Fulla

[hearthstone]

From Gylfaginning: The fifth is Fulla: she also is a maid, and goes with loose tresses and a golden band about her head; she bears the ashen coffer of Frigg, and has charge over her footgear, and knows her secret counsel.

We don't know much about any of Frigga's handmaidens, but probably we know the most about Fulla. In Grimnismal she is Frigg's messenger to Geirrod, so certainly she is trustworthy; she is one of few to receive a gift from Balder and Nanna after they are with Hella, so she is clearly very close to Frigga and her family; she's mentioned in the Merseburg incantation as Frigga's sister and as one of those who help to cure Balder's horse via charms. Whether or not she is literally a sister to Frigg, she's definitely part of the family. She seems to play the role of executive assistant to Frigga--she's someone who gets things done, who can keep a seemingly-infinite number of irons in the fire at any one time.

I think Fulla would be good to get to know if you're someone who could use some help with their organizational skills. She would also be someone to approach if you're less than comfortable approaching Frigga herself.

Comments

[tehomet]

Thanks for this. It's interesting.

Um, do you mind if I ask a favour? I wanted to read the primary texts as part of my studies this year. Would you please recommend a good translation to begin with?

[hearthstone]

I'd say either Larrington or Hollander; generally of the two I prefer Larrington--Hollander is prettier (more poetic) but Larrington is more clear, I think.

[tehomet]

Thank you very much!