Blog Archives

New Short Story : ' Odin' s Legion '

2/28/2015

Odin' s Legion

My 38th short story, ' Odin' s Legion ' is now finished. It will take about a week to ten days to edit the work and then I will begin to post it on my website, A Follower Of The Old Ways. The finished story is in 10 chapters, and tells a tale that includes Midgardians, Asgardians, Jotun's and even the Norns.

In about 2 weeks see what happens when an all - powerful God is pushed too far and his anger rules the day !

- Ravensheart

Poem : The New Tomorrow

2/26/2015

326. The New Tomorrow

A life lived in a constant state of resistance,
In the never ending search for true existence.
Never accepting the opinion of others as stated,
Steadfast in the belief that what will be is fated.

I constantly reject what others consider to be fact,
Put first my faith in the Gods as my most defiant act.
Over the years I raised wisdom above logical thought,
Walked away from the religious dogma others brought.

I do not wish, or hope, and to the Gods I never pray,
I ask for nothing, living in the moment to seize the day.
My ancestors faith I do not take, but merely borrow,
As I follow their ancient religion into the new tomorrow.

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.

Poem : A Hollow Victory

2/22/2015

325. A Hollow Victory

It was a cold blustery autumn day when the two massive armies met,
The many reasons for their deep hatred, many years ago had been set.
King Aevar invaded Ranrike, his army was the cause of much slaughter,
In retaliation King Kormak led his warriors into Viken killing Aevar's daughter

For many months they both raided, the battle constantly went back and forth,
While Kormak attacked Viken from the south, Aevar threw his warriors north,
Thousands of Innocent people were killed, and villages and crops were burned,
Neither side seemed to be winning, the opposing kings became concerned.

Both kings were very stubborn, neither of the monarchs was willing to yield,
Then finally they decided to end all of this madness on a single battlefield.
The carnage was horrendous, on the cold ground lay the bloodied dead,
When King Aevar was killed in battle, what was left of his army quickly fled.

When the great battle was finally over King Kormak's army had conclusively won,
But Kormak found that he had lost on this battlefield his one and only son.
The terrible loss of his sole heir cut King Kormak right down to his very core,
And the grieving King of Ranrike never again brought his kingdom into war.

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.

Poem : A Song For The Gods

2/21/2015

324. A Song For The Gods

Written deep within his faith, and sung with great emotion,
Each word an expression of the songwriter's intense devotion.
With thoughts reflecting honor, and insight that truly immerses,
The talented minstrel evokes sentiments in every one of his verses.

While the volume of the plucked harp gradually begins to climb,
The beating of the drums carefully keeps the singer in true time.
Every line reveals another part of the ancient Gods' eternal glory,
With each and every word weaving together to tell the finished story.

For the Gods, and with zeal, the faithful minstrel slowly raises,
His voice to the heavens so each word honors as well as praises.
Under the shining night stars, and illuminated by the harvest moon,
The musician skillfully plucks his harp and sings his wonderful tune.

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.

Poem : Snaer' s Daughters

2/17/2015

323. Snaer' s Daughters

Snaer has three pretty daughters, all the personification of snow,
They were born on the fierce north winds that constantly blow.
Swiftly drawn away by the updrafts, these three maidens roam,
Three lonely daughters of a Jotun trying to find their way home.

In the heights of Jotunheim, where deep frosts are the norm,
These three beautiful white maidens fall, and take on their form.
Fonn can be found in the snow that the wind constantly sifts,
She has found herself a frigid home in the deepest of drifts.

Drifa forms only when the whistling winds cease their eerie call,
This Frost Maiden takes shape from each flake as they gently fall.
Mjoll is the most elusive, hard to get a glimpse of her pretty face,
She takes form in powdered snow, and stays not long in one place.

Some believe that Snaer the Jotun, is nothing more than a wizard,
A Giant who conjured up his daughters from the winds of a blizzard.
But I think that the maiden's father, for his dear children's sake,
Chose each of his daughters, by carefully selecting each flake.

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.

Poem : Death' s Feeble Grip

2/16/2015

322. Death' s Feeble Grip

Death hovers overhead, patient like a bird of prey,
Slowly circling the battlefield, till comes the end of day.
Hiding in the dark shadows, it senses all the strife,
Waiting for the mortal wound, so it can take the life.

Within great suffering, and amidst the agonizing pain,
Lies the black realm, where Death holds its eternal reign.
In that moment when the victim's life begins to slowly pass,
The dark one, known to us as Death, holds its final mass.

Death's grip on flesh is eternal, with sharp claws it holds on tight,
But the specter cannot cling to the soul as it moves into the light.
Death howls in frustration when the Gods draw the spirit away,
For not even Death can stop the Gods from doing as they may !

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.

Poem : Storm Riders

2/15/2015

321. Storm Riders

Thor ( 1910 ) by Johannes Gehrts

From an echoing distant thunder,
Comes a fast approaching doom,
Made by a meteorological wonder,
Riding before the gathering gloom.

Among the fierce lightning's heat,
Above the lightning's crackling sound,
Can be heard from them a mighty bleat,
For that is where Thor's goats are found.

Horns glowing red from discharges in the air,
With flames shooting from each of their snouts,
These mighty immortal goats gallop without care,
Pulling a cart across the heavens along sacred routes.

Though wild in nature, before Thor they are tame,
Docile creatures standing loyally by their God's side.
Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr, he calls each by their name,
Tied to his golden cart, they pull Mighty Thor with every stride.

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.

The Courting Of Gerd

2/14/2015

The Courting Of Gerd

Love and the return of daylight evoke the same kind of joy and happiness in my heart, and in my soul. That is why on the 14th of February I celebrate what I call the Courting Of Gerd. I chose this date mainly because it already has a close connection with love, and besides the Christians have stolen enough of our festival days, so why not take one of theirs.The falling in love, courting and marriage of Freyr and Gerd is the perfect backdrop for this jubilant ritual and celebration. Some actually understand the union of God and Jotun as meaning the coupling of the sky and the earth, which is quite fitting I think. I simply enjoy the deep emotions that both the return of light, and the celebration of love can evoke in one's soul.

The winter months can form a shroud of despair over one's soul, which can actually affect one's behavior. Some individuals even become depressed and suicidal at this time of the year as a result of this darkened period. The return of light brings about a re - awakening of our spirits, and lifts the covering of darkness that can and does affect our human condition. I know that for me personally, just driving to work with Sunna's smiling face over me makes each morning much more bearable. It is like receiving a wonderful present each and every day !

The most wonderful story in the Eddas that exemplifies love is the courting of Gerd by Freyr. As the story goes..... one day the Vanir God Freyr was sitting in Odin's high seat at Hlidskjalf, looking over the nine worlds, when he sees a very beautiful woman. He is immediately love - struck, and sends for his servant Skirnir so that he can send him to ask Gerd for her hand in marriage. He tells Skirnir of his love this way : " In Gymir's court I saw going by the one I love, so white were her arms that they lit the sky and sea." Obviously she lit up his heart as well ! To aid Skirnir in his journey Freyr gives him his horse, and his magical sword that fights by itself, as a gift for his fair maiden. After a harrowing ride to Jotunheim Skirnir bargains with Gerd, ( actually it was very rough bargaining at that), into agreeing to a meeting, and marriage with Freyr. Gerd tells Skirnir that she will meet Freyr in nine nights.

Upon his return Skirnir gives what he feels is wonderful news to Freyr about Gerd's decision to meet him in nine nights. Freyr, however, falls deeper into despair and utters the beautiful and well known words, " One night is long, two are longer, how can I think of a third ! Many times a month has seemed shorter than this weary waiting. " You could write a Hallmark card with that ! Actually, it is a pity that none of the ancient writers wrote about the actual wedding, it must have been splendid !

For the ritual, on the altar should be pictures of loved ones and ancestors. In the past I would never have allowed a weapon on the altar for this ritual, but I have an ornately engraved sword that I purchased years ago from Museum Replicas Ltd. that so reminds me of Freyr's magical sword that I place it upon the altar as a " gift " to Gerd, and to honor Freyr. Normally I never say to anyone that something has to be done a certain way, but flowers are, in my opinion, a must on the altar for this ritual. I toast the return of  Sunna's light, and the union of Freyr and Gerd, and my love for family, friends, and anyone else who is special to me. Remember to say to the Gods, Goddesses, and ancestors what is in your heart, not something that you are reading from a book.

Keep in mind also that Freyr and Gerd are not the only Gods who share a bond of love. There are many " couples " among our Deities. I will list just a few here :

Odin & Frigga
Thor & Sif
Balder & Nanna
Freyja & Odr
Njordr & Skadhi
Bragi & Idunn
Loki & Sigyn
Ran & Aegir
Dellingr & Nott

Couples should re - affirm their bond of love at this time, and should have a romantic feast, ( dinner), afterwards. To argue, or say harsh words to a loved one, during the ritual or the dinner that follows, would be to dishonor the Gods and Goddesses, and especially, Freyr and Gerd. My suggestion to those who have been together for a while is to try and re- kindle that moment when you first fell in love. And if things go well you may still be awake to watch the blessing that is the return of the early morning light !

The moment I heard my first love story,
I started to look for you,
Not knowing how blind that was.
Lovers don't finally meet somewhere,
They are in each other all along.

- Rumi


Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart )

Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !

Poem : A New Life

2/13/2015

36. A New Life

I had a voice but was silent,
A mere shadow in a world of light.
I existed but had no meaning,
I lived without having a life.

Then the Gods took a hold of me,
Wrung out from me my self pity,
Placed my feet on a new path,
Gave conviction to my words.

They gave me strength to displace my weakness,
Purpose for a life gone astray.
Wisdom replaced my rashness,
Love filled an empty heart.

I see beauty where I once saw ugliness,
Hope has replaced years of apathy.
I am no longer the person I once was,
I am now what the Gods have made me.

- Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2012.

The Feast Of Vali

2/12/2015

The Feast Of Vali

Vali and his brother Vidar Odin' s last words to Balder

I celebrate the Feast of Vali differently than most do. For those of you who read me on a regular basis, I am sure that does not surprise you at all. Conventional I am not ! I have never understood why we would celebrate the avenging of Balder's death on a day associated with love, romance and the return of light ! I fail to see what one has to do with the other, and therefore have parted these separate entities into two different celebrations. The first I celebrate on the 12th of February as the Feast of Vali, to honor the avenging of Balder's death, at the hands of Hodr, by Vali, Balder's half - brother. On February the 14th, I celebrate what I call the Courting of Gerd, which to me is a ritual of love, renewal and the return of light.

The witch said :
Vali, born to Rind, in the western halls,
will one night old avenge Odin's son.
He won't wash his hands or comb his hair,
until Balder's bane burns on the pyre.
You made me speak but you shall hear no more.

- Baldr's Draumar (Balder's Dreams)

The death of Hodr was a required act of revenge for the Gods, and one that was practiced by our ancestors as well. Many in ancient times swore blood oaths to avenge the deaths of their blood brothers, and several stories in the sagas reflect this blood - bond. Normally you would curse the soul of the one who had killed your blood brother, or in the death of Balder, the one who killed the Shining One, and brought so much grief and dismay to our Gods and Goddesses. In this case however, Hodr committed this horrific act unknowingly, and as we read at the end of Voluspa, Hodr is forgiven,( not actually written but implied), and comes back with his brother Balder to rule Asgard after the terrible carnage that is Ragnarok. We too should not judge Hodr too harshly for this act of violence, but blame the one who is truly responsible for this crime against the Gods and Goddesses.

23. And if mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
24. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

- Exodus

For the Feast of Vali Ritual I place on my main altar ( I have twelve in all ) all forms of ancient weaponry. On the altar I place a dirk, seax, an axe, a bow, and two swords crossed in the back. The swords represent honor and revenge. I place a round viking shield up against the front of the altar to represent the shielding oath of honor that is given in blood oaths from warrior to warrior, and friend to friend. I do not toast anyone during this solemn ritual but instead leave three empty cups on the altar to represent the tragic losses of Balder, Hodr and Nanna to this senseless act of trickery. I thank both the All - Father and Rind for bringing their avenging son into the world, and Vali of course for taking " a life for a life". I never tell anyone what to say during these rituals. Let the words flow from your heart to honor the Gods and Goddesses. To recycle someone elses words is not a "Tru" way to express yourself during a ritual to the Gods and Goddesses.

La vengeance se mange tres - bien froide.
( Revenge is very good eaten cold )

- From "Mathilde", by Marie Joseph Eugene Sue

For the feast afterward, I use Marie Joseph Eugene Sue's words literally. I eat a cold meal consisting of vegetables, fruits, breads, herring and tuna fish. Three empty plates accompany me at the dining table in solemn respect of those who we lost through this sensless act of violence against one of our most beloved Gods. I try to use as much gold colored placemats, utensils, etc... for the feast. I do this to represent Balder's stay with Hel.

Odin said:
" Why are the benches bright with gold,
the great hall gleaming - who will be the guest ? "

- Balder's Dreams

If you hold hatred in your heart for someone this is a good time to re -think those feelings and possibly let them go. Hatred is so destructive to ones life, and to ones soul. You wind up sometimes hurting yourself, and those around you, as much as the person you hate. This is the lesson that we learn from Balder's tragic death.

All Hail Vali, son of Odin and Rind, and great avenging warrior of Balder !

Glenn Bergen

Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !

<<Previous

Odin' s Legion

326. The New Tomorrow

325. A Hollow Victory

324. A Song For The Gods

﻿323. Snaer' s Daughters﻿

322. Death' s Feeble Grip

321. Storm Riders

The Courting Of Gerd

36. A New Life

The Feast Of Vali

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323. Snaer' s Daughters