Frey's Courtship of Gerd

Frey, the Vanir god of fertility and sunshine, once climbed upon Odin’s high throne, Hlidskjalf, which allowed him to see into all worlds. Looking north toward Jotunheim, he saw a maiden of such radiant beauty that her arms lit up the air and sea. This was Gerd, daughter of the giant Gymir. Struck by a sickness of the heart, Frey became silent and melancholy. His loyal servant, Skirnir, eventually coaxed the secret from him. Skirnir agreed to woo Gerd on Frey’s behalf, but demanded a steep price: Frey’s magical sword, which could fight on its own. Skirnir journeyed to the frozen north, first offering Gerd eleven golden apples and the precious ring Draupnir. When she refused these riches, Skirnir turned to dark threats, carving runes that would curse her with eternal longing and misery. Fearing the sorcery, Gerd relented and agreed to meet Frey in the grove of Barri in nine nights. Frey was overjoyed to win his bride, but the trade left him weaponless. When the fires of Ragnarok eventually arrived, Frey was forced to fight the fire-giant Surtr with only an antler, leading to his inevitable fall.