Gersemi, and her sister Hnoss, are the daughters of Freyja and Odr. Gersemi is the goddess of adoration, watching over all the handmade and precious little things.
Short Facts about gersemi
| Parents | Freyja and Óðr |
| Partners | None known |
| Siblings | Hnoss |
| Offspring | None known |
| Tribe | Vanir |
| Old Norse name | Gersemi |
| Other names | None |
| The God of | Precious treasures |
| Ass. Animal | None known |
Name and Etymology
Gersemi, derived from the Old Norse, translates to “treasure” or “jewel”. However, her name can also be seen as meaning “somtehing which is treasured”, it doesn’t have to be a literal treasure or jewel. This name undoubtedly underscores her association with wealth and beauty. In poetic expressions, the name has also been used as a kenning for treasures, subtly nodding to her exalted status.
Ancient origins
While Gersemi’s direct name doesn’t appear to have significant ancient roots predating the Norse myths, her mother, Freyja, has parallels in other Germanic traditions. The cult of fertility and wealth, often attributed to Freyja and by extension, Gersemi, might have echoes in older Germanic beliefs.
Gersemi Origins
Born to Freyja, the goddess of love, and Óðr, a mysterious god who’s often away, Gersemi inherited her mother’s charm and allure. She has a sibling named Hnoss, another symbol of wealth. While not much is detailed about her birth, her very existence symbolizes the immense wealth and beauty of her parents, particularly her mother, Freyja.
Her compelling magnetism, her passion and adoration, and her strong connection with her twin sister Hnoss
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Beautiful and unique
Gersemi is the goddess of adoration and beauty. Together with her twin sister Hnoss, they are the mysterious and seductive Vanir deities of physical beauty. She and Hnoss are the daughters of Odr and Freyja.
Gersemi is also linked with care, precious valuables – especially small ones, handmade presents, passion and respect. Her name means ‘treasure’ in Old Norse and she’s so beautiful that everything nice-looking is called ‘gersamr’ meaning treasure.
Gersemi and Hnoss share the same abilities; overwhelming beauty and their names identical to treasure. This has led many scholars to assume that she is just another name for Hnoss. Yet, Odr and Freyja had two daughters and not just one. And although they are twins she is slightly different from Hnoss. Her eyes are said to be bluer and she is more energetic than her sister.
In the old texts
Gersemi, along with her twin sister Hnoss, is only mentioned once in the Ynglinga saga, as a daughter of Freyja.
FAQS
Gersemi is the daughter of Freyja and Óðr.
Her name translates to “treasure” or more broadly, something of great value, which is treasured, in Old Norse.
There’s no mention of Gersemi having any offspring in the myths.
While not a major deity, her symbolic importance is profound.
No, she is barely mentioned at all.
Featured Image Credit: George Dunlop Leslie, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
