Excerpt from Wärend och Wirdarne, 1863-1868. Recently I have been going through and translating Wärend och Wirdarne by Gunnar Olof Hyltén-Cavallius. The book details many folk customs that derive from heathen practices and beliefs in Sweden. A notable belief is the holding of thursday evening as holy, being called Thorshelg — meaning Thor’s holy day. … Continue reading Traditions of Thorshelg →

Excerpt from GKS 2367 4° (R), also known as Codex Regius. The second installment of my skaldic commentary concerns a short verse by the poet Vetrliði Sumarliðason, an Icelandic poet from the 10th century. The verse details more beings that Thor is responsible for destroying. The verse is as follows: “Leggi brauztu Leiknar, lamðir Þrívalda, … Continue reading The Liturgy of Thor — Vetrliði Sumarliðason →

Mount Adams in Washington state, which can be considered a setberg — a mountain-seat. These are considered the seats of tutelary spirits and giants. Throughout the sagas and eddas of the north, we read the tales of the conflicts between Thor and his enemies. Whether it be a mighty sorcerer, a thief, or the dreaded … Continue reading Traces of Thor in the landscape →

Translation: In the winter it is so dead and dreary, for the darkness creeps over the people, and the cold weather shudders and pierces, moving towards hot blood. Then, that fine light shines low in the south of the land, like a deaf sun. When else is it more necessary to drink, then at Yule? … Continue reading Full Þórs – Björn Magnússon Ólsen →