Sketch based on a Viking pendant representing Freya and her precious necklace around her shoulders.

Njord

Njord was the god of the sea and winds in Norse mythology. He is the father of Freyr (Lord) and Freya (Lady) and leader of the Vanir. Njord married the giantess Skadi when he visited Asgard, the home of the Aesir gods. Skadi's father was slain by the gods.

In compensation for her suffering, the gods allowed her to choose a husband among the gods. But she had to make her choice by looking only at their feet. She opted for the most beautiful pair of feet, thinking that they were the feet of Balder, a god renowned for his good looks. Instead, they were the feet of Njord.

After their marriage, Njord and Skadi had difficulty in establishing a common residence. Njord used to live by the sea while Skadi lived in the icy mountains of Jotunnheim, the land of the giants. They arranged to stay nine nights in the mountains and nine nights by the sea, but they were both unhappy. Finally, they agreed to live apart.

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