#di underjordiska

[thoughts-of-a-heathen]

"There are circles in the grass of the meadows [that have been made] by the 'Sma undar Jårdi' ('the small ones of the underworld') who have danced there. To cure certain illnesses, when out [in nature], [if] suddenly becoming ill, feeling pain or similar, people put a silver coin or a [copper] coin as an offering in the middle of the circle and walk away without ever looking back on the same [circle]. Others pour milk or flaxseed or salt in these circles, with the similar purpose of avoiding all possible illnesses."

- P.A. Säve, Gotländska sägner. 1959.

#scandinavian folklore #gotland #di sma undar jårdi #offerings #illnesses and cures #di underjordiska #land wights #animism #norse heathenry #forn sed

[thoughts-of-a-heathen]

I'm going to Sweden for a trip in two weeks, do you have any advice on how I can introduce myself to the land wights there/be on good terms with them as I explore the country?

Sounds exciting!

I do have plenty of advice for you, but bear in mind that I'm just one person, and that my way is not the only way. There are many ways of establishing good relations with the land wights.

Personally, I like to thank the local spirits and beings for accepting me and hosting me on their land. You don't need to make a big deal out of it - just be polite.

I also like to give the land wights offerings when I'm entering into a new area/region, or before/after crossing a natural border - rivers, lakes, oceans, ridges, mountains, large forests etc. I would probably say something like "Thank you for accepting me onto your land. Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation/friendship," make the offering, and sit in silence and observe the surroundings for a while. I would also pay attention to any immediate signs or tydor. You don't have to do any of this if you don't want to.

(If you're planning on making any offerings outside/in nature, look up Allemansrätten. Naturvårdsverket also has a bunch of useful information [in English] about local rules and regulations.)

It is polite to offer the land wights a sip of your drink. This is usually done whenever you're outside/in a place where the drink can seep into the ground (= not a modern floor). Some people always do this, but they usually go outside to do so. Some pour it into the sink. In some regions, it's very important that you tell the land wights that the drink you're pouring is intended as an offering to them (before you start pouring). Since failing to do so when it's needed is really bad, (and since doing so when it isn't needed doesn't cause any harm), it's probably safer to always inform the land wights about what you're doing. Say something like "Here's one for you," and then pour a small amount of the drink onto the ground. These drink offerings aren't mandatory, but I recommend doing them.

Now we get to the really important stuff: how to avoid pissing them off. My general advice is to treat your surroundings with respect. Don't break stuff or move stuff around for no good reason. Warn the land wights before pouring out liquid. This is done by yelling something like "watch out." If the liquid is hot, you should probably warn them about this too. Yell something like "Watch out! Hot [water]!!" Similarly, you should always warn them before you pee on the ground. (A simple "watch out" will do.) Basically, warn them before doing anything that may cause them harm. Avoid polluting places, don't litter, don't make yourself a nuisance. Warning the land wights is mandatory if you want to be on good terms with them.

If you're visiting Skåne/southern Sweden, avoid peeing on elderberry bushes. You also shouldn't break their branches or disturb them in other ways. (Picking their flowers or berries is fine though.)

If you for some reason want to use Swedish when you're warning the land wights, here are some suggestions:

Akta! ('Be careful!')

Se upp! ('Watch out!')

Akta! Varmt! ('Be careful! Hot!')

(Using similar phrases in your own native language is perfectly acceptable, as long as they're clear and concise.)

This is all I could think of off the top of my head. Perhaps my followers have more helpful tips and advice?

#scandinavian folklore #folklore #land wights #vättar #heathenry #norse heathenry #forn sed #politeness #resources #etiquette #di sma undar jårdi #backfolket #de underjordiska