Editing Njörðr (section)

===''Heimskringla''===
[[File:AM 738 4to, 36r, BW Njörðr.jpeg|thumb|right|A depiction of Njörðr from a 17th-century Icelandic manuscript]]

Njörðr appears in or is mentioned in three [[Kings' sagas]] collected in ''Heimskringla''; ''[[Ynglinga saga]]'', the ''Saga of Hákon the Good'' and the ''Saga of Harald Graycloak''. In chapter 4 of ''Ynglinga saga'', Njörðr is introduced in connection with the [[Æsir-Vanir War]]. When the two sides became tired of war, they came to a peace agreement and exchanged hostages. For their part, the Vanir send to the Æsir their most "outstanding men"; Njörðr, described as wealthy, and Freyr, described as his son, in exchange for the Æsir's [[Hœnir]]. Additionally, the Æsir send [[Mímir]] in exchange for the wise [[Kvasir]].<ref name=HOLLANDER8>Hollander (2007:8).</ref>

Further into chapter 4, Odin appoints Njörðr and Freyr as [[gothi|priests]] of [[Blót|sacrificial offerings]], and they became gods among the Æsir. Freyja is introduced as a daughter of Njörðr, and as the priestess at the sacrifices. In the saga, Njörðr is described as having once wed his unnamed sister while he was still among the Vanir, and the couple produced their children Freyr and Freyja from this union, though this custom was forbidden among the Æsir.<ref name=HOLLANDER8 />

Chapter 5 relates that Odin gave all of his temple priests dwelling places and good estates, in Njörðr's case being [[Nóatún (mythology)|Nóatún]].<ref name=HOLLANDER10>Hollander (2007:10).</ref> Chapter 8 states that Njörðr married a woman named Skaði, though she would not have intercourse with him. Skaði then marries Odin, and the two had numerous sons.<ref name=HOLLANDER12>Hollander (2007:12).</ref>

In chapter 9, Odin dies and Njörðr takes over as ruler of the Swedes, and he continues the sacrifices. The Swedes recognize him as their king, and pay him tribute. Njörðr's rule is marked with peace and many great crops, so much so that the Swedes believed that Njörðr held power over the crops and over the prosperity of mankind. During his rule, most of the Æsir die, their bodies are burned, and sacrifices are made by men to them. Njörðr has himself "marked for" Odin and he dies in his bed. Njörðr's body is burnt by the Swedes, and they weep heavily at his tomb. After Njörðr's reign, his son Freyr replaces him, and he is greatly loved and "blessed by good seasons like his father."<ref name=HOLLANDER13>Hollander (2007:13).</ref>

In chapter 14 of ''Saga of Hákon the Good'' a description of the [[Germanic paganism|pagan Germanic]] custom of [[Yule]] is given. Part of the description includes a series of [[Toast (honor)|toasts]]. The toasts begin with Odin's toasts, described as for victory and power for the king, followed by Njörðr and Freyr's toast, intended for good harvests and peace ({{langx|non|[[til árs ok friðar]]}}). Following this, a beaker is drunk for the king, and then a toast is given for departed kin.<ref name=HOLLANDER107>Hollander (2007:107).</ref> Chapter 28 quotes verse where the kenning "Njörðr-of-roller-horses" is used for "sailor".<ref name=HOLLANDER119>Hollander (2007:119).</ref> In the ''Saga of Harald Graycloak'', a stanza is given of a poem entitled ''Vellekla'' ("Lack of Gold") by the 10th century Icelandic [[skald]] [[Einarr Helgason|Einarr skálaglamm]] that mentions Njörðr in a kenning for "warrior".<ref name=HOLLANDER135>Hollander (2007:135).</ref>