Hammer of Thor Kindred, headed by the Asatru Folk Assembly's own Stefn Thorsman, hosted its annual Aegir's Feast last weekend in Northern California. We were, of course, well represented.
Stefn asked me to offer blot to Wotan, since we had only days before celebrated the victory of Hermann, prince of the Germanic tribe known as the Cherusci, over the Roman legions in the year 9 C.E. - almost exactly two thousand years ago! Hermann, as a German in central Europe, would have known the All Father as Wotan, rather than as the Scandinavian equivalent, Odin.
I have offered hundreds of blots to Odin, but none to him as Wotan. My creativity refused to respond until about two days before the day I was to present it before the folk. Then, suddenly, it rushed upon me and the result - if I do say so - was exceptional!
The final product involved a lot of call-and-response, which we duly rehearsed. The roar of the folk in the torchlight was a fitting offering to Wotan, God of frenzy and inspiration, as it echoed across the field. The very forest appeared to be shouting with us! Our stated purpose of the rite was the Awakening of our Folk. I can only think that, if only for some of the Folk there present, we must have succeeded!
In addition to the blot, I presented a talk on Hermann, Wotan, and the working of Wotan in history. It was well received, and it also gave us an opportunity to practice our aforementioned call-and-response.
Aside from the purely spiritual plane, the AFA gained several new members and added another Folkbuilder to our ranks - Bill Shelbrick, representing Northern California. He will take a huge load off of Sheila, who has been holding down that position for about two years.
Another great Aegir's Feast! I can hardly wait until Hammer of Thor's Ostara feast, next spring!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Huge Anglo-Saxon Treasure Found
An amateur with a metal detector has discovered the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon artifacts ever. Consisting of hundreds of gold and bronze items, it may revolutionize what we know about these early Germanic tribes in England.
The Angles and Saxons migrated from northern Germany and southern Denmark to set up home in what is now England. Exactly how many of them came is a matter of question, but they quickly dominated the island politically and cultually. Along with their language and customs, they brought their pre-Christian religion - a version of the faith we call Asatru - and the epic poem which would become known to the world as Beowulf.
You can read about the find here, and see a lot of excellent photographs -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8272848.stm
Media reporters write about gold dug up from the ground, but they miss the greatest treasure of all - the spiritual and cultural treasure we have received from our ancestors. The Anglo-Saxons, and the other Germanic tribes from all across Europe, essentially made what today we call Western civilization. Onto this solid pagan core later generations pasted a veneer of Biblical lore, but our souls remain as they were. It is up to us to unearth our spiritual inheritance, to waken our people once again to the call of Woden and Donar and Tiw.
This is a task that belongs to each of us, and particularly to those of us in the Asatru Folk Assembly.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
The Angles and Saxons migrated from northern Germany and southern Denmark to set up home in what is now England. Exactly how many of them came is a matter of question, but they quickly dominated the island politically and cultually. Along with their language and customs, they brought their pre-Christian religion - a version of the faith we call Asatru - and the epic poem which would become known to the world as Beowulf.
You can read about the find here, and see a lot of excellent photographs -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8272848.stm
Media reporters write about gold dug up from the ground, but they miss the greatest treasure of all - the spiritual and cultural treasure we have received from our ancestors. The Anglo-Saxons, and the other Germanic tribes from all across Europe, essentially made what today we call Western civilization. Onto this solid pagan core later generations pasted a veneer of Biblical lore, but our souls remain as they were. It is up to us to unearth our spiritual inheritance, to waken our people once again to the call of Woden and Donar and Tiw.
This is a task that belongs to each of us, and particularly to those of us in the Asatru Folk Assembly.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Asatru Folk Assembly's "Six Reasons to Connect with Your Ancestors"
We who follow Asatru are always talking about the spiritual importance of ancestors. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. If you don't know who your ancestors are, how do can you know who you are?
2. Once you know your ancestors, you are never alone.
3. Your ancestors gave you the gift of life. It would only be polite to seek them out and give them thanks.
4. You have certain responsibilities to the ancestors.
5. You, too will be an ancestor someday.
6. The ancestors can help you in your day-to-day life.
I believe these points are valid for people of any ancestry and every religion - but for those of us devoted to the native Northern European faith of Asatru, they are especially so!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
1. If you don't know who your ancestors are, how do can you know who you are?
2. Once you know your ancestors, you are never alone.
3. Your ancestors gave you the gift of life. It would only be polite to seek them out and give them thanks.
4. You have certain responsibilities to the ancestors.
5. You, too will be an ancestor someday.
6. The ancestors can help you in your day-to-day life.
I believe these points are valid for people of any ancestry and every religion - but for those of us devoted to the native Northern European faith of Asatru, they are especially so!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Friday, September 11, 2009
Asatru and Hermann's Victory: Time for Germanic Pride!
As we, men and women sworn to Asatru, celebrate the final day of the epic Battle of Teutoburg Forest, I stand in awe of the courage of the Germanic peoples of central Europe. From Hermann's day down to our own, Germany (the country, but more importantly, the people themselves) has endured.
But what of the future? Read these excerpts from the recent Der Spiegel article on the Hermann anniversary. (The link has, unfortunately, expired.)
"The country is marking the 2,000th anniversary with restraint because the myth of Hermann remains tainted by the militant nationalism that would later be associated with Hitler."
"Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the battlefield in a forest near the village of Kalkriese in May to open an exhibition on Germanic tribes there, and some 400 actors dressed as Romans or Germanic tribesmen gently re-enacted scenes from the battle there in June, with rubber-tipped spears. Most actors wanted to be Romans, and there was such a shortage of Germanic warriors that some hirsute hobby Vikings had to be recruited to make up the numbers."
"This anniversary year has gone very well because it has been free of nationalist emotion...It has been dealt with far more soberly than one might have expected."
"I personally think this Hermann myth will pale. And I hope people in the future will take a closer look at history, question what they have learned and review the sources...We want to contribute to a spirit of taking a more sober, distanced look at history here."
If this is the mettle of the Germans in the Twenty-First century, they will not be long among us. If this nonsense reflects the temper of the times, Germans will all be brown and will be named Mohammed in another century. However, I suspect these quotes are the message the media wants us to get, and not the words in the hearts of ordinary Germans.
This whole issue is larger than the place on the map marked "Germany." It is ultimately about the descendants of various tribes, wherever they live in the world today. Hermann belongs to them as much as he does to people living in Berlin and Hamburg. He belongs not only to Germany, but to Germania - and that is in the heart of each of us who bear that noble heritage.
What will YOU do to carry this heritage into the future?
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
But what of the future? Read these excerpts from the recent Der Spiegel article on the Hermann anniversary. (The link has, unfortunately, expired.)
"The country is marking the 2,000th anniversary with restraint because the myth of Hermann remains tainted by the militant nationalism that would later be associated with Hitler."
"Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the battlefield in a forest near the village of Kalkriese in May to open an exhibition on Germanic tribes there, and some 400 actors dressed as Romans or Germanic tribesmen gently re-enacted scenes from the battle there in June, with rubber-tipped spears. Most actors wanted to be Romans, and there was such a shortage of Germanic warriors that some hirsute hobby Vikings had to be recruited to make up the numbers."
"This anniversary year has gone very well because it has been free of nationalist emotion...It has been dealt with far more soberly than one might have expected."
"I personally think this Hermann myth will pale. And I hope people in the future will take a closer look at history, question what they have learned and review the sources...We want to contribute to a spirit of taking a more sober, distanced look at history here."
If this is the mettle of the Germans in the Twenty-First century, they will not be long among us. If this nonsense reflects the temper of the times, Germans will all be brown and will be named Mohammed in another century. However, I suspect these quotes are the message the media wants us to get, and not the words in the hearts of ordinary Germans.
This whole issue is larger than the place on the map marked "Germany." It is ultimately about the descendants of various tribes, wherever they live in the world today. Hermann belongs to them as much as he does to people living in Berlin and Hamburg. He belongs not only to Germany, but to Germania - and that is in the heart of each of us who bear that noble heritage.
What will YOU do to carry this heritage into the future?
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Asatru and Hermann's Victory: Support the Hermann Monument Society!
A monument to Hermann, Germany's saviour, towers a hundred feet above the landscape surrounding New Ulm, Minnesota. Atop a massive pedestal, a statue of the warrior prince holds his sword aloft, ready to defend German freedom. But will anyone defend Hermann's statue?
For many years, the edifice was in sad repair, damaged by storms and neglect. This trend was reversed a few years ago, however, and thanks to contributions from around the country, Hermann stands refurbished and proud. But there's still a lot to do, and you can play a part.
The Hermann Monument Society "is dedicated to the conservation, interpretation, promotion, and development of the Hermann Monument in New Ulm, Minnesota, an official symbol
recognizing the great achievements of Germanic-Americans." There's always maintenance to be done, of course, but future projects include a new museum and interpretive center with, for example, a diorama of the battle, artifacts, and much more. Their web site is well-designed and is very Germanic-American friendly.
The Hermann Monument Society is still quite small - about two hundred people, plus any they have picked from recent promotions. That's not a very big support group to carry out their ambitious programs. You can join them for a mere $20. Non-profit organizations can join for $35 a year, and the AFA intends to do so as a way of quietly publicizing our presence.
Please visit the Hermann Monument Society's web site at http://www.hermannmonument.com.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
For many years, the edifice was in sad repair, damaged by storms and neglect. This trend was reversed a few years ago, however, and thanks to contributions from around the country, Hermann stands refurbished and proud. But there's still a lot to do, and you can play a part.
The Hermann Monument Society "is dedicated to the conservation, interpretation, promotion, and development of the Hermann Monument in New Ulm, Minnesota, an official symbol
recognizing the great achievements of Germanic-Americans." There's always maintenance to be done, of course, but future projects include a new museum and interpretive center with, for example, a diorama of the battle, artifacts, and much more. Their web site is well-designed and is very Germanic-American friendly.
The Hermann Monument Society is still quite small - about two hundred people, plus any they have picked from recent promotions. That's not a very big support group to carry out their ambitious programs. You can join them for a mere $20. Non-profit organizations can join for $35 a year, and the AFA intends to do so as a way of quietly publicizing our presence.
Please visit the Hermann Monument Society's web site at http://www.hermannmonument.com.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Asatru and Hermann's Victory: The Observances Begin!
Two thousand years ago this day, the Germans struck for their freedom and for their very existence as a people!
It was a step forward - a handful of tribes united, for a limited time. Germany was not yet a coherent nation, but a beginning had been made.
Regardless of where we live today, all men and women of Germanic heritage are a part of that greater nation, and we hail Hermann and his warriors on this day.
Today I give blot to Wotan, raising the mead-filled horn high in thanks for the gift of existence, for a brave past, and an infinite future. Hail Germania!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
It was a step forward - a handful of tribes united, for a limited time. Germany was not yet a coherent nation, but a beginning had been made.
Regardless of where we live today, all men and women of Germanic heritage are a part of that greater nation, and we hail Hermann and his warriors on this day.
Today I give blot to Wotan, raising the mead-filled horn high in thanks for the gift of existence, for a brave past, and an infinite future. Hail Germania!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Asatru and Hermann's Victory: Some Resources
In a previous post, I briefly described the battle between the Germans and the Romans in the Teutoburg Forest, and noted that the two thousandth (!) anniversary of that battle is the three-day period from September 9 to September 11. I wrote that we who are Asatru ought to celebrate this occasion - not so much with festivities, though there's no harm in that, but in a spiritual mood of thanksgiving and a determination to serve our people in the future.
Today I want to give a few varied resources on the battle, for those who need to get a better idea of what happened and why it matters. Here goes:
The Wikipedia article is a convenient starting point. It's scholarly, and a bit deconstructionist; the cynics and the German-bashers can find plenty of ammunition here.
http://tinyurl.com/5r9r48
Then there's the Victorian view, as recorded by Sir Edward Creasy in Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World from Marathon to Waterloo. Here's a link to the chapter on Teutoburg Forest - http://tinyurl.com/nr8lxc .
Finally, there's the web site for the museum that now stands by the battleground - http://tinyurl.com/n2uao2 .
None of these, standing alone, can tell the story of Hermann's victory. The museum site must conform to certain social and political expectations if its officers are to keep their jobs. Sir Edward's work is idealistic, simplistic, and reflects his era. Wikipedia is ready to deconstruct "myths" and continue the never-ending war against everything German.
It seems that from one end of the spectrum to the other, the battle at Teutoburger Forest never fails to elict strong opinions.
As for opinions...I'll offer some of mine in a future post.
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Today I want to give a few varied resources on the battle, for those who need to get a better idea of what happened and why it matters. Here goes:
The Wikipedia article is a convenient starting point. It's scholarly, and a bit deconstructionist; the cynics and the German-bashers can find plenty of ammunition here.
http://tinyurl.com/5r9r48
Then there's the Victorian view, as recorded by Sir Edward Creasy in Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World from Marathon to Waterloo. Here's a link to the chapter on Teutoburg Forest - http://tinyurl.com/nr8lxc .
Finally, there's the web site for the museum that now stands by the battleground - http://tinyurl.com/n2uao2 .
None of these, standing alone, can tell the story of Hermann's victory. The museum site must conform to certain social and political expectations if its officers are to keep their jobs. Sir Edward's work is idealistic, simplistic, and reflects his era. Wikipedia is ready to deconstruct "myths" and continue the never-ending war against everything German.
It seems that from one end of the spectrum to the other, the battle at Teutoburger Forest never fails to elict strong opinions.
As for opinions...I'll offer some of mine in a future post.
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Friday, September 4, 2009
Asatru and Hermann's Victory: A Song is Reborn
There is popular German student song praising Hermann. Thanks to the work of a retired college professor, it has been translated into English...so that you and I can sing it during our celebration of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest!
Arnold Koelpin's interest in the Cheruscan chieftain Arminius, popularly known as Hermann, has evolved over time. "Hermann was never in my scope of study until I went to Germany to study the language in 1953," the now-retired college professor and former New Ulm mayor recalls.
During that time, Koelpin went to a youth party — where "they sang this song, and everybody seemed to know it by heart." He asked for a copy of it, and decided that he would translate it into English. The on-again, off-again task took him many years, but now it is completed.
To read an article about Dr. Koeplin and his translation of Als die Roemer frech geworden, go here: http://tinyurl.com/nlwh7n
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Arnold Koelpin's interest in the Cheruscan chieftain Arminius, popularly known as Hermann, has evolved over time. "Hermann was never in my scope of study until I went to Germany to study the language in 1953," the now-retired college professor and former New Ulm mayor recalls.
During that time, Koelpin went to a youth party — where "they sang this song, and everybody seemed to know it by heart." He asked for a copy of it, and decided that he would translate it into English. The on-again, off-again task took him many years, but now it is completed.
To read an article about Dr. Koeplin and his translation of Als die Roemer frech geworden, go here: http://tinyurl.com/nlwh7n
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Asatru and Hermann's Victory in the Teutoburg Forest - Part One
In a few days, many of us will celebrate Hermann's victory over the Romans at Teutoburg Forest. September 9-11, 2009 will be the two thousandth anniversary of the battle which, in the words of Sir Edward Creasy, author of Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, "secured at once and forever the independence of the Teutonic race."
Sir Edward wrote in 1851 and expressed his praise in the terms of his era, but the fact remains that we owe Hermann a very great deal. When three Roman legions died in the forest, Roman ambitions in the heart of Germania died with them. Herbert W. Benario, emeritus professor of classics at Emory University, noted that a very different Europe would have emerged if the Romans, and not the Germans, had carried the day. “Almost all of modern Germany as well as much of the present-day Czech Republic would have come under Roman rule. All Europe west of the Elbe might well have remained Roman Catholic; Germans would be speaking a Romance language; the Thirty Years’ War might never have occurred, and the long, bitter conflict between the French and the Germans might never have taken place.”
Well, I'm no fan of strife between the French and the Germans - let there be no more fratricidal wars in Europe! - but if Hermann had lost, Germany as we know it would never have existed and the Teutonic world would have been reduced to Scandinavia. Hermann changed history, and changed it in our favor. We owe him our highest honors for that.
From September 9th through the 11th, I will observe special rites honoring Hermann and his victory. I will give blot to Odin/Wotan in thanks, and I invite you to do the same. Let this be a time of celebration, but also of deep reflection and a determination to serve our Folk.
Hermann secured our existence two thousand years ago. What will we do - you and I - to ensure our existence for the next two millennia?
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Sir Edward wrote in 1851 and expressed his praise in the terms of his era, but the fact remains that we owe Hermann a very great deal. When three Roman legions died in the forest, Roman ambitions in the heart of Germania died with them. Herbert W. Benario, emeritus professor of classics at Emory University, noted that a very different Europe would have emerged if the Romans, and not the Germans, had carried the day. “Almost all of modern Germany as well as much of the present-day Czech Republic would have come under Roman rule. All Europe west of the Elbe might well have remained Roman Catholic; Germans would be speaking a Romance language; the Thirty Years’ War might never have occurred, and the long, bitter conflict between the French and the Germans might never have taken place.”
Well, I'm no fan of strife between the French and the Germans - let there be no more fratricidal wars in Europe! - but if Hermann had lost, Germany as we know it would never have existed and the Teutonic world would have been reduced to Scandinavia. Hermann changed history, and changed it in our favor. We owe him our highest honors for that.
From September 9th through the 11th, I will observe special rites honoring Hermann and his victory. I will give blot to Odin/Wotan in thanks, and I invite you to do the same. Let this be a time of celebration, but also of deep reflection and a determination to serve our Folk.
Hermann secured our existence two thousand years ago. What will we do - you and I - to ensure our existence for the next two millennia?
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
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