I’ve been thinking about Njordr and Nerthus. Even though literary references to them are about a thousand years apart they are connected in at least three ways: etymologically, ethnologically, and cultically. Etymologically, their names are the masculine and feminine versions of the same name. Although the meaning is obscure, many scholars conclude ( Read more... )

“Ing seems to be remembering the cult of the Vanir which flourished before and alongside of the Aesir. The main functions of the clan of the Vanir were that of peace and plenty. The hallmark of the cult was that of the deity in the wagon.
We first get mention of this cult by Tacitus in his Germania. He mentions a certain Goddess by the name of ( Read more... )

“As for gods, Mercury (Odin) is the one they worship most, and on certain days they think it right to propitiate him even with human victims….they judge it not in accord with the greatness of the gods to confine them with walls or to liken them in appearance to any human countenance. They consecrate woods and groves.” Tacitus, Germania, 9.1-2.

“” ( Read more... )