain chieftain of Þrymheimr, but they were soon divorced. Skaði is famous for her skiing, and sometimes her dog-sledding, and she is a great huntress and warrior, just like her father was.

Freyr and Freyja

Freyr and Freyja are the embodiments of joy, and fertility, and the natural cycles of the seasons. Their names mean 'lord'and 'lady'. Freyja is also called after her origin, Marðoll, or the 'sea-bright'. They are beautiful to look upon, fiercely devoted to their kin, and disposed to giving the gifts of love, and music, joy, and family harmony. They help turn the seasons, and bring the urgings and blossoming of spring - the greeness and newness, and fertile seed sprouting.

Both have boars for animal companions, Freyr's is named Gullinbursti, or 'golden-bristled', and Freyja's is named Hildisvini, or 'battle-swine'.

Freyja has a hall named Sessrumnir. She does not ride, but has a chariot drawn by cats. The springtime is her special season, and as Ostara she is celebrated with feasts and celebrations. Her energy is one of perpetuation, as his is of unfettering, unbridling, and freeing. Freyr has a wind-swift boat, and is often said to be out sailing when the weather is fine and the sea is giving. He has the energy and spirit of the young colt, and horses are sacred to him, as are the hooved folk – the elk, moose and deer. The end of winter is also special to her, as the autumn is to him. As Vanir, Freyr and Freyja were considered husband and wife during the early days of the creation, and Freyr also had a wife name Gerð, a Jotnarin, whose brother Beli he killed before he met her. After they were exchanged as hostages to the Aesir, Freyr was formally acknowledged as the lord of the Alfar, and he rules in Ljossalfheimr, in a hall named Barri, ´the leafy´.

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