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 Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 10:57 pm
Alright, where do I begin... First, just recently I've grown a great interest in Norse culture and mythology. When I thought about it I was always slightly pulled towards the Norse pantheon but it was always subtle so I ended up overlooking it in the past. However after my second encounter with one of the Gods, my interest came out in full bloom. I admit that prior to the last few weeks I knew very little on the subject other then a few of the Gods/Goddesses. But with the research I've been doing recently I know a little more in depth now, but there's still some things I'm confused about or like to clear up. I like to get my facts straight before I continue my research. I apologize in advance if this topic seems slightly over done, as I've seen a few threads about it already. But I made my own because the threads, while helpful, didn't answer my particular questions. Plus many of the questions that arose where from old threads in the guild, and I wasn't sure if it'd annoy anyone by necroing old threads. sweatdrop Anyway, on with the questioning! I've seen both the terms "Heathen(ism)" and "Asatru", do they mean the same thing or do they vary slightly with traditions or particular cultures? I've seen the Poetic Edda/Prose Edda as good sources in learning about Norse mythology and a lot of sites citing it. However I've also seen that Snorri seemed to make up certain parts that were vague or had no surviving lore. I first came across this in an old thread in this guild, from Sanguina posting The 10 Misconceptions of Loki. Since then I've noticed a few sites also say the same thing about Snorri's Edda. Which just downright confuses me. Wouldn't that make the Edda an unreliable source? Or am I just reading all this wrong? I'd also like a little help with pronunciation, mainly with ð, ó and so on. The last thing I want to do is be pronouncing the Gods/Goddesses names wrong. This is something that can't really be answered, but I'd like some suggestions/advice. While I've been doing research I feel like I'm running in circles. Considering the mythology and culture are very complex and intertwined, there isn't really a place to officially start at ((as far as I've seen)). Meaning, when you look into one thing, you can't truly understand it until you learn this aspect as well, and so on. Since everything connects with something else it becomes a tad confusing and at times I forget where I started off to begin with. So some tips or advice on how to stay afloat would be appreciated. And of course, as soon as I start making this thread I've forgotten half the questions I wanted to ask. sweatdrop I'll be sure to add them as I remember them. Thank you for your time.
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:24 pm
Sanzolvr29 Plus many of the questions that arose where from old threads in the guild, and I wasn't sure if it'd annoy anyone by necroing old threads. sweatdrop Anyway, on with the questioning! I'm fine with necroing threads. If they're not in the archives subforum, they're open and you can post in them. Although the subforums are probably due a bit of a clean-up. Quote: I've seen both the terms "Heathen(ism)" and "Asatru", do they mean the same thing or do they vary slightly with traditions or particular cultures? Heathenry is the recon and recon-derived sub-umbrella, while Asatru is a specific variation thereof. You've also got AS Heathenry, Forn Sed and so forth. Some people are starting to use "Asatru" to refer to the wider Heathen umbrella also. I just go with "Heathen" as it saves confusing things. Quote: I've seen the Poetic Edda/Prose Edda as good sources in learning about Norse mythology and a lot of sites citing it. However I've also seen that Snorri seemed to make up certain parts that were vague or had no surviving lore..... Since then I've noticed a few sites also say the same thing about Snorri's Edda. Which just downright confuses me. Wouldn't that make the Edda an unreliable source? Or am I just reading all this wrong? Snorri does make some things up to suit himself as he was a Christian (like the "Aesir were Trojans" thing), however, it's likely Snorri had access to lore that has since been lost. He was also writing at a time where the religion had been extinct for a far shorter time and information and folklore would have filtered through. So he remains a very important source, we just have to keep in mind who he was and when he was writing, take what he says with a grain of salt and interpret his work as we go. I think it would be a mistake to dismiss his work wholesale. Quote: I'd also like a little help with pronunciation, mainly with ð, ó and so on. The last thing I want to do is be pronouncing the Gods/Goddesses names wrong. ó as in "blót" rhymes with "boat". ð is the "th" sound in "the", and it's sometimes Anglicised as a d. Þ is the "th" sound as in "thing". I stumble a lot myself, but we can only do our best. Quote: This is something that can't really be answered, but I'd like some suggestions/advice. While I've been doing research I feel like I'm running in circles. Considering the mythology and culture are very complex and intertwined, there isn't really a place to officially start at ((as far as I've seen)). Meaning, when you look into one thing, you can't truly understand it until you learn this aspect as well, and so on. Since everything connects with something else it becomes a tad confusing and at times I forget where I started off to begin with. So some tips or advice on how to stay afloat would be appreciated. Most people seem to start with the Voluspa because it's the first of the elder Edda, or with the Havamal. You'll be reading them over again anyway, so essentially just jump in. You pick things up as you go along, so try not to worry about it at this point. If you haven't already, you may want to read something like "Essential Asatru" to help you get your footing.
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2011 11:43 pm
Sanguina Cruenta I'm fine with necroing threads. If they're not in the archives subforum, they're open and you can post in them. Although the subforums are probably due a bit of a clean-up. Alright, I'll keep that in mind for future reference. Quote: Heathenry is the recon and recon-derived sub-umbrella, while Asatru is a specific variation thereof. You've also got AS Heathenry, Forn Sed and so forth. Some people are starting to use "Asatru" to refer to the wider Heathen umbrella also. I just go with "Heathen" as it saves confusing things. Thank you, that clears things up a bit. Quote: Snorri does make some things up to suit himself as he was a Christian (like the "Aesir were Trojans" thing), however, it's likely Snorri had access to lore that has since been lost. He was also writing at a time where the religion had been extinct for a far shorter time and information and folklore would have filtered through. So he remains a very important source, we just have to keep in mind who he was and when he was writing, take what he says with a grain of salt and interpret his work as we go. I think it would be a mistake to dismiss his work wholesale. I figured it'd be a bad idea to discredit him completely, I just wanted to know how credible the Edda was. I've read a little already, but with my lack of knowledge on the subject it was rather confusing. So I figured I'd do a little research then continue reading. Any good sources for Norse mythology/culture without citing the Edda, so I can have a better understanding on which parts to question? Quote: ó as in "blót" rhymes with "boat". ð is the "th" sound in "the", and it's sometimes Anglicised as a d. Þ is the "th" sound as in "thing". I stumble a lot myself, but we can only do our best. Hmm.. The ð I think will trip me up... What about œ? Quote: Most people seem to start with the Voluspa because it's the first of the elder Edda, or with the Havamal. You'll be reading them over again anyway, so essentially just jump in. You pick things up as you go along, so try not to worry about it at this point. If you haven't already, you may want to read something like "Essential Asatru" to help you get your footing. I had a feeling that's how it was, just like to make sure I'm not making things harder on myself. Thank you for the help, I greatly appreciate it.^^
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:40 am
Sanzolvr29 I figured it'd be a bad idea to discredit him completely, I just wanted to know how credible the Edda was. I've read a little already, but with my lack of knowledge on the subject it was rather confusing. So I figured I'd do a little research then continue reading. Any good sources for Norse mythology/culture without citing the Edda, so I can have a better understanding on which parts to question? I'd start with the Elder or Poetic Edda if I were you. On the other hand you're going to reread these things anyway and you know to take it with a grain of salt, so there's no big problem in starting with the Prose Edda. Things will sort themselves out in your head as you go along. Quote: Hmm.. The ð I think will trip me up... What about œ? Don't know off the top of my head, I'm sorry. Some texts will have a "how to pronounce" guide along with them. Quote: Thank you for the help, I greatly appreciate it.^^ Hey no worries! biggrin
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:11 am
Sanguina Cruenta I'd start with the Elder or Poetic Edda if I were you. On the other hand you're going to reread these things anyway and you know to take it with a grain of salt, so there's no big problem in starting with the Prose Edda. Things will sort themselves out in your head as you go along. I see your point, I'll continue with the Edda. Quote: Don't know off the top of my head, I'm sorry. Some texts will have a "how to pronounce" guide along with them. No that's alright, I'll keep my eye out for them.
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Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 4:48 pm
Another thing I've been wondering about is offerings. I know mead is the most common or other alcoholic beverages or possibly ham are supposed to be good offerings, but seeing as how I'm not 21 yet ((6 more months till this is no longer a problem, woohoo!)) it's slightly inconvenient for me. I was wondering about non-alcoholic beverages to offer. I've heard juice, but that doesn't really narrow it down, any particular kind of juice, or does it depend on the deity? I was thinking white grape juice, but I'm not sure if that would go over well.
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Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 5:19 pm
I've found that apple juice or cider works well, as does a warm/hot water with honey and spices. That last one is actually something I've been planning to play with so I can serve it as the non-alcoholic beverage option at Yule this year.
Milk also works well for a number of them.
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Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2011 5:31 pm
CalledTheRaven I've found that apple juice or cider works well, as does a warm/hot water with honey and spices. That last one is actually something I've been planning to play with so I can serve it as the non-alcoholic beverage option at Yule this year. Milk also works well for a number of them. I heard milk works too, but milk at my house doesn't last long. So I figured it'd be a bad idea to use that since my mom would look at it as a "waste" of milk. I think I'll try apple juice to start off with, maybe cider when it gets colder out. The honey and spiced water I'll try when I feel more daring, it definitely sounds interesting. Good luck, I hope it goes well for you.^^
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:05 am
I had a good reception the one time I offered goat's milk. But that was more a request then a spontanious offering. It took me months to find it.
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Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2011 11:09 am
Shearaha I had a good reception the one time I offered goat's milk. But that was more a request then a spontanious offering. It took me months to find it. Hmm, I'll keep that in mind.
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Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:18 pm
Shearaha I had a good reception the one time I offered goat's milk. But that was more a request then a spontanious offering. It took me months to find it. That would make sense. There's the whole thing with the goat that produces mead instead of milk and I can see it working particularly well for Thor in certain moods.
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:24 pm
CalledTheRaven Shearaha I had a good reception the one time I offered goat's milk. But that was more a request then a spontanious offering. It took me months to find it. That would make sense. There's the whole thing with the goat that produces mead instead of milk and I can see it working particularly well for Thor in certain moods. Yup. The first time I made an offering I got the request for goats milk. It's ridiculously expensive here too. Really make me wish I still had my herd of milkers.
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:38 pm
...i must be spoiled, then. I've always been able to get goats' milk at the grocery store.
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 2:49 am
Looks pretty easy to find here too, a bit pricey though.
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Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:23 pm
So I had a cool idea for an offering for Freyja. I acquired a bottle of goldschlager from my brother, as he cleared out his apartment to move to Toronto. Now I'm not a particular fan myself but it seemed like something Freyja might enjoy, what with the gold flakes and all.
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