The Helfaring
The Old Norse term for a funeral was Helför—the Helfaring, which does not merely include the rites we perform in order to send the dead on their way. It signifies the entire journey from Midgard to Hel, where they are to be judged by the Gods and Goddesses. We find a similar term in Helreið—the
Are Norse and Saxon Gods Really Different?
A TALE OF TWO PANTHEONS Are Norse and Saxon Gods Really Different? If you study the patterns in Norse mythic art over the last 3 centuries you will find two sources of inspiration, and within the primary one, two prominent trends. The two sources of inspiration are the Eddas (mostly Snorri’s) and a book by
Dísir
Chapter XIV. Dísir 1. There are twelve Æsir whose nature is divine. The Dísir are no less sacred, nor are they less powerful. Those of the Æsir are called Ásynjur, those of the Vanir are called Vanadísir. Frigga- Jörð is the highest of the Dísir. She would become Óðinn’s wife.1 2. A second Dís is
Freja as leader of the Walkyries ?
POPULAR MYTH-CONCEPTIONS: Freyja as Leader of the Valkyries? This is not something found in the sources. The earliest reference to the idea that Freyja was the leader of the Valkyries is in Walhall: Germanische Götter- und Heldensagen by Felix and Therese Dahn, 1885, which reads: “However, in Walhall’s golden halls, they exchange the warlike for
Birth
We have seen the origin of the cosmos and of the Gods as told in the Odinic creation story. That the elements examined must be external simply derives from observations of the natural universe, even to the furthest reaches of outer space. No matter where you look these elements persist and continue to play a
Law in the Ættarbók
Law in the Ættarbók: the Official Guide to the Sedian Nation It is crucial to the maintenance of a well-ordered and harmonious organization for laws to be in place that are respected and followed by its members. Ours is no different. Every person involved should at least have some idea of the laws of your
The journey of the Dead Part 2
Excerpt from VIKTOR RYDBERG’S “OUR FATHERS’ GODSAGA” Translated by William P. Reaves © 2003 Chapter 38. Part 2 / 3 THE NORNS. THE JUDGEMENT ON THE DEAD. THE PLACES OF BLISS AND PUNISHMENT. – original title – In the underworld, the common path of the dead first winds in a westerly direction through deep and
Jörmungrund
THE ÁSATRÚ EDDA IV – Jörmungrund 1. Jörmungrund is the most ancient land, which was inhabited and decorated long before the other worlds.(1)Originally it was divided by three realms, each separate from the other.(2) 2. First, there is Niflheimr, which lies north of the Niđafjöll.(3)Here is the gloomy, muddy, and cold land of frost, which
Defining the Elements
Describing the four elements as we have may lead some to think that we are heading in some ‘New Age’ direction or something like that. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are simply defining these materials as they are explained in our creation story, and how they can be presented in both realistic
The Grotti Mill
Besides creating lands of pristine forests and majestic mountains for Gods and men to dwell in, the Aesir joined with the primeval Giants to build the first form of technology: the great mill known as Grotti. This too has a connection to the Water/Fire/Spirit concept, for the mill causes the ebb and flow of the
