❝ Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir, he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; and it is good to call on him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men. ❞ — Gylfaginning
In the poem Skírnísmal, Freyr sits upon Óðinn’s throne, Hliðskjálf, and looks across the nine realms. His gaze settles on a giantess in Jötunheimr, who goes by the name of Gerðr, and he falls desperately in love at first sight. Afraid that he might never be able to capture her heart, the god is overcome with despair. Njörðr, father to Freyr, bids the servant Skírnir to ask what brought about his mighty son’s grief. Freyr speaks freely of his longing, and on the condition of being given his lord’s precious horse and sword, Skírnir offers to woo the beautiful giantess on his behalf; after a series of persistent threats, Gerðr finally agrees to meet Freyr. Unfortunately for the god, his quest for love leads to his demise during Ragnarök, where he faces the fire-giant, Surtr, without his prized weapon.