Bygul and Trjegul: The Mythical Cats of Goddess Freyja

Throughout Norse mythology, gods and goddesses traveled in legendary ways. While Odin had his eight-legged horse Sleipnir and Thor wielded a thunderous hammer, Freyja, the goddess of love, beauty, magic, and war, chose something far more mysterious and magical—a chariot pulled by two giant cats.

These mythical feline companions are known as Bygul and Trjegul.

Who Were Bygul and Trjegul?

Their names may sound strange today, but they are steeped in poetic symbolism:

• Bygul translates to “Bee-Gold”, a poetic metaphor for amber, often associated with Freyja herself (Simek, 2007).
• Trjegul means “Tree-Gold”, another metaphorical reference to amber, glowing like sunlight caught in ancient resin (Bellows, 1923).

These names reflect the shimmering beauty and mysticism tied to Freyja and her feline guardians.

The Origin of Freyja’s Cats

While neither the Poetic Edda nor the Prose Edda explicitly name Freyja’s cats, later Scandinavian folklore and poetic traditions embraced the names Bygul and Trjegul (Simek, 2007; Lindow, 2001).

Many scholars believe these cats were inspired by the Skogkatt—a mythical Nordic forest cat believed to be able to climb sheer cliffs, and often associated with Norwegian Forest Cats today. These cats are known for:

• Strength
• Agility
• Intelligence
• Wild, forest-born beauty

They were not only majestic but perfectly suited to pull the chariot of one of the most powerful goddesses in Norse mythology.

Why Cats? The Deeper Symbolism

Freyja’s feline companions represent more than transportation—they’re packed with symbolism.

In Norse culture, cats were sacred. They symbolized independence, intuition, and protection. Unlike dogs, who served warriors, cats were viewed as companions of magic, guardians of the hearth, and emblems of powerful femininity (Lindow, 2001; Davidson, 1990).

Freyja didn’t need a beast of burden. She chose creatures that reflected her own spirit—complex, confident, and mysterious.

Bygul and Trjegul weren’t pets. They represented:

• Strength and sensuality
• Wisdom and wildness
• Fierce loyalty and freedom

Legacy of Bygul and Trjegul

Today, these cats continue to inspire:

• Fantasy novels
• Role-playing games
• Tattoos
• Cat lover blogs
• Pagan iconography

Bygul and Trjegul remain powerful symbols of the divine feline spirit—a blend of mystery, independence, and ancient magic.

So, the next time your cat slinks across the room with a royal attitude, remember—it might just be channeling a bit of Freyja’s magic.

To Sum Up

Bygul and Trjegul are more than mythical cats. They are emblems of feminine power, beauty, and spiritual strength in Norse mythology. With names rich in symbolism and a legacy tied to one of the most beloved Norse goddesses, they remain unforgettable figures in Viking lore.

Whether you’re a mythology buff, a cat enthusiast, or both—these divine cats offer a story that remains powerful, relevant, and magical.

References

1. Davidson, H.R. Ellis (1990). Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. Penguin Books.
2. Simek, Rudolf (2007). Dictionary of Northern Mythology, translated by Angela Hall. D.S. Brewer.
3. Lindow, John (2001). Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs. Oxford University Press.
4. Bellows, Henry Adams (1923). The Poetic Edda. The American-Scandinavian Foundation.
5. Turville-Petre, E.O.G. (1964). Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.