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Frigg’s messenger and traveller between worlds Gná is one of the ásynjur directly associated with Frigg. Her presence in the sources is brief, but Snorri Sturluson preserves an exceptionally specific account of her role: Frigg sends her on errands through different worlds, and Gná makes these journeys on an extraordinary horse named Hófvarpnir, which can travel through the air and over the sea. In Gylfaginning, part of the Prose Edda, Gná appears among the ásynjur listed by Snorri. Her duty is directly connected with Frigg: the queen of the Æsir sends her to different worlds to attend to her business. Gná’s most distinctive feature is her horse, Hófvarpnir. Snorri explains that Gná rides him through the air and over the sea. Hófvarpnir belongs to the small group of supernatural horses identified by name in Norse mythology. As Gná rides through the air, some Vanir see her moving across the sky and ask who is flying there. Gná answers by describing her journey and naming Hófvarpnir. Hófvarpnir is identified as the son of Hamskerpir and Garðrofa. The sources provide very little additional information about either figure. Gná belongs to a group of ásynjur whose identities are closely tied to Frigg. Fulla carries Frigg’s casket, looks after her footwear and knows her secrets. Hlín is entrusted by Frigg with protecting certain people. Gná, in turn, travels to carry out Frigg’s errands. The surviving information about Gná comes mainly from the Prose Edda. No major independent story about her has survived, and her genealogy is unknown. Her profile rests on a few unusually clear details: she serves Frigg, carries out errands between worlds and rides Hófvarpnir through the sky and over the sea. Group: Ásynjur Divine circle: Frigg and the Æsir Principal function: Messenger and traveller in Frigg’s service Lady she serves: Frigg Mount: Hófvarpnir Hófvarpnir’s ability: Travel through the air and over the sea Hófvarpnir’s parents: Hamskerpir and Garðrofa Gná’s genealogy: Unknown Characteristic story: Her journey through the sky, observed by the Vanir Principal source: Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda
Gná