[meadandfeasts-blog]

The lame can ride horse, the handless drive cattle, the deaf one can fight and prevail, ‘tis happier for the blind than for him on the bale-fire, but no man hath care for a corpse.

Hávamál, verse 71

[polytheisms]

[hiatus090909-deactivated2014081]

Freyja

Freyja is of the Asynjur, a goddess of the Vanir who went to live in Asgard amongst the Æsir (after the war between the Vanir and Æsir ended). She is a goddess of love, fertility, gold, lust, beauty and amongst other things, war and death. Freyja is the most splendid of goddesses. She has a home called Folkvangar [Warriors’ Fields]. Whenever she rides in to battle, it is known that she is to take half of the slain warriors back to her hall, while Óðinn takes the other half. ‘Her hall, Sessrumnir, is large and beautiful. When she travels, she drives a chariot drawn by two cats. She is easily approachable for people who want to pray to her, and from her name comes the title of honor whereby women of rank are called frovur* or ladies. She delights in love songs, and it is good to call on her in matters of love.’ - The Prose Edda, 24.

(Artwork by Arthur Rackham)

[meadandfeasts-blog]

Stormy days ahead, Thor must be getting ready for harvest. Life here at the old homestead is getting along slowly in the summer heat. I'm learning to embroider and sew by hand - using proper old techniques, cleaning the house room by room and, like always, cooking food. The homemade bread just ran out, the butter ran out a few days ago. They were both wonderful, we'll easily be doing that again! Next week, after the move, we're going on a long walk/short trek & I know for a fact there's wild garlic and blackberries on the route - I'd love to add those to my cooking. Cheers

[meadandfeasts-blog]

Most dear is fire to the sons of men, most sweet the sight of the sun; good is health if one can but keep it, and to live a life without shame.

Hávamál, verse 68

[magick-and-crack]

Beer Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl

I dunno why but I think baking a large bread bowl (maybe even cauldron shaped) for serving soup is such a great idea for Lammas

[meadandfeasts-blog]

Tomorrow is loafmas, the first harvest celebration of the year! My boyfriend has been meaning to bake a loaf then for a while now, and to encourage him I made butter from scratch today - so we can enjoy the bread in its simplest form. I ended up with quite a lot of fresh butter, so I stuck half of it in the freezer so we can have some for equinox and harvest proper as well.

[hedendom]

A selection of viking inspired pieces. Sigil/rune/decorated pendants, mjölnir pendant, torc and sword, valknut metalwork and dragon head carving.

[meadandfeasts-blog]

A better burden can no man bear on the way than his mother wit: and no worse provision can he carry with him than too deep a draught of ale.

Hávamál, verse 11