Hnoss responsibilities
Beauty, desire, ecstasy, friendship, gleaming gems and jewels, love, lust, sisterhood, temptation and treasure
Hnoss spirit animal
An otter
Hnoss weapon/domain of power
Her irresistible beauty and charisma, her connection with her twin sister Gersemi, and her radiance
The most beautiful goddess
Hnoss is the Vanir goddess of beauty and desire. She is associated with love, lust and temptation. Hnoss and Gersemi are the twin daughters of Odr and Freyja. Hnoss’ name means jewel, precious gem, or treasure in Old Norse. In fact, she is so beautiful that every pretty thing in the world is named after her as hnossir (treasures).
In the old texts
In Gylfaginning, Hnoss is mentioned as the daughter of Odr and Freyja. She is so beautiful that her name is a synonym for anything that is pretty and precious; hnossir means treasures.
In Skaldskaparmal, Hnoss is cited as Freyja’s daughter.
In the Ynglinga saga, Hnoss and Gersemi are mentioned as daughters of Freyja.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are Hnoss and Gersemi the same?
A. Hnoss is mentioned a little more than her twin sister Gersemi in the old texts. That had led many scholars to doubt Gersemi’s existence as a single deity. They claim Hnoss and Gersemi are the same, one goddess of desire and lust. Yet, the information provided is insufficient, so no one can be sure. Tradition however speaks of Freyja having two daughters; twin and remarkably beautiful Vanir goddesses.