#Norse myths

[thedawner]

Some small, traditional Loki doodles

#finished #doodle #portrait #drawing #traditional #traditional art #traditional drawing #loki #too human #too human game #i forgot his face tat #feck #i'll add it at another point #norse mythology #aesir #norse god #norse gods #norse myths #pencil #marker #too human fanart #fanart

[broomsick]

The Ramsund carving, believed to have been carved around 1030, was found close to Ramsund, Sweden. It is considered part of the “Sigurd stones”, a group of eight or nine runic inscriptions which can be found in Sweden, with all pertaining to the myth of the hero Sigurðr. The Ramsund stone depicts scenes from the Völsunga Saga, which go as follows:

Sigurðr preparing a fire to roast the dragon Fáfnir’s heart, as instructed by his uncle Regin. Having burnt himself in the process, Sigurðr sticks his finger in his mouth. He is soon to discover that the dragon’s blood which stained his finger gave him the ability to understand the language of birds as they sang.

The birds warn Sigurðr that Regin intends to kill him and take the dragon Fáfnir’s treasure for himself.

This prompts Sigurðr to end the life of his treacherous uncle, whose body now lies next to his smithing tools.

Sigurðr’s horse Grani now carries the dragon’s treasure.

Depiction of Sigurðr killing Fáfnir: having concealed himself in a hole outside the dragon’s lair, he waited for it to crawl outside and towards the river to go and drink so he could stab upwards into the beast’s heart.

Depiction of the three brothers, Regin, Fáfnir (whose greed turned him into a dragon), and Ótr, who appears along with his brethren at the beginning of the saga.

#heathenry #sagas #runestones #norse paganism #spirituality #norse myths #mythology #myths #paganism #polytheism #runes

[little-drop-of-water]

I want to bring back this post I reblogged years ago because today I remembered it, read it again and the only conclusion my delulu brain came up with was "Finnish people descend from Loki!"

And before I knew it, I made this:

So, yeah...

#käärijä #loki #loki series #norse myths #fandom mashup

[notthesomefather]

Modern Heathenry 101

Hi folks! I've updated my blog to include a heathenry 101 tag. I also worked on summarizing how I view modern heathenry from a US-based, progressive perspective:

Who is allowed to practice heathenry?

Everyone!  Heathenry is not a closed practice.  Regardless of your gender, age, orientation, race, cultural background, physical or mental abilities, or any other factor–you are welcome, appreciated, and loved by the gods.

What is heathenry?

Heathenry is an animistic belief system where we honor our ancestors, gods within the Norse pantheon, and the elemental spirits all around us.  There is no one centralized heathen faith, and traditions will vary largely depending on community, region, and era.  There are no sacred texts, though many heathens read the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda to get an introduction to our gods (as they are depicted in myths and sagas).

Who do you worship?

Details vary based on the individual or community, but generally speaking heathens honor gods within the Norse pantheon. 

This pantheon includes: Odin, Frigg/Freyja, Freyr, Thor, Tyr, Njord, Loki, Hel, and many more.  Each of these figures is dynamic and cannot be boiled down to a simple “god of ___” label.  Some heathens exclusively worship patron deities to whom they feel a special connection and sense of dedication, while other heathens maintain relationships with numerous deities.

Ancestor work can be general or highly specific.  Heathens may offer prayers to the Disir, female spirits of the family who help carry traditions, memories, and connections alive throughout the generations.  Heathens may also opt to honor individual ancestors with whom they share a strong connection.  In any instance, it is love not blood which constitutes ancestry.  Many heathens feel drawn to honor “cultural” ancestors rather than blood-relatives (example: a heathen who is Black or LGBTQIA+ may feel drawn towards honoring a deceased activist or fellow community member).

What are some things which constitute a modern practice?

Many heathens practice group ritual while others are solitary.  Every group will follow different traditions but common ones include:

holiday rituals

symbels (opportunities to toast one another and our accomplishments)

blots (specialized rituals dedicated to a specific deity)

ceremonies (weddings, funerals, and things of that nature)

In their day-to-day lives heathens will often wear a Mjolnir pendant as a reminder of the gods’ most prized gift and the source of their protector’s strength (Thor’s hammer).

Heathens will typically have at least one altar space in their homes.  This can be used to honor deities, ancestors, or other figures.  Altars vary dramatically in terms of appearance–some are minimalist and simple while others are lavishly decorated.  This depends largely on personal preference, budget, availability of materials, and personal security (unfortunately, some heathens cannot safely set up an altar in their current living situation).  Another option is the use of a pocket-altar, sometimes called a travel-altar.

What holidays do you observe?

Holidays historically varied depending on location.  Typically these holidays relate to concepts of growth, gratitude, and reflection. There is not one set list of holidays which all heathens celebrate, but there do tend to be commonalities:

Holidays that take place in spring will tend to honor gods who represent youth, new beginnings, and hope. 

Holidays in summer tend to celebrate growth, hard work, and fertility. 

Holidays in the autumn are typically opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments we’ve made throughout the year as well as to prepare for the darker, colder times ahead. 

Holidays in the winter tend to relate to reflection and thinking about things we can shed or invite as the new year begins.

Holidays can be celebrated individually or as part of a group. Here are some of the holidays my group observes.

What are some common symbols or visuals related to heathenry?

Many heathens view Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) as the main symbol signifying their faith.  This is typically worn as a necklace, though heathens may wear one in a myriad of different ways or not at all. 

Elder futhark runes are also common symbols associated with heathenry.  The futhark are representative of the sacred runes our god Odin learned during a journey of self-sacrifice and searching for spiritual wisdom.  Many heathens use these runes for divination purposes or to receive messages from our gods and ancestors, while others do not interact with the runes in a spiritual sense.

There are other symbols associated with heathenry that have been appropriated by white supremacists.  These include the runes Othala, Sowilo, and Elhaz; the Valknut; and sometimes even Mjolnir itself.  These images are not inherently harmful, and many heathens feel it is our duty to combat this appropriation by showing these symbols in their proper, progressive contexts.

What are some books I can read to learn more?

Here are a few books about the Norse myths I recommend:

The Poetic Edda by Jackson Crawford

The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson

The Wanderer’s Havamal by Jackson Crawford

The Havamal by The Asatru Community

Essential Asatru by Diana Paxson

Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Viking Spirit by Daniel McCoy

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

And here are some books about runes I recommend:

The Way of Fire and Ice: the Living Tradition of Norse Paganism, by Ryan Smith

Rudiments of Runelore, by Stephen Pollington

North Sea Rune Poems, by N. Solheim-Davidson

Norwegian Runes and Runic Inscriptions, by Terje Spurkland

Taking Up the Runes, by Diana L. Paxson

#heathen #asatru #norse pagan #heathenry 101 #norse paganism #modern heathenry #rokkr #rokkatru #vanatru #norse gods #norse myths #books

[apolloslyrics]

Lazy "Wards"

So today, I was lying in my bed, and I was thinking about how I desperately did not want to refresh my wards. I was feeling tired, burned out, frustrated, and just generally awful. I knew I needed to refresh them, but I also knew that it was going to take so much effort that I didn't have. Thus began the thought:

Is there an easier way to ward my space?

Turns out there is! Now, I know wards are normally random things you put in your room and re-do every once in a while, but ✨️these ones are fun and cool✨️. I compiled a list of the five easy wards I do for when I'm feeling absolutely AWFUL. Here they are!

Morning and Night Playlists

Make two playlists— one that you'll listen to as soon as you wake up, and one that you'll listen to right before you sleep. They don't have to have any specific genre; just do what you feel like you need during those times. Maybe even create a playlist cover photo if you're feeling inspired!

Turn your fan on

I am dead serious with this one, folks. It could technically be considered cleaning, but FUCK IT. Open your window and/or your door and turn on a fan. Let that air flush OUT the energy from inside and pull IN the good shit from outside. I would probably do this like once a week. Have fun with it! Maybe even play those playlists and have a whole dance party!

Stuffed Animal of the Month

That's right. You heard me. Choose a stuffed animal that will protect your space for a month. Next month, choose a different one. Repeat that for, like, forever or whatever. The important thing is that you choose a stuffed animal, you tell them "Hey, I need you to guard my shit," and you give them LOOOOTS of cuddles in return. I love this one a little too much.

Tape a picture of a sigil on your door

This one's for the people who are able to be out as a witch. If you can't do a sigil, even putting a picture of an animal or object is good enough! Just tape it to your door, either facing you or the outside, and let it do its thing.

Incense and screaming

This is more of a cleansing method than a ward. DO IT. Open your window and/or your door again, light that shit up, and scream out all the energy that you've been building up. Tell it to get-the-fuck-out or you'll roundhouse its ass. But also find the good shit and ask it to join you!

I hope yall like this post. I really liked making it!! These methods are probably not all new, and I'm most definitely not the one who invented them, but STILL. I like them and I hope you do too!

#eclectic pagan #hellenic pagan #pagan #pagan witch #gay pagan #pagan blog #pagan community #paganism #deity work #divination #norse deities #greek deities #deity #hellenic deities #deity worship #protection #protection magic #norse mythology #greek mythology #greek myths #norse myths #wards #protection wards #paganlife

[ancientorigins]

A metal detector enthusiast has unearthed over 100 grams of ancient gold items on an evening walk. The find is claimed by experts to be ‘Norway’s gold find of the century’.

#burials #coins #hoard #Norway #Norse #Viking #artifacts #Norse myths

[mytho-nerd]

Loki: would I lie to you?

Thor: yes.

#loki #Thor #Norse mythology #Norse gods #Norse myths #norse myth memes #incorrect norse gods #incorrect norse mythology #incorrect qoutes #s: nrb #loki norse god #Norse Loki #norse thor #Thor norse god #queque

[thenightling]

Why is Loki Called Skywalker? Answer: No, it is NOT a Star Wars reference! You have it backward!

Answer for Why is Loki called "Skywalker" in The Sandman: Season of Mists?

I've seen this questioned a lot lately.

"Why is Loki called Skywalker?" "Is it because he's dressed like a cross between Hon Solo and Luke? Lol! Love it!"

Eh... No. (though I admit he does look like that in that artwork, doesn't he?)

Loki actually had the title before Luke. George Lucas was the one making a reference to Loki, not Loki making reference to George Lucas.

Darth Vader was from the Dutch to mean Dark Father. And Anikin meant a type of giant. Get it? Giant Dark Father. Father of Loki... I mean Luke. It was George Lucas who made the reference. Loki had the name first.

It's a bit like when younger people get weirded out to find out "Canon" originally was used to mean "What is considered true within the Catholic religion." The Catholic church used it first before the word Canon was applied to "Is it true within this work of fiction." In fact canonization is the term used to mean officially acknowledging someone is a saint.

Now... To answer the question of why is Loki called Skywalker?

Well, he is the trickster God.

Skywalker (sometimes translated as Sky-treader) means Loki could travel fast and easily between realms. (Yes, without need of the Bifrost.)

One explanation for this power was given later with the concept of the Seven-League Boots.

A popular trope in European folktales are a magical pair of boots known as The Seven-league boots (roughly twenty one miles as a league is three miles). The boots could let you travel twenty one miles with a single step and could allow the wearer to walk on anything including shadows, mist, and moonbeams.

You could pass from one world to another such as the realm of Faerie with a mere thought.

One of my favorite mentions of the Seven-League boots is in Goethe's Faust Part 1.

In Marvel's Loki: Agent of Asgard, Loki has the Seven-league boots and this is cleverly tied to the Faust depiction of them becuase Loki stole them from Mephisto (who is also the demon from Faust, besides being an antagonist in Marvel comics).

Some more contemporary variations of the Loki myths suggest he's always had seven-league boots, which accounted for his unique ability to travel easier than the other Norse Gods.

#Loki #Luke SKywalker #Loki Skywalker #Loki Laufeyson #Norse Mythology #Asatru #Norse Myths #Neil Gaiman #Heathen #Heatenry #George Lucas #Star Wars #The Sandman #Sandman #Marvel #Loki: Agent of Asgard #DC Comics #DC

[lore-olympus-saga]

Demeter did not like Loki.

Not many gods liked Loki when you think about it. Many of them actually hated them. Demeter didn’t hate them yet. 

But she was starting to as she saw them looming over her newborn. 

Hated to see those long blood red strand of hair tickling her child who stared back, unknowingly, at the god of Chaos itself. A god who has walked among them, took notes about them, flanked by two crows, and reported everything to the Allfather of Asgard. A thief of secrets. As if Olympus didn’t have enough problem with Eris wrecking chaos when she was awake. 

Plants and roots twirled to turned into pointy spears, ready to strike the intruder. To pierce the flesh of the jötnar without a second of hesitation. They were not welcome in Demeter’s domain. 

Yet, as Kore pulled on the jötun's braid, Demeter was surprise to see tears twinkling inside the Trickster's eyes. Grief had settled on this god’s face instead of the trademark smirk they bore around others. Trembling fingers delicaltly pried the hair away from those little hands. Slowly, they rose up and stepped away of the newborn.

“I have daughter too you know?” Loki whispered. So low that at first it took the godess a few seconds to understand him. Loki turned towards her, uncaring of the weapons she had pointed at them. “A wonderful little girl. But she’s away now. Far… Away.”

Demeter felt a clench in her chest in sympathy and pity… 

Yes, thoughout realms and kingdoms it was known that Hela, the daughter of chaos, became the Queen of Helheim unwillingly, Queen of the dead of the northmen. The tales of her disfigured face travelled far and wide. The ones about her fate, the one Asgardians gave her, followed closely behind. Do not get on the bad side of Asgard. So be it if some ally's family is caught in the crossfire as long as it is for Asgard.

“She’s beautiful. You can be proud Godess of the seasons” Loki whispered as they looked back at the baby. “A cute little rose bud,” they chuckled softly when the baby cooed back at them. “I see why Odinn was interested in her.”

Demeter felt fear shackle her limbs for a split second before she made the roots strike. 

No.

No no no, it can’t be! Not her precious daughter barely born!

She couldn’t bare to imagine what the Allfather interest was into a child. But that man was cruel and unfair towards his own people. 

You must never catche Odin’s eye before a battle! She heard humans saying. Don’t catch Odinn’s eye!

For if he takes a liking to you, he won’t protect you. He’ll let death catch you so you can stand by his side in Valhöl 

Loki sidestepped the attack and rushed out of her range. Their feet barely touching the ground as they leaped, slid between plants and trees. Off into the distance, to report back to their brother probably. Demeter rushed and picked her child into her arms, shaking. Not her sweet daughter, no one will ever touch her.

Out of Demeter’s domain, Loki stopped and open their cape. Gently grasping the head tied to their waist, they lifted it so they could face Mimir’s white eyes.

“Say it again. The future you saw of this child, please, repeat it.”

And Mimir answered:

I see the the maiden, born from roses 

I see her, shackled in thorns.

For the care and love from others will be bitter poison 

And the beauty she bares will earn her scorns. 

She will shine and be wanted, 

And taken for granted.

She will break and wrath will take

What sweet innocence she had left. 

She will be crowned with love and dread. 

All hail the maiden and Queen of the dead.

Loki willed themself not to squeeze the head in anger as the words tumbled from his lips. Angry? At who? At the fate that the little rose bud seemed to have and has yet to face? Or was it at himself? 

He couldn’t protect his daughter. Demeter will not be able to save her’s. For the words that tumbled out of Mimir’s mouth are laced with a bitter truth that cannot be changed.

But I see something that may change the stakes.

Loki jumped and nearly dropped the head. They blinked as Mimir continued, with a offended frown at Loki’s handling.

Years to come she will face others and herself. 

If allies stand by her side she may have what it takes

To stand, fight and shield any kindness she’ll have left.

Beware, before spring’s arrival, there will be a harsh winter

And as an Asgardian, Loki, think twice before your share your fire.

The trickster stared at the wise man eyes before looking above in the sky. Twin crows were circling above them. As the birds flew down to land newt to them they sighed.

“Of course I will. Always will, always have.”

They knelt down and offered a hand for Huginn to jump on. It rubbed it’s beak against the jötnar’s sleeve with contempt. Loki sighed.

It was time to go back home.

(Few sketches I've done in regards of this little piece of fanfic between Demeter and Loki)

(This is the "first" meeting between Loki and Persephone, but I'm working on the second meeting, years after this one ^^)

#loki #norse myths #lore olympus #myth loki #norse mythology #lo demeter #mimir #lo critical #lore olympus saga #lore olympus au #fanfic #lo fanart #sorry for any mistakes

[dani-musings]

ANNOUNCEMENT: ✨I’m so happy to announce that my short story inspired by the Norse Myths has been accepted for publication in The Mythic Circle by The Mythopoeic Society! 🤩

This tale about Loki and Sigyn that I wrote is really special to my heart and I can’t wait to share it with the world! ☺️♥️

Here’s a moodboard that I made to capture the story’s aesthetic and aura and here’s a short blurb:

the story’s blurb: Sigyn, the wife of Loki & goddess of mercy & loyalty, considers whether she is being admirably loyal or foolish for staying by her husband’s side. If she stays, she loses the future of her eternal life. If she leaves Loki, she risks losing him forever.💔✨

I’ll keep everyone posted about this publication and when & where you can get your copy! 📚

Thank you all for your support! 🥰 My (published) author adventures are just beginning! 🌟

~Danielle🪽

#Loki #short story #norse gods #norse mythology #norse myths #loki x sigyn #sigyn #loki and sigyn #reimagining #retelling #author #publication #literary magazine #fairy tales #writers on tumblr #writing #mythology and folklore #loki ragnarok #loyalty #lovers #tragedy #myth retelling #stories #god of mischief #trickster

[thedawner]

Loki brooding in a silly position

#finished #digital #full body #too human #too human game #too human fanart #loki #norse god #norse mythology #norse myths #aesir #humanoid #drawing #procreate #digital drawing #fanart #digital art #art #artwork #he’s waiting for Heimdall to finish making breakfast

[broomsick]

“The rowan is the salvation of Thor.” Reynir er bjorg Thors (Icelandic proverb)

This drawing, made by Lorenz Frølich, depicts the God Thórr on his way to the castle of Geirrøðr, where he was heading to avenge wrongful treatment Loki had been subjected to at the hands of the giant. He had made the trip entirely unarmed. It was the giantess Gríðr, mother of Víðarr the Silent, who took pity on him and offered him a staff, as well as two of what would become his most prized possessions: the belt of strength and the iron gloves Járnglófar. As he crossed a river on his way to the abode of Geirrøðr, he was ambushed by one of the giant’s two daughters who sought to drown him. He managed to get out of the river by holding onto a rowan (sometimes rowan branches, sometimes a cluster of rowan trees) and climbing on shore. Thus, rowan is said to be the deliverance of Thórr and can be viewed as his sacred tree!

#hail Thor #good morning all! #norse mythology #norse myths #norse gods #norse pantheon #heathenry #inclusive heathenry #Thor #mythology #folklore #spirituality

[hecatesdelights]

Jörmungandr, The Midgard Serpent, from Norse mythology, who grows so vast as to encircle the whole world, eating it's own tail, a mythical Ouroboros

#Ouroboros #jörmungandr #midgard serpent #loki's children #norse myths #norse paganism #Ragnarök

[annachum]

I think SOME people forgot that both Sigyn and Persephone are complex Goddesses with like, dual sides

I mean

Sigyn is all sweet and elegant loves magic related stuff and baking....

And she js also a fucking formidable valkyrie and later valkyrie veteran, and becomes a symbol of allyship for the ostracized and misfits

Persephone literally is a radiant Spring Goddess who loves plant related stuff and feels associated with deers and larks.....

And then she is also a majestic and formidable Queen of Tartarus who basically often collabs with Hades in Underworld related stuff

Persephone can literally slay in both floral and underworld gothic vibes

🤩🤩🤩🥺🥺

#sigyn #persephone #norse myths #greek myths #norse goddess of fidelity and victory #greek goddess of spring and queen of tartarus #both goddess are complex and has dual traits!

[er-cryptid]

odin is an incel exposed

(Stanza 84 from Sayings of the High One in the Poetic Edda)

#studyblr #vikings #viking history #viking mythology #mythology #poetic edda #the poetic edda #norse myths #norse mythology #sayings of the high one #odin #woden #odinn

[amphibifish]

HOLD ON GUYS HEAR ME OUT sigyn wearing the "i heart my cancelled husband" shirt

#fish.txt #norse mythology #norse myths #sigyn #loki #logyn #is this anything