Welcome to the TENTH issue of Thunder, a journal dedicated to the thunder gods of Northern Europe, and a joint venture between Thorshof in England and Thunderway Hall in America.
A merry Easter to all readers! Loki seems to have taken over Thunder again but there is plenty of material on old redbeard as well.
Thunder and its back issues are available on the Internet, search for 'Thorshof', you can't miss it! A list of the back issues and their contents will be given in issue 11.
Thorskegga has been at it again! This illustration is titled 'Heir of Bilskirnir' or alternatively 'Thunder next generation' and will will be transcribed in full technicolour and added to the Thorshof website in due course. Many thanks to Jackie for the inspiration!
A warm welcome to Morgan Loki's friend from distant Vinland. Morgan is building a website dedicated to the trickster which shows great promise. Check out her site at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Ithaca/2395.
Why Loki? I was sorely temped to say "why not?" and leave it at that. He makes people uncomfortable with his complexity, but easy answers are hardly worth the lack of effort it takes to arrive at them. I am completely and utterly sincere in my devotion. (I begin to realise how difficult it is to express my sentiments clearly. It wouldn't be entirely correct to say that I take honouring Loki seriously, nor would it be accurate to say that this page is not a joke.) I make no claim that anything I say is more than my own opinion, based on the information available to me at this moment in time. As I learn more, my opinions change. I'd be far more worried if they didn't.
One comment I've heard repeatedly is that since we have no historical record for followers of Loki, it isn't proper that he should be getting so much attention in the present day. Times change, Gods change - why not honour Loki? In the past, there were definitely shifts in emphasis from Tiwaz to Odin, and later to Thor. When life changes so quickly it ill behooves us to let our attention falter for a moment, lest we be left behind, could it not even be said (with only a little partisanship) that we are living in a Lokean age?
It isn't logically possible to prove a negative: just because there is no evidence for followers of Loki in times past, neither is there irrefutable proof that they did not exist at all. One can conjure whatever images or excuses one likes, proto-Lokeans striking off on their own individualistic path, or clustered in small groups round a common fire, wondering if anyone would realise what they were doing... I can't say it ever happened - in all honesty, I seriously doubt it - but no one can say with complete and unshakable certainty that it never happened, either.
The things most people seem to recall about Loki are: his responsibility for the death of Baldr (according to Snorri and later scholars who took his word for it), and that he opposes the Gods at Ragnarok. I never claimed he was perfect, did I? I'm inclined to believe he would actually be insulted by such a scurrilous imputation as perfection, and perfection's related implication as something which has no need of alteration. The only real certainty is change, a province over which his influence holds considerable sway. One thing I think people don't remember often enough is that certain things must be done so that others can come to pass. Whatever else you may say about Loki, above all, he is necessary. It's often a lousy, thankless job he carries off with such elan.
We lose a lot of the flavour and richness of the Norse tales if we look at them simplistically as parables of good versus evil, which is the legacy of living in a society with a Judeo-Islamo-Christian frame of reference. Odin could be considered both cruel and capricious, but I haven't seen that costs him much popularity. Perhaps it's because his less savoury characteristics are easier to ignore or explain away? Or perhaps he just has better public relations.
Odin's anomolous character in his roles as a god of wisdom and a god of war are more readily subject to analysis, for in these he merely represents both sides of a single coin. The price of wisdom is often sorrow and disillusionment in equal measure to that which is gained; warfare always implies the ignominity of defeat at the same moment if promises glorious victory. Loki, on the other hand, is the coin which is flipped and lands on its edge.
If you stop to think on it, for all the times Loki was prevailed upon to get the Gods out of a particularly sticky situation, can you name one single instance when someone did something for him? (Merely deciding not to kill him does not count.) Even when it's perfectly evident from the outset that Loki is the author of their troubles, he's still the one they depend upon to set matters to rights. One might consider this a cautionary tale about the nature of altruism and enlightened self-interest: do what you will for some people and they'll more likely resent you than be grateful for being beholden to you.
The unintended consequences of Loki's actions are often more meaningful and far-reaching than the event which set them into motion. Cutting off Sif's hair might have been one of his more juvenile efforts on the face of it, but making amends for this little prank resulted in the making of the Treasures of the Gods: Gungnir, Odin's spear, Mjollnir, Thor's hammer, and the rest.
Of course, I always did wonder whether Mjollnir's short handle didn't have some sort of a metaphorical context, especially considering its use in the Lay of Thrymm to hallow the bride in an almost painfully obvious use of fertility/phallic symbolism. I have been counseled that it is not the size of its handle, but what Thor did with the hammer which counts. But perhaps one might view Thor's aggression is just a teeny bit of overcompensation?
Loki offers his head in his wager with the dwarves Brock and Eitri when they contrive to make treasures equal to those made by the sons of Ivaldi at Loki's behest. But he denies it to them after they have won the bet by pointing out that they might not have any part of his neck. In what will become one of the repeating themes of Loki's appearances in the myth cycle, his lips are sewn shut by Brokk in a vindictive gesture, which has the effect of temporarily "binding" the flow of his guileful words.
Loki has no need of hammer nor spear nor any other tool while he has the more powerful, yet more ephemeral, gift of speech. When he occasionally has need of something more tangible, as he does when he borrows the feather-cloaks of Freyja and Frigg, he needs nothing more than persuasion to acquire them. Words, like Loki himself, can be wonderful allies or fearsome enemies, depending on the circumstances.
Internal consistency within the myths is not necessarily evident, or even necessarily a good thing. One does have to wonder how Loki found himself in a position to lop Sif's hair off in the first place. Here, Lokasenna provides us with a perfectly reasonable explanation: he was already in Sif's bed when he did it. And in the Lay of Harbarth, does not the ferryman (none other than Odin, of course, who ought to be in a position to know) tell Thor that "With Sif someone sleeps in her bower"?
Adding gratuitous insult to the injury already done to her marriage vows seems perfectly in keeping with Loki's character. The injury could not have been too great, however, since we still see Thor and Loki wandering around together after this. Either that, or Thor was just a bit too thick to figure it out. Since Thor isn't exactly known as a model of intellectual acumen, I'd tend to lean towards the latter explanation. There are two schools of thought I've been able to discern on the Baldr myth. The first examines the fact that this is obviously a late and anomolous addition, and seeks to correct mistaken impressions.
If this is so, however, we are left with the anomaly of Loki's binding. If he didn't kill Baldr, what excuse did Odin have to murder Loki's son to bind the father? (As though Odin ever needed excuses to wreak havoc!) The first conclusion is obvious: although denying Balder a chance to return from Hel is a separate action to killing him, one could assume that this is the reason. The second, which I actually favour is this: that the prose filip attached as it is to Lokasenna is no accident, and it was Loki's action's at Aegir's feast which ultimately led the Gods and Goddesses to constrain him. For all the egregious things the Clever One had done in the past, there were simply some rules which it would have behooved even him to follow. He chose not to, and suffered the consequences of his actions.
But I've come to the independent conclusion that the connexion of Loki with the death of Balder has become so embedded in the contemporary psyche that it's going to be next to impossible to dislodge, so one might as well make of it what one can. Rather than being oppositional, I consider these positions complementary approaches and actively subscribe to both, because the former deals primarily with evidence, while the latter is largely interpretive in nature, and deals with the modern rather than the historical imagination.
Even if we work from the premise that Loki was responsible for Baldr's death, I'm not at all certain it was such an awful thing. Nothing lasts forever, and even Gods can die. By attempting to extract promises from everything not to harm Baldr, Frigg is attempting to distort the natural order of things. When this isn't successful and Baldr is killed anyway, again the Aesir seek to wriggle out of the inevitability of death itself by bargaining with Hel to release Baldr back into the world of the living. Living is living, and dead is dead. By refusing to weep for Baldr in the guise of Thokk, Loki assures that this very basic rule of the universe holds.
On reflection, this could be interpreted with an even broader perspective. It is not merely life and death which Frigg seeks to circumvent, but the very nature of the universe itself. If this excessive ordering had been successful, all the nine worlds as we know them would have been changed forever, doomed in all likelihood to stagnation and decay without the interplay of chance. In some ways, this attempt to remove randomness from the eternal equation can be seen as another attempt to bind Loki, since he is the agent of change as well as the agent provocateur of Asgard.
On further reflection, the death of Baldr seems even more inevitable. He is described as being the "wisest," "most beautifully spoken," and "most merciful," but (and this is a rather large but) "none of his decisions can be fulfilled." If I've ever heard a better description of youthful idealism, I can't recall it. There's something about Baldr's purity which reminds one of innocence which hasn't yet run up against the harsher lessons of the larger world. It doesn't last forever... and neither does Baldr.
And Baldr gets to come back after Ragnarok, anyway. So why get all worked up over it? It is intriguing to speculate whether he would have survived Ragnarok at all if he hadn't been cooling his heels in Hel. Might it even be said that Loki actually did Balder a favour in assuring him his place in the new pantheon?
If Baldr hadn't died and remained dead, another of the Gods who survives Ragnarok, Vali, never would have been born. He was specifically conceived to avenge his brother's death, after all. If Baldr had returned from Hel, no harm - no foul - no Vali. But would the nonexistence of Vali have been such a great loss? Other than surviving Ragnarok, this brave son of Odin really did little more than kill Hod, who (according to Snorri) was nothing but a dupe. What else could be said of this ignominious figure? Not much.
Actually, here is where Snorri's version falls widest of the mark. If Loki was responsible for Baldr's death, why is it that Vali's job is apparently done when he kills Hod, hmm?
And does anyone ever stop to consider Nanna's feelings in all of this? Wouldn't you feel like a right prat dying heartbroken over your husband's death if he could just waltz back out of Hel without so much as a by-your-leave?
Conversely, one has to wonder how Sigyn viewed Loki as a husband, since she remains steadfastly by him until Ragnarok, keeping him from as much harm as she is able. If he'd been truly awful to her, Sigyn could have just told him to sod off and gone on her way. Njord and Skadi parted for far more trivial reasons without apparent censure.
For all his flaws, Loki inspires a degree of loyalty not only in Sigyn, but in Odin as well. Even though he has already played a part in Baldr's sojourn in Hel, his oath of blood-brotherhood with the All-father secures him a place at Aegir's feast, above the objections of the other Gods and Goddesses.
Loki is quite probably the most dynamic figure in Norse mythology - one of the few dynamic characters, along with Odin. Most of the other Gods and Goddesses are relatively static: they do not change over time, nor do they alter according to their experiences. They are - not to put too fine a point on it - more or less eternal, which is one reason the shattering of this assumption with the death of Balder is such a traumatic event.
Freyja remains essentially a perpetual daughter of joy, while Thor seems content with his role as plodding giant smasher. When they acquire things, as Freyja did Brisingamen, or Thor Mjollnir, these are merely emblematic of the basic nature they already express rather than being transformative events. This is also one of the implicit underpinning of the marriage between Njord and Skadi, for neither is willing or able to transform their nature in order to be able to accommodate the other. Rather than being inexplicable (as some would have it), the blood-brotherhood of Loki and Odin seems both fitting and entirely natural in light of their mutual mutability.
And in a completely different vein, here is a reworking of the tale of Loki, Sif and Mjollnir. Just to prove that Loki doesn't have to be evil, goddesses don't have to be unfaithfull, and thundergods can have IQs bigger than their hat size.
The halls of Bilskirnir resounded with laughter and merrymaking. The holy folk were gathered for the wedding of the Thunderer and Sif the fair. The radiant goddess, wise in womans wisdom, foresaw a future as secure as the oak pillars of redbeards hall, and knew true hearts gladness as the sacred vows were made. Loki stood at the right hand of the proud and joyful Thunderer, and was pleased to welcome Ull's mother to his friend's hall.
The following evening Loki crept to Sif's chamber and found Bilskirnir's new mistress in quiet contemplation, her spindle motionless in her hand, work lost to her thoughts. She glanced up at Loki's approach and smiled in welcome. 'Do you know all that will come to pass?' asked Loki.
'I know all that may happen, much depends on ones efforts to forge ones own destiny.'
'You know why I am here?' Loki asked again.
The goddess nodded, laying her spindle aside she unknotted her long fair hair and shook it loose about her shoulders. The shimmering hair caught the lamplight and shone almost as brightly as gold. 'Does the fox have courage to challenge the lion?' she asked mischeivously.
Loki starred helplessly at Sif's intoxicating beauty, then shook his head to clear his thoughts. He grabbed the shears from Sif's workbox and chopped off every strand of the goddess's shining locks. Loki stood in a deep carpet of shimmering hairs. He ran his fingers over the prickly tufts on the goddess's head, all that remained of Sif's wonderful ormament. She seemed so diminished in presence by the loss that tears came to his eyes. 'Forgive me.' he whispered.
Sif hugged him close 'Be brave' she said 'or all will be for nought'.
Next morning when Sol urged her steeds up the vault of heaven, Arvak and Alsvinn reared as the nine worlds shook to Thor's angry cry. 'LOKI!' he roared.
The wretched trickster was dragged out of his bed and slammed against the wall, he desperately tried to avoid meeting the brimstone gaze of the furious thunder god. 'Which is your favourite arm' growled Thor, 'tell me, so I can rip it off!'
Loki shrieked in terror, but even Sigurd would have soiled his breeches in such a predicament. 'You sheared my bride like a nithing you perverted bastard! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't castrate you here and now!'
'I'm sorry!' Loki gasped, feeling the baleful gaze burning through him, 'I'll put it right.'
'How?' demanded Thor coldly.
'I'll get the dark elves to make new hair for her.' Loki gabbled desperately. Loki prayed silently to every power a god can pray to. He asked himself the same question over and over. Why had he thought he would get away with this prank? This was it, he was going to die.
To Loki's great relief he felt himself being lowered to the floor. 'Do it.' Was Thor's only reply as he turned his back on the trickster in disgust and stormed out of Loki's rooms. Loki winched as Thor slammed the door behind him, splintering the wood.
Eager to escape the stormy atmosphere in Bilskirnir, Loki pulled on his cloak of falcon feathers and flew off to the dwarves' halls. He made his way directly to the home of Dvalin Ivaldison, the dwarf knew Loki well and greeted him warmly. Dvalin noted that Loki did not seem his usual cheerful self, he asked how his friend fared. Loki's only response was to snatch a silver wine cup from the dresser and set it down loudly on Dvalin's well-scrubbed table. 'Fill it up.' He said.
Dvalin tugged his long white beard in puzzled amusement. He brought a wineskin to the table and filled the cup to the brim. 'That should sort you,' the dwarf said encouragingly, 'it's a potent brew'. Loki drained the wine and pushed the cup back to the dwarf who obligingly refilled it. After several more cups Loki put his head on his crossed arms and groaned.
'Feeling better?' asked the dwarf.
'No.' Loki muttered.
'So,' said Dvalin labouring to start a conversation, 'did you persuade Thor to commission a dwarven weapon?'
Loki flinched visiably, which surprised Dvalin. Then he raised his head and gave the dwarf a nervous grin, 'In a roundabout way.' he said.
'Thank gold for that, it's about time.' said the dwarf with feeling.
Loki warmed to the subject. 'Too true. Take that fight with the giant of Exmoor for example. He grabbed the fellow by the ankle, threw him over and hit him on the head with a rock.'
'A rock, indeed.' echoed the dwarf in a disgusted tone.
'Well quite a large rock as a matter of fact, maybe 'tor' would be a better description.'
'Even so,' mused the dwarf, 'there are other considerations, presentation, efficiency, style. Rocks just don't cut it. Just because the mortals are still in the Stone Age doesn't mean we have to limit ourselves to such restrictive measures.'
'So what to you suggest?' asked Loki.
'Well,' considered Dvalin, 'I could knock something up, but you need a dwarf highly skilled in magic for the best results. Alfrigg and his brothers are the best of all smiths among the dark elves, but their work is very expensive.'
'How much?' asked Loki?
'Oh... the sun, the moon, Sif tucking them up in bed every night, that sort of thing.'
'Maybe not then....' Loki cringed, 'is there anyone else?'
'Eitri would be ideal but he's a lazy good for nothing, he never puts effort into his work.'
'Maybe we could persuade him.' suggested Loki.
'Yes,' agreed Dvalin 'it is worth a try. Injure his pride, that works with most people, but I will leave that to you.'
'One other thing...' started Loki.
'Yes?'
'Can you make hair out of gold? For a woman?'
'Easy.' replied the dwarf 'I can make it grow like the real thing too. A woman, eh? There are no women down here.' Dvalin traced the outline of a shapely woman in the air and sighed whistfully. 'Is she pretty?'
'Oh yes.' said Loki.
'One of your mistresses no doubt.'
'Maybe.'
'Oh to be in love.' sighed the dwarf 'Come I'll go and fire up the forge.'
Dvalin put a great crucible of gold onto the forge while Loki worked the bellows to bring the fire to a rosy glow. The gold soon melted and the dwarf sung charms and spun a great quantity of fine gold wire. Within the hour the floor of the forge was heaped with golden threads. The dwarf wound the thread into a huge five foot skein and cut the threads at both ends. Still singing his husky dwarven chant Dvalin plunged the threads back into the furnace. When he withdrew them he showed the gold to Loki, every 'hair' was attached to a shimmering mesh of magic. 'Just lay this on the lady's head and it will grow like any other hair.' He quickly plaited the floating strands and put the hair safely to one side. 'Want anything else while the forge is hot?' Dvalin asked.
Loki, surprised by the dwarves generosity, smiled and considered carefully, 'Make a gift for Frey.' he suggested.....
Several hours later Dvalin and Loki walked contentedly through the dark tunnels of the dwarven lands towards the surface. Loki was laden with treasures, the hair for Sif, a fabulous spear head for Odin and a miniature battle ship for Frey.
'Here we must part,' said Loki 'the entrance to the caves approaches and it would not do for your pale skin to catch the sun's light. I thank the master smith of the dwarves for his labours, surely no better workmanship can be found in all the nine worlds.'
'My pleasure' replied Dvalin 'remember to tell the gods to come to me for the very best smith craft.'
An angry cry issued from a nearby cavern and Eitri accosted the two friends, just as Loki planned, having deliberately praised Dvalin outside Eitri's abode. 'What obscenity do my ears hear, what humiliation to our noble craft? Dvalin is no master smith, shame on him that he should claim such.'
'Oh dear,' Loki apologised, I did not mean to offend you, but Dvalin has produced such wonderous treasures for the gods that I am convinced that no one could surpass them.'
'Mole dung!' cried Eitri, 'let me see his puny efforts.' The disgruntled dwarf studied the three treasures which glinted even in the dim light of the cavern, a hint of magic sparkled around the fine gold. From the pause Loki knew the dwarf was impressed, but he did not admit it. 'Nah, I can produce far better work than these.'
'I will wager that you can't.' Loki retorted.
The dwarf met Loki's eyes and demanded rudely 'Who are you anyway, brown nose?'
'Loki', the god replied, 'the advisor and companion of Jord's son.'
The dwarf laughed, 'I have heard of you. You're the cross-dressing pervert who gives birth to horses.'
Loki smiled. 'Everyone has to have a hobby.' he said 'So, will you accept my wager?'
'I will sly one,' Eitri replied, 'and when I win I will claim your head.'
Loki was determined to see his plan through. A threat from a dwarf was nothing after his early morning experience, and he had fully recovered his usual cheerful manner. He left the treasures safely in Dvalin's keeping and went to keep watch over Eitri's progress. He turned himself into a fly and flew into Eitri's forge. The dwarf was preparing his equipment while his brother Brokk stoked up the fire and set to work at the bellows. Loki flew in front of Brokk and the dwarf cried 'What was that, what was that?'
'What?' asked Eitri.
'The tiny beast that flies threw the air!' Brokk said pointing.
Eitri scowled as he noticed the intruding insect. 'It's a fly, were don't get them down here, they don't like the smoke. It must be that interfering Loki, ignore him.!'
While Eitri put gold in the fire and started work on an arm ring, Loki flew round and round the heads of the dwarves making them increasingly frustrated. He even stung Brokk on the neck making the dwarf yelp with pain, but the diligent fellow kept working the bellows. Eitri drew the ring out of the fire, it was covered in intricate writhing serpents and studded with jewels. Eitri sung charms over the ring and laid it carefully aside on his workbench.
Next to Loki's surprise Eitri took a pig skin and held it in the hot coals. Loki continued to pester the two dwarves and the increasingly infuriated Eitri struggled hard to win the wager so he could pay back Loki for his torment. Again Loki stung Brokk and the poor sweating dwarf yelped in pain. Eitri worked furiously with his hammers and crucibles croning his dwarven smithing spells. Finally the dwarf stepped back from the forge and out leapt a golden boar, perfect from its golden tusks to its bristles and curly tail.
Eitri was beginning to tire and Loki heeded Dvalin's warning well, and pestered the dwarves even more than before. Eitri fought his fatigue and struggled to keep his concentration, determined to teach Loki a lesson. He placed a huge ingot of iron into the fire and started hammering away. He is not using his full magic thought Loki but I will soon solve that. On the forge a great war-hammer was taking shape, Loki waited until it was nearly complete and stung Brokk above the eyes. Brokk screamed and released the bellows handle, clutching his head with blood pouring down his eyes. The fire cooled and Eitri howled in rage. Denied his smithcraft Eitri poured his magic into the hammer. 'Just for that Loki, this hammer will be the strongest weapon in all the nine worlds, from now until the end of time!' Eitri cried 'We will see you at Bilskirnir after sundown and we will see who is laughing then.'
At midnight the gods assembled in the great hall at Bilskirnir to judge the dwarves work. Thor sat on the high seat, his cold gaze fixed on Loki who grinned back somewhat nervously. Sif sat beside the Thunderer, her cropped hair hidden beneath a head scarf. Odin and Frey had arrived and waited expectantly to see what the dwarves had made.
Dvalin stepped forward first with Loki beside him. 'Dvalin Ivaldison brings a gift for the lady of this hall' Loki said proudly, as the dwarf produced the golden hair. Sif undid her headdress and stepped down from the dais and knelt before the dwarf so he could lay the gold over her head. The magical threads held fast and tumbled down around her shoulders in a waterfall of light.
Overjoyed Sif hugged Loki and shocked the dwarf by planted a warm kiss on his forehead. Thor smiled, greatly relieved that the slight on his bride had been so generously repaid.
Still blushing from the goddess's attentions Dvalin produced the tiny battleship. 'This is my gift for Ing-Frey' he said holding it out for the Vanir Lord's inspection. Frey accepted the gift and being wise in magic needed no guidance as to the treasure's powers. He waved his hand to motion the holy folk from the centre of the hall and gently tossed the miniature ship into the cleared space. In an instant a magnificent longship graced the hall, its clinkered timbers richly painted and gilded, terminating in a fearsome falcon head. 'Just what I needed' said Thor 'an indoor boatyard!'
'Sorry cousin!' replied Frey happily and returned the ship to its former size.
Next Dvalin approched Odin and held out the spearhead, it was a fine piece of smithcraft and its pattern-welded edges rippled in the lamp light of the hall. 'This is my gift for you battle father' said Dvalin 'nothing will stop the strike of this blade.'
'A worthy weapon' Odin replied with obvious pleasure.
Davlin retired to the benches as Eitri stepped forward to present his gifts. Eitri proudly approached Odin and held out the arm ring. 'This magic ring will produce nine of equal value every nine nights.' Odin accepted the treasure happily and thanked the dwarf.
Eitri turned and summonded the boar he had crafted, the gold bristled one ran into the gloomy midnight hall and chased the shadows away with its brillance. 'This boar is my gift for Frey, he can run like a horse over the vault of heaven and light your way before you.' The boar grunted an intelligent greeting and Frey was delighted.
Eitri approached Thor to present his final gift and handed the war hammer to Jord's son. The dwarf proudly listed its vitures 'When thrown this hammer will never miss its mark and will always return to your hand. It can never be broken. It can be made smaller so that you can keep it inside your shirt when you travel. I regret that it is not a little longer in the handle but I was working under a servere handicap' The dwarf glared at Loki. Thor was thrilled to have a weapon that would survive his own strength and restrained a strong urge to test it in the hall.
The gods gathered to decide the winner of the contest and a decision was striftly made. Thor's invunerable weapon would keep the giants at bay. Eitri was declared the better smith and the vengeful dwarf yelled in glee. He drew his knife and ran to Loki crying 'And now you knave I will claim your head as we agreed!'
'What are planning to do why that fruitknife?' asked Loki with his hands crossed, feigning boredom.
'Cut off your head you interferring rascal' squealed Eitri angrily.
'Oh no you won't' Loki retorted 'You will be cutting my neck to which you have no claim.'
Thwarted Eitri halted his charge and considered Loki's words. Unable to challenge Loki's logic he drew a leather thong and a bodkin from his pouch and proceeded to sew up the Twicksters lips. Loki suffered the indignity in silence, but ripped the cord away when the dwarf had finished. Eitri's urge to fling obscenities at the twickster was dashed by Sif's timely interuption. 'That is enough, you two.', she cautioned and faced Eitri 'It was Loki's interference that allowed you to win this contest, because of him you are the master smith and your name will be known in legends when Dvalin's is long forgotten.'
Eitri wanted to scream denial but something in the goddess's presence prevented him. Suddenly he saw with her eyes, far into the future when Thor would rule the heavens, a wise master of magic, his hammer, Eitri's hammer the very symbol of his power. Eitri was overcome with pride at his accomplishment. He nodded his thanks to the Thunderer's bride and left the hall, drunk with satisfation.
(Most of this tale is from Snorri's explantion of 'why gold is called Sif's hair'. The major changes are the inclusion of Thors marriage, and Loki and Sif's plotting to get Thor his hammer, Snorri's myth suggests the outcome was unintentional. Sif is called a seeress in Snorri's prologue to the Edda (so she would know what was going to happen!). She acts as a peaceweaver at Aegir's feast. Little more is know about her other than that she is the mother of Ull by an unknown father and one of Loki's lovers. Sif is correct the first dwarf's name is not recorded and I have used the most common Norse dwarf name 'Dvalin'.)
This poem has been submitted by John Coll who is working on novel based on the myths of Ragnarok and the new world beyond it. This is a lament for the Thunderer who has fallen after battling the World Serpent.
"Sing with me now a solemn song
O Earth, O Wind, O Sky!
A threnody for the mighty Thor
Who in cold dark Death doth lie!
Oh! Let us weep, and wash our eyes-
For he who lies here slain!
Sad be these eyes! They shalt not see
The likes of him again!
Oh, Thunder God! Oh, Friend to Man!
Did Thee hear thy death knell rung?
Oh endless font of gallantry!
Rest! Thy task is done!
He shouted forth his battle cry!
Yea! 'Twas his finest hour!
For in his great ferocity
He loos'd the Mjölnir power!
Mountains fell! Worlds were smashed!
See Jormungand engaged!
See Death herself in panic flee
A Thunder God enraged!
Sire of Magni! Spouse of Sif!
Can we let thee die unsung?
Staggered we be by thy bravery!
Rest! Thy task is done!
The Sky -- it quaked in mortal fear
As Snake and Donner fought!
Yggdrasil shook in terror from
The blows the Mjölnir wrought!
He fought amid Valkyries hymns
But 'twas his final stand!
But look ye! See the monster felled
By Dunir's mighty hand!
He slew the snake! He killed the beast!
Oh Donner Odinson!
How did ye kill the invulnerable?
Rest! Thy task is done!
Alas! He died! Oh! Thor is slain!
His mighty heart is stilled!
Yet 'tis still a triumph, nob'ly earned
For Jormungand is killed!
From final war, a final hope
May yet, untouched emerge!
For he ended Fimbulwinter! Sing!
Sing ye Donner's Dirge!
Hear me, Thor, brother - friend
What thy triumph has begun?
Rescued Thee - all eternity!
Rest! Thy task is done!
Following the 'Thing Bones' in the previous issue here is a report of the Thing itself. The whole event went both smoothly and proffesionally thanks to considerable had work from the organisers, Math of Arnstead and Thorunn of Fealcon Stow.
On the afternoon of Saturday 27th February 1999, at the Bricklayer's Arms in Gresses Street, London, a holy Thing was founded. Shaped by Math, of the free-standing Arnstead Hearth, it comprised 'hearings' at which claims could be brought by heathen folk from harm done to them by other heathens, and an open 'parliament', at which all were free to speak on any matter of Heathenery. The Thing was held within a holy rite, in a hallowed space, with Thorunn of Falconstowe as Thing-Gydhia. The Thing-stead was bounded with hazel-wood and a truce called, to last till sunset the following day. Folk gathered from across London, as well as from Essex and the Midlands, 17 in all. The Thing was held in association with Midgard's Web, ensuring that none be barred on grounds of race, gender of sexuality. The stead was non-smoking and children were welcome and present.
Math was sworn in as 'Law Speaker', along with two chosen from the gathering. They were to see to the keeping of the Thing-Laws, to hear all parties involved in a claim, and to offer a finding, or 'doom', on each claim. The laws stated that every heathen had the right to be heard, to have a greivance heard, to deny any claim against them, or to bid another to speak for them. Also that no finding be offered without all sides being heard. All who spoke in the hearings were required to swear on the oath-ring before witnesses, that they would do as they knew to be 'most just and most true', calling on the Gods for aid. At this first Thing, no claims were brought: the call was made thrice and none spoke up. So the Gydhia declared the hearings closed.
During the second part, the 'parliament', folk spoke of the Thing's workings and laws. All were glad to see the Thing, and called for another to be held in September this year. The mediatory, or 'frith-weaving', purpose of the Thing was stressed. Changes to the law were discussed, but in general it was felt they should remain as shaped. It was agreed the Thing should work to complement and support the Heathen Forum, and that Math and Thorunnshould retain their offices and call the September Thing. The place, time and format won general approval, as did the nut brown ale....
With no claims brought, the main purpose of the Thing was left untested. However, some brooked the tide to be heard before witnesses: one brought glad news, that two well-liked and worthy heathens had mended their falling out. Others took the time to speak under oath, refuting words that had been said or written about them. Neither wished to bring a claim, or for further action, asking only to be heard at the moot. Where mention was made of others not present, the Law-Speaker made clear that they had the right to be heard, that they too would be welcomed and given full honour by the Thing.
The Thing was closed in a holy rite by the Thing-Gydhia, who thanked the Powers, the wights, the folk all gathered.
Thorgils ran a farm in Floi in southern Iceland. When Christianity came to Iceland Thorgils was among the first to be converted.
Soon after Thor visited him in a dream, the god gave Thorgils an evil look and said he had been betrayed. Furthermore the silver allocated to him had been hurled into a stinking pond. Thor promised to pay Thorgils back in kind. Thorgils was undaunted and replied that God would defend him, and furthermore said he was glad to have broken his friendship with the heathen god.
When Thorgils woke he found his hayfield boar lying dead. Knowing Thor to be responsible he buried the animal near a ruined house so no one would eat of the beast Thor had claimed.
Thorgils dreamed that Thor visited him again. Thor threatened to kill Thorgils, just as he had killed the boar, but again Thorgils claimed the protection of God. Thor threatened to kill more of farmer's beasts and Thorgil said he didn't care.
The next night a bull was killed. The following night Thorgils stayed up to guard his beasts and came back in the morning covered in bruises. The folk of Floi were convinced that he had met with Thor. After that no more animals were killed.
Afterwards Thorgils received an invitation from Erik the Red to accept a large farm in Greenland. After considerable thought Thorgils decided to pack up and settle in Greenland taking his cattle, family, servants and slaves with him.
Again Thorgils dreamt of a now familar, large and red bearded man. Thor warned Thorgils that if he travelled to Greenland his journey would be hard, unless he changed his faith and placed his trust in his former patron. Thorgils told Thor that he would never want his help again and dismissed him curtly. Once more he stated that God would protect him.
In his dream Thorgils was led to a cliff top where Thor pointed to the crashing waves below. Thor told him that such a sea would be the end of Thorgils unless he renounced God. Yet again Thorgils reasserted his faith in Christianity.
When Thorgils woke he told his wife about the dream and she was greatly concerned and advised him not to travel. However when fair winds blew Thorgils and his household embarked for the voyage. As soon as the ship was out of sight of land it was becalmed. Time passed and the folk grew short of food and water. Thor appeared to Thorgils in another dream, and repeated his same threats and promises of help should Thorgils change his alligence. Thorgils told him to go away.
As more days passed the Thorgils' household became increasingly concerned and asked if they might invoke Thor for assistance. Thorgils firmly refused and told them that anyone who made such a sacrifice would regret it, and said it in such a tone that nobody asked again.
Thorgils dreamed of Thor again that night. Thor complained that Thorgils was endangering the lives of the folk who still honoured him. Thor promised to see the ship to land in seven days if Thorgils would return to him. Thorgils said that he would rather die. The god replied sourly that Thorgils could at least return his property.
The last comment puzzled Thorgils and he wondered what Thor could be refering to. Then he remembered that one of his oxen had been dedicated to Thor as a calf. Despite the complaints of his staving family Thorgils had the ox thrown overboard.
After a difficult journey during which the ship was all but wecked Thorgils and his household made the crossing to Greenland.
Source: The Complete Sagas of Icelanders, Edited by Vidar Hreinsson, Leifur Eiriksson Publishing, 1997.
(Thor seems to have taken over from the Christian devil in this story with the almost Biblical tale of temptation and piety. There are also similarities between Thor's behaviour and the stories of malevant ghosts and monsters from Icelandic folklore. Bear in mind that this story was recorded in the fourteenth century - three hundred years after the official conversion - a time when all 'heathen' material would have been coloured by the new faith.
Even so Thorgils' long struggle against the legendary thundergod is greatly to the man's credit. What happened during the one to one fight in the cattleshed is never explained, maybe the storyteller intended to show Thorgils successful in defending his property.
The story also gives interesting clues to the manner of heathen worship. Thor was invoked for peaceful sea voyages and the protection of livestock, a role that the vengeful pagan demon of this tale turns on its head. Thor was given gifts of silver and cattle. The bull may be a cult animal as it also appears in the serpent fishing myth.
Thor is also given an intensley shamanic role with his influence over dreams, though whether this is a survival from heathen beleif or a Christian slant to the story is difficult to say.')
It was haymaking time at Skorhult and the farm labourers were busy in the fields. A thunderstorm came up and the workers hurried into a cottage for shelter. Suddenly the chimney was struck and the chimneybreast exploded. A black bundle rolled out of the hole above the hearth, it looked like a coal sack and something seemed to be inside it, kicking to be let out. The bundle rolled out of the door and down to the lake. Lightning struck the bundle again and it disappeared.
Jonte, one of the farm labourers had second sight and his colleagues asked him what had occurred. Jonte replied that there had been a troll hiding in the chimney. The thunder had taken off one of its legs with the first strike and killed it with the second.
The Penguin Book of Scandinavian Folktales, Edited by Jacqueline Simpson, Penguin, 1994.
(An interesting explanation to why supposedly benevolent dieties (both Christian and heathen) damage the property of innocent folk. This story has clear links to the Norse thunder god.)
The technology saga continues! More advice on the Internet from Thorshof's own e.dragon.
The World Wide Web
Using A Browser
The World Wide Web (WWW) is another Internet facility you ISP provides. Compared to email the WWW is a relatively new service, having been developed in the 1980s and as such is under continual development even now.
To look at the information you will need a piece of software called a browser. Those of you with a recent copy of Windows will have Microsoft Internet Explorer as part of your system. Browsers are simply viewing programs that read the pages from the Internet and display them according to the instructions contained in the pages.
The most common format for these pages is Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML), though developments have spawned related, yet different markup options. The later the version of your browser the more of the newer page types it can display. Browser writers are continually updating their software and many give it away freely over the internet itself or via ISPs and CD-ROMs.
Once you have established a connection to the internet, open the browser and near the top of the the screen is usually a letterbox shaped text fields called 'address' or 'URL'. This is where you enter the location of the Internet site you wish to view. This is the 'www.abcd123.co.uk' bit you will have seen on adverts and TV programs or heard on the radio. Type an address in to the field and press return.
The browser will then connect to a specified ISP server called a Domain Name Server (DNS) and may display a message 'connecting to site'. The DNS will translate the text address you typed into a numeric Internet address which the browser will then use to fetch the page. When the DNS responds witht the address the message ' Web Site Found' may be displayed and downloading starts.
First the basic layout will appear, boxes where pictures will go, frame borders etc. Then the text is usually next, and finally the pictures. Pictures may be grainy at first but will sharpen as more of their information is downloaded. A status bar may be visible showing the progress of the page loading. To stop the page loading and display what has been copied so far click on the 'STOP' button, if the page seems very slow to load or stops loading before being complete use the "REFRESH' button to re-load the same page.
Once the page is loaded there are several things that can be done. Images can be copied and saved (some may be protected), it can be printed or the text cut and pasted into another program. If it is a page you plan to re-visit it can be added to a list of 'Favourites' which will allow you to return to the page address by selecting it from the menu.
Another facility is the ability to view the source code for the page - you can see the page then view the code needed to generate it. This is a good way to find out how authors make their pages happen and to see HTML code in action. Very important if you are planning your own web site.
Creating A Web Site
At this point I am assuming that you have an internet connection and that you are familiar with browsing, or surfing the Internet.
Next to email the World Wide Web (WWW) will be most peoples experience of the Internet. This medium is a series of documents held on computers called "Web Servers" which can be connected to or "accessed" via your ISP connection. Unlike email, these machines require you to stay connected if until you have read all the pages you want to see. The "client " software used is called a "browser". Internet Explorer is an example of a browser, supplied with most copies Windows.
Using the WWW, anyone can create their own "site" or series of interconnected files, conveying whatever they wish to anyone who wants to look at them.
Remember, when looking at sites on the WWW, the views are those of the site author.There is no controlling body overseing the content of the sites and even national laws cannot be easily applied to foreign sites.
You can do this too! And why not? Thorskegga's own site www.thorshof.nildram.co.uk was created after a short lesson from me and is now a premier (OK, so I'm biased ) site for UK paganism. There is no reason you cannot do the same.
Hopefully, there is now a chorus of "How can I get my own web site?" rather than "When's the pub open?". Assuming the former, here we go...
First you will need an ISP who can give you web space. Many now give you a small amount free, just for being a customer. For example Demon will now give you 15Mb and Nildram will give you 5Mb free. Thorskegga is still using her free 5Mb and is only just half way there.
After this you will need and HTML editor, or a thorough knowledge of HTML.
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the special format which the browser turns into the whizzy things you see on the screen. It is basically text with markers added to make the browser add special effects.
HTML editors cost from £100 (there are some freebies too) and vary in complexity. However with a knowledge of HTML codes which you can get from book (see HTML in Easy Steps) any text editiing program can be used to write the code. It is not my intention to provide a detailed description of each of these codes and their uses here because there are many books readily available and a huge range of codes to describe.
What I offer instead is a guide to planning and developing a site of your own, that people will find useful and/or fun and will return to.
Planning the site is the most challenging part of the exercise. In the same way that when writing a letter deciding what to write takes longer than actually writing it, when planning a web site deciding what you will include and how you wish to present it will take longer than coding it in HTML.
The typical process to follow is:
1) Do you have web space available from your ISP? Many ISPs now give private users free space. How much differs between ISPs and there may be restrictions on the use and amount of traffic they allow on the free space. If you require more space than your ISP is giving free, they will ususally rent space. You can rent as much space as you want, but it can be expensive. I have helped several people set up sites so far and they have always been able to work with the free space their ISP provided.
2) What do you want to put on your site? A very open question. It will pay you to decide what you are trying to accomplish with your site before the first code is written. Ask yourself why you are creating the site. Is it to put across a message or promote a cause? To provide information to a wider audience? A reference or index to other sites? An ego trip? Who will your audience be? What type of site will they want to see? Do you need sounds and fancy graphics or is plain text more appropriate? When you have asked these and answered these and other questions that occur to you at this stage you will have a good idea of the type of site you want to produce. If you are unsure about any of the answers go surfing the WWW and look at the sites which you like and dislike and ask yourself why this is.
3) Do you already have the content for your site? Many of you will already have written articles which you will want to put on your site. This is not a problem as they are your own work. However copyright still exists on the Internet, which means you must get permission to use any work by another person. This includes text, sound, pictures, video and even layout of the pages if you are copying this. If you have got the content you will be putting on your site and have obtained permission to use it if requred, you can begin to code the pages. If you have not yet got the content, it is wise to create this before coding the pages as writing it as you design the pages or 'on the fly' can be frustrating if you are new to HTML coding.
4) Begin the coding process. Start to lay out your site. Use the HTML editor you have chosen. Begin by creating an index page, and save this as a file called 'index.htm'. This filename is loaded automatically when someone looks at your site, so make it relevant, concise, accurate and user-friendly as it will the the first thing your visitors will see. First impressions are important.
When I am developing a new site I create a separate folder in windows for all the files I create for the site. This keeps related files together and allows testing of the pages on my PC before making them available on the Internet.
Soon you should have a series of files or 'pages' with links between them. It is now a good idea to look at them with your browser to see if they look like you expected and check the links work. Once you are happy the pages are OK you can move on to the publishing stage.
5) Publishing your pages So far the pages you have created are stored on your own PC and cannot yet be seen by other Internet users. Also the file references in these pages will be directed to their folder on your PC hard disk. The next stage is to publish these onto the web server of your ISP.
This involves adjusting the link references so that they point to the web server not your PC and uploading (electronically copying) them to the ISP server. This is sometimes done by your HTML editor and sometimes you will need to manually adjust the refernces and use a program called an FTP (File Transfer Program) to upload the pages. This again is an area where there are many differning ways to do things that it cannont be covered in detail in this short article. Please refer to the help files or documentation that came with your own specific software.
Once the pages are uploaded the ISP may require a little time to check them before they are made available for browsing. As soon as they have been made active, check them with your own broswer and ask friends to check them too. This will allow any missed links, spellings etc to be found and corrected before they are seen by too many strangers. Correct these errors as soon as possible and download the modified pages.
When this is done, your site is on-line and ready for visitors.
Considerations for WWW site design
The steps so far are the mechanics of setting up a site. There are no restrictions on the content, size or style other than those regulated by law and the space you have available. However here are some pointers which I have found useful.
1) Be sure of what you put on the site. At some point you may be challenged to defend your views / sources. There are millions of Internet users each with their own opinions.
2) Keep each page concise. Break long sections of text in to shorter pages, or place labels in the text at each subheading with a link to jump to the top or bottom of the page. Users do not like to get lost in screens and screens of text.
3) Put navigation links at the top and or bottom of each page. These should point to the next and previous sections, pages or chapters and link back to an appropriate index page.
4) Multimedia, graphics and sound, are best used only when relevant to the content. If they are used for no reason they will not be appreciated. They take time to download, and as most people are paying for the telephone call, unnecessary multimedia is wasting their money!
5) Only put up a page you would like to visit. If you don't like a page, why should anyone else?
I hope that in the limited space available I have been able to provide the pointers you need to get going designing your WWW site. Please contact me if you have ideas for future articles or need advice about a particular topic. Should a topic be 'popular' I will try and address it here.
Midgard's Web's work on the Anglo-Saxon runes will be published in Thunder, here are the first three. Please note that further contributions are always very welcome. Thorshof are deeply grateful to Tony Linsell for allowing us to use his translation of the rune poem.
Click here to view the illustrations from Thunder
Wealth is a comfort to all men.
Yet each must give freely to
Win glory in heaven.
Summary: comfort, charity, greed.
The heathen folk of Scandinavian and England had no currency as we know it today, they measured wealth in precious objects, gold and silver ingots or jewellery, cattle, corn, hides and fabrics.
Thus wealth was literally a comfort, a strong roomy hall, well made and warm clothing, plentiful food and luxurious hangings and bed clothes.
The last line is undoubtedly a Christian comment, but charity was equally important in the heathen period. If the farmer's labourers were not supplied with food in the winter months they would stave, and a warrior rewarded with a precious ring would be doubly loyal. Settlements were isolated and a generous master could greatly increase the efficiency of his followers, if his resources were used wisely.
The hidden comment in the rune poem - misers lose in friends and opportunities - is as valid today as it was then.
Gods: (for wealth) Frey, Freyja, Hnoss, Odin.
Plants: Corn.
Animals: Magpie (negative aspect)
Ferret Loki's Friend:
Feoh applied to Loki: Much of the wealth of the gods of Asgard came from Loki. He provided Thor with Mjollnir, and Sif her hair (ok so he was responsible for her needing it in the first place, but the new hair was better). His generosity was significant in persuading the other Gods to forgive his indiscretions, and allowing him to stay among them. He could have used his persuasive abilities to build wealth for himself but felt it better placed in providing for others. Your wealth is not just the material goods you own but also the value you give to your community, be that skills knowledge or goods.
More General Meaning: Wealth, simply something of value, possibly a person not an object, but always valuable. I often use it when there isn't a better rune that could cover the same thing. In short I find it a bit vague for most applications but YMMV.
Olwen Thor's Friend:
Feoh applied to Thor: Jord's son blesses the crops to ensure the wellbeing of his people. Wealth should be used wisely, iron costs dear and cannot be both a sword and a ploughshare. Friendship and kind words cost nothing but are worth more than gold.
The lord who does not share with his folk will not be welcome in Bilskirnir.
The Aurochs is determined and armed above.
Fierce and bold it fights with horns.
Monster moor-stepper, it is a mighty creature.
Summary: Strength, aggression, determination.
The aurochs was one of the largest and mightiest animals known to the Anglo-Saxons, the poet's admiration for this impressive beast is clear. The aurochs symbolises pure strength and power, the emphasis on its horns underlines the aggressive potential of this primeval bull.
The aurochs shows the positive attributes of strength, confidence, determination and deserved pride.
Gods: Thor, Frey, Magni.
Animals: Aurochs, bull, boar, stag, wildcat.
Plants: (The oak represents strength but not aggression)
Ferret Loki's Friend
Ur applied to Loki: Here we are told of magnificent powerful beasts. Among his children Loki has some of the strongest and most impressive animals of the myths, Sleipnir the fastest of all horses, Fenris the wolf who will bring down Odin and Jormungand, the serpent that surrounds Midgard. They all have attributes to admire, aspire to, and respect.
More General Meaning: a magnificent beast. To me this is all things big and beautiful and powerful. Concequently I use it to refer to cars, bikes and buildings as well as strength and animals.
Olwen Thor's Friend
Ur applied to Thor: Ur represents the invunerable strength of Midgard's defender and is the rune of his hammer Mjolnir. Ur is the bull skybellower that Thor used as bait when he fished for the World Serpent. Ur is the eagle symbolising Thor's shamanic might which can strike like lightning.
Strength without wisdom is no matter for pride.
Thorn is very sharp for all men.
Struggling with them is painful for any warrior.
They are severe to those who live among them.
Summary: Pain, obstacle, strong defences.
In Anglo-Saxon times, thorns would have been found on wild rose trees, brambles, blackthorn, hawthorn trees and prickerly shrubs such as gorse or gooseberry. The rune poem gives little doubt that they hurt as much 1000 years ago as they do today. As symbolism the thorn represents passive defence, thorn bushes rarely hurt anyone who isn't climbing over them or pruning them back.
They can also symbolise a protective barrier, not just for the plant but also for the farmer who deliberately hedges his land with thorn bearing plants. The magical thorn barrier in the tale of Sleeping Beauty is a good image to bear in mind. Thorny plants also have their plus side, most produce beautiful blossoms, especially the rose and the 'may' of the hawthorn. They are also important sources of wild foods, blackberries, rosehips, sloes and haws would all have been gathered to supplement the food reserves of the early Anglo-Saxons.
Plants: Rose, Bramble, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Holly, Nettle.
Animals: Hedgehog.
Gods: (in desperation Frey and Thor as the defenders of the farming community - though there is no strong link here)
Ferret Loki's Friend
Thorn applied to Loki: Well this rune could be referring to Thor as a defender of common folk and it is certainly often taken that way but perhaps we're missing the point (pun intended). Who exactly is the thorn in the side of the Gods? Who has sharp wit and will apply it to anyone and everyone? Who is a nightmare for those he lives among. This has to be Loki. Loki at his most cunning and devious. Whilst his sharp wit will often get you out of trouble, play with it for fun and you'll lose.
More General Meaning: A strong defence. For me this talks of protection and a certain ammount of integraty and honesty. So to me this is very Thor. For me it has a lot of his atributes. I might use it to mean a defence or as a request for Thor to be involved.
Olwen Thor's Friend
Thorn applied to Thor: Thorn is the sheild raised to defend home and kin, defences both physical and spiritual. Thorn is Thor's warding of Earth against all that would do us harm. Thorn is the sacred tree which keeps Thor's fire away from honest folk. Thorn is not aggressive and harms none who live in frith, nor forces its way on others.
Those consumed with hate win no friends.
Source of the Rune Poem Translation: Anglo-Saxon Mythology, Migration and Magic, Tony Linsell, Anglo-Saxon Books. 1992
Handfasting Ceremony
Thorskegga and Dragon are finally getting hitched this summer at a private venue. The handfasting ritual is being specially written for the event by Math Jones of Arnstead, a full report will be given in the next issue of Thunder.
Heathen Textile Moot
Thorshof are organising the Clothcrafters Guild (A division of the excellent US heathen group Frigga's Web) events for the UK. We are holding a first open moot later this year in a private room in a central London pub (Althing venue). The venue will be smoke free and children will be welcome. It is anticipated that the guild will meet twice a year for practical workshops on various textile crafts. The first meeting will be an opportunity to discuss future projects, show off our skills and favourite books. Meetings can be held at a more northern venue if there is sufficient interest.
Please note membership of Frigga's Web is not required for admission. Contributions from attendees to help cover the cost of the room hire will be welcome but not obligitory.
History of Culinary Herbs
New Booklet Published by Thorshof
Thorshof is happy to announce the completion of our latest book by the industrious Thorskegga Thorn. This is a reference work for survival enthusiasts, re-enactors, living historians, historical novelists, history buffs, herb lovers, and ideal for heathens.
The text details over two hundred traditional culinary herbs and includes an easy to use index of uses and a full list of the latin names. The Dark Age period is loving covered in the detail it deserves.
The book is available from the following distributors for £3.80 including postage:
Paul Meekins Books, 34 Townsend Road, Tiddington, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7DE.
Earlier books also available are:
The History of Spinning
The History and Method of Tablet Weaving
The History of Table Games up to 1900
These last three cost £3.30 including postage from the same source.
Spin me a Yarn, Spinning in myths and folktales is currently out of print but is on the Thorshof website.
Heathen Art
Thorshof are helping to organise a heathen art gallery on the Internet. We have found five artists who are interested so this project should be underway later this year. Please pass the word around if you know any heathen artists, website space can be provided for those without access.
Thorshof will also be putting together a heathen art archive on cd-rom of artwork from members and from our collection of nineteenth century prints which are now out of copyright. This will be freely available to members of Thorshof.
Thorshof are also editing the online Lore Book for Midgard Web. This has the potential to become one of the best sources of information on both modern and ancient heathenism. Where can you find all the religious myths (including those from the folktales and sagas) in one place? Where can you find practical information on everything from lighting a fire in the rain to embroidering runic samplers? Nowhere! But that is where we are heading.
(Midgard Web is an informal, international networking group for heathens. No fancy titles, no strange rules, no excessive membership fees and no heirarchies. Even better membership is free to anyone on e-mail, and the basic cost of postage to anyone who is not. Midgard Web is currently supported by Hearths of the Hammer Kindred, Thorshof and Stourdale Asatru Hof with a growing membership of individuals and hearths.
For membership details write to: Midgard's Web, c/o Twigshof, 51 Toorack Road, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. HA3 5HR, United Kingdom. Or e-mail: mw_membership@bigfoot.com)
The Lore Book is divided into various academic and practical sections, more of which will be added as the resource grows. The current contributors are Thorskegga, Math Jones, Tony Linsell, Einar, Dragon, Thorunn, Olwen and Ferret with artwork by Thorskegga and Jim Kirkwood. This resource has only been on line for a month but we already have the following articles, admittedly mostly from this journal and The Wain.
Academic:
(Basic Information) - Where does our information on ancient heathenism come from?
(Gods and Myths) - Introduction to Thor, The Dreams of Thorgils of Floi, The Troll in the Chimney.
Practical:
(Runes) - The first three runes of the Anglo Saxon furtork with academic intro and artwork by Thorskegga and interpretations by Ferret and Olwen.
(Rituals) - The Thorshof hammer hallowing. Loki ritual.
(Songs) - Song for Frey, May and Midsummer Song, Green Grow the Rushes O (Heathenised).
(Research) - Local History Studies.
(Group skills) - How to run a Thing, Using Internet and Email.
(Arts and Crafts) - Bannermaking.
(Cookery) - Thorcake, Traditional English Mead Recipes.
Booklist
Any further contributions would be very welcome. Once we have more material we will be distributing the Lore Book on cdrom for folk without internet access.
An excellent heathen journal is the bi-monthly Ravenbred which is produced to a very high standard with colour pictures no less. Highly recommended:
Available from
Jamie Lang, 53 Scot Road, Sheffield, S4 7BG
£4 for 6 issues, cheques to 'Jamie Lang'.
OK who noticed that the ritual corner was missing? The next issue of Thunder will include notes on handfasting ceremonies, and a more international view of thunder gods than our readers are used to. We have articles on Amercian Indian myths and parralels with Celtic deities, and many other goodies in store.
United Kingdom:
Thorskegga Thorn, Thorshof, 106 Oakridge Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2PL. UK subscription is £3 for four issues. Please make cheques payable to 'Thorskegga Thorn'.
Thunder is also available on the WWW at http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~skegga/ or search for 'Thorshof'. Thorshof can be contacted by e-mail on skegga@nildram.co.uk
United States
Jason Hutchinson, PO Box 68, Hopkins, MN 55343, USA. US subscription is $8.00 for four issues. US Version can be found on http://www.scc.net/~hutch/ E-mail hutch@scc.net
Other countries please write for details.