What does the Old Norse word Jörð mean?
The Old Norse word Jörð means earth or land. It serves as both a common noun and the name of a goddess in Norse mythology.
Questions about Jörð
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who are the alternative names for the goddess Jörð?
Fjörgyn stands as another name for Jörð according to modern scholars. Hlóðyn appears in Völuspá 50 as the mother of Thor, described there as son of Hlódyn.
When did Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus mention Jörð?
Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus mentions Jörð in his Gesta Danorum written during the 12th century. He calls her Iuritha within that text.
Which manuscripts present conflicting information about the wife of Dellingr?
Manuscript U presents Jörð as wife of Dellingr and mother of Dagr while other manuscripts R, W, T cast Nótt in that role. Philologist Haukur Thorgeirsson notes these discrepancies across four versions of Gylfaginning.
Why do some scholars describe Jörð as a giantess instead of an Ásir goddess?
Philologist Rudolf Simek describes Jörð as an Ásir goddess even though she is also called a giantess. Folklorist John Lindow states Jörd must have been a giantess originally.