Also called Heiðr, Gold-draught.
Their story
Völuspá tells that the gods pierced Gullveig with spears and burned her three times in Odin's hall, and three times she was reborn, and she lives still. Called Heiðr, she went from house to house as a seeress, practising seiðr and delighting wicked women. This is given as the start of the first war in the world, between the Æsir and the Vanir.
Best times to give to them
- when reflecting on greed and worth
- before seiðr or trance work
- at times of rebirth
What they like being given
- a candle burned three times, on three nights
- a coin given away
How to honour them
- Reflect on what gold and greed do between people.
- Approach her in modern practice with care; her story is one of violence and survival.
How they can help you
- resilience
- reflecting on wealth
- understanding conflict
Symbols
- gold
- fire
- spears
- a seeress's staff
Found only in Völuspá; many scholars and modern practitioners identify her with Freyja, but that is interpretation.
Sources
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá 21–24
- Simek, Dictionary of Northern Mythology