Cuts both ways.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
@sagnamadr
Musings on Indo-European and Germanic paganism and history. And artifacts.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ (English)
Welcome to the ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ Telegram channel! Are you fascinated by Indo-European and Germanic paganism and history? Do you find yourself intrigued by ancient artifacts and their significance? If so, this is the perfect channel for you! nnLed by the enigmatic username 'sagnamadr', this channel is a treasure trove of musings, discussions, and insights into the rich heritage of the Indo-European and Germanic cultures. From the origins of ancient myths and legends to the symbolism of various artifacts, you will find a wealth of knowledge waiting for you here.nnWho is 'Sagnamaðr Stark'? The title itself hints at a knowledgeable and wise individual, known for his deep understanding of sagas and stories of the past. 'Sagnamaðr' translates to 'The Storyteller' in Old Norse, indicating that this channel is a place where stories from the past are brought to life once again. 'Stark' further adds an element of strength and power to this storyteller, suggesting that the knowledge shared here is not only captivating but also impactful.nnWhat is it? The ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ channel is a hub for those who seek to explore and understand the ancient roots of Indo-European and Germanic cultures. Whether you are a history buff, a mythology enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, this channel offers something for everyone. Dive deep into discussions about pagan rituals, historical events, and the significance of ancient artifacts, all presented in a thought-provoking and engaging manner.nnJoin 'sagnamadr' on a journey through time and space, where the echoes of the past reverberate through the present. Uncover the hidden meanings behind ancient symbols, unravel the mysteries of long-forgotten myths, and discover the interconnectedness of cultures that span centuries. The ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ channel invites you to explore, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the ancient and the mysterious. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Indo-European and Germanic paganism and history!
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
07 Dec, 05:34
Beautiful Roman mosaic from Syria, with animals and Swastikas. Once again, the shape of the arms of the Swastikas follow the overall shape of the Big Dipper.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
06 Dec, 22:16
When reading the Lokasenna, there are a few things to keep in mind;
Stanza 4 contains the epithet holl regin; gracious Gods. Similar epithets attesting to the inherent benevolence of the Gods are used throughout the Edda. The Grímnismál contains the epithet meins vani; free of fault. At no point in the Edda are there epithets suggesting the Gods are evil or ambivalent.
In Stanza 3, Loki clearly announces his intentions;
“In shall I go into Ægir's hall, For the feast I fain would see;
Bale and hatred I bring to the gods, And their mead with venom I mix.”
~Lokasenna 3, Bellows
Therefore, it can be confidently said that everything Loki says in Ægir’s hall is slanderous. Some new-agers may claim Loki “exposes” the Gods; the language of the Edda says otherwise. After all, the poem ends with Loki bound with the entrails of his son and the Gods victorious, despite his attempts to sow discord amongst them.
Painting: Ægir’s Feast by Constantin Hansen, 1804-1880. ⴲ
Stanza 4 contains the epithet holl regin; gracious Gods. Similar epithets attesting to the inherent benevolence of the Gods are used throughout the Edda. The Grímnismál contains the epithet meins vani; free of fault. At no point in the Edda are there epithets suggesting the Gods are evil or ambivalent.
In Stanza 3, Loki clearly announces his intentions;
“In shall I go into Ægir's hall, For the feast I fain would see;
Bale and hatred I bring to the gods, And their mead with venom I mix.”
~Lokasenna 3, Bellows
Therefore, it can be confidently said that everything Loki says in Ægir’s hall is slanderous. Some new-agers may claim Loki “exposes” the Gods; the language of the Edda says otherwise. After all, the poem ends with Loki bound with the entrails of his son and the Gods victorious, despite his attempts to sow discord amongst them.
Painting: Ægir’s Feast by Constantin Hansen, 1804-1880. ⴲ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
05 Dec, 18:04
The hammer on this picture stone is long, like the hammer pendants from Gilton. A theory is that the myth of Loki sabotaging Thor’s hammer was a later addition, however; we do have depictions of Thor’s hammer with a long handle from the Viking Age.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
05 Dec, 18:04
A silver Thor’s hammer pendant found in a boat burial in Vatnsdalur, Iceland.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
05 Dec, 17:36
An incomplete 5-7th Century picture stone from Hangvars, Gotland, which appears to depict Thor’s battle with Jörmungandr.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
05 Dec, 10:22
Battersea Shield
Quite fascinating details on this Iron Age, Celtic La Tène style, shield that was dredged up from the bed of the River Thames at Battersea in London in 1857.
It is bronze cover on wood with enamel accentuated decor that depicts overt swaztika.
It is theorized that this shield, having no battle damage, and being so decorative with holy or important symbolism, was a votive offering that was cast into the river for the Gods and spirits.
Quite fascinating details on this Iron Age, Celtic La Tène style, shield that was dredged up from the bed of the River Thames at Battersea in London in 1857.
It is bronze cover on wood with enamel accentuated decor that depicts overt swaztika.
It is theorized that this shield, having no battle damage, and being so decorative with holy or important symbolism, was a votive offering that was cast into the river for the Gods and spirits.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
05 Dec, 02:40
Another stanza from the Edda which connects the stag with ascension to Valhalla;
“So Sigurth rose o'er Gjuki's sons As the leek grows green above the grass, Or the stag o'er all the beasts doth stand, Or as glow-red gold above silver gray.”
~Guðrunarkviða hin forna 2, Bellows
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“Svá var Sigurðr of sonum Gjúka
sem væri grænn laukr ór grasi vaxinn
eða hjörtr hábeinn of hvössum dýrum
eða gull glóðrautt af gráu silfri.”
Painting by Charles Ernest Butler, 1909. ⴲ
“So Sigurth rose o'er Gjuki's sons As the leek grows green above the grass, Or the stag o'er all the beasts doth stand, Or as glow-red gold above silver gray.”
~Guðrunarkviða hin forna 2, Bellows
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“Svá var Sigurðr of sonum Gjúka
sem væri grænn laukr ór grasi vaxinn
eða hjörtr hábeinn of hvössum dýrum
eða gull glóðrautt af gráu silfri.”
Painting by Charles Ernest Butler, 1909. ⴲ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
04 Dec, 12:15
Celtic coins with Swastikas from northeastern France and Belgium. As with a common Indian variation, they feature four circles which coincide with the seasonal position of the Little Dipper to the Big Dipper. The curvature of the arms on three examples follow the curve of the handle of the Big Dipper, and three examples show a reversed Swastika.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
04 Dec, 02:16
An interesting remnant of the cult of Zalmoxis, in a Romanian funeral song:
“The wolf will appear in front of you. Take him as your brother, because the wolf knows the order of the forests. He will lead you by flat road towards Paradise.”
Zalmoxis was associated with wolves, and Herodotus wrote that the Thracians believes they went to Zalmoxis after death; this song is undoubtedly a pagan survival.
“The wolf will appear in front of you. Take him as your brother, because the wolf knows the order of the forests. He will lead you by flat road towards Paradise.”
Zalmoxis was associated with wolves, and Herodotus wrote that the Thracians believes they went to Zalmoxis after death; this song is undoubtedly a pagan survival.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
03 Dec, 22:59
Stone fragments from Hornhausen, Saxony-Anhalt. Along with the Reiterstein, there were others depicting stags, serpents, and another rider.
From Sagenheim: x.com/HeimDerSagen
From Sagenheim: x.com/HeimDerSagen
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
03 Dec, 11:22
Can you ask / turn to Odin for help?
Often modern pagans, who are ill informed, think that the Gods, even Odin, are not to be turned to in times of need or to ask for help during a struggle. While we can argue that one should provide an offering out of thanks or when asking, just asking alone isn't something you are turned off from.
These ill informed pagans think that such an act is Christianly or like Abrahamics whereby you petition or beg God for help or salvation. They paint the Pagan / Ethnic Gods as blind to the folk's plight or are heart hardened to only care about those who take care of themselves with no love for humanity.
While it is true that the Gods respect and grant boons to those who work hard, make sacrifices, and are brave, the Gods are not deaf to our existence or struggle.
"Just so I Find Odin invoked in Swedish popular songs: Hielp nu, Oden Asagrim! Svenska fornsångor 1, 11. hielp mig Othin! 1, 69. To this God first and foremost the people turned when in distress; I suppose he is called Asagrim, because among the Ases he bire the name of Grîmnir?
It is therefore not without significance, that also the wanderings of Herald of gods among men, in whose novels he now and then takes up his lodging, are parallelled especially by those of Oðinn and Hœnir, in christian guise, of God and St. Peter" - Jacob Grimm Teutonic Mythology pg. 150-151.
Often modern pagans, who are ill informed, think that the Gods, even Odin, are not to be turned to in times of need or to ask for help during a struggle. While we can argue that one should provide an offering out of thanks or when asking, just asking alone isn't something you are turned off from.
These ill informed pagans think that such an act is Christianly or like Abrahamics whereby you petition or beg God for help or salvation. They paint the Pagan / Ethnic Gods as blind to the folk's plight or are heart hardened to only care about those who take care of themselves with no love for humanity.
While it is true that the Gods respect and grant boons to those who work hard, make sacrifices, and are brave, the Gods are not deaf to our existence or struggle.
"Just so I Find Odin invoked in Swedish popular songs: Hielp nu, Oden Asagrim! Svenska fornsångor 1, 11. hielp mig Othin! 1, 69. To this God first and foremost the people turned when in distress; I suppose he is called Asagrim, because among the Ases he bire the name of Grîmnir?
It is therefore not without significance, that also the wanderings of Herald of gods among men, in whose novels he now and then takes up his lodging, are parallelled especially by those of Oðinn and Hœnir, in christian guise, of God and St. Peter" - Jacob Grimm Teutonic Mythology pg. 150-151.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
25 Nov, 22:26
Beautiful silver inlaid sword from Egge, Norway, with Mammen-style decoration and two animal heads on the pommel.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
25 Nov, 04:44
Iron Age fylfot brooches from Nordrup, Varpelev and Sengeløse, Denmark.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
24 Nov, 20:09
Old Man’s Beard lichen (Usnea sp.) is found in temperate regions across Europe and the Americas, and has antibacterial and anti-infective properties. It can be used as a herbal tea to treat ailments of the throat, sinuses, lungs and digestive system, or crushed and applied topically for others. It has been used in traditional Native American and European medicine since Ancient Greece, where Hippocrates allegedly used it to treat a urinary tract infection.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
24 Nov, 06:15
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“Óss er algingautr
ok ásgarðs jöfurr,
ok valhallar vísi.”
(God) is aged Gautr
and prince of Ásgarðr
and lord of Vallhalla.
~Icelandic Rune Poem
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“Ōs byþ ordfruma ælere spræce,
wisdomes wraþu ond witena frofur
and eorla gehwam eadnys ond tohiht.”
(God) is the source of all language,
a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men,
a blessing and a joy to every knight.
~Anglo Saxon Rune Poem
Art by Lorenz Frølich, 1845.
“Óss er algingautr
ok ásgarðs jöfurr,
ok valhallar vísi.”
(God) is aged Gautr
and prince of Ásgarðr
and lord of Vallhalla.
~Icelandic Rune Poem
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“Ōs byþ ordfruma ælere spræce,
wisdomes wraþu ond witena frofur
and eorla gehwam eadnys ond tohiht.”
(God) is the source of all language,
a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men,
a blessing and a joy to every knight.
~Anglo Saxon Rune Poem
Art by Lorenz Frølich, 1845.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
24 Nov, 04:23
Beautiful Vendel Era ring sword pommel from Holmen, Karleby, Sweden. There are a few small zoomorphic masks in the knotwork, possibly ravens.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
23 Nov, 21:54
Alemannic spear from Trossingen, Germany, 6th Century. Other spears with large bronze rivets are depicted on various Migration Period pressblechs.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
23 Nov, 03:43
Korean totem poles, or Jangseung. These are built to keep evil spirits away from villages and shrines, and depict the various gods recognized in Korean Shamanism, often with the name of the deity painted on the front. It appears that the format of the head of a deity on a tall pole was popular across Eurasia.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
23 Nov, 01:16
The story of Thor slaying Starkaðr Áludrengr always reminded me of the story of Parshuram’s battle with Kartavirya Arjuna. Two multiple-armed giants who took what they believed they were owed, and in doing so, invoked the wrath of an axe/hammer wielding deity.
https://t.me/hammerandvajra/3664
https://t.me/hammerandvajra/3664
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
22 Nov, 22:08
An Anglo Saxon gilt silver sword pyramid, found in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, 6-7th Century. Although it’s quite a small example, the craftsmanship is exquisite, with the recesses filled in with gold, and niello inlays in the knotwork designs.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
22 Nov, 05:18
Among the many figures carved on the keel of the Oseberg Ship was this image of a man gripping his beard, very similar to the figure of Thor from Lund; likely a small image of Thor to protect the ship from storms at sea.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
18 Nov, 04:58
A filigreed bow brooch with a double-animal motif from Skerne, Denmark, 5-6th Century.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
17 Nov, 22:16
There’s a theory that the many depictions of Gods with pointed caps were inspired by this rare natural phenomenon known as red sprites, caused by electrical discharges in the mesosphere above thunderclouds.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
17 Nov, 04:20
Ahmad ibn Fadlan described simple godpoles among the Rus, but more heavily detailed images of the Gods are well attested elsewhere.
The Heimskringla mentions a statue of Thor made of silver and gold, with offerings being placed in its open mouth; I’ve seen similar things from India. Similarly, Vladimir the Great built a statue of Perun with a silver head and a moustache of gold.
Njáls Saga and the Færeyinga Saga describe statues of Gods wearing arm rings, as well as a linen cloak, indicating that they would’ve had more detailed arms and torsos. Unfortunately, very few originals survived.
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The Heimskringla mentions a statue of Thor made of silver and gold, with offerings being placed in its open mouth; I’ve seen similar things from India. Similarly, Vladimir the Great built a statue of Perun with a silver head and a moustache of gold.
Njáls Saga and the Færeyinga Saga describe statues of Gods wearing arm rings, as well as a linen cloak, indicating that they would’ve had more detailed arms and torsos. Unfortunately, very few originals survived.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
16 Nov, 22:02
Inside the Temple of Vitaly Sundakov, near Moscow. The idols represent Rod, Veles and Perun.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
15 Nov, 19:54
In Bede’s Ecclesiastical History, he wrote that Blōtmōnaþ sacrifices continued post-conversion, offering animals to the Christian god instead. He noted that before the sacrificial feasts, they’d build huts from the boughs of trees around their temples which had been converted into churches; possibly a remnant of building demarcation fences around weohs.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
15 Nov, 18:25
Tonight is the full moon of Blot month. Bede says the English traditionally sacrificed cattle to the gods at this time but he didn't say which ones.
Professor Richard North argues that Bede's use of the Latin vanis is a rendering of the Old English cognate of 'Vanir' which would be Waene. Not everyone agrees with him but if you do then it is a time to blot to Ingui Frey, Easter/Freyja etc.
The importance of sacrifice at this time of year continued long after Christianisation in the form of St Martin's day. In France the taking of vows in the woods or at sacred spring on St Martin's day was banned in 578 AD. In Ireland people were still sprinkling sacrificial blood in their house on St Martin's day as recently as the 20th century!
Professor Richard North argues that Bede's use of the Latin vanis is a rendering of the Old English cognate of 'Vanir' which would be Waene. Not everyone agrees with him but if you do then it is a time to blot to Ingui Frey, Easter/Freyja etc.
The importance of sacrifice at this time of year continued long after Christianisation in the form of St Martin's day. In France the taking of vows in the woods or at sacred spring on St Martin's day was banned in 578 AD. In Ireland people were still sprinkling sacrificial blood in their house on St Martin's day as recently as the 20th century!
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
15 Nov, 03:55
The Sønder Kirkeby runestone contains the Thor Vigi formula, written in bindrunes across the top of the main inscription, possibly intended to be discreet. While the stone was damaged when it was cut to fit into a wall, the inscription is legible, and reads “ᚦᚢᚱ ᚢᛁᚴᛁ (ᚱ)ᚢᚾᛅᛦ; Thor hallow (these) runes.
The main body of the inscription reads “Sasur placed this stone in memory of Ásgautr his brother, and (he) died on Gotland.“
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The main body of the inscription reads “Sasur placed this stone in memory of Ásgautr his brother, and (he) died on Gotland.“
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
14 Nov, 04:44
The Helgakviða Hundingsbana II shows us the kind of intercession our ancestors would have asked for, and expected, from the Gods; when Dagr prayed to Odin for revenge on his father’s killer, Odin gave him his spear.
This shows us another tenet of the Germanic pagan worldview; they didn’t ask that the Gods enact revenge or strike down their enemies on their behalf, but rather, aid them in righteous actions they had set in motion. Conversely, several Bible verses say not to take revenge, as God will do it for you.
Painting by Knut Ekwall, 1876.
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This shows us another tenet of the Germanic pagan worldview; they didn’t ask that the Gods enact revenge or strike down their enemies on their behalf, but rather, aid them in righteous actions they had set in motion. Conversely, several Bible verses say not to take revenge, as God will do it for you.
Painting by Knut Ekwall, 1876.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
13 Nov, 22:38
“He knows alone who has wandered wide, and far has fared on the way, what manner of mind a man doth own who is wise of head and heart.”
~Hávamál 18, Bray
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“Sá einn veit
er víða ratar
ok hefr fjölð of farit,
hverju geði
stýrir gumna hverr,
sá er vitandi er vits.”
~Hávamál 18, Bray
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“Sá einn veit
er víða ratar
ok hefr fjölð of farit,
hverju geði
stýrir gumna hverr,
sá er vitandi er vits.”
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
13 Nov, 05:37
Interesting find from Bornholm; this silver Iron Age pendant has a hollow compartment behind the decorated face, not unlike a Slavic kaptorga, which were used for carrying herbs and amulets. This may have served as a kind of reliquary.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
12 Nov, 22:14
This lead die stamp bears the same motif as the coins found in Ribe, with a stag, coiled serpent and a bearded face. The addition of a suspension loop shows this motif was used for jewelry as well; possibly Eikþirnir, Níðøggr, and Mímir or Odin’s head.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
12 Nov, 03:13
On Remembrance Day, I perform an ancestor veneration practice of my own; renewing an oath to my ancestors.
I think of my own family members who fought in the wars, and held our family line together through the darkest chapters in recent history. They would be disgusted by what our countries have become. But as long as we live, the fight isn’t over.
Hail Odin and Freyr, may they keep you well.
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I think of my own family members who fought in the wars, and held our family line together through the darkest chapters in recent history. They would be disgusted by what our countries have become. But as long as we live, the fight isn’t over.
Hail Odin and Freyr, may they keep you well.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
11 Nov, 22:06
A bronze spearhead-shaped pendant from Norddjurs, Denmark; quite likely a representation of Gungnir.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
11 Nov, 05:40
The Fagrskinna and Heimskringla attest to the practice of casting “blótspánn”; chips of wood used for divination. This likely would’ve been the divination method mentioned by Tacitus in Germania, wherein the wood was marked with “signs” (undoubtedly runes), which by the time of these Kings’ Sagas would’ve been practiced for over a thousand years.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
10 Nov, 22:19
While the figure on the left of the Riksby stone could depict Odin with his ravens, it does also resemble a human figure held upside down by the neck; perhaps someone being attacked by a Jötunn, with Thor coming to the rescue?
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
10 Nov, 05:13
A wooden figure from Jelling, Denmark, 10-11th Century. The tendril around the torso is very reminiscent of multiple depictions of Völundr.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
09 Nov, 19:46
A pendant found in Kalundborg, Denmark, with two wolves back to back; Freki and Geri.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
09 Nov, 02:31
“Fire for men is the fairest gift,
And power to see the sun;
Health as well, if a man may have it,
And a life not stained with sin.”
~Hávamál 68, Bellows
This deceptively simple stanza appears to be a testament to the use of sacred fire as a means to contact the Gods.
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“Eldr er beztr með ýta sonum ok sólar sýn, heilyndi sitt,
ef maðr hafa náir,
án við löst at lifa.”
And power to see the sun;
Health as well, if a man may have it,
And a life not stained with sin.”
~Hávamál 68, Bellows
This deceptively simple stanza appears to be a testament to the use of sacred fire as a means to contact the Gods.
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“Eldr er beztr með ýta sonum ok sólar sýn, heilyndi sitt,
ef maðr hafa náir,
án við löst at lifa.”
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
08 Nov, 21:59
A wooden Urnes-style serpent head from Hemse, Gotland, 11-13th Century. Possibly from a stave church.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
08 Nov, 02:50
The Christian scribe who recorded Beowulf condemns the Danes for praying to the Old Gods, yet, when they do, Beowulf arrives. Makes you wonder how he may have been referred to in earlier versions; undoubtedly as a gift from the Gods, even an avatar of a deity.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
07 Nov, 19:35
An incomplete figure found in Denmark, with the remains of an elaborate braided beard. Due to the similarities with the Thor figures from Lund and Chernaya Mogila, this may have depicted Thor raising winds with his beard.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
07 Nov, 04:33
This small silver figure was recently found in Nybølle, Lolland, quite similar to the figure from Lejre. It’s likely an image of Frigg on Hliðskjálf as attested in the Grímnismál, and two tiny ravens are perched on the frame of the throne.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
06 Nov, 22:56
A petroglyph from Riksby, Sweden, believed to depict Odin with his ravens perched on his arm and Thor with his hammer.
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ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
06 Nov, 04:29
Recent find from Finland; a silver-gilt Viking Age sword pommel, with inlaid knotwork and triquetra designs.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
30 Oct, 01:47
A reconstruction of the Germanic shield from Gommern.
x.com/TeutonicAesthet
x.com/TeutonicAesthet
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
30 Oct, 01:46
This shield boss was found in a nobleman’s burial in Gommern, Saxony-Anhalt, from around 300AD. It’s been proposed to have originally been a Roman cup, which was converted into a shield boss. Possibly a war trophy.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
29 Oct, 22:10
A treasure hoard from Eke, Gotland, containing brooches from the Vendel Period and Viking Age.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
29 Oct, 02:02
Divination by incense smoke specifically is called libanomancy, from Greek líbanos (Frankincense). It was attested first in ancient Babylon, and later in Egypt and Greece.
In Illyria, there was a fire sanctuary called Nymphaion. According to Cassius Dio, people would pray and then cast incense into it, and if their prayer was to be fulfilled it would burn, and if not, it wouldn’t.
Pic: a coin with an image of the eternal fire at Nymphaion.
In Illyria, there was a fire sanctuary called Nymphaion. According to Cassius Dio, people would pray and then cast incense into it, and if their prayer was to be fulfilled it would burn, and if not, it wouldn’t.
Pic: a coin with an image of the eternal fire at Nymphaion.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
28 Oct, 10:21
The second half of new the die stamp from Guldborgsund has been found, with the legs. Very similar to the Odin figure on the Torslunda Plates, and if you look closely at the “horns” on this example, a raven head is quite visible. ⴲ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
28 Oct, 02:15
Grimm noted that Odin’s title Hnikar, used when Odin calms a storm in the Reginsmál, was very similar to Old English nicor, meaning water spirit. Hnikar means roughly “overthrower”, which could be applied to Odin’s power to calm the storm in the case of the Reginsmál.
Nicor later evolved into nixe/neck/nøkk, and knucker, a water serpent in southern English folklore. While nixies are often malevolent in post-Christian folklore, they could be benevolent, warning of future drownings, and they retained an association with poetry and music, which they would teach in exchange for an offering of alcohol or blood; very Odinic.
Painting: Nøkken by Theodore Kittelsen, 1904. ᛚ
Nicor later evolved into nixe/neck/nøkk, and knucker, a water serpent in southern English folklore. While nixies are often malevolent in post-Christian folklore, they could be benevolent, warning of future drownings, and they retained an association with poetry and music, which they would teach in exchange for an offering of alcohol or blood; very Odinic.
Painting: Nøkken by Theodore Kittelsen, 1904. ᛚ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
27 Oct, 21:26
A scabbard chape from Bjergene, Denmark, with an image of Völundr, or possibly Odin as an eagle. Two human arms are visible gripping the frame, similar to the winged man figure from Uppakra.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
27 Oct, 03:00
A carved wooden plank with an Urnes-style serpent from Trondheim, Norway, 11-12th Century. Possibly part of a chair.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
26 Oct, 22:51
Grimm recorded a folk song from Westphalia in 1836;
“Hermen, sla dermen,
sla pipen, sla trummen,
de kaiser wil kummen
met hamer Un stangen,
wil Hermen uphangen.”
This Hermen is challenged to strike up his war music, because an emperor will come with staves and hang him up. This could be referring to Arminius and the Romans, but Grimm proposed that Hermen refers to Irmin, and this song could have originated in the Saxon Wars, when Charlemagne destroyed the Irminsul.
“Hermen, sla dermen,
sla pipen, sla trummen,
de kaiser wil kummen
met hamer Un stangen,
wil Hermen uphangen.”
This Hermen is challenged to strike up his war music, because an emperor will come with staves and hang him up. This could be referring to Arminius and the Romans, but Grimm proposed that Hermen refers to Irmin, and this song could have originated in the Saxon Wars, when Charlemagne destroyed the Irminsul.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
26 Oct, 02:52
A West Slavic stone carving embedded in the wall of the Altenkirchen church on the island of Rügen, thought to depict Svetovid or one of his priests with his drinking horn. 𖣐
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
25 Oct, 21:38
A Rus/Slavic bronze pendant in the shape of a miniature drinking horn. The Gesta Danorum mentioned an idol of Svetovid holding a large decorated drinking horn, which a priest would fill with wine every year, and make predictions about the season’s crops through the state of the wine. 𖣐
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
25 Oct, 04:55
Sigurðr finds Sigdrífa, by Franz Stassen, an illustration for the Sigdrífumál.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
24 Oct, 21:41
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
24 Oct, 02:38
The image on this bracteate is similar to the later recurring hair-pulling motif.
In Greek mythology, pulling hair was associated with Kassandra, who tore at Helen’s hair when she foresaw she would be the downfall of Troy, but wasn’t believed by anyone.
This could very well depict Frigg; able to see the terrible events of the future, but never sharing them, as attested in the Lokasenna.
“Mad art thou, Loki, that known thou makest The wrong and shame thou hast wrought; The fate of all does Frigg know well, Though herself she says it not.”
~Lokasenna 29, Bellows.
In Greek mythology, pulling hair was associated with Kassandra, who tore at Helen’s hair when she foresaw she would be the downfall of Troy, but wasn’t believed by anyone.
This could very well depict Frigg; able to see the terrible events of the future, but never sharing them, as attested in the Lokasenna.
“Mad art thou, Loki, that known thou makest The wrong and shame thou hast wrought; The fate of all does Frigg know well, Though herself she says it not.”
~Lokasenna 29, Bellows.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
24 Oct, 01:50
Fuerstenberg-type bracteate found in a grave in central Germany and dating to the 7-8th century possibly depicting Holle/Frigga
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
23 Oct, 20:47
A carved plank with an Urnes-style serpent from Hørning, Denmark, 11th Century. Red and yellow paint is visible on the serpent, and painted flowers survived on the back.
While less original infrastructure survives from the Viking Age due to greater utilization of wood, what did survive is beautiful.
While less original infrastructure survives from the Viking Age due to greater utilization of wood, what did survive is beautiful.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
23 Oct, 01:28
An interesting annular brooch from Hol, Norway, 5th Century. Similar to examples found in Gotland, possibly depicting Odin with a horned headdress, but with the addition of animals (horses?) around the frame, which could be a reference to the charms invoking Odin to heal horses. ᚨ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
22 Oct, 20:07
Several parallels to the Merseburg Charms are known across Germanic Europe, invoking Odin to heal horses. Jacob Grimm collected an incomplete version from Sweden in 1842, which was followed by a stanza invoking Frigg to heal sheep.
“Oden står på berget
han spörjer efter sin fole,
floget har han fått-
spotta i din hand, och i hans mun,
han skall få bot i samma stund.”
“Frygge frågade frå
huru skall man bota
den flåget får-”
“Oden står på berget
han spörjer efter sin fole,
floget har han fått-
spotta i din hand, och i hans mun,
han skall få bot i samma stund.”
“Frygge frågade frå
huru skall man bota
den flåget får-”
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
22 Oct, 03:29
An interesting bronze find from Kalundborg, Denmark. The art style is far more akin to Irish art, similar to the figure from the Oseberg Ship; this figure may have been brought back in a raid and modified by a Viking, to depict Odin by removing an eye. ᚬ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
21 Oct, 12:58
Jacob Grimm recorded a survival of Woden worship in Blekinge, Sweden and Mecklenburg, wherein farmers would leave a section of rye unharvested for Odin’s horse. They would braid the tops together and sprinkle them with water, take off their hats and bow, and recite thrice;
"Woden, take care of your horse now, with thistle and thorn,
so next year we may have better corn!"
Another version was;
"Woden, Woden, feed your horse now, with thistle and thorn, next year, better corn!"
He noted that it was said during winter nights, he could be heard roaming the fields with his hunting dogs (Freki and Geri?).
This was likely a remnant of offerings on Winterfylleth and/or Álfablót; in the Austrfararvísur, Odin is mentioned during a sacrifice to the Álfar. In rural regions of Scandinavia and Germany, the Old Ways never fully disappeared.
Art by Carl Emil Doepler, 1905. ⴲ
"Woden, take care of your horse now, with thistle and thorn,
so next year we may have better corn!"
Another version was;
"Woden, Woden, feed your horse now, with thistle and thorn, next year, better corn!"
He noted that it was said during winter nights, he could be heard roaming the fields with his hunting dogs (Freki and Geri?).
This was likely a remnant of offerings on Winterfylleth and/or Álfablót; in the Austrfararvísur, Odin is mentioned during a sacrifice to the Álfar. In rural regions of Scandinavia and Germany, the Old Ways never fully disappeared.
Art by Carl Emil Doepler, 1905. ⴲ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
21 Oct, 04:30
…what’s ironic is the Japanese sometimes used the exact same method to torture missionaries and converts as Olaf Tryggvason used to torture pagans; tying them up below the tide line, so they can watch in horror as the tide creeps closer. Full circle.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
21 Oct, 03:40
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
20 Oct, 21:59
Odin’s association with storms is often overlooked. Aside from the Wild Hunt, known as Åsgårdsrei (Asgard Ride) and Odens Jakt (Odin’s Hunt) in Scandinavia, two of his epithets in both Eddas are Þundr (Thunderer) and Viðrir (Stormer), and in the Reginsmál, a storm subsides when Odin boards Sigurd’s ship. ᚬ
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
20 Oct, 04:03
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
19 Oct, 21:28
The theory that the Æsir-Vanir war was an allegory for a war between the invading Indo-Europeans and the Early European Farmers/Hunter Gatherers is deeply flawed.
Most importantly, cognates to the Vanir gods are found in other Indo-European religions. The most obvious example is Freyja/Ēostre, cognate to Greek Eos, Baltic Aušrinė, Roman Aurora and Vedic Ushas, the most-mentioned goddess in the Rig Veda.
Myths of wars between gods exist in other Indo-European religions, such as the Titanomachy of Greek paganism, the wars between Devas and Asuras, and the battle between Shiva and Vishnu in the Puranas. It is not at all unique to Germanic paganism.
Painting by Donn P. Crane, 1922.
Most importantly, cognates to the Vanir gods are found in other Indo-European religions. The most obvious example is Freyja/Ēostre, cognate to Greek Eos, Baltic Aušrinė, Roman Aurora and Vedic Ushas, the most-mentioned goddess in the Rig Veda.
Myths of wars between gods exist in other Indo-European religions, such as the Titanomachy of Greek paganism, the wars between Devas and Asuras, and the battle between Shiva and Vishnu in the Puranas. It is not at all unique to Germanic paganism.
Painting by Donn P. Crane, 1922.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
19 Oct, 08:23
Establishing the sacred space for the blot by circumambulating the barrow 9 times carrying fire and ringing a bell for Lord Ing.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
19 Oct, 05:09
A rare survival from the Viking Age; a painted fragment of wood from Jelling, Denmark, 10-11th century.
ᛉ Sagnamaðr Stark ᛉ
18 Oct, 21:35
The 10-11th Century Anglo Saxon poem De Falsis Deis tells us Woden was worshipped at crossroads and hills (burial mounds?), both liminal spaces, with crossroads later associated with the devil.
“A certain man was also called Mercury in life; he was very crafty,
and, although fully clever in speech, treacherous in deed and in deceit. That one
made the heathens, by their reckoning, also for themselves into a renowned god, and at crossroads
offered him sacrifice often and frequently through the Devil's teaching, and to high
hills they often brought, erringly, praise-offerings. This false god was honorable also
among all heathens in that day, and he is called Odin by another name
in Danish manner.”
“Sum man eac wæs gehaten Mercurius on life, se wæs swyðe facenfull
And, ðeah full snotorwyrde, swicol on dædum and on leasbregdum. Ðone
Macedon þa hæðenan be heora getæle eac heom to mæran gode and æt wega
gelætum him lac offrodon oft and gelome þurh deofles lare and to heagum
beorgum him brohton oft mistlice loflac. Ðes gedwolgod wæs arwuðe eac
betwux eallum hæðenum on þam dagum and he is Oðan gehaten oðrum naman
on Denisce wisan.”
ᚩ
“A certain man was also called Mercury in life; he was very crafty,
and, although fully clever in speech, treacherous in deed and in deceit. That one
made the heathens, by their reckoning, also for themselves into a renowned god, and at crossroads
offered him sacrifice often and frequently through the Devil's teaching, and to high
hills they often brought, erringly, praise-offerings. This false god was honorable also
among all heathens in that day, and he is called Odin by another name
in Danish manner.”
“Sum man eac wæs gehaten Mercurius on life, se wæs swyðe facenfull
And, ðeah full snotorwyrde, swicol on dædum and on leasbregdum. Ðone
Macedon þa hæðenan be heora getæle eac heom to mæran gode and æt wega
gelætum him lac offrodon oft and gelome þurh deofles lare and to heagum
beorgum him brohton oft mistlice loflac. Ðes gedwolgod wæs arwuðe eac
betwux eallum hæðenum on þam dagum and he is Oðan gehaten oðrum naman
on Denisce wisan.”
ᚩ
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