On Saturday June 27th, 2020, The Folk and guests of Ondheim Theodish Fellowship came together to celebrate midsummer at Thunreshof. The event began with the decorating of the Midsummerstang (Swedish style maypole) by the folk with local greens and flowers collected from the tribal land. It was a beautiful sight at almost 10 feet tall! The folk spent the first few hours engaging in midsummer games, including kubb, axe throwing, archery, sword practice (with polypropylene wasters), and board games including chess and hneftafl.
Then the ladies of the tribe held a beading workshop making bracelets from lava beads infused with essential oils and adding Norse and Celtic charms to their creations. After the ladies were done, Joseph Thane held a workshop on “building a heathen book hoard” which was designed to inform tribesmen and guests what must-have books every heathen should have in their libraries, from beginning thralls to experienced tribesmen. The tribe has now brokered wholesale deals with some of the publishers of these must have basics for every heathen book hoard in order to have them available for sale at events.
Tribal thing was held, and as a part of the Thing, eight guests of the tribe chose to begin their learning journey toward membership by selling into Thralldom, the traditional Theodish apprenticeship/ learning period of service to the tribe necessary before one can become a full sworn member.
The ritual began with a procession of the folk around the maypole led by William Lord carrying the sunwheel into and around the hofstead. As is the Scandinavian custom, we had a bonfire of impressive proportions (the firepit is over 7 feet wide and the heat was somewhat oppressive) and flames climbed high into the sky, warding against ill wights of all kinds. The sunwheel was lit from the bonfire and carried before the Hof and Maypole and placed upon a piece of stone for safety on the ground and the folk began the customary jumping of the Midsummer fire. The folk took turns jumping over the flaming sunwheel, and the smaller children were helped over the fire by the adults as we danced and jumped over the flaming sunwheel. It was an energetic and passionate scene as the tribesmen circled around the flaming wheel clapping and yelling encouragement to the jumpers.
Feast was then served, featuring Roast pork loin and chicken, with cheesy pasta salad, roasted potatoes and of course chicken nuggets and mac and cheese for the kids! With fresh baked breads and honey butter, salads and desserts aplenty. All ate their full, and each tribesmen and guest was invited to give a portion of their meal to the Gods and ancestors plate, to be offered after feast so we may share the feast with them as is our custom. The food, mead, and merriment flowed freely among the folk.
After feast there was the “tricky tray” style raffle for donated goods from tribesmen. From the hand sewn Thor’s hammer pillow made by one of the children to the stained and sealed godpoles carved by William Lord, and many books and other crafted items. The children helped pick the winners and deliver the prizes and there was much merriment.
The next portion of the evening was our most sacral ritual, sumble. During sumble there were many toasts to Gods, ancestors, and heroes, too many to list here. Even toasts by the children of pets who have passed beyond the veil, which was sweet and absolutely adorable. It seems that the children of our folk do “get it”, and they apply the spirit of our ways to the things they hold dear even at such a young age. The emotions were thick and powerful among the folk. The third round brought with it a parade of performances by tribesmen, thralls, and guests of songs sung, we even had a scop playing the lyre and singing from Voluspa. The energy was indeed waxing and palpable. The highlight of the third round came when Karen Karl chose to renew her hold oath to William Lord and enter the sworn folk of Ondheim Theodish Fellowship. Oaths were exchanged on the hilt of William Lord’s sword and her heighting was celebrated by all!
After the sumble had finished and the merriment had slowed, the blot bowl was taken by the ladies of the tribe and offered to the fire. The resulting fireball easily rose 20 feet in the air, as though the Gods wanted all to know our words and deeds were heard and well received. The night continued on as people began to take their leave and head back to their homes, but the words and deeds of the day are forever in our hearts, minds, and the well of wyrd. To all of you I say…
Hail The Gods!
Hail the Ancestors!
Hail The Folk!
May the Gods and ancestors SEE you…
