An Ancient Norse view on our fatality and immortality...

It is interesting to study Norse mythology and history, and perhaps to see how it applies or might apply to your own life.

In reading Kevin Crossley-Holland’s The Penguin Book of Norse Myths, which I initially thought would be lacking in substance, I have found many interesting insights and references. Although I felt that not all areas and godfolk were covered as they should be and disagreed with some observations, other areas caught my attention and intrigued me.

With regards to how we live our lives and the import of our reputation succeeding us after we have left this particular plain of existence, I recognised many things which perhaps explain my own attitudes and actions to a degree.

The Hávamál is quoted as saying: ‘Cattle die, kinsmen die, I myself shall die, but there is one thing I know never dies: the reputation we leave behind at our deaths.’

“Since men who become embittered never win respect or admiration, those who sought fame did not rail at the undoubted hardship of their lives and the inevitability of death. Rather, they endured it or, even better, laughed at it.” (Kevin Crossley-Holland)

Endure and laugh rather than give in and weep.

A quote from H.R. Ellis Davidson regards the ancient ‘Norse attitudes toward an awareness of fate which is reflected in Norse Mythology:

“…but they would fight on as long as they could, since life was well worth while. Men knew that the gods whom they served could not give them freedom from danger and calamity, and they did not demand that they should. We find in the myths no sense of bitterness at the harshness and unfairness of life, but rather a spirit of heroic resignation: humanity is born to trouble, but courage, adventure, and the wonders of life are great matters for thankfulness, to be enjoyed while life is still granted to us. The great gifts of the gods were readiness to face the world as it was, the luck that sustains men in tight places, and the opportunity to win that glory which alone can outlive death.”

None of us can ever know until we die if there is an afterlife. Even then, would we be aware of our former existence? I think to a degree many people crave ‘immortality’ and to leave a memory of ourselves which will transcend our leaving this plain of existence.

I think most people who strive for recognition and have this burning desire to leave a mark on this ‘world’ wish to leave a mark which those left behind and those in the future recognise and will remember.

I believe this is very true in my case. I want to be remembered for my achievements, my actions, my individuality and my life’s tale. Be it my writing, the things I have created, who I am. I do not want to be forgotten, not only by those I know and love, but by the wider world. I strive to leave a permanent mark for those left behind and those in future generations. Perhaps some achievements will be anonymous, as in the designs we create for The Silver Bough now possessed by our customers but I am still there with them.

We make our marks as we will. Many of us want to be remembered…most of us want to be remembered well.

One day all that will be left is that memory for present and future generations, that recognition and perhaps the person’s name behind those memories. That is the stuff of stories for the future and for those inspired by us perhaps, long after we have left.

One of Loki's Best Gigs

'Loki' B Mara 2012

An inspiration from my favourite Norse ‘God’ who apparently inspired and motivated me. One of my favourite Norse Myths:

 Norse Myth (and Loki) enthusiasts and never to ignore those followers of Joanne Harris’ Runemarks and Runelight, the following is one of my favourite tales:

THJAZI, LOKI, SKADI AND A GOAT

According to Bragi:

Odin, Loki and Hoenir once travelled from home (Asgard). They crossed the mountains and deserts beyond. They found very little food and were hungry.

They came to a field of oxen and killing one, they cooked it. Although they continually broke open the cooking pit the oxen never seemed to properly cook and the meat was raw. After discussing the cause, they heard a voice coming from a nearby oak tree. A large eagle perched there.

The eagle said: “If you will give me my fill of the meat, it will cook.”

It was agreed and the eagle ate more than its fill.

However Loki took exception to this and picking up a large stick, with all of his strength, he struck the Eagle.

Unfortunately for Loki, the stick stuck firmly in the eagle’s body and it bore him away. Terrified, Loki’s feet hung at times hundreds of feet over the ground but worse, brushed the ground, the rocks and the sharp stumps and branches of trees. Loki held on but realised this was certainly not a good position to be in. He feared his arms would be pulled from their sockets or he would be torn apart by the rocks and trees… He dared not let go of the stick.

Loki finally cried out to the eagle and begged for mercy. The eagle in reply said that Loki would face an unfortunate situation or death unless he gave an oath that he would deliver the goddess Idun, out of Asgard, with her apples of youth, to the eagle.

An oath was unbreakable. The consequences would be extreme if an oath was broken.

Loki was set free and returned to his companions, but kept his secret.

Shortly after he enticed Idun into leaving Asgard and going into the forests in order, as he said, to procure apples rarer and more worthy then the apples of youth she collected. He cajoled Idun into following him.

The eagle returned immediately in the form of Thjazi (a Jotun or giant) who seized Idun and bore her away.

When Idun was seen as missing, and obvious culprit was Loki, (as always right or wrong) the gods seized Loki. They attacked Loki and threatened him with torture, dismemberment and death. Idun’s presence was cherished. not only as a beloved goddess but also as the one who kept the gods from old age with her apples. was invaluable.

Loki knew that this was no bluff and had no desire for the consequences the Gods promised him. He therefore took a falcon shape (being a shape shifter, and in some versions having borrowed Freya's falcon cloak) and flew into the Giant’s (Jotunheim) land. The Jotun, Thjazi was away at sea and Loki was able to find Idun and transform her into a nut, and therefore within his talons, Loki bore Idun back to Asgard.

Upon returning Thjazi immediately noted the disappearance of Idun. In fury, he transformed once again into an eagle and flew to Asgard.

The Aesir, knowing Loki’s success in saving Idun, saw Thjazi in his guise of an eagle and had prepared. Wood shavings lined the walls of the fortress and were lit. The eagle, Thjazi, dived and could not stop before he met with the flames which ignited his falcon feathers. Therefore, although there was great peril for the Aesir, Thjazi was consumed by the flames and died.

Of course Thjazi’s daughter Skadi was overwhelmed with grief and vengeance, and donned her mail. She approached the Aesir and demanded an apology and compensation. The Aesir offered Skadi reconciliation and compensation. They told her to choose from amongst the Aesir a husband. Skadi’s fault, despite being a warrior and a hunter, was that like most women, she desired Baldr – son of Frigg, Odin’s wife. Baldr was considered the fairest of men. Skadi faced the line up. Nothing but the feet of the men was exposed. Skadi thought Baldr MUST have the fairest feet of all.


Skadi was mistaken. Njord (or Noatun), god of the sea, an old man, had the fairest of feet from his continual walking in the salt water and sand. Thus she chose Njord without knowing and thus was her fate. She was married to Njord - a union which did not survive.

As a concession, the Aesir took Thjazi's eyes and threw them into the heavens thus creating two new stars in the firmament.

The second condition was that the Aesir must make Skadi laugh.

Skadi? Laugh? Skadi was stern. She did not laugh.

Of course Loki was put into play. Loki was charming, Loki was clever, Loki didn’t worry much about the opinion of others (particularly if he was proving a point – he already knew that no matter what he did or said to benefit the gods, their opinion of him would remain the same). So Loki took the situation into his own hands. He felt a bit of humour at his own personal expense would certainly fix the situation.

Loki found a goat. He tied a cord to the goat’s beard. The other end, he tied to his own testicles. (Give him credit for this!) Thus, ensued a sort of ‘tug of war’. Of course the goat protested and Loki squealed. Eventually the cord loosened and Loki fell into Skadi’s lap. How couldn’t she laugh? Though distressed, Loki looked up and started to (albeit painfully) laugh and thus Skadi also began to laugh.

Thus the conditions were sealed.

Though Skadi and Njord’s marriage failed (another story) she lived amongst the Vanir and the Aesir in relative peace.

Loki? Well…he still managed to father children and brushed the whole affair off…

Though I believe he must have limped for a long time.

Odin - Part 1

'Then Gangleri asked, “Which Æsir ought men to believe in?”

'High answered, “There are twelve Æsir whose nature is divine.”

'Just-as-High added: “The goddesses are no less sacred, nor are they less powerful”

'The Third said, “Odin is the highest and oldest of the gods. He rules in all matters and although the other gods are powerful, all serve him as children do their father. Frigg is his wife. She knows the fates of mankind, even though she refuses to pronounce prophecies. So it is said here. Odin spoke with one of the Æsir, Loki.

'“You are raving, Loki,

and out of your mind,

why, Loki, do you not stop?

Frigg knows,

I believe the fate of all,

though she herself says nothing.”

(Loki’s flyting)’

Odin is called All-Father. He is the 'oldest' (though he was sired by Bor?), father of all the gods. He is called Father of the slain. All that fall in battle are his adopted sons. With the fallen he mans Valhalla and Vingolf. They are known as the Einherjar. Odin is also named Hang-God (god of the hanged), Hapta-God (god of the prisoners) and Farma-God (God of cargoes). Odin’s names are many.

Grim
Gangleri
Herjan, Hjalmberi,
Thekk, Thrid,
Thunn, Unn,
Helblindi, Har
Sann Svipal,
Sanngetal,
Herteit, Hnikar,
Bileyg, Baleyg,
Boverk, Fjolnir,
Grimnir, Glapsvid, Fjolsvid,
Sidhott, Sidskegg,
Sig-Father, Hnikud,
All-Father, Atrid, Farmatyr,
Oski, Omi,
Jafnhar, Blindi,
Gondlir, Harbard,
Svidur, Svidrir,
Jalk, Kjalar, Vidur,
Thror, Ygg, Thund,
Vak, Skilfing,
Vafud, Hroptatyr,
Gaut, Veratyr.
(The lay of Grimnir)

Do you wish to know more? These are the names. There are many.

The names were given as with all the languages of the world each name applies to the different tongues… to whom they might worship, to whom they might pray. Some names are derived from events that took place during Odin’s travels. Through these travels, evolve tales.

His wife Frigg is eventually banished due to an accusation of her infidelities, and yet Odin is certainly not beyond infidelity. His son is Thor whom we find Odin takes pleasure in deceiving and taunting. His blood brother Loki perhaps rebels against the ‘supreme’ fatherhood of Odin. Loki sees himself as Odin’s closest kin, equal of intellect but restrained.

Odin maintains his stance as the All-Father, Father of All, but Odin is not always honest, nor is his judgment always just. Plausibly through this, in the end, comes his ruin.

Odin is the All Father. And yet does he occasionally breach the line between masculinity and femininity? This accusation is submitted in the Lokasenna by Loki who makes his indictment. Odin is accused by Loki of practising Said on Samsey (‘beat on drums as witches do’). Loki can be father and mother and does not seem to feel it necessary to dispute his own masculine or feminine aspects. He, unlike Odin and the other gods, feels no need to deny what and who he is, nor deny his actions. He does, however, seem to crave the respect and acceptance of Odin and the other Æsir and Vanir, though in the climate of his standing with the other ‘gods’, he inevitably fails. Odin’s side is firmly as the ‘General’ with the Vanir and Æsir as necessary allies. Thus in his way Odin betrays his brother. The final result is Loki's 'betrayal' at Ragnarok leading to the end of the gods and the world.

In the ‘Sayings of the High One’ Odin contradicts himself by praising women, then warning the reader and criticising them as deceitful. His reflections are coloured by the advantages/disadvantages that women afford him in a given situation. However, within the ‘Sayings’ are relevant words (even today) from the All-Father and good and useful wisdom. Through his thoughts, one sees Odin’s fallibility, his ‘human’ nature, his insecurities, perhaps. Does this not bring this ‘god’, this All-Father nearer to mankind than many ‘supreme’ beings?

A Word On Loki

He, who is the trickster, the traitor, the most intelligent aside from Odin. He who taunts with a serpents tongue which is silvered by his words and brings ire to the others of  the Vanir and Aesir. He who shifts shape from salmon, to hawk, to woman, to mare. He who is most beautiful and gives the gods, despite their mistreatment and spite, what the gods want and need. He who takes wives of other men into his bed and fathers their children or possibly cuts off their hair. He who devises the demise of  Baldr.

Who is he?

Here I think we find a parallel between times, and perhaps of racism, or the excuse of 'racism'. Loki is of the Jotun, the race of giants (it appears in some translations that only his father was considered of the giant race, which thereby signifies that he is considered of the same. As opposed to those whose mothers were giants). However the irony here is that ALL the Aesir were derived from the ‘giant’ race. This does not concur with our modern idea of ‘giants’ as being very large beings. According to the Eddas the giants were the first amongst ‘manlike’ beings of the worlds. However the Aesir consider themselves as ‘different’, as superior and therefore divorce themselves from the race of the frost or fire giants. Loki is still considered a part of the original race, although, as stated, beautiful and more intelligent. He still holds giants’ blood in his veins and as all giants are considered evil and cruel, thus is Loki labelled.

Although Loki is taken in by Odin as his blood brother…this in some translations is done by slitting their wrists and pressing the individual wrists together and therefore binding, he is despised by the other ‘gods’ as being an outsider and one of the enemy. I would compare this with certain modern cultures looking at other cultures and their ways and views as being ‘evil’. And I think this was simply one of many excuses to dislike Loki and his ways.

Loki works with his intelligence and wits to do the gods’ bidding. As he is Odin’s ‘brother’, he should be respected and considered as one of the highest of the ‘Aesir’. He is not. He is asked for advice and when the advice does not suit the gods he is bullied, threatened and tortured. Yet he still continues to work with the gods in his unorthodox ways, thus the gods attain the power and goals they crave. If it weren’t for Loki there would be no Bifrost, there would be no Asgard, the power of the gods would be diminished. And still he is treated as a dog that should be kennelled or as a slave and miscreant in many ways.

Loki’s intelligence and cunning is only matched by Odin’s. This is probably the reason why Odin has taken him in. Odin recognised this. And I imagine that Loki’s intelligence and beauty was a matter of seduction (read this how you will) between Odin and Loki. Neither were ‘saints’ and both were prone to straddling the line between masculinity and femininity.

Again in my opinion, I think that there was a mutual need and attraction between Loki and Odin. Perhaps as different in his ‘race’ Loki wanted out of the Jotun culture and Odin recognising Loki’s gifts and appreciation of his ‘talents’ wanted Loki as an ally.

When we read of Loki, he is usually viewed by readers to be evil. He was simply a product of his environment and of himself. The ‘imprisonment’ of Loki prior to Ragnorak was an unjust and extremely cruel and barbaric act. His two sons by Sigyn were murdered. One was changed into a wolf which tore apart the other. The second’s intestines were used to create the chains that bound Loki to the rock, whereby a serpent (reflection of his son/daughter Jormangund) was suspended above him. His wife caught the venom dripping onto Loki’s face (causing extreme agony and thus as is Loki’s nature, earthquakes). But every time she emptied this bowl he faced more venom and agony. Now a time for reflection. What kind of an idiot was Sigyn? Two bowls…empty one, use the other for collection…of course without being too hard on Sigyn, there is the element of necessary breaks.

Then one thinks WHY did Loki marry Sigyn? Sigyn, the epitome of virtue, ever loyal and loving? Perhaps to gain acceptance? To mimic Odin in his marriage to Frigg? Loki’s famous liaison with Angrboda makes one ponder…three unusual demon children with a demon mother… He moves on to a compassionate if not particularly clever woman. I think it is clear. There is little said of Loki’s first ‘wife’ and his daughters. But one must assume from the bit of information we have, his first wife was not the usual, nor were his daughters.

Loki perhaps wanted the same love, affection and respect that the other gods received. Baldr the Beautiful was loved by all (except Loki). Baldr wasn’t the swiftest of thinkers and none of his decisions are ever effective, though considered wise (perhaps a label due to the love he garnered?). His demise was caused by Loki shifting his shape to a woman (a hag?) and thereby gaining this secret information from Frigg, Baldr’s mother. (Again think…Frig the Seeress couldn’t see beyond Loki’s disguise and divulged crucial information to a complete stranger? Doesn’t make sense.)

There you have Loki who is beautiful and a swift thinker and despised by family and all others. After constant abuse can you see now why someone with a heritage such as Loki’s, his upbringing, his sincere desires and efforts, would corrupt him further? I think we can understand this. The submissive would accept this and acquiesce. The strong willed and fiery will eventually rebel. Thus Loki does at Ragnorak after his escape from imprisonment and it is never clear HOW he escaped.

Loki tries to please. He goes to great lengths to please. His dark humour and willingness to jeopardise his own ‘person’ often lights up these stories.
His ordeal with the goat, tying the animal to his testicles in a 'tug of war' in order to make Skadi laugh is an example. His duping Thor to pose as Freya after a promised betrothal to the giant Thrym shows his humour and wits.
Still in the end he is suppressed and called a fool and a traitor. Can we blame him? I certainly can’t.

Asgard and Dwarves

Odin assigned rulers in the beginning. He asked them to judge, along with him, people's fates and to oversee the stronghold of Asgard. This was done at Idavoll (Eternally Renewing Field) which was in the middle of  Asgard. The first task was to build a temple where their seats were placed - twelve in all in addition to Odin's (All-Father) throne. Inside and out all seemed to be made of gold. It is called Glasheim (Home of Joy). A second hall, a sanctuary which belongs to the goddesses was built. It is Vigolf (Friendly Quarter).

 

They set up forges making all manner of tools. There they worked stone, metal, wood and great amounts of gold. All household items were made of gold. This age is called 'The Golden Age' but it was spoiled by women who came from the Giant Land.

 

The gods took their places on thrones. Their judgements were issued here. They remembered where dwarves had come to life in the ground under the earth. They were like maggots in flesh. For the dwarves arrived first finding their life in Ymir's flesh. At this time they were maggots but the decision of the gods gave them human understanding and thus they assumed the likeness of men.

 

The first dwarves thus lived according to the Sibyl's Prophecy (The Sibyl's Prophecy - Prose Edda):

Then all the powerful gods went

to their thrones of fate,

the most sacred gods, and

decided among themselves

that a troop of dwarves

should be created

from the waves of blood

and from Blain's limbs.

There in men's likeness

were made many

dwarves in the earth

as Durin said.

 

These, says the seer Sibyl are:

 

Nyi, Nidi,

Nordri, Sudri,

Austri, Vestri,

Althjolf, Dvalin,

Nar, Nain,

Niping, Dain,

Bifur, Bafur,

Bombor, Nori,

Ori, Onar,

Oin, Modvitnir,

Vig and Gandalf,

Vindalf, Thorin,

Fili, Kili,

Fundin, Vali,

Thror, Thorin,

Thekk, Lit, Vitr,

Nyr, Nyrad,

Rekk, Radsvinn

 

These dwarves live in the rocks:

 

Draupnir, Dolgtvari,

Haur, Hugstari,

Heldjolf, Gloin,

Dori, Ori,

Duf, Andvari,

Heptifili,

Har, Siar.

 

And these dwarves came to Svarin's mound to the Pebble Plains (Joruvellir) at the Mud Fields, (Aurvangar).

 

Lofar is a a descendant and these are their names:

 

Skirir, Virpir,

Skafinn, Ai,

Alf, Ingi,

Eikinskajldi,

Fal, Frosti,

Finn and Ginnar.

Bifrost - The Rainbow Bridge

The path from the earth to the sky, the realm of Asgard. The bridge is Bifrost.

 

The gods (Aesir) built a bridge made up of the spectrum of colours. We call this a 'rainbow'. They say it has three colours (though the shades are many) and is made with more skill and knowledge than any other construction. As great as it is, it will be broken when the sons of Muspell (Chaos and ruled by Surt) ride over it in the end at Ragnarok. At this time the sons of Muspell's horses will will swim across great rivers and advance.

 

The gods deserve no blame for the fate of this construction. Bifrost is a sturdy and sound bridge, but nothing in this world will be trusted when the sons of Muspell attack led by Loki at Ragnarok.

Asgard, All-Father and Night and Day

There is an enigma here. It seems there were no people who populated the earth but still the Aesir walked. There are often discrepancies in The Prose Edda on this subject.

 

The sons of Bor (Odin or Odin's father) walked along the seashore and found two trees. From these logs they created two people.

 

The first son gave them breath and life, the second: intelligence and movement; the third: speech, hearing and sight. Bor's sons gave them clothing and names. From these three entities were produced (this is vague as how?) Man: Ask (Ash Tree - as in Yggdrasil) and Woman Embla (Elm or Vine). From these two creations came Mankind, given a home near Midgard's wall.

 

They made a stronghold for themselves which is Asgard in the middle of the world. Many events took place here, on the Earth and in the Sky.

 

Odin sat in his high seat where he could see through all worlds and into everything 'man' did. He understood everything he saw from Hlidskjalf (Watchtower).

 

Odin's wife is Frigg and from this family come the kin we call Aesir.

 

Each family was divine. For this reason he is called 'All Father'. From Earth: his daughter and wife, he has his first son, Asa-Thor (or Thor). Thor is all powerful and defeats all living creatures. 

Night and Day

Norfi or Narfi lived in Giant Land. His daughter is Night. She marries first to Naglfari. Their son is Aud (wealth). Then she marries to Annar (Second): their daughter is Earth.

 

Night was finally married to Delling and their son is Day. He was bright and beautiful as all the Aesir are.

 

All Father gave Night and Day two horses and two chariots, placing them in the sky to ride around the eartth every 24 hours. His horse Hrimfaxi (Frost Mane) sprinkles the earth with dew. Day's horse, Skinfaxi (Shining Mane) lights up the sky and earth.

 

Snorri and the Prose Edda

It should be noted that Snorri Sturluson was a product of the early medieval scholarly system. His writing and translations were influenced by not only early Christianity (thus Adam and Eve and references to the misunderstandings of the pre Christian people) but also by the trend of referencing classical history in their writings (thus the references to Troy). He sanitises much of his writing and though still 'bawdy' in places does not usually contain the blatant sexual or lude referrals found in the Poetic Edda 'written' by an earlier unknown source. In the Prose Edda we see a much more direct representation of certain events...and a less rowdy and lude translation of the 'poems'. (See the Lokasenna and the story of Thor meeting with Odin in disguise on the ferry crossing).

 

Thor was often considered during Snorri's time as the Primary God as opposed to Odin (and the various 'tribes' or cultures had various intrepretations of their beliefs with many considering Thor as the Chief God). However though the initial comments can be confusing, Odin is still seen as All Father and the primary godhead. It should be understood that names are repeated and Odin, though the brother of Bor initially in the Prose Edda is also considered the son of Bor and one of his names.

 

The giants are not conceived necessarily like the modern conception of giants being beings of great stature. Yes, some were, such as Ymir, but others were of normal stature and many of them wise and moreso the women were desireable and of great beauty.

 

An open mind and a tongue in cheek reading of the Prose Edda can see through the veneer of early Christianisation and into the true heart of the myths and 'pagan' beliefs of the early Norse. Remembering that Iceland was settled in around 800 AD, one gets an idea of the late Christianisation of the Norse cultures and a better understanding of the invaders of various earlier Christianised lands.

Valknuts roasting on an open fire

The Valknut (the translation is Old Norse meaning valr (slain warrieros) and knut (knot).
It is a symbol consisting of three interlocking triangles, which appear in a unicursal and tricural form. There are various theories proposed for its significance. The name Valknut is a modern invention which describes the symbol. It was not used when the symbol was originally used. 

Authentically the triangles are joined in two ways:

Borromean:

Unicursal:

This symbol has been found in unicursal form on many stones such as the 7^th c Tängelgarda stone from Gotland, Sweden, in tricursal form on the Lärbro stone in Gotland, on a ring in the River Nene in England and on a bedpost from the Oseberg ship burial, Slagen Norway. There have been comparisons made to the three-horned symbol inscribed on the 9th century Snoldelev Stone.



In chapter 17 of the 13th c Prose Edda book Skáldskaparmál there is the following description of the heart of the Jötunn Hrungnir.
 (a giant who challenges the gods);
 "Hrungnir had a heart that was famous. It was made of hard stone with three sharp-pointed corners just like the carved symbol hrungnishjarta, Hrungnir's Heart."


The Valknut occurs in a central and predominant position on the Stora Hammars I Stone.

 It appears alongside the images which have been interpreted as Odin with his characteristic spear Gungir thrusting another figure into a burial mound while a raven (the bird attributed to Odin) is overhead and another man is hanged. 

In the above photograph Odin is shown riding Sleipnir (the eight legged horse and son of Loki from a rather nefarious liasison with a giant’s stallion Svadilfari. The Valknuts are drawn beneath Sleipnir. (Photograph of the Tängelgarda Stone.)

Dr. Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson theorises a connection between the valknut and mental bonds . Dr Roderick Ellis (1914- 2006) was an English antiquarian and an academic, who wrote on Germanic and Celtic paganism. Dr Davidson relied on literary, historical and archaeological theory and evidence in her research on the stories and customs of Northern Europe. She wrote the book Gods and Myths of Northern Europe (Penguin Books, 1964). Dr Ellis Davidson is considered one of the most reputable sources on the myths of Northern Europe and Germany.

In one of her theories, she cites that beside a figure of Odin on his horse, which is shown on several memorial stones, there is a knot shown which is referred to as the valknut, and is related to the triskele. It is thought to symbolise the power to bind and unbind by the gods. This is mentioned in the poems and in other sources. Odin was attributed with the power to lay ‘bonds’ upon the mind. With this men became helpless when in battle. He could loosen these bonds of fear by the gifts of  inspiration ,  madness in battle (berserkers) and intoxication.

Due to the fact that the symbol (valknuter) is inscribed on stones with Odin and also on burial gifts (Oseberg ship burial) it has been theorised that the symbol may have been associated with religious practices associated with death.

Saturday night's alright for flyting...

Flyting and Loki

The Lokasenna

Another foray from our own developments into the land of the Gods and their ways. An amusing distraction.

Flyting was a sport of the gods, also a means of non physically violent combat. A battle of wits and insults. Odin has his moment with Thor (one must wonder what kind of a father he was!) at the ferry crossing but the Flyting champion must be Loki.

Now half of our team finds Loki the far superior and most interesting and misunderstood of the gods. Although he is a trickster and wildfire and chaos by nature of birth, he is used and abused by the other gods, blamed for their own indiscretions and mistakes. They turned to him in times when their lesser wits left them trapped and only Loki's cunning and guile could remove their obstacles and foes. When it went wrong, guess who got the blame? Ask for advice and take it, then blame yourself not your advisor.

Here we enter the delightful and often rude, Lokasenna. Whereby having been rebuked and denied access to a feast, he appears, after killing one of the serving men for having received praise. He meets up with the other serving man and demands access. Upon entering he is finally allowed to sit due to his 'blood brothership' with Odin. From then on...

Flyting.

Loki:

'Do you remember, Odin, when in bygone days

we mixed our blood gether?

You said you would never drink ale

unless it were brought to both of us.'

Odin:

'Get up then, Vidar, and let the wolf's father

sit at the feast

lest Loki speak words of blame to us

in Aegir's hall.'

This gains Loki acceptance to the table.

Loki's insults run from calling Braggi (the god of poetry) a bench ornament and a coward, to accusing Braggi's innocent and kind wife of 'being man crazy', to accusing Freya of sleeping with her brother, being caught by the gods and farting in bed.

These insults are amusing and wicked. The retorts often awkward and embarrassed, covering Loki's insults with excuses and aiming vitriol at Loki's own past 'evil' deeds. Does Loki back down? No, he embraces their comebacks with elegance and wit, denying nothing.

The end result: Thor, who does not seem to acknowledge the sacred tradition of not shedding blood or of physical violence in a place where food and drink are taken, threatens Loki with Mjolnir, his hammer, and thus Loki, being no fool, quits the hall. Unfortunately with soon to be dire consequences for himself.

Excellent reading and puts the gods in the light of fallibility and shows them as the wayward beings that they were... Almost human, we'd say.

(Source - The Poetic Edda).

Rune of the day

Wunjo

Modern letter - W

Wunjo signifies Joy, A rune associated with Freyja, the goddess of love. It can mean positive change.

Sayings of Odin

In the absence of any interesting activity to do with the business, we thought we'd share some of Odin's sayings from the Poetic Edda. For an old Norse dude, he made some pretty relevant observations on human behaviour.

The foolish man thinks he will live for ever,
if he keeps away from fighting;
but old age won't grant him a truce
even if the spears do.

A man shouldn't hold onto the cup but drink mead in moderation,
it's necessary to speak or be silent;
no man will blame you for impoliteness
if you go early to bed.

He's a wretched man, of an evil disposition,
the one who makes fun of everything;
he doesn't know the one thing he ought to know:
that he himself is not devoid of faults.

It's a great detour to a bad friend's house,
even though he lives on the route;
but to a good friend's the ways lie straight,
even though he lives far off.

To his friend a man should be a friend
and repay gifts with gifts;
laughter a man should give for laughter
and repay treachery with lies.

Not very much need a man give,
often you get praise for a little;
with half a loaf and a tilted cup
I've got myself a companion.
-Sayings of The High One (Poetic Edda)

Runemarks

Joanne Harris’ Runemarks is a marvel. Melding her amazing imagination with references to The Prose Edda and Poetic Edda, she has captured the personification of the Norse ‘Gods’ along with the importance of Rune Lore. Her depiction of the Aesir and Vanir as fallible with virtues and faults, with humour and remarkable style has adhered to the original prose while adding her own take on their futures after Ragnarok.

The influence of Runes in Runemarks brings an individuality and true authenticity to the use of Runes as more than an alphabet but as an ancient mystic tool. Dismiss most previous stereotypes of the ‘Gods’ through modern culture and modern ‘belief systems’ and meet them as they were: flawed, true and a strange and very special ‘dysfunctional’ family who will take you in.

Rune of the day

Kenaz

Modern letter = C/K

Kenaz signifies a torch, light after a period of darkness. Order from chaos, creative fire.