Freyr: A Historical Companion

• A thorough overview of the literary, onomastic, and archaeological evidence for the deity Freyr, also known as Yngve-Freyr (or Ingwe), from the Late Bronze Age to the mediaeval period, followed by a discussion of the various sources and themes: fertility figurines and imagery, the ‘god in the waggon’ theme, the sword-wielding god. On the wider stage, the book takes a look at the Vanir-based themes of unsuccessful relationships, specific burial rites, and social structures. It aims to provide readers with a guide to the complex and fascinating sources for this elusive fertility deity.

Freyr, Vanir, Marriage, Fertility, Social wellbeing

• Stephen Pollington has been writing about early medieval Europe for more than thirty years and has more than a dozen books currently in print. His materials for learning Old English are widely used in the UK, Europe and the USA. He teaches the language with the City Literary Institute in London and lectures on a wide range of related topics.