Thruðheim Kindred Midsummer Blót

It was hot and sunny as the kindred converged on Standing Stone State Park near Cookeville. This year, Midsummer was chosen to be the annual joint gathering of Skaldheim and Thrudheim Kindreds and around 25 people showed up for the two-day event.

Saturday was spent setting up camp. We were fortunate in that the grounds were not crowded allowing everyone to camp next to one another in adjacent sites. Near dusk, Johnny, goði of Skaldheim, held a blót to Heimdall. Later, around the campfire, sumbel was held followed by discussions of some sort of a Tennessee wide Asatru event to be held next year. Near midnight the ever popular kipper feast was held. A bright moon guided the way to the tents after the night's fun.

Early risers on Sunday organized an 8-mile hike around the lake. The distance covered may actually have been a bit more due to a few wrong turns. When they got back the Viking games were well underway. Small prizes were awarded to the winners this year. When everyone had assembled, Cliff, goði of Thrudheim, lead a blót to Baldr. It included a symbolic reenactment of the death of Baldr, which many agreed was stirring.

After the blót it was time for the feast. Expectations were high since Jay was present and the group was not disappointed. Smoked brisket and chicken were the main items spiced just right. Numerous side dishes and deserts rounded out the fare. No one went away hungry as usual.

The final event was a lake offering. People placed an item in a small chest that was then hallowed. It was later carried to the lake and sunk as an offering to the gods in the style of our ancestors.

View Some Photos

• Circle the wagons!
• Johnny, Julia, and Mike from Skaldheim.
• Joe's mom.
• Skaldheim's banner.
• Beth H. in a pensive mood.
• Ted kicks back.
• Skaldheim's ve is set.
• A close-up.
• Johnny raises the hammer.
• Laurel pretends to be awake.
• Steve tosses the caber.
• Beth throws the spear.
• Ted lets the hammer fly.
• Naya plays cut-n-plunder.
• Cliff runs amuck!
• Summer tries a different approach.
• Cliff and Beth reenact Baldr's death.
• Greg lifts the horn.
• Joe becomes a companion member.
• Let the feast begin!
• Laurel places her gift in the chest.
• Joe's turn.
• The chest is hallowed.
• On the trail to the lake.
• Beth leads the way.
• Naya takes a break.
• The goal is in sight.
• Cliff presents the offering.
• Sinking into the depths.