ODIN'S GAME |
Norse Mythology, Ragnarok, and the Mystery of the Runes |
FREY
The 50 ore presents the image of the Vanir god, Frey. The Vanir were earth gods who dwelt to the west of Midgard on the great world tree. He is shown riding a wild boar, an emblem of abundance to the Norsemen, a symbolism that is reinforced by images of the sun and life-bringing rain clouds over his head.
His sister Freya is to the left holding up the horn of plenty to receive his gift of fruit. These associations with fertility and fruitfulness establish the antiquity of these sibling gods, who, not unlike the Egyptian Osiris and Isis, confer the bounty of the earth and engender the soil. Frey in particular was a beloved god, a festive figure who is honored with feasting and merriment. He also confers the blessings of peace, for he holds his bolt of arrows with the points facing down for defense.
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