THORN
Rune peom translated by Tony
Linsell and Math Jones, Academic introduction by Thorskegga and Math Jones,
heathen interpretations by Ferret, Salvin and Olwen. Artwork by Thorskegga,
Phil Woodward and Jim Kirkwood.
Latin symbol: Th
Summary: Pain, obstacle, strong defences.
Thorn is very sharp for all men.
Struggling with them is painful for any
warrior.
They are severe to those who live among them.
(xiv)
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)
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Math Jones:
Thorn byth thearle
scearp thegna gehwylcum
anfeng ys yfel
ungemetum rethe
mann gewhylcun the
him mid resteth
Translation:
Thorn - Thorn is
vigorously, harshly sharp to any thane,
to seize it is ill, and
cruel beyond measure
for any man who rests
among them.
This describes something
extremely harsh and sharp to grasp a hold of, something which, if approached at
all, should be done with care and plenty of protection. No wonder the thorn was
used as a boundary plant. And while it may be common sense not to remain in a
situation 'beset with thorns', it is not uncommon for folk to do so ... A time
to move on from, or to avoid, a hard situation.
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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.
General meaning: A strong defence. For me
this talks of protection and a certain amount of integrity 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. |
Savlin Loki's Friend
A
strong defence. For me this talks of protection and a certain amount of
integrity 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.
Artwork, 'Thorn' by Jim Kirkwood. |
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