In the Poetic Edda poem Skírnismál, Freyr desires to marry the giantess Gerðr.
Freyr sees Gerðr from Odin’s high seat and becomes so lovesick that he gives his sword to his servant Skírnir in exchange for help. Skírnir travels to Gerðr’s home and attempts to persuade her to accept Freyr’s proposal.
The poem presents the courtship as a tense negotiation involving gifts, threats and magical promises. Gerðr eventually agrees to meet Freyr at the grove Barri after nine nights. The loss of Freyr’s sword later becomes significant because he lacks it during the final battle at Ragnarök.
Gerðr should not be confused with Freyr’s sister Freyja or with Sif, Thor’s wife. The poem’s title means “Skírnir’s Lay,” reflecting the messenger’s central role in the story.