#lofn

[notthesomefather]

My dear queer and trans heathens and norse pagans,

Remember today and always that your gods love you.

Remember today and always that Odin and Loki know and share your truth.

Remember today and always that Thor and Freyja battle by your side.

Remember today and always that Tyr fights for your justice and rights.

Remember today and always that Lofn celebrates your joy.

Remember today and always that your gods love you, that you have nothing to apologize for, that you are not alone, and that we will prevail against evil and cowardice.

[sigyn-foxyposts]

"The Hesitant Fiancée"

Sigyn seeing her sisters Idunn, Nanna and Lofn before she is going to get married to Theoric. But little does she know it's Loki, which will surely cheer her up! XD I decided to draw them how they are all depicted in the Earth-616 comics, keeping their color schemes but of course i had a little fun with their outfits! You cant blame me for giving them something better to wear.

Original painting by: AUGUSTE TOULMOUCHE - 1866

[raining-anonymously]

ok listen i started thinking about opposites attracting. the goddess of loyalty is married to the god(dess) of lies? fuck yeah!!! fuck yeah!!!! and tyr and freyr are apparently very good friends (source: lokasenna, and can i just say i love everything tyr does in the lokasenna so much??), which is so fun because tyr is a war god and freyr is a peace god! little lofn at the bottom because i think she’d enjoy this as well <33

anyway. yeah i’m hyperfixating pretty bad. send help.

[2dlovley]

Fanart ^_^ for @ryebread-x

[piratespacex]

my interpretation of sigyn family tree

now why didn’t I give her and Idunn a mother? Bc I didn’t wanna make her, they do have a mother but let’s just say she just disappeared I guess, and for frigg being the mother of Sjöfn and Lofn? That is because since I didn’t wanna make freyja their mother so I went for the next best thing😂

Edit : this family tree is sorta fucked up now that I think about it

[grimnirs-child]

Masterpost: Frīg's Handmaidens Project

Who are the Handmaidens?

In the Prose Edda, twelve Goddesses are listed after Frigga as Ásynjur: Fulla, Gefjon, Hlín, Syn, Eir, Sága, Gná, Vár or Vór, Snotra, Vör, Lofn and Sjöfn. Modern Heathens sometimes refer to Them as Frigga's Handmaidens. (This is a piece of shared gnosis, not an historically attested term.) For many of the Twelve, this is all that survives in the way of attestations.

What is the Project?

Gradually over several years, and more intentionally recently, I have been building a devotional cultus around these Goddesses. As part of that, I've been putting together primers on each of the Twelve on my longform blog -- detailing Their surviving attestations, Old English God-names and epithets for Them, my own personal experiences and upg, a prayer, and devotional icon art -- as well as essays and modern myths exploring other aspects of Them and my cultus to Them.

Although I use Old English names for Them and honour Them in a syncretic heathen practice drawing on influences from across the British and Irish Isles, I hope these may be useful and/or interesting for practitioners working in a Norse, Continental, or other context. Or for anyone worshipping and building cultus to lesser-known and lesser-attested Gods!

I will update this post periodically, but if you like you can subscribe to my longform Wordpress blog for updates when I post.

Primers

Fulla

Geofen (Gefjon)

Hlēowen (Hlin)

Ār (Eir)

Saga

Lofen & Siofen (Lofn & Sjöfn)

Snotor (Snotra)

Wearn, or Syn (Syn)

Wær (Vör)

Essays and other posts

Introduction to the Project

Essay on abundance, ānanda, and Fulla

Essay on Frīg and Her importance to my cosmology

The Wren and her sister: a myth of Frīg feat. Ār and Gnæ

Essay on marriage as initiation, feat. Lofen, Siofen and Āþ

[thorraborinn]

@grimnirs-child I don't want to tack this onto your post and derail, but you might be interested in the fact that the name Lofn probably does not derive from lof 'praise,' but rather from a verb meaning 'to hope.'

Snorri reached for the closest words in his own language to explain Lofn (and did a pretty alright job of it), but it seems Lofn was coined during a significantly earlier stage of the language from a word that fell out of use by Snorri's time. Of course, a claim like that needs pretty good evidence, but fortunately we have it.

We get problems right away with deriving it from lof, because there just is no pattern of Norse word-formation that gets you from one to the other. However, there is a whole class of nouns derived from verbs that look an awful lot like Lofn: heyrn 'hearing' from heyra 'to hear'; vǫrn 'defense' from verja 'to defend,' and lots more. By the time of attested Old Norse, they'd stopped making new ones of these, but they inherited a lot of them from an earlier stage of the language, and many are still used in Icelandic today. These types of derivations were also used in Gothic, which is nice, because we can see more or less precisely how they were put together. Old Icelandic words of this type are formed from two kinds of weak verbs only (verbs with the stem vowels -(i)ja- or -ē-, the latter sometimes written "-ai-" -- you don't see any of this in Norse, but you do in Gothic, and it's still underlying the way verbs conjugate in Norse).

To put this another (hopefully less abstract) way, we can say that if either the words *lubīniz, derived from a verb *lubjaną; or *lubēniz, from a verb *lubēną, existed in Proto-Germanic, they would come down into Old Norse as Lofn. The task then is to look for evidence of either of these verbs.

But once you start looking for those, it becomes clear that this very word -- not the verb, but the fully-derived noun, the actual fully-assembled precursor to Lofn -- already exists in both Old English (lufen, in Beowulf) and in Gothic, and they both mean 'hope.' In the link for the Gothic word lubains, the English translation has 'joy and peace,' but the Greek word it's translating is ἐλπῐ́δος (genitive of ἐλπῐ́ς, 'hope').

Even more importantly, it's actually attested as a name from hundreds of years before Snorri, in the Roman province of Belgium:

It's not unthinkable that Lofn could come about independently by some other means, but what those means are are difficult to think out. Meanwhile, we already have a word in Old English and Gothic meaning 'hope,' and which we know was already used as a woman's name in the very earliest stages of attested Germanic language.

Now this part is a bit subjective, but to my mind, the semantics of 'hope' are much more in line with Snorri's description of the goddess than his own etymology of the name. If anything, this is a vindication of Snorri as a reliable source of information about poorly-attested goddesses. For a long time there has been a (very reasonable) uncertainty about whether Snorri really knew anything about the goddesses, or if all he was doing was guessing based on their names (which he could easily have sourced from skaldic poetry). But if all he had to work with were words meaning 'praise' and 'permission,' and just happened to extrapolate a goddess who pertains so closely to the true etymology of her name, which he had no way of knowing, that is too much of a coincidence for me to accept. This tells me that Snorri did have access to genuine oral lore about what kind of a goddess Lofn was, and that he told us.

[edit: I'd said it was attested twice in Beowulf, but it's actually only once, didn't realize Bosworth-Toller was citing it once but using two different methods of line-counting]

[ladybrythwensinclair]

Hail Lofn

Hail to the Goddess of Forbidden Love Blessed are we who have been sheltered by you from hatred Hail to the Gentle One Holy are all who love despite oppression Hail to the Mild One She who softens the hardest hearts Bless and walk with us this day

[blairsanne]

Do you have a scene you really liked but weren't able to fit it in a fic? Would you care to share? Do you have a most recent favorite line or scene? What is it?

*Asks are sent for fun, no pressure to answer.

Thanks for the ask!

I don't keep a lot of full written scenes that are cut content... usually they get edited and the original is lost.

Most of the cut content I do have is actually for a project I've yet to publish anywhere and would be spoilery for the final story so I can't share it.

That said, I had originally planned to end Lofn in chapter 4, so I have an unfinished version of that chapter from before it was completely replaced with the much longer story that has unfolded so far (and that currently has many half-finished chapters unpublished).

You stepped toward the JPR building a bundle of nerves. You’d sat in the parking lot for five minutes talking yourself into and out of actually going inside until finally settling on doing it after all. You were still pretty sure that this was going to make you seem clingy and weird to Bragi, but not reaching out to him properly was driving you mental. One of the main reasons you’d settled on moving to Auckland was for the opportunity to find him, and now that you had, it seemed like a waste not to at least introduce yourself properly. Oh my god, I am such a fucking stalker.

After he’d comforted you last time, you’d decided a lot of things; to quit your job, to ask his name - but he hadn’t summoned you since then, and you were starting to think he never would. The longer you left it, the weirder it was for you to show up, right? At least that’s what you told yourself as you pushed open the door.

The lobby looked smaller in the daylight, you thought, glancing at the fridge you’d fetched him a beer from before a blonde stood from her desk on your right. “Can I help you?” Dawn asked, smiling at you. “Hi.” You took a deep breath. “I was… hoping to speak with the owner here?” “Anders? Oh, I’m sorry, he’s out running errands at the moment. Can I ask what it’s about?”

You could read a sort of pity in her face, and you realized that it probably looked exactly like what it was; a fling of his trying to get hold of him at work because they couldn’t otherwise.

“Or I could take your contact info, have him ring you back?” she offered. You nodded. “Sure.” You gave your name and phone number, watching as she carefully wrote it on a message pad. “He won’t know who I am from that,” you hedged. “But if you tell him I’m from Lofn, he should know what it’s about.” She raised a brow, but nodded slowly. “Alright. And how do you spell that?” --- Anders marched into JPR with every intention of shutting himself in his office to rage-work through his frustration with his kin until he could punch out and find a blonde girl to use up the rest of his energy. Instead, he nearly bowled you over before looking up. Dawn “Anders this is-”

“Lofn.” The name fell as a surprised murmur from his lips as Anders came to an abrupt stop, already in spitting distance. Upon the sight of you, his entire system seemed to stall, the chaotic, angry energy from his frustration that morning dissipating completely.

You turned with a hopeful smile. “I don’t think we were ever properly introduced.” You stated your real name and extended your hand. Anders let out a small snort, smiling as he shook your hand. He’d forgotten your name wasn’t actually Lofn. “Anders Johnson.”

It was odd, really, to be introduced suddenly to someone who had been a secret comfort, a secret lover nearly a dozen times. Hadn’t he already complained to you at length about his unappreciative kin? Hadn’t he already memorized your body and come undone inside you over and over, only to have you suddenly disappear? How many nights had he thought about you, wondering if you were just a figment of his overworked mind? Now here you were, in his office in broad daylight and interacting with Dawn.

“Are you here for me?” he asked, his deeper meaning understood by you and not his employee. He’d certainly had a shit day so far, so it seemed plausible. “Yes and no. I was in Auckland, so I was hoping to find you here, but I know you might be busy.”

You had come to find him? Then it wasn’t that he’d somehow summoned you to him. Still, he could use the distraction. Anders turned to Dawn. “Do we have any appointments this afternoon?”

Dawn’s brow was ever so slightly raised as she’d been watching the interaction between the two of you. Anders did seem to know who you were, if not your name. Knowing how he was, she was suddenly concerned that he might leave the office with you and not return.

“We have a meeting with the florists in an hour.” “Alright.” He nodded and turned his attention back to you, gesturing to his office behind you. “We have a bit of time. Let’s go over what you need.”

Dawn picked up a notebook from her desk. “Shall I come take notes?” Anders didn’t look back at her as he led you toward his office. “I’ve got it covered, Dawn. But if you could prepare some bullet points for our next meeting?” He shut the door before she could reply, locking it with a flick of a latch.

You stood awkwardly just inside his office. “It’s really okay if you’re busy with work, I just-” “You didn’t come to comfort me?” His hands naturally found your waist, gaze searching your face and flitting between your mouth and eyes. “Do… you need comforting?” You certainly wouldn’t deny him if he did.

Concern etched your features as he appreciated your subtle makeup and the simple, elegant dress you were wearing. He was trying to decide if he liked you better dressed up or in your pajamas when he realized you’d asked him a question. “It’s been quite a day,” he admitted. “I’m sorry to hear that,” you said honestly, your hand reaching up to caress the side of his handsome face instinctively.

He closed his eyes and let your soothing aura wash over him even more, the adrenaline that had propelled him into the building now a distant memory. 

“As fun as randomly teleporting to you without warning has been, I thought… Maybe if you wanted to see me when you’re not in crisis…” you trailed off and shrugged, unable to look at him. This was definitely stupid of you. “Lofn on speed dial.” Anders smirked, passing you his phone. “Keen.”

[ryebread-x]

Frigg’s Handmaidens Pt 1/4

Pt 2

Pt 3

Pt 4

I decided I’ll be splitting up my interpretations for Frigg’s handmaiden up into 4 post(three designs per post) + some head-canons I have for each of the goddesses.

Brief mythology lesson: The 12 handmaidens of Frigg are minor Asynjur (goddesses) in Norse mythology. Sometimes there are only 11 but I’m including Saga in this series. There was some info so I based my headcanons and designs off the info I was able to find plus just some my own personal/universal fan headcanons as well. This post will contain my interpretations of Sjofn , Gefjon, and Lofn.

General headcanons :

-Sjofn,Gefjon,and Lofn are all sisters and daughters of Freyja(since they all goddesses of forms of love/relationships) and the sons of Ivaldi

-This makes all three of them actually Vanir

-That being said they are also the nieces of Sigyn and Idunn

-Sjofn is the eldest, Gefjon is the middle child, and Lofn is the youngest

-They also have two younger half sisters Hnoss and Gersemi

Sjofn (Godess of Romance, Affection and Love)

General info: Sjofn is like a Norse Cupid she pushes people to meet and fall in love. Eventually joining them in marriage. She one Frigga’s handmaidens in Gylfaginning and is described as being the one who “directs people’s mind to love both men and women”

Personal headcanons:

-Sjofn main color is dark blue since in some cases it can be associated with love

-I made her look the most like Freyja since thier both associated with Love

-I also headcanon Sjofn as asexual-panromantic since she more associated with the idea of Romantic relationships then sexual ones and probably would have no preference when it comes to a romantic relationship

-Sjofn has had a few romances but she doesn’t disclose much information about them to others

-Sjofn is deeply protective of those she cares about especially her sisters,family,and Frigg and Fulla

-She was the second handmaiden to find out about Frigg’s and Fulla relationship

Gefjon (Goddess of Unmarried Women)

General info: Gefjon or Gefjun is associated with being a virgin goddess and those who die virgins become her handmaidens. One common myth she is in is from both Gylfaginning and Heimskringla . The myth goes that she disguised herself as a wanderer and gifted King Gylfi some oxen which were actually her sons she had with a giant. Which ended plowing the land so deep it became the Lake Malaren (also known as Logrinn). In Heimskringla she is also said to have married one of Odin’s sons, Skjold. In Snorri, she is accused of being the one the slept with all the gods instead of Freyja. She popularized in both Denmark and Sweden.

Headcanons:

-My interpretation of Gefjon is based off a traditional groom and she wears many wedding rings on her fingers

-The rings being symbolic of the relationship she has with her handmaidens

-I headcanon her as Sapphic and Polyamorous since while she has had relationships with men she’s mainly attracted to women and is in a relationship with several of her handmaidens

-Gefjon visit her oxen sons sometimes and does care for them despite the fact she gave them away

-Gefjon is close friends with Loki and Skjold

-Gefjon doesn’t really get along with her mother or her sisters expect Lofn

Lofn(Goddess of Forrbidden Love)

General information: Lofn is the goddess of Forbidden Love. According to Snorri her kenning are “the comforter” and “loving”. Lofn is credited as the arranger of marriages even if they are forbidden. She often described as a gentler goddess.

Headcanons:

-Lofn looks the least like her mother and sisters

-She’s loosely based off a squirrel

-Her color palette is pink since she is a love associated goddess but her pupil is a broken heart due to her being the goddess of Forbidden Love

-Lofn powers allow her to detect forbidden love and she was the first to find out about Fulla and Frigg’s relationship.

-Lofn is more the quieter one of the goddesses and doesn’t speak much

-She comforts those whose relationships have failed or ended in tragedy

-I headcanon Lofn as being Bi-Demiromantic mainly after seeing so many relationships that are forbidden end in possible tragedy she not ready to rush into a relationship just yet till she become close with someone and feels as if she can form a relationship with them romantically

-Lofn is closest with her Aunt Idunn and her sister Sjofn

[plantpirating]

So many of the Norse goddess' stories are lost to us.

Eir, she was the gods' physician, and

Vor was the goddess of wisdom.

Sjofn was the goddess of love and

Lofn was the goddess of marriage and the deities' conforter.

[sigyn-foxyposts]

(Personal) Ivaldi headcannons:

Ivaldi is like you would expect quite the handyman, who truly has a skill when it comes to being crafty with your hands.

He is a very well known smith in Svartalfheim and gained a lots of riches from his excellent and honest work.

He started off doing flavours for others and repairing things in his early days!

Because unlike most dwarfs, Ivaldi isn't greedy, he was genuinely friendly and even helpful.

Though he does have that infamous temper if something were to go wrong in his workshop!

Most dwarfs repreduce naturally, asexually or through magical means and while Ivaldi has done all of these, he had always wished for a permanent partner to stay by his side.

He would have his two sons through asexual reproduction! Later carrying on their fathers legacy by becoming just as skilled as him in smithing.

Then he'd create Idunn using these magical items: Elven blood, Ashwood and gold. He really wanted a daughter!

You could almost call him a hopeless romantic at times because he has found himself falling for both men and women.

But dating other dwarfs was never easy for him because he'd often get used for his kindness and or wealth.

When he met Freyja though, wandering through his realm one day things finally started looking brighter for him!

They had a shared love for pretty things, taking pride in their magical skills and feeling like they were serving a purpose and it formed into a genuine connection.

Eventually leading to them having three daughters named Sigyn, Sjofn and Lofn.

Ivaldi always admired Freyja for her abilities in caring for their daughters, even Idunn who she had taken under her wing while she stayed underground.

But things took a sudden downfall when Freyja left without a trace, leaving Ivaldi heart broken and a struggling father.

He understood that maybe their love wasn't meant to last, he is respectful for that! But wishes she would have at least said something before she disappeared.

Ever since Ivaldi struggled sleeping peacefully and developed Insomnia.

Ivaldi often found himself asking Idunn to aid him in his fatherly duties.

Which he felt guilty about, knowing Idunn deserved better than to be some caretaker for their family!

A family he was obligated to take care of in the first place.

To him his daughters were just as valuable as the shimmering gold.

Which is why he spent his remaining free time as his daughters grew, sending out messangers who were willing to get back in contact with Freyja.

In every letter he begged her endlessly for her to take Idunn and their daughters into Asgard and give them a better life.

Something he knew he wasn't able to fully provide for them.

Once Freyja actually took action and collected Ivaldi's daughters, he decided to focus his attention on his sons.

Teaching them everything he knew, so they could make a living and possibly continue his legacy through their work.

Which is why his sons took over for him, making him somewhat retired today!

He still keeps in contact with his daughters and will provide anything they need if they so ask!

He is also updated frequently about their lives and every letter he gets from them, he keeps somewhere safe!

Ivaldi unlike Freyja isn't too picky or pushy about who their daughters will marry either.

He is very laid back In that department and only wants them to be happy.

He has often made Freyja change her mind multiple times too, putting their daughters feelings first!

He also really likes his sons in law: Loki and Bragi. Because personally to him they're the most entertaining gods.

Ivaldi also loves to brag about all of his children and their achievements to the other dwarfs in Svartalfheim.

[cerezsis]

Some doodles of Lofn.

[streganonalearns]

This collage is dedicated to the goddess Lofn

[wingedluminarytyphoon]

[grimnirs-child]

I have been writing up the next post for my Handmaidens Project, about Lofen & Siofen, counterparts to Lofn & Sjöfn, to coincide with Pride month and I'm just. feeling very emotional rn. queer love and queer sex and queer community is so sacred you guys. it really is.