Freya

in Scandinavian mythology, the goddess of love. She is the daughter of Niord and sister of Frey. She excels in beauty and grace, and watches over lovers. Friday is named in her honor and was formerly the most fortunate day in the week. The Crucifixion occurring on that day led to its being regarded as unlucky. Although the goddess of love, Freya was herself deserted by her husband, it is said because she cared more for finery with which to increase her beauty than she cared for him. In Matthew Arnold's poem, Baldur Dead, Freya is described as searching for her lost mate. It must be noted that in this poem Arnold speaks of Odin's wife as Frea instead of Frigg. See Frigg