indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Feminine
Meaning & History
Of debated origin and meaning. Theories include a variant of Guðveig and a combination of gull "gold" with an obscure name element veig. It has been suggested that veig may be related to Icelandic veig and Faroese veiggj "power, strength", Norwegian veigja "intoxicating drink", Norwegian veiga "lady" or Old Saxon wēg and Old English wāg "gold, gold thread".
In Norse mythology Gullveig is solely attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional material. Scholars have variously proposed that Gullveig is the same figure as the goddess Freyja, that Gullveig's death may have been connected to corruption by way of gold among the Æsir, and/or that Gullveig's treatment by the Æsir may have led to the Æsir–Vanir War. Presumably after her burning, Gullveig became known as Heiðr, a knowledgeable völva (seeress) who could perform great feats.
In Norse mythology Gullveig is solely attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional material. Scholars have variously proposed that Gullveig is the same figure as the goddess Freyja, that Gullveig's death may have been connected to corruption by way of gold among the Æsir, and/or that Gullveig's treatment by the Æsir may have led to the Æsir–Vanir War. Presumably after her burning, Gullveig became known as Heiðr, a knowledgeable völva (seeress) who could perform great feats.