freyja's due

"Freyja is the most renowned of the goddesses; she has in heaven the dwelling called Fólkvangr, and wheresoever she rides to the strife, she has one-half of the kill, and Odin half, as is here said:

Fólkvangr 't is called, | where Freyja rules

     Degrees of seats in the hall;

Half the kill | she keepeth each day,

     And half Odin hath.

– Gylfaginning, Translated by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur

Freyja is such a fascinating goddess, both a goddess of love and death. She rides into battle and is the patron of many a shield maiden, but is also one to turn to for matters of the heart.

In this painting I wanted to depict her in her furious battle aspect, riding atop her battle swine, Hildisvíni, winged cloak out stretched, out to collect the souls that are her due.

The original fantasy painting was done in oil and measures 48" x 29".